Tamela Mann-Featured Artist of the Week

Tamela Mann, what more needs to be said?

I absolutely love Mrs. Tamela Mann….I have to say that I have enjoyed her music for a very long time. I remember being introduced to her voice during my days in the military when she was a part of Kirk Franklin and the Family.

Her sound is one like no other. I don’t know too many other singers that can match her vocal ability and sound and most importantly, the anointing that she carries when she sings.

Her new album, “Best Days” is absolutely phenomenal. I’m sure that we have all heard the anointed single, “Take Me To the King.” And I have to say that no matter how many times I hear this song, it always takes me straight to the king. As I have said before, I look for music that will usher me into the presence of God. Tamela Mann’s album “Best Days” does just that!

If you have not taken the the time to listen to Tamela’s album, I would advise that you make time in your schedule to do so! There is nothing like being in the presence of a loving God and great praise and worship does it for me each and every time.

I have included some videos from the “Best Days” album, and I pray that you are blessed on today!

Please leave your comments, feedback and suggestions. Who are your favorite Christian artists? Who would you like to see featured here on Tuesdays?

What Would Jesus Do?

Happy Friday to all!

This is Week #2 in the series on What Would Jesus Do? If you missed it on last week, take some time and read the great articles that were listed. This is the time that we come together as a nation and review some of the things that are happening across our nation.

This review is not intended to be just that in and of itself. It is intended to inform and spark corporate prayer within the body of Christ. Our nation needs prayer and that’s the only way that true change will come! I pray that you are blessed on this week!

Saving Christmas

(Photo Credit: Courtesy PurePublicity)

The first article that I will share on this week is about a movie that will be coming out this November. Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas is a movie that is intended to put Christ back into Christmas. I pray that this movie accomplishes just that because as Kirk Cameron stated in the article, we have definitely become disconnected to the real meaning of Christmas. Many of our children are only excited about Christmas because of the gifts they are looking forward to receiving. They have no reverence for the significance of the day in and of itself. I am praying for Kirk Cameron and that this movie is a great success. Join me in sending up pray for Christian actors and actresses all over the world that God would continue to anoint them to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church

(Photo Credit: PASTORMARK.TV)

I am sure that most of you have heard the news concerning Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church. If you have not heard Mark Driscoll is being accused of ‘spiritual abuse’ concerning the members of the church. Anytime I hear news of this nature within the body of Christ, my heart is saddened and prayers are instantly sent up for all of those affected. God never intended for His sheep to be hurt, abused or misused. God is love and He is the essence of love itself. Anything that strays from love is not God: point blank.

As I read the news concerning Mark Driscoll, I am compelled to pray for people all over the world who have been impacted by any type of spiritual abuse. I pray that God heal and restore you and that you understand that people are imperfect. The God that we serve is perfect in all of His ways and He would never hurt you. I pray total deliverance and restoration for you and your family, in Jesus Name!

If you are reading this, please join me in praying for all of those who have been impacted by this tragedy and that this experience does not cause them to walk away from God but causes them to draw closer to a loving God.

Mississippi School District Threatened to be Sued by Atheists

(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

This is the second week that I have posted an article concerning prayer within our school districts. As I stated last week, anytime I read something concerning eliminating God out of our school systems, I am saddened. I am saddened because I have children still in school, and I understand the ramifications of kicking God out of the schools.

We have seen the danger escalating within our schools year after year and we wonder why. Our schools are no longer the safe haven they used to be and we should know exactly why that is the case by now.

This story highlights an incident that took place within a Mississippi school district that was obviously threatened by a group of atheists for having prayer at a mandatory convocation for faculty. The atheist group threatened to sue the school district if they did not comply and stop all religious activity within the school. The school has agreed to comply and will no longer hold prayer or conduct any other type of religious activity.

Prayer is in order! Please join me again on this week in praying for our school systems. As I children go back to school on this year, I pray that God keep them covered and that His angels are encamped around them each and everyday.

I pray that you have been blessed on this week and that you will continue to pray for our nation because that is what Jesus would do!

Blessings and Divine Favor

Please feel free to leave any comments, feedback or suggestions!

God With You At Work

Happy Thursday!

This is Week #2 in my series on Inspirational Books that are blessing and transforming my life. Last week, I introduced the book “God With You At Work” by Andy Mason (read it here.)

We will continue with this book on this week since I am still in the process of reading it. I want to share one awesome revelation that I received from the book while reading this week that has blessed my life.

Andy Mason talks about the difference between two cultures: orphan culture and culture of sonship. In a nutshell, those that live within an orphan culture operate from a defensive position because they are always afraid that someone will cause them to lose their PORTION or POSITION.

On the other hand, children of God should always operate from a culture of sonship because we understand that in order to access the inheritance that God has for us, we must operate from a culture of love. This culture values connection and values people more for who they are than what they can do.

I was so blessed by Andy Mason’s discussion on the orphan culture and the culture of sonship. He goes on to talk about the orphan cycle and the cycle of sonship. The orphan cycle is one of limitation because it is always trying to protect and is afraid to build and promote others. It is a cycle that values disconnection and the only ones who succeed within this cycle are those who “earn” their way.

In the cycle of sonship, the value is placed on connection and establishing inheritance and legacy so that the next generation has a platform on which to build. This cycle emphasizes grace and favor. Those who operate in this cycle desire to see the next generation go further and accomplish more because of their success.

I truly believe that anyone seeking to grow in both their personal and professional life should read this great book. If you have not gotten your copy, do so today and please leave your comments and feedback on how this book is blessing your life.

Blessings and Divine Favor!

Tasha Cobbs- Featured Artist of the Week

This is the first post in the Featured Artist of the Week that I will be posting every Tuesday. It is my desire to inspire through the art form of music. I absolutely love Christian music, and it has personally brought me through many trying times in my life.

It is my hope that you will be blessed by the music featured here every week. Please feel free to leave your comments, feedback and suggestions of how to make this even better.

Tasha Cobbs is a praise and worshipper at heart. I am sure that this is why I am just blown away with her ministry. When she opens her mouth, the anointing of God ushers into the room.

Tasha Cobbs album “Grace” is filled with songs that uplift, inspire and encourage. Some of my all time favorites on the album are “For Your Glory” ,”Happy” and “Break Every Chain.” These are all songs that we have adopted in our praise and worship ministry at my personal church home. The power of God moves each and every time we sing these songs.

If you are an avid listener of gospel music then I am sure that you have experienced these anointed songs. I say “experienced” because listening to Tasha Cobbs is indeed an experience.

I have included a few of her videos in this post so that you can take a moment and enter into the presence of God. In His presence, there is fullness of joy! I pray that you are blessed by the praise and worship ministry of Tasha Cobbs!

All Things Work Together For Good

All things work together for my good

The love of God saved me when no one else could.

How do you continue to love me, a wretch undone?

Before I ever accepted you, you gave me your one and only Son.

To cleanse me of my past, present and future sin

These things I don’t even remember, O God where do I begin?

How could I ever repay you for all that you’ve done?

All of my battles you fight and the victory you’ve already won.

I don’t even deserve the favor you’ve bestowed on my life

You keep me free from danger and you shield me from all the strife.

Everything that I have Lord, I owe it all to you

I offer you my praise and my worship; it’s the least that I can do.

You said if I love you and to your purpose I am called

You would cause everything to work for me even those times that I fall.

You will even take those times that I strayed far away

You will cause my darkest hours to be transformed into the brightest of days.

Sometimes I don’t understand your unconditional love for me

The sacrifice that you made just so that I could be free.

With hands uplifted I thank you for all the ways you’ve made

Every door you’ve opened and the price that you paid.

What God has done for me, He will surely do for you

All things work together for good, and this I know to be true!

What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)

This is the first post of “What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)”, which will be presented here each Friday. It is my hope that by keeping you informed of what’s going around the world, it will spark a greater awareness of the need for corporate prayer. There are so many things that happen across our world each week that it is sometimes easier to just disconnect from it all. However, we as Christians, have an obligation to pray for those around us because this is what Jesus would do!

I believe that as the body of Christ, it is our responsibility to pray without ceasing.

There are so many people in need of our prayers each and every day, and it is my hope that these posts will develop a community of believers, intercessors and prayer warriors around the globe.

Some of the news may be controversial, but I want everyone to remember that the whole purpose of my sharing it is to elicit prayer. This is not intended to be a forum to judge but a place where those of us who believe that God is able to do anything but fail will join together and bring about change through prayer.

So here we go:

Student ‘Suspended’ for Saying ‘Bless You’ in Class; Assistant Principal Claims It’s Not ‘Religious Issue’

Let’s just say that my jaw dropped when I read the headline for this news article. In a nutshell, a 17-year old girl was suspended from a school in Tennessee after telling a classmate “bless you.” The 17-year old stated that her classmate sneezed and out of courtesy, she said “bless you.”

The school has stated that each teacher has a right to have rules in their classroom and one of the rules within this particular classroom is that students are not allowed to use the words “bless you.” The student has been suspended and says she just wants for God to be able to be talked about in school. She wants for the teacher and the school to know that God is in control and they are not.

I must say that I am in total agreement with the child. I will take this time to say that many of the problems that we have within our school system today are because God has been taken out of schools. Yes, that may be a very controversial statement, but it is one that I stand by very firmly. If anyone tries to build anything without God, it will ultimately fail!

Let’s send up prayers for this student and her family as they deal with this issue. Also, let’s pray for children all over the nation who are returning to school. Schools are not the safe havens they once were and we need to pray constantly. Let’s pray for educators and administrators within the school system; that they make Godly choices and decisions. Most of all, let’s pray for the entire school system. We need God back in our schools!

Ferguson Pastor: We Need to See Our Community as a Trauma Patient

I am quite sure that by now everyone has heard of the Micheal Brown case in Ferguson, Missouri. This little town of about 20,000 people has been in the limelight everyday now since the unarmed African American teenage young man was murdered on Saturday August 9th.

Tensions have been very high between police officers and citizens within the community and surrounding areas. In situations such as these, it is a must that the body of Christ pray continually for the peace and love of God to prevail. There is nothing good that can come out of continued violence and confusion but more violence and confusion. God is the author of peace and not of confusion. I am asking that we, as the body of Christ, intercede for the family of Micheal Brown, the police officers and their families and the city as a whole. There is much healing that has to take place even after Ferguson, Missouri is no longer headline news.

‘Jimmy’s in Heaven,’ James Foley’s Parents Say at Press Conference for Slain Reporter

If you have not heard the name James Foley on this week, I wanted to bring attention to the tragedy that took place in the middle East on this week. We all have been bombarded with news of the conflict that has been raging in this region. Unfortunately, on this week, James Foley (an American journalist) lost his life at the hands of ISIS terrorists. James Foley was beheaded by terrorists, and they have sent warnings saying that the killing will continue if their demands are not met.

We are praying for our country, our president and the family members of James Foley. No one should have to experience the type of tragedy that occurred on this week. Please take time out of your day to speak to God on behalf of James Foley’s family and each and every individual that is involved in this horrible situation.

Donnie McClurkin’s Camdon Music Record Label Provides Artists With New Platform

I had to share this piece of news because Donnie McClurkin is one of my all-time favorite gospel artists. I love his style, and I just love his ability to usher me into the presence of God.

Well, this was news to me! Donnie McClurkin has started his own music record label in order to launch new gospel artists in the industry. He says that he wants to offer new artists something that he did not have when he first began his career. That something was a place that would build him, empower him and help him to hone his craft. This is what Donnie McClurkin intends to do with his new label.

He has already signed two individuals to the label, Andrea McClurkin-Mellini (his sister) and Nancy Jackson Johnson. I, myself, have not heard their work but it is something I will be looking into in the very near future. I am sure that they will eventually be featured on my Featured Artist of the Week post that will be starting on next Tuesday (plug….lol)!

So, let’s pray for Donnie McClurkin in his new venture and all of the budding gospel artists that are launching their new careers. I absolutely love gospel music and I know that it has the power to heal, deliver and set free. I pray that God continue to anoint his vessels of music!

Black Jesus’ and the Measure of One’s Insanity

Let me first make it very clear that I have never personally seen the television series entitled “Black Jesus.” However, after reading a synopsis of what the show is supposed to be about, I am pretty sure that I have no desire to see it.

I am really disgusted by the idea of someone portraying Jesus as a man who drinks beer and curses. I really don’t see how that could be funny any way you choose to look at it.

In my opinion, television has taken many things too far and the portrayal of who Jesus Christ is and was is one of those things. I believe that as Christians we have to be very careful of the type of things that we advocate and support.

I really liked this particular article because it drove home how instead of living up to the standard of Jesus Christ and what He represents, we would rather try to downgrade His image. I am sure that this has been happening since Jesus Christ walked the face of the earth and will continue to happen until He cracks the sky.

With all of that being said, let’s pray for the entertainment industry. I constantly think about how my children and other children can potentially be affected by television shows like
“Black Jesus.” What type of message does it send them about Jesus? What does it say to them about the type of lifestyle that is acceptable in the eyesight of our Lord and Savior?

I would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, comments, etc. concerning the news presented here on this week. Please also offer suggestions of how I can make this even better for you each week.

Blessings!

Is God With You at Work?

So, another thing that I love to do is read…when I get the time, that is! I don’t read nearly as much as I used to years ago. However, I know that any good writer is also an avid reader. So, it is my hopes that I can inspire you as I am inspired by the things that I read.

In looking for a good book to read next, I stumbled upon Sandi Krakowski’s Top Book Reading List for a Powerful Life and Business.

I have to say that since I have gotten serious about blogging and writing, I have been following Sandi Krawkowski and she is absolutely amazing. First and foremost, she is a woman of God with a beautiful spirit. Secondly, she has a wealth of knowledge that she shares openly and freely and that is something you don’t find a lot of in this day and time.

With that being said, I chose one of the books off of her list to start with. The book is entitled, God With You At Work by Andy Mason.

I just started reading the book on last week, and I have really been encouraged. The one thing that I love about the book already is that the author, Andy Mason, stresses the importance of relationship with God. Everything in our lives, including our success in our personal and professional lives, stems from the breadth and depth of our relationship with our Father.

The author does a great job of utilizing personal testimonies to drive home the faithfulness of God. There is nothing that we cannot achieve in our lives if we can first believe God. God is ready, willing and able to open doors in our lives that no man can close if we are able to tap into the revelation of who God truly is and who we are in Him.

If you are a writer, you know how important it is to maintain a constant flow of inspiration so that you have what you need to inspire others. I am glad to say that this book is doing just that for me. It is really doing a great job of imparting inspiration, encouragement and revelation and that is what I look for in anything that I listen to or read.

I will be posting updates on this book every Thursday until I complete the book and then I will be moving on to another book in Sandi’s list until I have completed them all. I encourage you to join me on this journey to creating a better life and business.

Please feel free to leave your comments, suggestions and feedback. If you have read the book, I would love to hear how the book has touched your life. If you are in the process of reading the book, please join the discussion.

Blessings!

Do You Mind Waiting on God?

Have you ever heard the saying, “Patience is a virtue?”

I would agree. I believe patience is next to godliness. I’m sure you wonder why I say that.

First, let me admit that I have a BIG problem with patience. In all honesty, I am not patient at all. I am almost led to believe that it is the thorn in my side that I keep asking God to remove, but it seems to remain!

With that being said, I don’t know a Christian that has not battled with impatience at some point in their lives. I just believe that by nature, people have a measure of impatience. The culture of our society does not make things any better. We live in a microwave, “I want it know”-type society. We want everything fast, and we want it served exactly the way we like it. Everytime!

Now this is where we run into problems with God…

God is not a “have it your way” type of God. In the book of Isaiah 55:8-9, God informs us that:

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
⁹For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

It looks to me as if God already knew from the beginning of time that man would have some problems. Not only would we have problems, but we would experience major difficulties in conforming to the ways of God.

Wrapping our mind around the way that God thinks is a monumental task in and of itself. God told us in Philippians 2:5:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Say what? And what does having the same attitude as Christ had mean for us as believers? If you go on to read the rest of Philippians 2 you gain an understanding that having the attitude of Christ refers to “obedience.” Another much dreaded word.

All in all, having patience reflects an attitude of giving over to the divine will and plan of God for your life. It means recognizing and acknowledging that God knows whats best for you. You may feel as if certain things will never happen or that you are behind schedule concerning some areas of your life. But guess what? God already knew where you would be at this point in your life and He has already made provision for you! Now, that’s good news!

Listen to what the word of God says concerning God’s view of time in 2 Peter 3:8-9

⁸But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. ⁹The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Did you just read what I read? Yet another twist in this mystery! According to this passage of scripture, God’s delay has absolutely nothing to do with Him. It has everything to do with US! When you have a revelation of this scripture, you experience God’s love for His people.

Now this changes everything. It changes our entire attitude about having to wait on God. In actuality, we are not waiting on God, He is waiting on US! Isn’t that something?

God wants to give us time to get things together in our lives so that we can enjoy the fruit of our blessings. If God were to give us certain things now, the truth of the matter is that we may end up losing them just as quick as He released them into our lives.

I don’t know about you, but I want fruit that remains in my life. I don’t want a TEMPORARY blessing! I want all that God has for me and I want to be able to enjoy it for all ETERNITY.

The God that we serve is an eternal God and the way that He views things is from an eternal perspective. If God has you in a “holding” position, I encourage you to seek God. Seek Him for the “why” behind your current situation. Why has God not released what you have been asking Him for? Could it be that He is waiting on you?

Please leave your comments and your feedback. Have you ever had to “wait” on God? What did you do while in your “holding” position?

When You Are Dealing With Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is a huge thorn in the side of many Christians and non-Christians alike. This is a stronghold that must be addressed because of the serious ramifications of allowing it to go unchecked.

Unforgiveness affects every area of our lives: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

A case in point that helps drive home the dangers of unforgiveness is the story of Cain and Abel. I can’t help but think about the fact that Cain could never have imagined that his refusal to put his emotions in check would lead him to murder his own brother.

Cain’s story demonstrates the dangers of unforgiveness. Cain became angry with God first and foremost because things did not work out for him the way he intended.

Because Cain refused to correct the breach between God and himself, his anger and unforgiveness began to fester and manifest into hatred and eventually murder.

My whole goal in recapping that story is to demonstrate how unforgiveness grows and continually manifests itself. It is our responsibility to put unforgiveness in check. If we don’t, we can take heed to the word that God spoke to Cain:

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Unforgiveness and anger open the door for the enemy to come in and wreak havoc in our lives.

In the book of Matthew 18:23-35, the Word of God teaches us that when we refuse to forgive, we are turned over to torturers (demons).

We are tortured in our minds, in our hearts and in our spirit. God did not make us to hold unforgiveness. When we do, it places extreme stress on our minds and bodies.

Unforgiveness will many times manifest itself as physical illness in the lives of many people.

Forgiving others ensures that we remain physically and spiritually healthy.

Unforgiveness also causes a breach between God and His children. We cannot receive anything from God when we walk in unforgiveness because it damages our faith. When we refuse to forgive others, we lose confidence in our relationship with God and we can’t approach Him in faith.

The word of God tells us in Mark 11:22-26 that if we expect for our faith to work, we cannot come to God holding things in our heart against others. God also tells us that we cannot expect to be forgiven if we can’t forgive others.

One thing that has helped me when I feel like I have been wronged by others is remembering all the times that God has forgiven me. When I think about how God forgives me over and over again and continues to extend mercy unto me, it brings everything into perspective.

If I want to continue to receive God’s mercy, I must give mercy to others.

I will be the first to admit that forgiving others is not always the easiest thing to do. However, it is a must in the life of a believer.

If you are holding unforgiveness, the first thing you must do is make up in your mind that you will forgive.

The word of God tells us in Romans 12:19 that vengeance belongs to the Lord and it is His job to repay those that hurt us in life.

We have to release our hurts to God and allow Him to do His job. He is going to be just and fair in the way He deals with those who have hurt us.

The second thing you must do is lean on God for your strength. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our infirmities (Romans 8:26-27). It may be hard for you to formulate the words to ask God to help you.

All you have to do is just give over to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to take the lead. Lastly, whatever God instructs you to do, be sure to obey God. Don’t fight against the counsel of God.

God knows best and His ways are not always our ways (Isaiah 55:8)

Follow His way because His goal is to bring healing to all parties involved in the situation. Trust God and let go!

Prayer for Healing From Unforgiveness

“Father God in the name of Jesus… touch my brother/sister on today. They are struggling with unforgiveness and they are seeking you for their healing. God, you are a healer and you have promised us that if we ask anything in faith, you will grant it to us. I pray that healing be their portion on today and that wherever hurt resides, you will replace it with your peace and your joy. Lord, help my brother/sister let go on today and trust you. I declare that the stronghold of unforgiveness is broken as they give over to your divine will. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen!”

Please leave your comments and feedback below. If you have additional insight on the topic of unforgiveness, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Blessings!

A Cry For Our Children

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A Cry For Our Children

~Inspired by the tragic death of Micheal Brown

~Dedicated to every young person whose life was tragically cut short by violence and every parent who has lost a child to violence