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Richard Dodd, a producer and major player in the music industry is quoted as saying:



“I have always hated bad singers. Those with a poor sense of pitch and time being the most awful. Our youngest daughter Danielle who was born with down syndrome loves to sing along with her music…no pitch, no time, wrong words and sometimes very loud-…..it is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard!”



I hear much negative criticism of musicians and artists that it is the norm for live performance to expect to hear negative from someone. We will always hear that sort of opinionated expression about any artistic endeavor. It is what happens inside of myself when negative critiques are expressed that is a concern to me. I tend to focus on the negative and dwell on my lack of ability to please some instead of the good I do for the whole.



I always compare myself to others. This is not all bad. When I compare myself to those less blessed than me I feel favored and grateful for the immense blessing of God. Dwelling in a place of gratefulness is always good. If I see someone who has less experience than I have, I feel blessed to be the tortoise who has stayed in the race for so many years in spite of being passed by many a speedy hare who tuckered out before the finish line.



So, comparing is not all bad. My trouble is that I compare my weaknesses to another person’s strength. That is not fair in any arena. I throw myself to the lion and bash all my creativity on the rocks of invalidity and am stunned to a frozen mess by my lack.



I seem to ignore my own strength but I know God does not! He sees my feeble attempt as a father. I think God has great emotions like a father or we would not have such a vast number of scripture giving Him this designation. Christ referred to God as Father, and we are in Christ therefore God is our Father. A father feels, compassion, delight and a wide array of emotion where his child is concerned. God feels all that and more toward us with the depth of eternity and wideness of omnipresence to the power of infinity multiplied by infinity.



I really believe the Father in heaven feels a sanctified version of pride when I do great art and do good things and follow His ways. Certainly, He must have looked on the lives of Job and Abraham, Gideon and David, Daniel, Paul, Peter and John with something akin to parental thrill.



I do art to please my Father. As long as I strive to do what is thrilling to Him, I can live with my weaknesses.



May you explore your gifts as a child and know it is beautiful in the sight of the Father.



Allison Speer

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Matthew 14:27
"It is I. Be not afraid."

Being lost is bad enough, but being lost in a storm is much worse. The disciples must have been bound by hopelessness in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. They knew that Jesus had said, "Go to the other side and I'll meet you there," but that now seemed so long ago and far away. If that wasn't bad enough, now it would appear that there's a ghost walking across the water. Suddenly a familiar voice pierces the darkness. "It is I, be not afraid."

Peter said, "Lord, if that's you, then call me out to walk with you." The next thing you know, Jesus calls and Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water.

It's amazing what fear can do to a nice walk on the water. Peter loses his focus and then his footing. Now he fights frantically to keep from drowning. Thankfully, he fell in the presence of Jesus who picked him up and returned him to the boat.

Once there, Jesus informed all of the disciples that there had been no need to be afraid for what they had fought all night, he had already conquered. He was the master of what they had feared and all that had been over their head was under His feet.

What a comfort. What a proclamation of faith.

How can we stand in that promise today?

Allow me to return to my "day job" and sermonize a minute. (Complete with alliteration)

1. Trust in His Word.

Jesus said "come" and Peter stepped out on the word of God. You might say that Peter stepped out on the:
Conquering word
Overcoming word
Mastering word
Exceeding word

2. Trust in His Walk

Jesus walked thru their darkness. At the same time He walked through their despair. And if that wasn't enough, He walked through their doubt as well.

3. Trust in His Work

Scripture states, There was a great cry- "Peace"

Then there was a great command- "Be still"

Finally, There was a great calm-The sea became as glass again.

I love the following phrase from Matthew 14: 34 .It sums it all up, "...and after they crossed the lake."

Never forget that God knows the end from the beginning and He meant it when He said, "I'll meet you on the other side."

They did cross the lake and so will you because all that is over your head is indeed under his feet.

Never forget that according to Ephesians 1:22,  our Heavenly Father put all things "under the Savior’s feet."

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Last week, I wrote a blog entitled 'Knock, Knock Who's There?'. This blog told about a picture of Christ that was hanging on the wall in my home church. If you haven't read it, take a few minutes and read it.

The blog told about the 'knobless' door that Christ was knocking on. This door represented our heart. Christ stands at our heart's door and wants us to invite Him in.

However, He is not the only one who is at our door.

We have an enemy and our enemy is fierce. The bible calls him the adversary, the accuser of the saints. His track record of destruction is nearly endless. His sole purpose is to see our lives, churches and families destroyed. He is Satan. He is waiting outside our door.

1 Peter 5:8-
'Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.'

We must be on guard at all times. Who is this 'devil?'

God created him. He was the worship leader in heaven. The most beautiful angel.

Revelation 12:7-9
'And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.'

John 8:44-
'He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. '

There is NO truth in him. He lies and decieves. How does he decieve us? By trying to convince us; God's children that God does not love us and cares nothing about us. He also tells us that 'if it feels good, do it.'or 'There is NO right or wrong.' Sadly, many choose to believe his lies.

Luke 8:12-
'Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.'

God's word tells us that Christ died for us, extends to us salvation and how to live a victorious life! We must read, recieve and believe God's truth in our hearts.

The devil also tempts us with our weaknesses. He knows our struggles and will try to use them against us.

Even Jesus Christ was tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:1-[ The Temptation of Jesus ] 'Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.'

Why did God ALLOW Jesus to be tempted by Satan? To Show US that we ALSO can have victory over the enemy's attacks! However, how did Jesus 'fight' the devil? By quoting scripture BACK to the enemy. How do we battle this foe? By Christ's example.

We must DAILY be equipped to fight him.
Ephesians The Armor of God
10'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. '


Print out those verses and put them somewhere that you can read them daily. Ask God to equip you daily with strength to resist the enemy's lies. Avoid places and things that will give the devil more arrows to throw at you.

Ephesians 4:27-
'....and do not give the devil a foothold.'

Surrender EVERY area of your life to God. Allow Him an all access pass to every room in your heart. Let the King Of King's and Lord Of Lord's, to be King and Lord of YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE!

James 4:7-
'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.'

1 John 3:8-
....'The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.'

The devil was defeated when Christ died and rose again from the hand of death. Our Heavenly Father wants us to have TOTAL victory over this defeated foe.

When the 'ol devil' comes knocking at your heart's door, tell him, NO VACANCIES!


Prayer: "Father, I ask you today for YOUR strength. The enemy has NO HOLD on me. I ask that you, My Father equip me with the things I need to defeat my accuser. I ask this in Christ name."


Bryan

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Top 40 Weekly Chart

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A Word Fitly Spoken


I’ve always loved the poetry of the verse, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver”. For me, it seems to paint a picture of smooth, kind, peaceable words wrapping around the hearts of the people I love, encouraging, inspiring and protecting. It’s so important to speak blessings into the lives with whom you come in contact. Building character, inspiring dreams, offering confidence and lifting burdens are just a few of the ways that your words can positively affect a life.

I’ve said so many times if you tell a child he’s bad, you can count on it being true. I cringe every time I hear a mother tell a child how bad he is. Instead, she should differentiate between the child and the action by saying, “Telling a lie is very bad and you shouldn’t do such things, because you are a very good boy!” My children have been told how valuable they are, how much I love and treasure them and that they have good and kind hearts. They have also been told that their behavior has been terrible at times. There is a difference and they know that.

The Bible says that we will be held accountable for every idle word that proceeds out of our mouths. That’s a lot of accountability! Many times over the past 18 years, I have recited to myself a simple line from a prayer that Gloria Gaither spoke as she prayed for my unborn baby girl, Morgan. Gloria said, “Let us not break this tender reed with harsh criticisms and ugly attitudes”. Harsh criticism can break our children. God has created them to be unique individuals with a variety of gifts and our words can encourage their growth, or not. We have a choice to sow blessings and not curses into the lives of those around us, not only our children, but also our spouses and our friends.

Sow good seeds today. Speak blessings instead of curses. Make your idle words count by making them uplifting. Edify those around you. Tell your spouse what a good father he is to his children. Tell your daughter how proud you are of her grades. Tell your son how impressed you are that he offered help as the elderly lady walked through the gate. These are all things I’ve witnessed my family do—and they are all things that I complimented my family for doing. I choose to speak blessings. I choose a word fitly spoken.



Proverbs 25:11
King James Version (KJV)
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Matthew 12:36
King James Version (KJV)
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Romans 14:19
King James Version (KJV)
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

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Next month we will embark upon SUMMER of 2012. The official starting date is June 20th, but Jesus said "learn the lesson of the FIG TREE. When the TWIGS get tender and the LEAVES come out, you know SUMMER IS NEAR." It’s Pastor Phil of Harvest Chapel calling to remind you of what Jesus was referring to and what we can expect in the physical world and in the spiritual realm as well. He was talking about the LAST DAYS on earth and His PROMISED return. All we have to do is WATCH for the SIGNS and they’re all around us. I hope you've noticed, we are living in the Season of His return! Hey, this is great news for all of the Christians, but terrible news for people who have not included God in their life.



Jesus said, "No one know the DAY nor the HOUR, but we can know the SEASON. Well it’s almost SUMMER and we can sure feel the heat of the Summer SEASON, just as we can feel the SEASON of the Lord’s return. In Matthew the 24th chapter Jesus as said, "The whole earth will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather HIS PEOPLE from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.



So, in preparation for His return, as Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." And 2 Tim. 4:2 says, to get prepared in SEASON and out of SEASON. It's Pastor Phil with "A GOOD WORD FROM GOD'S WORD TODAY". God Bless.




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Commissioned

Scripture: After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:1-9 NKJV).

I have been commissioned. John 15:16 says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you (NKJV).” My commission came when I was just a young teen. Unfortunately, I did not follow God’s perfect plan for ministry as a young person; however, His Word says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29). God’s call—God’s commission—has always been present upon my life. It has just taken me many years to get to this moment whereby His Commission is my main focus.




As a young person my testimonial song from the time I was probably about eight years old was, “It’s My Desire.” You who know the song remember the words: “It’s my desire to live for Jesus. It’s my desire to be like Him. Though often I have failed Him and brought Him much shame. Still it’s my desire, to live for Him. The second verse: “It’s my desire to help someone today; someone who might have failed along the way. For I too was lost, so lost, but I found my way back to God. Now it is my desire to live for Him.” Paraphrasing the chorus: If indeed you could see where Jesus has brought me from to where I am today, then you could truly know and understand the excitement I feel within. For it has not been the wealth of this world or fame that has brought me to the place I am today. It is truly my desire to live for Jesus and to be like Him. (This photo is my high-school graduation, 1972.)

On May 25, I will be commissioned by the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, Cleveland, Tennessee, as a part of our graduation exercises to fulfill the commission of the Word in Joshua. Often I have inserted my name in this passage and in faith I knew that God was going to be with me just as He was with Moses and with Joshua. I learned quickly that God is faithful and that His grace is truly everlasting. He was with me during my seven-year journey at the seminary, and I am confident that He will order my steps for the next juncture of my life.
Confident that I have first been commissioned by God, I look forward to bearing much fruit with the knowledge and wisdom I have gained through my seminary experience. I pray today that other’s will know that it is never too late to accept the commissioning God has placed on your life and start anew. He has promised: He will never leave us nor forsake us and every place the sole of our feet shall tread upon that has He given to us. Do not be afraid, or dismayed for the Lord Your God will be with you.
Be encouraged. Be ready. Be commissioned in Jesus Name, Amen!

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Ever wonder what is enough?

I often find myself asking that question in so many avenues of life.

Is my best enough?
When will I have enough?
Do I have enough money?
Do I have enough friends?
Is my job enough?
Is my relationship with Christ enough?

Our human nature longs for satisfaction. In every area of our lives, we long to be fulfilled by someone or something. It may be a relationship, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend. It may be an addiction, shopping, alcohol, drugs. We are born with an innate desire to love and to be loved, to satisfy and to be satisfied, to give and receive acceptance. Some folks search their whole lives for acceptance from people and yet nothing quite satisfies that void inside of us to have enough.

The answer to my first question is a resounding NO! Nothing will ever be enough! We can do whatever, whenever and however in this world to find that acceptance, love and satisfaction, but we will come up empty every time...

...but God.

That's a beautiful phrase, isn't it? For as much as you search, nothing will fill the void that Christ does! Did it ever occur to you that the reason we have such a longing for something greater than ourselves is because we were made in the image of Christ Himself? He created us with that desire because He knew He would have to come to earth, as a human and reconcile all of humanity with Jesus! What a beautiful picture of His love for us that He would lay down His life just so we could have Him in our hearts to fill that desire for enough!

It's ok if you never feel like you are enough, like you never have enough, like you'll never been enough. In all honesty...you won't! That's where Jesus comes in and fills that void to make you enough...in HIM!

Be encouraged...He is ENOUGH for everything we could ever need!

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Because I so believe in ministry that reflects Jesus 24 hours a day, I am often asked about stage presence, countenance, and delivery. In while this is of utmost importance, there is nothing that can be translated on stage until it's first incubated with passion. I’m talking about the type of passion that comes from deep within, where grace abounds - behind the curtain or in your private world. As frank as I can be here, quit trying to fill your calendar with gigs and start filling your heart and soul with Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Ask God too to give you creativity in ministering to churches and events. As the opportunities for singing venues decrease, let me assure you that the need for valid ministry and connection is on the increase.

John C. Maxwell (internationally respected leadership expert, speaker, pastor and author, selling over 18 million books) states in his new book, “Everyone Communicates Few Connect” “Motivated people are 87% less likely to leave an organization compared to the unmotivated. It’s pretty obvious, you know how much more you will give if someone inspires you."

John says there’s a kind of formula that could be called: the Inspiration Equation,
“What they know + What they See + What they feel = Inspiration.
When these three factors come into play and a communicator is able to bring them into alignment, it creates a synergy that inspires people. And from that place of inspiration, you can often lead people to take action."

There are a few key elements that have worked for me, that to this day, I have to say - has been an amazing discovery.
1. People need to see your conviction
2. They need to see your credibility
3. They need to see evidence of your character
4. They need to feel your passion for the subject AND for them.
5. They need to feel your confidence in yourself and for them
6. They need to feel your gratitude for them.

And the best part of what connectors do: They live what they communicate.
You are your message. That’s a connector. The reinvention process - starts today.

Page 59 of "Everyone Communicates Few Connect"... I will never forget my dad’s hands. He was a hardworking, blue-collar worker who abused his hands daily - yet somehow maintaining them to be immaculately manicured, tan and perfect. One day while I lay bruised and injured on a stretcher in an emergency room following a front end collision, this 17 year old was a complete wreck until I felt my dad’s hand touch my shoulder. I knew immediately who it was without turning around. I felt his power, his sense of touch; a familiar calming and an instant connection that assured me, “It’s OK.” (my entry in Maxwell's book)

My challenge to you as a Christian singer is: Quit worrying about buses, banners, booths and the business - and get into God's word daily. Portray a Christ-like spirit in everything you do, making it about others and not yourself. In while there is nothing wrong with entertainment, (and I believe in good Christian entertainment!), don't ever misconstrue it to mean ministry. Don't have the term "ministry" attached to your name, simply so you can get bookings in churches and religious events, when you and I both know - it's entertainment. And it's quite alright, if that's your choice. Just don't prostitute yourselves into thinking that it's more.

2 Corinthians 2:15 (The Message)
In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.

You are the perfume of God's love, walking and talking, loving and leading. God's presence in the life of a believer brings a fragrance from heaven, a holy fragrance interlaced within a holy life. It is not achieved without God's divine work. It cannot be imitated or construed, pretended or hypothetical. A holy life, lived out by God's direction and guidance, brings a fragrance to those around you. Inviting them closer. Bringing them step by step into your inner circle, causing them to stop and breathe in deeply. Pray to God today for the spiritual stamina to remain a beautiful testimony of His love to the dark world today.

Share your story, your love story with Jesus; let the perfume of your testimony emanate with every step. You may not even leave the house today and still be a giver of God's fragrant perfume. Breathe in deeply of God's sweet fragrance.



Be imitator's of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us a gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2.


(I then ended with a classic oldie, that definitively describes the missional challenge to every singing ministry.)
“Oh to be His hand extended, reaching out to the oppressed, Let me touch Him, Let me touch Jesus....So that others may know and be blessed.”
Sue Duffield

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Psalm 107:1-32
Every now and then we need to be reminded of where we come from, and of the unconditional love God showed us in that place. It keeps us humble, or it should, and it prevents us from looking down our noses at those who have not yet discovered the wonderful salvation that we now enjoy.
Psalm 107 demonstrates the power of Gods love as seen in a changed life. As we look at the four groups of people mentioned in this Psalm you will fall into one of two groups:
1. Those that see themselves in one of these groups now. If that is you, realize what is available to you.
2. Those who realize they were once in those places; but now, through God’s love, have seen their lives changed. If that is you, rejoice!

I. THOSE WHO CANNOT FIND THEIR PLACE IN LIFE
Psalm 107:4-5 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.
This is speaking of those people who are lonely, the needy, the people who have a place to live but no home. They are hungry, thirsty, and dieing. You may be a member of this group if:
• You have done wrong in order to fit in.
• You have sat alone in a corner at a bar or some other social function feeling sorry for yourself and hoping someone will notice and take pity on you.
• You long for love but can’t seem to find someone or you keep finding the wrong someone.
• You often feel empty and wonder why you can’t seem to find the joy others have.
• You think your life is a waste and it would have been better if you had not been born.
Know this:You may have been looking for love in all the wrong places.

Psalm 107:4-5Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 27:10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

If this is you, start looking for love in the right place – from God!-
· Find your place in God.
· Stop trying to get people to quench your thirst.
· Forgive anyone who has contributed to your misery.
· Be amazed at God’s capacity to satisfy you’re longing.

II. THOSE ENTANGLED IN BONDAGE & TRAPPED IN DARKNESS
Psalm 107:10-11 Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.

Notice how they wound up in bondage:
· They rebelled against God’s word.
· They despised the council of the Most High.In other words they heard the truth but they knew better. These folks see God’s ways as a hindrance.
Examples:Ephesians 5:18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.Ignore it and find yourself in bondage!
Romans 13:8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Proverbs 22:7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.Ignore them and find yourself in bondage!
Hebrews 13:4Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.Ignore it, cheat on your spouse, and find yourself in bondage.
I Timothy 3:8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.Go ahead and despise God’s counsel and find yourself in bondage!
If you recognize yourself as a member of this group:
Psalm 107: 13-16Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. There is no bondage that He cannot cut through, no darkness that can overpower the presence of light. Light always expels the darkness; the darkness only exists when the light is absent.

III. THOSE WHOSE LOVE OF SIN REDUCES THEM TO FOOLS.
Psalm 107:17Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
Psalm 106:43Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.Are you bent on rebellion? Is your life wasting away while you dabble in sin?
Proverbs 10:23A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
Question:Where do you find pleasure? Honestly now, do you take more of your pleasure from evil conduct or from the wisdom of God?How do seek wisdom from God?
· Lay it all out before Him. Write it down if you can.(Not for His information, for you! Do you know how many times someone has come to me with a problem, I say okay, explain the whole issue first, and about three sentences into it they say, never mind, and walk away with the answer?)
· Listen for the Holy Spirit to advise you. Notice especially any scripture that comes to mind.
· Act on the wisdom God gives you.
If you have been a fool:
Psalm 107:19-22Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Step one – cry, Step two – sing!
IV. THOSE WHO HAVE VEERED OF COURSE.
Psalm 107:23-24Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep.
They saw the goodness of God through their business ventures; but they started to focus on the rewards more than the rewarder. It is so easy to be caught up into the rat race and lose sight of what really matters in life. There is nothing wrong with being a successful businessman and enjoying your work. In fact the bible says that that is a gift from God. We just need to guard against forgetting that God is our source.

Illustration:A minister was speaking to a Sunday school class about the things money can’t buy. “It can’t buy laughter and it can’t buy love” he told them. Driving his point home he said, “What would you do if I offered you $1000 not to love your mother and father?” Stunned silence ensued. Finally a small voice queried, “How much would you give me not to love my big sister?”

Psalm 107: 27-32They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.
In conclusion let’s look at verses 42 and 43
Psalm 107: 42-43The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD.
Wherever you have been, wherever you are now, you can turn to God and find healing, strength, peace, love, acceptance and forgiveness. He loves you!

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“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.” (1 Samuel 17:38-39)



Then David took off Saul’s armor! It simply did not fit.

This verse causes me to wonder if many of us are walking around in bulky, ill-fitting armor that was made for someone else.

It has taken me many years to understand that God gave me a specific combination of gifts. I am gregarious, artistic, poetic, musical, and outgoing. I am not technical, managerial, athletic, mathematical, or sophisticated. I must honestly say that I have, at one time in my life, tried to be all of the things I am not. I failed miserably.

God made a small, musical, boy named David who was good with a sling. He was not a warrior in the traditional sense but his talent set was suited exactly for what God wanted him to accomplish. A big Philistine warrior never saw the merit or power in a boy fully functioning in his God-given strength. David had spent many years fighting wild animals and honed his gifts, but he did that in relative obscurity, out in the sheep pasture.

You may be sharpening your skills, your strengths, your talents in obscurity but friend, keep it up.

Study God’s Word, practice what you do with diligence and as unto the Lord. Don’t try to wear another person’s armor, or function in another’s gift. You are specifically designed to accomplish God’s will in your life. Be upright in all things and pray expecting God to use you, then enjoy your trip out to meet the giants and take them one at a time with your excellence and skill.

Watch and wait for the coming of the Lord, and learn to use your gifts with power. Make it your occupation to do what God made you to do.

Allison Speer

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Text: Ephesians 1:1-7

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is simply a declaration of victory for the child of God. He sets out from the beginning to inform the reader of his position and favor as a redeemed child of God.

In the opening seven verses, He gives to us, three amazing and liberating instructions that if followed, will bring us into a thrilling and enjoyable Christian experience.

I. Recognize Your Righteousness

In verse one, Paul writes to the "Saints" that are at Ephesus. By addressing them as saints, Paul established their identity in Christ. Not because Paul said so, but because the blood of Jesus made it so.

While we typically don't walk around referring to ourselves "saints", by all God-given grace and biblical authority, we very well could.

Sainthood really is not something conferred by vote of or by denominational accreditation. Sainthood is achieved the moment one is born again. One person said, "you are either a 'saint' or an "ain't". That pretty well sums it up.

The saved are "saints" in light. (Colossians 1:12)
Paul wrote to the "Saints" Cesar's household. (Philippians 4:22)

While we certainly may not have the word "saint" embossed on our business cards, we certainly need to grasp the privileges of sainthood in our heart. We are not "wretched worms" nor are we the unworthy and condemned.

Undeserving? Absolutely.

Unworthy? Absolutely not.

The blood of Jesus changed our status and made us worthy.

2. Rest in Your Relationship

Paul said we are "accepted in the beloved." The Holy Spirit introduced me to the wonderful family of God and Jesus signed and secured my adoption. We are given the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father. (Romans 8:15)

There is no need to compete for a place in the family nor vie for the attention of the Father. My place is secure and I am welcomed at the throne of grace any time.
3. Rely on Your Resources

Paul wrote, "He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly places."

What a promise. Look at it carefully.

The Scope of the Blessings.
- All
The Significance of the Blessings
- Spiritual
The Sphere of the Blessings
- Heavenly Places

God the Father already has all that I need. He doesn't have to create any more love, grace or mercy. He doesn't have to mine or dig for any more gold or silver. It all belongs to him.

The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. (Psalms 24:1)
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalms 50:10)

Being in Christ provides the "daily bread" of God's provision.

An old song said, "Already mine, already mine
My father is rich and it's already mine.

You are "somebody" in the kingdom of Heaven. Actually, we all are because of God's wonderful grace.

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Get to know newcomer Paul Parr through this interesting Q&A with site administrator Deon Unthank.

DU: Tell us a little about yourself. Are you new to the Gospel Music scene?

PP: I have listened to Gospel music with my mom since I was a small child and my grandma used to go to singings all the time. I took up a career in country music for almost twenty years. I am new to the Gospel music scene, but not new to Gospel music. I have been performing for Christ almost three years now.

DU: How would you describe your sound? Have you patterned your musical style after anyone? Do you have a mentor?

PP: My sound is inspired by different things. I really don't care to follow a particular recipe, if you will, as far as style is concerned. I am much more concerned with the content of the lyrics and making sure they are Christ Centered. I have recently started going to industry trade shows and have met many people in this business but if I were to name a mentor, I would have to name Jesus Christ. I really try to be an empty vessel for the Holy Spirit to lead and fill.

DU: How did you come to know that your calling was in the Music Ministry?

PP: I took a discipleship training class called Experiencing God or as I like to call it "Relationship with Christ for Dummies" and in that I only refer to myself. This course was instrumental in my walk, my understanding how to not just do something but stand there. Wait on the Lord ! While I was waiting, I heard his call. Through prayer, circumstances, the bible and the church all things started to point in the same direction for me. A Music Ministry ? Boy was I unqualified, but so was everyone else God used in the bible. I believe that the Holy Spirit qualifies us for the task that God has given and by the grace of Christ, He will me as well. Sometimes it seems like a mountain but if it be His will, I will climb it one step at a time. God communicates with His children and He will communicate to them regarding this ministry. When I travel, I go for a love offering and trust in God that He will take care of my needs and He hasn't let me down.

DU: How many instruments do you play? What part do the instruments have in your Ministry?

PP: I am primarily a guitarist but I also play Bass, Piano and Drums. I have recently been toying with mandolin. I am looking forward to going into the studio to do a new project soon and hopefully the producer will allow me to play on some of the tracks. I would love to remove the guitar from the mix as well as the vocal for live performances with the guitar or if it be God's will, work with a band. I have worked with and in band's for most of my music career and it is what i am used to but that remains to be seen.

DU: Tell us a little about your songwriting. What would you say is your major inspiration when writing Gospel songs.

PP: I wrote my first song, a piano piece, when I was 12, and it was called "Dare to Dream." I have always been fairly creative both musically and lyrically. I think a song should clearly communicate the author's state of emotion when he/she penned the song. The Bible is alive....that is enough inspiration for me. What I mean is, every time I read a passage that I have seen before, I am led to a deeper understanding of that scripture and try to look at them from the perspective of a relationship. I believe the Truth is a person....Jesus Christ and as we grow in him our level of understanding increases. Love was settled at the cross and it doesn't get any more inspiring than that.

DU: If a Pastor books you to sing at his church, what can he expect to see and hear when you are there?

PP: I hope he sees the Cross and hears the Holy Spirit. I know that seems to be a very quick answer but it is all I know for if it were anything else then it would be from myself and self-centered not Christ-Centered.

DU: As a fairly new face to the Southern Gospel Music scene, what would you say is your biggest hurdle to jump? What is your biggest advantage?

PP: Trust is a delicate thing, you have to earn it and Southern Gospel Music Fans are not easily won over. They want to know who you are, where you're from, what you're about and what you believe. Communicating Christ to them effectively is the only way I know of to gain their trust, in other words, don't trust me....trust Jesus and that is also my biggest advantage.

DU: If a Pastor or Promoter wanting to get in touch with you how would they do that?

PP: My email is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and my phone number is 843 - 821 - 4457. Either way works for me and I am happy to hear from all of them.

For more information on Paul, visit http://www.paulparr.com.

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I was born and raised in southern Indiana, and attended Negangard Corner Freewill Baptist. The church was located 3 miles south of Sunman, Indiana. My mom and dad were married there, and the entire family; uncles and aunts, cousins, all went to "The Corner."

A framed picture hung on the wall in the church. The picture was of Christ standing at a door; knocking. See, my history is of DRUGS. I was drug to church on Sunday, drug to church on Wednesday, so I saw that picture twice and week for 20+years.

It was only until recently that I saw that picture, REALLY for the first time.

In the painting, Christ is knocking on this door, and I noticed that there is no doorknob on the door. No doorknob? How can He come in with no doorknob?

But, there is a doorknob, but we can't see it. It is on the OTHER side of the door.

The door represents our heart.

Revelation 3:20
"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

So, the reason the artist failed to paint the doorknob where we couldn't see it, was to show us, in order for Christ to come in, we must open the door and let Him in. He won't force His way in.

When I was a child I wondered why God just didn't force us to serve Him? However, as I grow older, I KNOW why. I don't want a friend out of obligation and neither does God. He wants us to serve, love and worship Him out of our love for Him.

He longs to meet our every need. His desire is to lavish His love on us; His children.

He also wants to be WELCOME in every room of our home. (life) We must allow Him access to our everyday life, money, raising our children, decisions, everything..

Christ still stands at the door and wants to come in.

Are you answering the door?


Prayer: “Father, I realize that you are waiting for me to allow you FULL access to every area of my life. Help me to open those doors so that YOU can make me more like your Son Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.”


Bryan

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Most of us wouldn’t necessarily choose the things in life that bring out the greatest character. If asked, none of us would volunteer for cancer, financial disparity, or divorce, yet when those things occur in our lives, we begin to recognize character traits within us that we never knew were there.

We discover strength, patience, tolerance, devotion or compassion. If we look closely enough, we can find admirable qualities that grow out of our adversity. We find a fire, a new resurgence of life, from our ashes. We become whole from our brokenness.

We must trust that even though life isn’t always as we plan, that God is at work in every detail. Take comfort in knowing that the struggles are for a purpose and God hasn’t left you to battle alone.


Romans 8:28
King James Version (KJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Isaiah 40:4-5
King James Version (KJV)
4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

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Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. The wages of sin - Everyone knows what wages are. Wages are something that you have to work very hard for. If the truth be known, after toiling very hard for these wages, you usually think that they are less than you deserve. Wages are given to you for your work.

Let's look at work. Work is hard. It takes a toal on your body. Work can give you blisters on your hands and your feet. Work can cause you
to shed your blood for the money you are trying to earn. Work is usually in an environment that is not clean and often not even healthy.
Work often leaves you dirty, and in a lot of cases nasty and sweaty.

Work is not easy. There is a certain amount of skill needed for even the most menial jobs. Digging ditches is not easy. Staring at computer screen all day and typing on keyboards is not easy. While it may appear to me that your job is easy, I don't know of anyone who thinks that the job they work hard at all day long is easy.

Work is not fun. Everyone is looking for the end of the day, or the end of the week, so they can go out and have some fun. Work is not where you go over to the basketball hoop and start shooting basketballs. Work is not the place where you get on the computer and start playing games. Your employer is planning on paying you the wages you agreed upon for you doing work, not fun things.

Work is not fair. Many times the workers who have been there the longest get the easier jobs. Many times the workers who have been there the longest time, end up having to clean the things that nobody else wants to touch. It's not fair. Sometimes the bosses son comes on the job and gets more money than you do for doing the same job. It's not fair.

Work is not the place to find good company to hang out with. Often times the person working next to you is cursing all day long. Sometimes that person working next to you is stealing little things from the company. You don't go to work looking to find cool people to bum around with.

Work takes a great deal of time out of your life. Most people don't go to work for two hours a day and make enough to support their family.
Spending this much time away from your home can cause stress in your home. It can cause strife in your home.

2. How are these wages paid?

We tend to think that wages are paid with something that we are wanting to get. It's usually money that we can use to buy the necessities of life.
If we are bartering, our wages would be that thing that we had agreed upon before the job began.

I had always wanted a large aquarium. I was in this Pet Store one day and saw this fantastic 85 Gallon tank with a complete set up for getting it going. It was perfect. The problem was the the price wasn't perfect for me. I noticed that the Pet Store needed some painting to spruce the place up. I approached the owner and he was willing to trade or barter the paint work for the whole aquarium and set up. I could work nights and weekends until I got the job done and then I could get my aquarium. It worked out well for both of us.

The wages that I got for that painting job was that aquarium. I didn't get paid in money. Well, God doesn't pay the wages of sin in money either.
The wages of sin is DEATH. That's not a good exchange. Just imagine, you've worked hard all week and the pay you get is pain and agony.
The wages of sin is death, separation from God. When this life is over you will face physical death. Your body will die. That, however is just part of death. When your physical body dies, it's just the start of eternity. Forever, you will still exist, but you will exist separated from God. Can you imagine a place where there is no order or morality, but forever living in a place where sin abounds.

3. BUT, the Gift of God is Eternal life.

Well, there you have it. We work all our lives, toil by the sweat of our brow, and for what? A few little wages that get us some food for our table and a place to lay our head at night.
The real deal is that the best reward is actually a Gift. What's so great about a gift? Well, helllloooo, it's free!!!! A gift doesn't cost you a single red cent. It cost someone else a pretty price, but it costs you nothing. The Gift of eternal Life was given to us by Jesus, the Christ. He paid a great price for our gift. He gave His life on a cruel cross as the price of our gift. Wow, someone loved me so much that He gave His life to purchase a gift for me. His Name is Jesus, and He's my Lord, and He'd like to give you that same gift today.

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My mother, Ms. Jean, has lived most of her life as a single parent. She was married to my father, Reverend Ancil Overbey, December 25, 1951. Mother loved her husband and after three years of marriage she gave birth to their first born child, Pamela Kay. My brother, Ancil was born in 1956 and my sister, Sandra, 1957. We are very close in age. My father became a minister after their marriage and began pastoring the Wilderness Creek Church of God, Bland, Virginia, in 1957. He loved the Lord, his family and his church. However, my father was suddenly killed in a car accident on January 5, 1960 at the young age of 29. My mother was only 27. Her children were five, three and two.
Mother was blessed to have her family, church family and dear friends to help her in those early years when we three were so young. Faye Burton and Sharon Wills were both willing to spend nights with mother, go window shopping for something to do, and be there for her crisis moments. Mother remained single for ten years and then remarried a coal miner, Venice King. After only three years of marriage, he died of black lung cancer. Mother has spent the majority of her years as a widow.

Her favorite passage in the Bible is Psalm 91. I am confident that mother has known through the years that she needed to be under the shadow of the Almighty as He is the One who has brought her through and protected her all these years. Her faith remains strong and we, her three children, know that we can depend on her for prayers that will be answered.


She is now 79 years young. (This photo was taken on her 70th birthday celebration.) She loves her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
and has always instructed us in the ways of the Lord. She is indeed a Proverbs 31 woman and deserving of honor.

A friend of mine remarked to me that she felt a mother’s love is the closest expression of God’s love that we can experience. God cares for us no matter what may be going on in our lives just like mother’s do. When we are unlovable, moody, grumpy, or going through difficult times, God loves us just the same and so will our mother’s. He protects, instructs and disciplines just like mother’s must do. God loves His children and so do mother’s!
I honor my mother, Ms. Jean, and pray that all mother’s will have a “Happy Mother’s Day!

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Psalms 23:6 ... and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The conclusion of David's thoughts toward the Lord, the good Shepherd, shows the confidence that he has in the Shepherd that manages his life. David understood the importance of a shepherd's ability to manage the flock. The sheep that was managed properly enjoyed good health, protection and peace. For the sheep, every aspect of life was under the management of the shepherd.

Now David, comparing the Lord's ability to manage his life to that of a good shepherd, guides us through most every scenario that we face in life; from the daily care we receive to the eternal life we gain through faith in Christ.

David is confident, not only in the provision of "today" but the provision that we are assured of throughout eternity. Paul echos the same assurance in Romans 8:
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Rest in the confidence that the good Shepherd will provide for you, now and forever!

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Billy Sunday was a handsome man with deep dimples and focused eyes. During the 1880’s he was a National league baseball player who heard the hymns his mother loved being sung on a street corner. He stopped to listen and heard a sidewalk preacher from the Pacific Garden Mission. Billy was saved from his toes to his top, and when God saved him he gave him an ability to preach like few before him.

Before amplification, he preached to the largest crowds ever in the mid-west. He also traveled what he referred to as the “Kerosene Circuit” of over seventy communities that had yet to experience the convenience of electricity.

He was a fundamental, Bible believer and he loved God’s Word.

He preached with his imagination fully engaged in the Gospel.

This writing was found between the pages of his Bible:



“With the Holy Spirit as my Guide

I visited the Temple of Christianity.

I entered at the portico of Genesis, walked down through the Old Testament art galleries, where pictures of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Isaac, Jacob and Daniel were hung on the wall.

I passed into the music room of Psalms, where the Spirit swept the keyboard of nature until it seemed that every reed and pipe in God’s great instrument responded to the harp of David, the sweet singer of Israel.

I entered the chamber of Ecclesiastes, where the voice of the preacher was heard and into the conservatory of Sharon, where the Lily of the Valley’s sweet-scented spices filled and perfumed my life.

I entered the business office of the Proverbs, then into the observatory room of the prophets, where I saw telescopes of various sizes pointed to far-off events, but all concentrated on the Bright and Morning Star.

I entered the audience room of the King of Kings and caught a vision of His glory from the standpoint of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; passed into the Acts of the Apostles where the Holy Spirit was doing His work in the formation of the infant church; then into the correspondence room where Paul, Peter, James and John sat penning their Epistles.

I stepped into the throne room of Revelation, where towered the glittering peaks, and got a vision of the King in all His glory, and I cried,

All hail the power of Jesus’ name

Let angels prostrate fall.

Bring forth the royal Diadem and crown Him Lord of All.”



May you inhabit the pages of the Word like Billy Sunday.



Allison Speer

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I was raised in church, and as far back as I can remember I have been taught that God is everything you need him to be. I couldn’t sit here and name every role that He plays in our life because He is so many things. Recently I was reminded that one of the names is Teacher.
In the last several months my husband and I have faced some things that we know are out of our hands. We have both given them to God and have done everything the Word has taught us to do. We have prayed, fasted, waited, believed, hoped…we have had faith that God will move on our behalf and that we will see the results. We aren’t strangers to trials and testing. Most Christians aren’t. We know that through the trials of life our faith is made stronger.
But sometimes, even though you have complete faith in God, even though you are grounded in His word, sometimes the trial seems particularly long.
A few weeks ago, Jimmy and I were driving through South Carolina. We were talking about some of the things we had been praying for and how we were wondering if we were missing God somehow. I try to be an encourager because that is one of the things that God has changed in me. My attitude is now a positive one. I try to find the good and uplift others. But now, I was finding that not only could I not uplift my husband, I couldn’t even convince myself to smile. I knew I had faith. I knew I believed that God heard my prayers. I wasn’t praying for vain or selfish things. I knew I was living a life pleasing to God. My husband was the same. Yet here we were…trying to figure out what we were missing. Where were we going wrong? Why wouldn’t God move? Why couldn’t we hear Him?
We had the radio on a Christian radio station. We both had reached a point in the conversation where we had nothing left to say. Then the DJ began to speak. He was talking about the sermon his pastor had just preached and he wanted to share something with the people listening. He said something like this. “Some of you out there have been facing trials in your life like you have never faced before. You have done everything you know to do. You have prayed and fasted and sought God and prayed some more, but you still haven’t heard from God. Well, I want you to think back to when you were a kid in school. DURING THE TIMES OF TESTING, THE TEACHER RARELY SPOKE”
I looked at Jimmy and he looked at me and we both just said, ”wow”. I told him that was one of the most obvious yet profound things I have ever heard. I told him that the teacher rarely spoke, but NEVER left the room. They were completely aware of everything that was going on.
From that moment I felt renewed. I felt like I could breathe for the first time in weeks. I was reminded that just because God hasn’t answered doesn’t mean that he won’t. Just because I haven’t seen him move doesn’t mean he doesn’t hear. I am so thankful that God had us listening to that station at that moment and I am so thankful that that DJ was obedient to what he felt he needed to share. I am so thankful that God takes the time to be the Teacher.

Back Home
http://www.backhomesings.com

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What a mockery it was to weave together a crown made of thorns, thistles and briars and place on the head of Jesus as he was tortured and crucified. As wicked men placed this "hurtful halo" on his brow, they cried "Hail to the King" in relentless ridicule and scorn.

Having already suffered the lashes of a lethal whip and the bruises of calloused fists, Jesus was almost beyond recognition with his swollen eyes and lacerated cheekbones. An uncaring Soldier had thrown the masters own scarlet robe around His blood soaked back while another placed a reed between his tender hands bound by filthy ropes. Just then some uncaring man with a warped sense of humor and a propensity for sadistic amusement said, "Let's top it off with this!" as he thrust the thorn made crown onto the brow of the Christ.

What a horrific sight it must have been. It's beyond description. Isaiah tried when through prophetic vision he saw a "wounded lamb led to the slaughter," He also spoke of Jesus being as a "root plucked out of dry ground." He said he had no form, nor beauty about Him and we hid our faces from Him. Isaiah 53:5

Before Jesus experienced the wounds of the nails driven in to his flesh, he felt the excruciating pain of the thorns. Traditional history indicates that they were very hard and lengthy "nail-like" thorns. They had no flexibility at all that allowed them to be weakened when meeting the surface of another object. The crown must surely have had a deep penetrating presence. How our master must have grimaced in agony.

It must have been an ugly thing. Almost a reject of nature, these thorns. An ugly, embarrassing reminder of the curse that God put on the ground when Adam and Eve sinned against Him in the garden. It reminds me of a picture of sin itself. Unrelenting, harsh and ugly. Sinister, having no pleasant purpose and bringing pain to everything that it touched.

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I love my mother. She is the godliest woman I have ever known. She and dad took my brother Jim and I to church every Sunday. I am a blessed man to have her still in my life. I have NEVER heard her say certain words (vulgarity or curses) and she WILL NOT lie. She says a lot of things that I think are funny. I remember as a child hearing her talk about certain products that she didn't like. She would say "That stuff ain't worth packing home!" or "That stuff ain't worth two cents!"
There is a store in Batesville (where she lives) and according to her it is "A store full of nothing!". When she hears of someone doing something really crazy, she will say "Now, why would someone do something so silly/crazy"? "Don't they have any common sense?"

In fact, she and I have had this very conversation. We are amazed sometimes about how many absent minded people there are in the world.

Because we think there are certain things that everyone should know, or what we ALL call; "Common Sense."

The sad thing is that these days, you have to tell people what "Common Sense" is.

That's why on many of today's household products, the manufacturers place warning labels on them. It's even funnier when the warning's are pretty obvious.

I read this on the back of a shampoo bottle; "Wet hair, lather, rinse." It's because somebody applied shampoo on their dry hair, didn't rinse it out and walked out the door with clumped up shampoo on their hair!

How about on a blow dryer tag; "Do not use in water." It's because some one said to themselves, "I'll blow dry my hair while I shower!"

On "Preparation H"- "Use only as directed". I bet somebody put it on a cracker and maybe their mouth shrunk.

We have all heard that "crime doesn't pay." Well, did you hear about the bank robber who donned a mask and went into a bank and handed the "This Is A Stick-Up" note written on the back of HIS deposit slip with HIS name, address and phone number on it? He was caught, by the way.

Common Sense?! It is the lack of!

See, you have to tell people what "Common Sense" is!

Often times we believe that in our Christian walk there are things that are "common sense."

My granny; Audrey was talking about her wearing pants to a concert where my brother was singing. See, I was raised that women NOT wear pants to church under NO circumstances. I remember when a lady would come to our church wearing pants, some church members would get upset. Did she "rebel" against our "Rules", or did she just not KNOW what our church's stance on it was? Maybe she didn't know. We thought it was "common sense"!
Now, personally I have NO PROBLEM with a woman wearing pants to church. I seriously don't think God does either.

How about when an un-saved person comes to our church. They are hearing words like "saved", "communion", "baptized", "redemption" or seeing us raise our hands or pray at the altar. To them it may be foreign.
I am not saying that we should "water down" the gospel. NOT AT ALL! TOO many churches are not preaching Hell, or that the blood of Christ is the only thing that can cleanse us of our sins. We should NOT keep our services on a elementary level, but I do feel we all need to be more “seeker sensitive" and not treat everyone like these words should be"common sense".

Our job is to gently lead them to a true knowledge of God's love and His word.

2 Timothy 2
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Be gentle with those who are un-churched or those who recently have come to know Christ.

My dad used to work in a saw mill and when he trained new people, he didn't turn them loose on the band-saw the day after they were hired. But sometimes when a person comes to Christ, we send them out to "fend for themselves". I applaud churches who have an ongoing program for new coverts. Showing, advising and mentoring them in their infant stage of walking with Christ.

If your church doesn't have a mentoring program or small groups, YOU can allow yourself to become a same sex mentor to a young Christian. Chose a bible translation that is accurate but will allow them to understand what they are reading. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know", to a question that is asked. Together you can find the answer and you both can grow in your walk.

I know what "Common Sense" is, Now, if I can just figure out why my orange juice jug says "concentrate" on it. (I stared at it for an 2 hours last night and nothing happened.)

Be blessed.

Bryan

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I wake up each morning, with pretty much the same routine. We go through the same steps to get Maura to school on time, and then Jeff and I have breakfast together where we talk about how best to spend our day.

We take this time, on purpose, so that we are in unity with our thoughts as to what the day should hold. Without this conscious effort, there is confusion. I would be upset that he doesn’t realize we should clean out the carport, or he would feel disrupted because he can’t clean the filters on the bus as he planned. Both jobs are necessary, but an alignment of thinking is required before either can be done.

It reminds me that every morning, there is also a necessary re-alignment of our thoughts with the mind of Christ. How else can we go about our duties, as a Christian without knowing what Christ expects of us? We must re-align our thoughts to match His.

Desiring to think like someone else only happens when we have complete trust in that person. It’s giving up control, surrendering your thoughts and accepting another’s. We must trust God with our minds, allowing Him to alter our way of thinking, knowing that He knows what is best for us.

When you wake-up, whisper a prayer and ask God to re-align your thoughts to His, so that you will have the mind of Christ. Ask Him to grant you the peace that will keep your mind and heart. Tell Him you surrender your thoughts and trust Him with control. Then, see the faithfulness of God at work in your life.

Don’t beat yourself up if you slip back into your own way of thinking at times, you’re human and fighting flesh. It’s not always easy! And always remember, in the morning, you’ll have to get up and start all over again!



1 Corinthians 2:16
King James Version (KJV)
 16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Proverbs 23:7
King James Version (KJV)
 7For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Philippians 4:7
King James Version (KJV)
 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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Have you ever been sued, or had a legal challenge? Have you ever noticed how a crafty lawyer can make even an innocent fact sound incriminating? Well, that’s exactly what happen to Jesus as the Pharisees and the Sadducees plotted to entangle Him in His words. But, Jesus perceived their wickedness and turned the tables on them. It’s your "Legal Eagle" Pastor Phil of Harvest Chapel with "A GOOD WORD FROM GOD'S WORD TODAY" and reminding you that whatever challenge you encounter this week, you have Heaven’s Greatest Counselor on your side.



In Matthew 22, a cunning lawyer posed a question to Jesus, hoping to test Him and publicly show His ignorance of the LAW, by asking Him, "Which is the GREATEST COMMANDMENT in the Word". Well, we know Jesus is the WORD and He quickly quoted Deuteronomy 6:5, Love the Lord your God with all your HEART, with all your SOUL and with all your MIND. And, though they didn’t ask for it, He went on, "The Second is like the first, Love your neighbor, then he threw in a third, AS YOURSELF. And they asked Him NO MORE QUESTIONS.



For you today, Jesus said, "When they deliver you up before lawyers and a judge, don’t worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you." (Matthew 10:19-20)



So, in this law suet crazy world we’re living in today, you can relax. The Lord has all of your LEGAL MATTERS in His complete control. And, He’s already reached a VERDICT in your behalf, NOT GUILTY. But I, SUMMON YOU to tell the TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH and NOTHING BUT the TRUTH, so help you God. Remember, He is the GREAT COUNSELOR and He alone is also the FINAL JUDGE. On your behalf He will say, "CASE DISMISSED!" You see, it's not WHAT YOU KNOW, but WHO YOU KNOW that makes all the difference. God bless.

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Scripture: While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well (Luke 17:11-19 NASB).”

Which one are you? The One? Or the Other Nine? How often does God do small, insignificant things for us and we fail to stop and say, “Thank you.” Many months ago, I went through a season when God dealt strongly with me about this particular issue. I was reminded of this passage of scripture and how I should make an effort to say “thank you” on a regular basis. Thank you to those who clean our offices, thank you to those who keep restrooms clean when I’m traveling, thank you to my friends and family members who have done things to help me on my journey.
Webster defines thank you as, “A polite expression of one’s gratitude.” In the Spanish language the word for thank you is “gracias.” Whatever the language, let’s make a special effort this week to be the One, rather than the Nine! Webster also defines the word thanks as “kindly or grateful thoughts – gratitude.” Let’s have an attitude of gratitude every day by first of all giving thanks to the One who gave us the greatest gift of all – Salvation. Let’s express grateful thoughts to the Holy Spirit for His comfort and wisdom He gives liberally (James 1:5). Let’s express to God from a grateful heart how thankful we are for His protective Hand over our life and the lives of family and friends.

I am going to give Him special thanks this coming week as I will be finishing my final work for this semester and will then be graduating May 26! There is no way I can ever say thanks enough for all God has done to bring me to this juncture of my life. A special thanks to all my friends and family members who have prayed, encouraged and supported me along this seven-year Pentecostal Theological Seminary journey!
Father, help me – help us – to practice being thankful. It makes a difference in our life and in the lives of those we say those two precious words to—“thank you.” May our day be filled with opportunity to give thanks. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Eph 5:1 (KJV)
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

The word "follower" is translated from the Greek word "mimetes" which means an imitator. In other words, Be imitators of God, as dear children.

If you'll remember, one of the favorite games children play is to imitate their parents. Some children put on their parents clothes so they can "play the role" and pretend they they are going to the store, or to work, or to some social event. Many living room couches have been transformed to the front seat of an automobile and the throw pillows become steering wheels. Using their imaginations, children have been imitating their parents since the beginning of time.

Paul encourages the believer, as children of God, to imitate their Heavenly Father. In other words, love like God loves, care like God cares, reach out to others like our Heavenly Father reached to us. Imitate God's wisdom in the decisions you make. Exercise God's patience when dealing with the cares of life. Not long ago, a phase circulated within the culture that became very popular. Someone asked the question, "What would Jesus do?" It wasn't long before WWJD bracelets adorned the wrists of most every teenager in the country. There's wisdom in asking that question. Then the next step is to imitate His actions.

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Greetings Friends of Freedom and welcome to the first edition of Freedom Feature. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to share our random thoughts on anything about everything! Sometimes the stories will be heartfelt, others light-hearted, but always worthwhile.

Most of you know that we are starting our third year of full-time ministry as Freedom. God has truly blessed John and I with some incredible experiences in such a short time, and we are thrilled to have Tyler Vestal aboard for the journey. We have had the pleasure to sing for many of you, but there are still a few areas of the country we have, yet, to reach. So, for this first post, I thought I would share a road story that I have recently “retired” from the program, but felt it was too good not to share with everyone.

We get questions all the time about our “bus.” I put bus in quotes, because what we have is not what the ordinary Gospel music fan envisions when they hear that word. John and I literally started with nothing, but God made provisions for us to have a complete sound system, ten fantastic new songs for an album, a record company to believe in us and sign us, and a handful of promoters to take a chance on us. The only thing we didn’t have was a means of transportation. Once again, God stepped in and put a man in our path who, also, believed in us and just so happened to own a bus company. He had recently acquired a 25 passenger shuttle bus from the Indianapolis airport and was having no luck selling it. When he heard of our situation, he made a way for us to inspect the shuttle and see if we could utilize it. Now many of today’s groups are downsizing to a Sprinter van, but this was still well beyond our means. However, we were able to apply the concept of the Sprinter to the shuttle and came up with a comfortable, functional way to travel. I must stop here and say a huge thank you to my father-in-law, Gary Kimery, and John’s father, Duane Rulapaugh, for their brilliance and handiwork to make this a reality.

So, after about three months of planning, worrying, praying, working, and sweating, we were finally ready to take our “bus” on the road for the first time. I picked the boys up in Sevierville at midnight and told them to try out their new beds, because I just had to drive that thing. I was like a kid at Christmas! I was so thankful that all of our hard work had paid off and we were actually traveling in comfort for the first time. I must interject once more and remind you folks that I am a pretty big boy. I stand about 6’ 3” and weigh 2(none of your business). Since we were designing and building the inside of the bus ourselves, we made special plans for me to have a 7’ long, extra wide bunk that I could lay all over in. And boy, do I! Well, we were headed to south Alabama and I had driven eight hours, almost to Montgomery, when my adrenaline finally wore off and I was ready to experience my oversized bunk. I laid down and was able to stretch out in a bus bunk for the first time in my life. As I was drifting off, I was thanking God for all He had done for us, providing us a way to travel and allowing us to save so much money by doing the work ourselves, when all of a sudden I felt a drip...drip...drip, right on the side of my cheek. You see, beloved, the air conditioning unit of that bus is just above my bunk. Well, it was the middle of June and temperatures were rising, so I concluded that it was simply condensation. After a while, it stopped and I was able to go to sleep. Roughly an hour later, I woke up in what I truly believe to be Gospel music’s first traveling waterbed! That thing went from dripping to pouring all over me. I was soaked from head to toe. I was so tired and became angry, because here we had worked so hard to get the bus ready for the road and now I could not even enjoy the fruit of our labor. Fixing the air conditioner was one more thing on a long list of things I had to do the following week. I was forced to sleep upright in one of our captain’s chairs for the remainder of that long trip. I was not a happy camper, to say the least. Now there is a silver lining to this cloud, but that will have to wait for next time. Be sure to check out the next edition of Freedom Feature to see what happens next. You won’t believe it!

Josh Garner
Freedom
http://www.FreedomTrio.com

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The month of May always brings to mind the Memorial Day road trip to Southern Illinois. Back then nobody called it Memorial Day. Some called it Decoration Day, but Dad always just said “the 30th of May”. As a kid, all I cared about was getting to dad’s family reunion held on that holiday every year at a park in his little hometown, Eldorado.

Mom would get up extra early to fry chicken a deep golden brown for our lunch under the pavilion. She would fill a gallon size aluminum thermos with ice cold sweet tea and then pack up all the side dishes in a big green cooler. Then we would wait……wait for dad to finish all of his “cain’t leave town till I do it” list. I think I understand now why he “blew out the freezer”. He didn’t want to leave dust around the motor that might catch fire while we were gone. I’m sure on some level it made perfect sense to him, why he needed to clean out King’s dog pen before we left, but I’ve never been able to figure that one out.

Dad had shined up that emerald green ’54 Olds just right and scrubbed the old whitewalls within an inch of their life. The “bug catcher” was mounted where it belonged on the grill of the car, and as useful a piece of equipment as it was, seems a bit comical to think of today. (There’s something a little disturbing about pulling up to the park to eat dinner carting the remains of every flying insect that was unfortunate enough to be heading north on the same highway where we were heading south. )

With all preparations finally complete, we were off down that old two lane road. It was a long trip for fidgety children. It probably seemed even longer to my parents. How many times can you listen to, “Are we there yet?” or “Make him stop looking at me!” Mother would try to divert our attention to the many varieties of cows on the hillsides. She knew them by sight, guernseys, herefords, jerseys. To us they were just cows, and the only purpose they served was passing the time. We would see how many cows we could “collect” before we drove past a cemetery and “killed” them all.

She would lead us in several choruses of “Chickery Chick Cha-la Cha-La”, “Mairzy Doats and Dozy Doats” or some other silly song. Then she would keep a wary eye out for the Burma Shave signs. Folks today would have no clue about Burma Shave or its successful roadside advertising gimmick.

Back in 1958, there was no such thing as grabbing a burger at a drive-through. But to us, it couldn’t have compared, anyway, to one tiny little mom and pop grocery in Nashville, IL. Dad would make a brief stop at the market and leave us all in the car while he went on a mission. He soon emerged from the store with food for the road, baloney, cheese, and a loaf of the softest, freshest, most awesome white bread ever, Bunny Bread. It seemed especially good to us because mom and dad always bought day-old. (Here my hubby chides me, saying his family was so poor they bought “used” bread.) Dad loved his baloney and cheese…..or his vitamins B and C as we teased him later on, and he ate it till the day he died….at 98. We would wash it all down with a swig of RC Cola. Dad would buy a six-bottle carton, but only open one. We had to pass it around…..the whole family drinking out of the same bottle of soda. I couldn’t do that today if my life depended on it! Backwash city!

I remember a few times when the trip wasn’t much fun….if we had a flat on a 90 degree day, or some other roadside mishap. But, all in all, I looked forward to the day we hopped in the car and headed on down the road toward the reunion. After all, I had cousins to meet up with and serious playing to do.

Several years ago, there was a song that said “Lately I’ve Got Leavin’ on My Mind”. That couldn’t be more accurate for me right now. I was talking to a songwriter friend the other day and she expressed exactly what I had been feeling for so long when she said, “ I don’t even recognize this world any more. “

I knew exactly what she meant. This is not the country I grew up in. We don’t fit here. And it’s not just the fact that we are probably the last untattooed and horrendously body-pierced generation to walk the earth. It’s that the attitudes that prevail are so anti-God, so blatantly disrespectful of His Word and His way. Wrong is now called right, and what we call right is called ridiculous. We are residents of another world. Suddenly I understand why Christians are referred to as “pilgrims” and “strangers”.

In the couple of years it’s been since my folks were promoted to glory, I have become increasingly dissatisfied here. Heaven is so real to me. I can’t help but think, “I wonder what they’re doing now”.

I know they are more alive than they have ever been. It’s hard not to “envy” them. I’ve spent years in preparation. I’m packed up. I want to go! Oh, I’ll keep singing my songs and watching the signs along the way, and sometimes I’ll complain to God about the devil aggravating me as I go along, but I will not give up because there will be a grand reunion and I don’t plan to miss it. Ah, I do love a road trip.

Are we there yet?

Janice

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In life, business, ministry and music our good habits can help us succeed. Every year at our Elijah School of Performance we teach musicians how to get into the habit of using communication skills to advance from bi-vocational singing to a full time schedule. We do this by giving them good habits to use onstage and off. By de-mystifying some of the elements of professional musicians and sharing “secrets” of developing good performing habits, we give talented people the skill and courage to use what they learn to advance in music.

Really bad habitual problems can hold a person back from advancing in any area of life and the opposite is true, great habits can increase your productivity and opportunity to continually grow, and fulfill your dreams.

Great music artistry doesn’t begin with buying soundtracks from a bookstore. It begins with recognizing that anything worth doing is worth doing better the next time. This is where the habit of rehearsal comes in.

Great skill at delivering a solid vocal performance takes the habit of using the instrument on a regular basis. You don’t learn the guitar by just playing it once a week in front of an audience. You learn by hours of private time doing chords and runs over and over again. The habit of being a great musician then starts to be chunked out in your memory. That is when you open up your chances of giving a great performance before an audience.

Habits may be developed in every area of life. Exercise, study, eating, and certainly spiritual things, too, are areas that we already have habits. Developing great habits is an individuals right. Analyze your habits and see if they are productive, and helpful or if they are keeping you from advancing in an area where you struggle.

Come to Elijah Conference learn to reprogram your mind and heart to excel with the gifts God has given you.

You will be charged spiritually and practically.

Allison Speer

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"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
(Ps. 37:1-4)



Some Christians have the primary spiritual gift of worry. Especially when it comes to money and politics. We don’t worry nearly as much about dying as about whether a decision of Congress will change Social Security.

The Psalmist David had a rough life. He lived in strange times with extraordinary people who did some brilliant and stupid things.[1] David reacted to circumstances in his life, sometimes with grace and beauty and sometimes with stupidity, but I can certainly relate. In spite of His struggles David penned one of the most important scriptures we have, Psalm 37.

I have noticed that the first words of Psalm 37 are “Fret not thyself,” which gives great indication that we have a choice. I must humbly admit that I am one of the best worriers in the universe. What is worse is that I believe every person on television is kind, good and honest. Really, worrying is exhausting.

In the next few months we will see a television full of people who passionately convey what horrific shape the earth will take if their candidate is not elected. We will be told of doom and destruction, trial and tragedy, poverty and apocalypse. God says through David, don’t let yourself worry. He goes on to tell us to expect God to hold the reins of sovereign lordship over each leader that does not do what is pleasing to God. We can trust that God will exact judgment on evil and his justice will always be a function of his person.

God then goes on to tell us what to do instead of fretting; do good! Scientists are finally declaring what scripture told us to be true millennia ago; keeping busy with good things reduces stress.

We must remember that our God will build fences around those who delight themselves in him. He will keep us in the hollow of his hand through desperate times and plentiful times. He will remember all evil done to His people and He will deal with it for eternity. He will transform our weeping into joy. He will usher us into an eternal retirement village. He will prevent illness and need from ever troubling us. He will cause us to enjoy all the gold of heaven without fear of corruption, thief or stresses that can come with wealth. He will give us the desires of our heart. What better assistance or promise could a person need.

My desire is simple. I pray for God to complete His good work in me and in you.

May you be too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night.

Allison Speer

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The doors didn't open until 6 o'clock, but by 4:30 there was already a long line waiting to grab their seats inside River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN. The excitement was so thick in the air you could feel it. The buses were parked, the performers had finished their sound-checks, the choir was practicing, and the final touches were being done in the Sanctuary.

6:00 came, the doors opened, and fans rushed in to get the best seats they could. Every last fan confirmed that the time spent in line was worth the wait. Once inside, the atmosphere became very relaxed with artists mingling with fans and performers. Susan Peck Jackson of Karen Peck and New River was heard saying, "It's like a big family reunion, we get to see friends we only see about once a year". Finally 6:00 comes and Deon Unthank, CEO of Absolutely Gospel Music, opened the celebration and introduced Karen Peck and the Mighty High Choir singing Karen's song from the movie Joyful Noise. The choir was made up of different artists as well as industry professionals and songwriters. It was an electrifying start to the evening.

Co-host Sonya Isaacs took the microphone, introduced her co-host Karen Peck, and the Awards were off and running. Separating the Award presentations was great music performed by the industry's leading artists. Not only was the music wonderful, but as you looked around the audience, you could see fans and artists alike with hands lifted high worshiping even though it was an Award program. The program was streamed live and watched by thousands of fans, and the reports that came in said the people watching via streaming were experiencing the same blessings in their homes. Chris Unthank, Editor of AbsolutelyGospel.com states, "This was the best Award celebration we have ever had.", and the commotion when the event was over indicated the people there totally agreed.

The list of winners was a who's who in Southern Gospel Music. The list of winners is as follows.

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What do you do when the values and commitments you've stood for lead to a fiery trial? Your refusal to compromise only seems to be rewarded with the daunting reality that a great price seems to always go along with doing right. The three Hebrew children found this to be the case when they firmly declined the chance to bow before an idol in obedience to King Nebuchadnezzar’s command.

When given the ultimatum, "bow or burn," Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego displayed three important traits that you and I can also embrace:

They were convinced and wouldn't compromise. Already knowing the outcome, they determined there was no point in compromising with the King. One only compromises when there is the possibility of a different result. They knew that God was in charge and had already secured their future. Such confidence allowed them to declare, "Our God will deliver us." Whether he chooses to deliver from the fire or through it, is always his call to make. The point is, deliverance is coming so what is the point in giving in to pressure now?

They remained positive during their predicament. Paul said in Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is good, honest, just and pure, think about these things," Difficult circumstances lend themselves to "stinking thinking." What a challenge it is to not give in to negative thoughts and speech. Proverbs 18:21 informs us that "the power of life and death is in our speech".

These young men remained positive by professing and confessing God's great ability to deliver them. They didn't request time to think about or even pray about their answer. They very positively remained strong in their faith.

Finally, they worshipped during the worst of times. How do I know they Worshipped? Because God showed up! David told us in Psalms 22:3 that "God dwells in the praises of His people." Can you do the same? It's your choice you know. Praise or pout. Worship or worry. Sing or sigh. We have the "choice to rejoice".

The king looked into the furnace and saw four men instead three and they were all walking around unharmed. He declared that the fourth man looked to be like the Son of God. He immediately called for their release and counted as only three came out of the flames.

I just wonder. Where did that fourth man go? Surely you know, don't you? Why, he's still there in the fire and he's there waiting to help you get out like he did the Hebrew children. Don't be afraid to face life's troubles and even those red hot, fiery furnaces of circumstance because the good news is, He's still in the fire."

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Not long ago we found ourselves in route from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California. Feeling just a little tired we decided to try and find a motel to spend the night. The only town we could find on that deserted stretch of interstate happened to be on the small town of Blythe, California just a stone’s throw over the state line. Knowing that we still had about four hours to travel to catch our flight in Los Angeles the next day, we knew that we would have to get an early start the next morning. It seemed that long days and short nights had been the norm on this particular trip, and after two weeks on the road , to say that I was anxious to get home would have been an understatement.

After a short night with little sleep I got myself up and moving with half a bagel and a couple of slugs of coffee. I pulled onto the interstate heading to the L.A. airport just as the sun was beginning to peak over the mountains. As the sun began climbing higher in the clear sky revealing barren rugged landscape, I began to feel more and more alone. As far as I could see in every direction there were vast amounts of nothingness, just flat brown desert with no signs of life anywhere. The more I drove, the lonelier I felt.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on where these feelings were coming from so I began to talk to the Lord about them as the guys slept. To my surprise, the more I poured out my heart to God, the lonelier I felt. The lonelier I felt the angrier I become until I was just doing nothing but complaining to the Lord… about everything! At that point life seemed out of balance, nothing seemed right, nothing felt right and the future looked pretty bleak with nothing on the horizon to look forward to except more travel which meant more time away from home. On and on I ranted asking, God why this and why that? I finished my “prayer” by asking, “So God, what are you going to do about all this?” At that exact moment, I heard his gentle voice, though not audible; resonate like thunder in my spirit saying “come up higher.” After all my ranting and raving His soft answer caught me off guard. He now had my full attention but I wasn’t sure how to respond. I asked, “Lord what do you mean exactly?” It was if I could see Him smiling as He said, “Just stay close to me and don’t focus on your circumstances. If you’ll do that, I’ll do the rest.”

A few hours later traffic jams and honking horns greeted us as we arrived on the outskirts of Los Angles and what I had just heard from The Lord was put on the back burner so to speak while I concentrated on driving with the other drivers around me who all seemed in a hurry and patients with at a premium. After what seemed like an eternity, I was relieved to have successfully navigated the maze of cars on the interstate and gotten us to long term parking at LAX in one piece. With our vehicle parked safely in the parking lot and myself and my luggage inside the terminal, it was now time to begin the ordeal of getting through security. After going through all the security checkpoints and getting “dressed” again for the second time that day, I got myself and my bags reorganized from that ordeal and I was finally on my way. I arrived at the designated gate and flopped my luggage on the ground and myself into a chair. Breathing a sigh of relief I knew that there was nothing left to do but grab some lunch with the guys and wait for our boarding call. After that I would then try and get some sleep before arriving in Dallas/Ft. Worth where we would make our connection and begin the final leg of our trip home to Nashville.

The flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth was uneventful. I tried to relax and read a bit as I normally do and then decided to catch a quick nap before landing. I was awakened by the captain making his routine announcement about having turned on the seatbelt sign and us beginning our final decent to the airport. However, he caught my attention when he told us that there were severe thunderstorms below us with rain and strong winds. He added that it’s going to be a bumpy ride getting down through the clouds from our altitude of 20,000 feet so he requested that everyone please stay buckled up and in their seat until we are safely parked at the gate.

Just then I happened to glance out my window and noticed that the sun was shining through my window. The white fluffy clouds beneath us looked like soft giant cotton balls that were being illuminated by the beautiful warm sunshine. I thought, wow you’d never know that there were storms in the area by looking outside. As I was admiring this beautiful scene, I saw what appeared to be another aircraft passing us at about the same altitude headed the opposite direction. All of a sudden it turned and as it did I saw its wings move! It was then that I realized that it was not an airplane it was a bird..a BIG bird and it was flying at 20,000 feet! As I watched this graceful creature, with its massive wings spread just riding the currents, I felt the Lord speak to my heart again repeating His invitation He had given to me earlier that day, “Come up higher.” As I watched and listened, it were as if He said, “You see that bird? It has no idea that there is thunder, lightning, high winds and rain on the ground below. All it knows is that there’s warm sunshine above and fluffy white clouds beneath and that the conditions are perfect to spread its wings and just ride the air currents that I have put beneath them. It had to work to reach this altitude but doesn’t have to work to stay up here; it just spreads its wings and soars. That’s my desire for you and all my children.” All I could say was “God, forgive me for all my complaining.” I was humbled and overwhelmed that the Creator of all things would take the time to show me something so simple, yet so profound, especially after being so unthankful and to be honest downright hateful. It was even more overwhelming when I reflected on all the times that I have spent flying over the past several years and never once have I seen birds from an airplane window flying at such high altitudes!

I meditated on what I had seen and heard the rest of the way home. It was then that I realized that when we put in the effort to answer God’s call to “Come up higher”, our horizons are broadened, our perspective is completely changed and we soar high above our circumstances. I was also reminded of Isaiah 40:31. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” What an awesome promise from a loving awesome God. As I write this I am reminded of a line in one of my favorite gospel songs which says “What’s a mountain to an eagle flying high from Heavens point of view.” As long as I live I’ll never forget the lesson He taught me at 20,000 feet that literally has changed my life! So now I am extending the same invitation and challenge to you, “Come up higher.”

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Oh The Best Is Yet To Come, Yes I Know. Jesus Said, I Believe It, and It's So. Why would we want to doubt these words? The best, they very, very best is yet to come. One of these days, our lord and savior Jesus Christ is going to come and carry us home to be with him forevermore. What a wonderful, great day that will be.

Over the last three months, me and Trish have toured throughout, FL, MS, TX and AL. During this time, it has truly amazed me at how fast paced our world has become. Can I tell you that a little 93 year old lady nearly ran over me in LA, as I was trying to come off the exit ramp? Lord, I through I was a bad driver. Of course, Trish had to chime in and remind me that I needed to slow down and give respect to our elders. But, I was already at the end of the ramp.

But, now this nothing compared to what she did out in TX. I had told her to turn and go up and make a U-Turn, then come back down the other side of the street. She argued that I didn't and turned left, going down the wrong side of the road. Our thirteen year old son exclaimed, I think I'm gonna meet Jesus today.

It is good to laugh and realize we are all human, when in reality, we need to really take a few seconds and see what is happening in our world. I said this because during this tour, we saw eight fatal wrecks. People were in such a hurry, hurry to get here, hurry to get ahead, just to get off the ramp and it cost them their life.

I feel so strongly in my spirit, that we need to take time to smell the beautiful flowers, feel the wind blowing, hear the birds singing, take a walk with the one you love, listen to the voice of God, pray as you never have before, for our country, our leadership and churches, and each other.

I would also like to say what a great concert we had with Ann Downing in Philadelphia, MS on April 7, 2012. Ann is such a wonderful lady, a tremendous singer, with such a sweet spirit. We had such a great time together.

Don't forget now, call your radio stations and request "My Foot Is On The Rock."

I pray you all will have a very blessed Mother's Day and remember from our home to yours, we love you all.

Ron

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I was reading the other night when I ran across a quote that I had to share.
"The only exercise some folks get these days is JUMPING to conclusions,
RUNNING down their friends, SIDESTEPPING responsibility and PUSHING
their luck." Wow.

Now, I have had this blog topic on my mind for awhile and I think NOW is the right time to share it.

Jumping To Conclusions -
This is one exercise that Bryan does quite often. Sadly, I can hear or see something and automatically I expect the worst. Now, jumping to
conclusions is sometimes based on our past experiences, however, I need to handle each situation as it happens. We need to get the facts
concerning the situation before we react. We also need to treat everyone with respect and equality.

James 2:2-4:
For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting [ a ] dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If
you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you
say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the
floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?


Running Down Our Friends -Now, this is an exercise that most of us do. One of my pet peeves is when someone who claims to be my friend, treats me great to my face and the moment I am not in their presence, I am "ran down the road". Truth? If you don't like me, don't pretend you do. I am old enough to know that not everyone will like me and TOO OLD for drama. I do my best to avoid people who are "drama queens or kings".

We sometimes talk about our friends who seem more successful than we are. We even disguise gossip with "camouflaged concern" by saying
"Oh I want you to pray for "Bill and Joan" they are having marital problems!" Why do we do that? Because we LOVE knowing things that NO ONE else knows. It makes us feel important. We all need to STOP this very dangerous exercise.

Leviticus 19:16:
“Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people.

Proverbs 16:28:
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;gossip separates the best of friends.

Sidestepping Responsibility -I believe that we are living in a day where we don't want to own up to
our mistakes. We want to pass the buck and blame others. (Read "The
Blame Game")
It's also about being an honorable person. Recently a group I know tried out a singer and after he was offered the job, he left saying "I need to pray about it." The group owner called him 3 days later and the singer wouldn't answer his phone. FINALLY after 5 days he answered saying "I think I'll just stay where I am." Why couldn't he had took the responsibility of calling them and telling them STRAIGHT UP, "It's not for me."?
Be a person of integrity and do the right thing even when it's hard.

Taking responsibility is the right thing to do when we mess up!
David confessed to God when he had done wrong.
1 Chronicles 21:8:
Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”

We also want to do as little as possible but make more money and be recognized.

Ephesians 6:6-7:
Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. 7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

We need to be Christ-like in every way and every day.

Pushing Their Luck -
There are many of us who reject discipline. God tries to speak, advising and guiding us not to make this bad decision or choose this
road. We think we are smart and "we can handle it", thus pushing our luck. God will get our attention somehow.

Hebrews 12:10-11
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while
it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful
harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

There are exercises that WE should do, to make us spiritually stronger.

Walking In His Word - Studying God's word and applying it in our life.
Knee-Bends - Praying and spending time LISTENING for His direction.
Arm-Extensions - Praising God for His goodness.
Reaching Out to others, showing Christ's compassion and forgiveness.

Now, let's all get out there and exercise!!!


Bryan

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This month I spoke with Susan Whisnant of the Whisnants. What a wonderful, dear Christian lady.

I am writing this article a little different than I normally do, instead of the here's what I asked here's what he/she said, I'm just going to write what Susan said. She had so much good to say, that I think it will work better in this format.

I started off by just telling Susan that I wanted to talk about their latest release, what's going on with the Whisnants now and what's coming up for them.

"Our latest release is a song called I'll Trust the Potter's Hand and it's been a long time, I guess the song, I'll Pray for You had this kind of response, so that's a good indication. I'll Trust the Potter's Hand was written by a good friend of ours, Sandy Blythe, she has written quite a few of our number one songs and she is a great, annointed young lady. This song, I'm telling you, it's where all of us live. Every time I hit the stage I'm singing to a lot of broken people and we singers are broken. When we think about the fact that the Lord loves us, He loves us, He always has, He always will. He will take us and mold us and make us into what it is He needs us to be and sometimes the pressure is so hard, that we feel like we're going to crumble, sometimes we feel like we can't take anymore and then if that's enough He puts us through the fire, but we can trust the potter's hand and He knows exactly what it's going to take to make us what He wants us to be and that's what this song talks about. I'm just so thankful that God is using it all across this country to minister to people and what a thrill it is to be able to sing it.

A rule of thumb for The Whisnants has always been and always will be, if it blesses us and helps us it's going to help someone else. I remember when Sandy sent us this song, we actually sat around the table in my kitchen, me, Jeff and Aaron and we listened to it and all of us just began to weep. Because, it's where we all live, we're all broken. I wish I could say I'm perfect. I wish I could say I never made a mistake but that would be a flat out lie. I have to come before the Lord all the time and say 'God I'm sorry, I didn't get that right. I didn't do what you needed me to do, the sin of omission.' I have to go before Him all the time and say 'I'm sorry, please forgive me, will you mold me and will you make me into what it is You need me to be.' So it blesses us therefore we can sing it and hopefully it just blesses everyone that hears it.

If we want to talk economy; I think everybody has felt the pressure, then when you're talking cancer and sickness and loss of loved ones. I talked to a man last night that has lost three; he lost his mom, then his dad and his aunt all in a six week period. I set and I talked to him and I could not say, 'I understand how you feel' , I cannot tell him that I identify because I cannot, all I can say is I'll pray for you and we know we can trust the Lord because He has a master plan and you know that second verse says He makes no mistakes and even though the pain sometimes is so unbearable for us, we know the Master makes no mistakes. We are singing to people that need to be reminded of that message every night that we hit the stage and it's a thrill to be able to sing it, just a joy.

I was doing my daily bible reading last week it's where John the Baptist, forerunner of Christ, he's the one that prepared the way. When they put him in prison they asked 'is he the Christ or should we look for another.' Even he doubted. If that don't tell you the strongest of the strong has to say 'God why?' sometimes, even Christ Himself said 'my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' It’s okay to say why, the hard part is for me, or anyone listening is to trust. Me, I want it clear-cut, I want to know point A to point B, I want to know how I'm gonna get there and I want to know how long it's going to take to get there and God's plans are not like that. That's where He says, 'you gotta trust me, I may make it a lot harder and a lot hotter and the pressure might be a lot tougher than you ever dreamed, but if you'll trust Me, it will be the perfect plan with no mistakes.' So there you are, it's just a great song and I'm so glad that God is using it and wow, just to be a vessel that God will is a blessing."

On her favorite Bible verse, "I can't quote it verbatim, but in Hebrews, I've got two, but in Hebrews where it says we can come boldly before the throne of grace, in our time of need and there we can obtain mercy. I love that verse, Hebrews three I think or chapter nine, I'm not sure; but that is one of my favorites because so many times when we know that God has laid something on our hearts and we pray so sheepishly when God said to come boldly, we can come boldly before His throne. Then Psalms 28:7 where it says 'The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusteth in Him and I am helped and with my song I will praise Him.' I have clung to that and then if you want a whole chapter it would be Psalms 51, 'create in me a clean heart O Lord.' cause that's where we are, we're broken and I read that and think about that about every night just about, before I hit the stage and just want the Lord to make me new so He can use me."

What's next for The Whisnants, "Oh my goodness. Well we're down here at Singing in the Sun Myrtle Beach which is one of the greatest gospel music events that ever takes place, so I am worn out. The Whisnants, my boys, for some that don't know Austin and Ethan are always, they learned to walk on the bus, they're always with us. We homeschool them. They just completed their second project and this is really the first major cause we did original songs. It just came yesterday and I am so tickled at what God's gonna do through that. So that's exciting for us. We just got through working on this project that's got The Potter's Hand on it and He's Living Today. Just great things, Gerald Wolfe is going to be produce a Hymns project with us, we're looking at maybe doing that in June, that's exciting, we talked about that last night. I'm hoping to do another solo project, that always excites me. I haven't done one in three years and I've had so many requests to do it so I'm going to do that hopefully in the next, I don't know, maybe the next three months, I'd like to start on that. Lots going on, it's just an exciting time, You know as well as I do we're in the last days I believe it. I believe the Lord's gonna come back soon. Just to be living in this time is exciting, nothing to ever take for granted." Let em interject here, as Susan was talking, she began to cry. "I've prayed please God don't ever let me stand on that stage for me, but let me stand on that stage as a representative of You, because I realize how important it is to get the message out there. We had, I think there was twelve people last night that gave their heart to the Lord and it's just important, it's nothing to take lightly that God allows us to sing the message and to see lost come to know Him and the saved be encouraged in their walk. It's just an exciting time and I'm enjoying every minute of it."

I truly enjoyed talking with Susan Whisnant, so down to earth, so sincere in her love for the Lord and in His service. I enjoyed it so much I just may take her up on her offer "you've got my cell number just call me, it's always a joy to be able to share and tell what God is doing and what He's done and what He's going to do!"

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Lily Isaacs recorded her testimony in a live concert setting. This touching memorial to her life and family is now available to you, the readers of AbsolutelyGospel.com. Lily has graciously let the site share her story with you. Please take the time to listen and let her know how her story may have touched your life! Just click play to hear the audio of Lily's testimony!

Lily Isaacs Life Story from Chris Unthank on Vimeo.

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This month we are finishing up a CD with eleven brand new songs, songs written by some of Gospel Music's most well know writters such as Diane Wilkenson, Greald Crabb, Glen Bates, Daryl Williams, Marty Funderburke and our own Brandon Barry to mention a few..

This new recording scheduled to be released mid summer will be the first quartet CD endever on the "Activate" lable, produced by Tre' Corley and Rick Sandage. We will keep you informed on the exact release date.

We have officially launched a new feature on our freshly revamped website entitled " LeFevre TV" that has quickly become a fan favorite. Viewers can log in to our website and find out what's happening with the group each week, where we are, who we meet, and you never know what your gonna see when Harold and Brandon jump in to the mix, they make it very interesting.

I also wanted to throw this in, Mark 4:39 Jesus spoke the words "Peace be Still". I love that because it can be applied to so many aspects of our life, weather your having a tough day or in a tough situation. Now, that being said, I love to see God at work, it may not happen exactly when we want it or when we expect it, but, if we seek his will and pray without ceasing, Gods will becomes evident. So no matter what your going through, allow God to speak PEACE in your life...


Mike LeFevre

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1st Samuel 10:20-22
20 When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen.21 Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri’s clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. 22 So they inquired further of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?”And the LORD said, “Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”

Samuel had already anointed Saul to be King. It was already a done deal. God had chosen him. So Samuel summons all the tribes of Israel together to present Saul as king.

The tribes had to journey to get there, and brought baggage with them, as did Saul.

And when it comes time to present Saul, no one can find him. They call his name, but he is absent from the ceremony. He is hiding in the baggage because of fear of what is before him.

Too many times we will tend to hide in our own baggage that we bring into life’s situations. We will try to tell ourselves that we cannot be what God wants us to be, or has even called us to be, because of our baggage.

The baggage we have can stop us from fulfilling God’s plan for our lives if we choose to hide in it. God may be calling you now, to present you before those who He has called you to be a witness to, but where are you? Are you answering the call? Or are you hiding among the baggage?

The baggage will tell you that you are not worthy of the call. The baggage is how the world will identify you, if that’s how you identify yourself. That’s what happened to Saul. When he finally came out from among the baggage, and was presented as King, there were some who accepted him. But there were many who rejected him, because of how common he was. He came out of the same baggage they had carried there. Why should he be considered King? Why should we listen to him? Hiding in the baggage proved to make Saul’s job of being accepted as King of Israel more difficult.

As a songwriter, you may be hiding among the baggage of your life today. You may have convinced yourself that the baggage you have from life certainly disqualifies you from imparting spiritual insight to anyone through song. But I want to encourage you today. Come out from hiding among the baggage. God will use the very struggles and failures of your life to minister healing, hope, encouragement and victory to others.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE.

Your past might be filled with failures, disappointments and sins that you pray no one ever finds out about. That’s alright, if it has all been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. What God has forgiven in your life is between you and God. But God doesn’t ever redeem anyone and then expect them to keep silent and do nothing for the Kingdom. He expects us to go to work and use the talents and abilities that He equips us with, to do a work for Him. Don’t ever think you are going to get away with hiding among the baggage. If God is calling you to write, then come out and write. Sing those songs. Pitch those songs to other singers. Allow God to use you for the purpose He has in mind.

Until next time, keep on writing!