Southern Gospel Magazine April 2016

Ron Crane is Singer and Founder of Chosen Edition.

Ron calls himself the “old Man” in the group.

He was born in NC and has been singing gospel music for 60 years. That goes back to tent revivals, sawdust floors and old fashion singings. Ron loves fishing and all outdoor sports.

Ron Is married to Karen and they have two sons and a grandson. God is the purpose in my life in all that I do.

Ron works at WTQU on Sundays mornings with southern gospel music starting at 7am...they love to send their music out to shutins. Every Sunday morning he plays one song for “Dottie” their little girl pictured here..

Jim Lowe Jr. sings baritone for Chosen Editions He was born in Asheville, NC on July 26, 1955.

He has sang and played Southern Gospel music for 47 years. He started singing with his family group, “The Jim Lowe Singers” at the age of 13.

He is a licensed music minister and has served as Minister Of Music in 4 different churches in the last 18 years. He has been with several singing groups during his time of ministry either singing or playing. Chosen Edition he joined in November 2012. He plays several instruments which include piano, organ, drums, guitar, bass and other instruments. Jim has written several songs and made a number of recordings over the years.

Barry Britt is the bass singer

for Chosen Edition.

Barry was born and raised in Brevard, NC Born into Southern Gospel music, He sang with his family “The Britts “ and did extensive traveling for 15 years. He then had a brief career with Exalted Ministries and have sang with several local groups through the years. He presently lives in Arden, NC and resides with his wife, Angie.

Jeff Davidson

is the tenor singer for Chosen

Edition.

Jeff was born in Michigan but now resides in North Carolina. He formed and owned New Destiny Quartet and Highest Honor. (Highest Honor is in retirement at this time.) He formerly sang tenor and played keyboard for Blackwood Legacy for over 4 years. He has penned over 90 songs and several have been in Nations Top 20. Jeff also plays several instruments, piano, organ, guitar, bass and more.

Jeff was honored to sing for celebrities Aretha Franklin, Mayor Ham McZee of Saginaw , MI and others.

And, has competed on NBC The Voice. And won the Kentucky Opry Senior Division 2014.

Chosen Edition was formed about five years ago and is owned by Ron Crane. The group has traveled pretty extensively during that time all over the south. The one thing that can be said about this group is that they love to sing and sing for the Lord.

They love what they do….and it shows. As you read comments from people on their posts on Facebook, people can’t wait to hear them again. and again. Chosen Edition is a group of guys that have fun whether they are practicing, recording or just getting together to share a meal with all their families. It is a tight-knit group and they are like family. This can rarely be said about a group...but it can about Chosen Edition...they all hold day jobs but can hardly wait until time to pack up, travel and sing.

Chosen Edition is a very talented group, all have extensive backgrounds in southern gospel music and all four it can be safely said have been singing it almost since they were born! Jeff Davidson and Jim Lowe write original material and are presently in the studio recording some of their songs. Jeff has written a number of nationally charting songs. Jim has written a number of songs and they have just recorded his newest which is a Patriotic Song ..”Let’s Be America Again”. They will be debuting it live at the Tarheel Tea Party, LLC at the Crown Plaza in Asheville, NC on April 9, 2016 .

Chosen Edition works hard and plays hard too. As evident this photo!

When you book Chosen Edition at your event, church service you can expect a great time...but most importantly a spiritual time. As Ron stated, “Everything I do and the group does is to glorify the Lord” There are many artists out there that are all about entertainment but when it comes to Chosen Edition, we are all about winning lost souls for Jesus and having church!

Chosen Edition is available to do any kind of event….Church Service, Gospel Singings, Revivals, Camp Meetings, Fairs, Political Events and any other events you may have. They are available for Patriotic Services….but you will want to call soon and schedule them for your event or service. Call Barry Britt at 828-777-0999.

You will be glad that you had them at your church….everyone that has attended one of their concerts or services has been blessed and blessed beyond measure.

Andrew Baker: WOW! what can I say about Chosen Edition Quartet except wow. This is the first time I

heard them. Their song “First Class� grabbed me from the beginning with the rich bass of Barry Britt and throughout the entire song with the rest of the group.

This group has a brand new fan in me. I love the sound, the words of the music and the rich tones of their voices. They blend together very well and the music they sing for God will uplift your Spirit and bring the joy of God into your life. Amazing group, delightful to listen to, and they bring the message of God in each song...

Jim Reynolds of Jordans Shore: Totally Awesome. Man Y’all are good!

" Kelly Coberly: My very first time hearing Chosen Edition, and I love them. Their style reminds me of the music from back in the day. Southern Gospel with an Oldies twist"

Claudia Austin: The man setting down is my Husband's nephew..This group is Awesome!! and spiritual!! If you get the chance go hear theses men of God..Invite them to your Church for a singing..You wont’t regret it,I promise!!

Jessica Anderson Rathbone : They are an amazing group. We love them at Gospel Tabernacle church !

Not Here in the United States

Each time I get ready to write an article I seek God's guidance in what I should write.

Sometimes the subject that comes is just to hard to write about. Especially when it deals with children. This time however I have to follow God and write one of the hardest articles I think I have ever written. It angers me to think such things happen right here in the United States. The subject I want to talk to you about today is child sex exploitation and human trafficking. I've talked to you before about child abuse in our society. Today I want to talk to you about another form of child abuse. It's a form of child abuse that society is realizing has become more rampant today. That abuse is human trafficking. This abuse occurs for the purpose of sexual exploitation, labor and other illegal purposes.

Human trafficking is the illegal and immoral buying and selling of human beings. Unfortunately this is one of the most flourishing and profitable criminal industries in the world. It is a $9.5 billion-a-year industry and is on the rise in all 50 states.

Human trafficking is not just an issue that happens in other countries. Right here in the United States we are considered on

of the top destination points for victims of child trafficking and exploitation. All 50 states have reported human trafficking. Human trafficking knows no boundaries. It happens regardless of race, class, education, gender, age or citizenship.

Woman and children are usually the ones who are targeted and most of the time the trafficker is someone the victim is familiar with. He's maybe a family friend, neighbor or relative. It can also be a total stranger.

Here in our very country people are being brought, sold and smuggled just like modern -day slaves. They are often beaten and starved. Human trafficking has been identified as a heinous crime with exploits the most vulnerable in our society.

For too long our attitude toward child trafficking has been it's “terrible� but it doesn't happen here. It happens somewhere else. But this is a problem that exists right here in our own front yard. It happens right here on our own streets.

Trafficking is not just an issue that happens to people in other countries. The United States is a source and transit country, and is also considered one of the top destination points for victims of child trafficking and exploitation. Anyone can be trafficked regardless of race, class, education, gender, age, or citizenship when forcefully coerced or enticed by false promises.

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When we think of sex-trafficking we immediately think of women and children overseas being forced into the sex trade or who have been brought into the United States for the sole purpose of sexual exploitation. We don't think it could happen right here at home. Americans being trafficked by Americans. I want you to take a moment and think about young women and even girls you may have seen late at night standing on the streets. Maybe you've noticed them in short dresses and spike heels. You turn your head and look away or maybe you're quick to judge them. We think that's what they want to do or that's the way they chose to make a living. Have you ever stopped to think as you look into the faces of those young women you are looking into the face of young girls who are forced to be out on the street. Maybe it's a lot easier to believe that it's a choice they have made on their own instead of facing the harsh reality of child sexual abuse, physical and mental abuse.

To understand sex-trafficking in the United States we have to open our mind and forget about what we've seen and heard on television. We need to let go of the way the media portrays the “joys” of prostitution. We need to open our eyes to the violence and control the sex traffickers have over their victims. Victims who are mostly girls and young women.

Did you know that one in three human trafficking victims is a child and most victims are female. Remember the number “13” when you see some of these young women on the street. That's the average age that children are being recruited into sextrafficking.

We each have a responsibility to help stop this horrific crime. In 2014 the Federal Bureau of Investigation rescued 168 children from sex trade and arrested 281 pimps with and federal charges.

FBI Director James Comey stated “These are not children in some faraway place, far from everyday life. These are our children. On our streets. Our truck stops, our motels, these are America's children.”

You listen to a child's laughter, see their playfulness and see how they are so innocent at such a young age. Yet all of that can be stolen when children become victims of crimes like sexual exploitation or kidnapping. Every 40 seconds a child goes missing in America. That's a total of 765,000 children a year.

There are fewer crimes in our society today that trigger a greater outrage than sextrafficking of our children. Trafficking is a serious problem in the United States.

The Department of Justice indicates that over 100,000 children in the United States fall victim to sex-trafficking each year. That 300,00 to 400,00 American children are involved in some form of sex-trafficking yearly. Girls are not only the victims involved in sex-trafficking boys are also targeted victims as well. According to the Department of Justice, 2,200 kids are reported missing every day. Within 48 hours, one in three runaways will be approached by sex traffickers, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Human trafficking is a cruel type of slavery because it removes the victim from all that is familiar to them. It renders they completely isolated and alone, and sometimes unable to speak the language of their captors or fellow victims.

Know what your child is doing, where they are and who they are with. Predators and traffickers prey upon children who have the freedom to freely move around. I'm not saying you shouldn't let your child have a life. But, children who are the most vulnerable are those who don't have a parent or guardian looking out for them.

Teach your child to never give any personal information, answer question such as their birthday. Never let them fill out forms online without your knowledge.

93% of our teens today have a computer or have access to one at home. As hard as it to believe children as young as five are actively engaging in social media.

Kids online are constantly exploring various websites, emailing or chatting with friends through messenger and in chat rooms. They send each other pictures and videos of themselves. You never know who maybe intercepting those conversations or seeing their pictures or videos.

Parents be sure to place any computer your younger child uses in a area where you can monitor what is happening. What are they looking at, who are they talking to. Pre -teens should never be allowed on chat sites without permission. For older teens you as a parent should have the right to ask about your teens activities online.

Teens tend to over share information, like photos, their location and they even share personal information such as their cell phone numbers and home address. What seems like harmless chatter between friends can be end up showing your child's location and regular behavior to a predator.

It is important to talk to your children about strangers, and above all teach them to trust their own instincts. Never, ever leave a child alone with unknown adults. Teach your children to always travel in groups as there is safety in numbers. The saying “Stranger Danger” always hold true when teaching you children about the dangers in our world today.

You may not know how to talk to your child about sex-trafficking. I'm going to give you a list of question you can use to start the conversation with your child.

“Is it ok for a stranger to take pictures of you?” ““

“Have you ever known someone at school that had an older boyfriend?”

“Have any of your friends ever talked about getting paid to go on dates?”

“Do you know what sexting is?”

“Has anyone ever sent you a picture that made you feel uncomfortable?”

“What would you do if someone sent you an inappropriate picture or asked you for one?

I can not stress it enough. Talk to your children about sex-trafficking. Talk to them about the dangers of social media. Pay attention to your children. Invite your children to pray for those who are enslaved.

Sexual assault and trafficking can be fearful and an overwhelming subject for children by inviting them to pray for those who are enslaved it allows them to know the suffering of young people who have been trafficked. Most important of all let your children know love them. No matter what they will always be loved. That is one of the things the people look for when preying on our young children. Children who are looking for someone to love them and accept them. Acceptance, belonging and love is important to our children. Let's not let them find it somewhere else. Let's be one offering that acceptance, belonging and love.

One of the most important rights afforded to every human being is Freedom. No one should be forced to act against their will. Sadly the practice of modern-day slavery does exist in our world today. It may be right outside your own door.

Remember STAND UP, STEP UP AND SPEAK UP. Then and only then will we put a stop to his horrendous crime against our children and young women.

May God bless you and watch over you each day.

Debbie

The Ashley DeRamus Foundation released a video to coincide with National Down Syndrome Day. The video was shot during Ashley's trip to India in August of last year to receive an award for Advocate of the Year 2015 by Down Syndrome International.

The video is titled Touching Lives and follows Ashley's journey into various parts of the country and her heart for the children and people of India. The video can be viewed and shared at https://youtu.be/1dnBSYmtQKs. Follow Ashley on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-DeRamusFoundation or Twitter at https://twitter.com/Ashley_DeRamus .

To contact Ashley for a special appearance at your event E-mail adream.gk@gmail.com .

About Ashley DeRamus Foundation The Ashley DeRamus Foundation was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality life-style of children and adults with Downs Syndrome.

Through the work of Ashley and the foundation, our goal is to increase the awareness and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions we make.

You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or adream.gk@gmail.com.

The Sing Tour announces additional concerts added to the popular event. Started in 2015 as The Greatest Hits Tour it was so popular with the fans the artists decided to continue as the Sing Tour. Michael English, The Nelons, and Jeff Stice all had new projects out by early this year and they were receiving so many requests for songs from those projects that they expanded the song selections being performed from their greatest hits to also include new songs.

"I am so excited to be a part of the Sing Tour. While I have been blessed to sing thousands of shows all over the world as a soloist and as a part of groups, this has been one of the best tours I have ever been involved with . I love the Nelons and Jeff Stice for their Ministry heart, friendship and even for the fun we have together. It is not "like” family but it is family.” shares Michael English.

Jeff Stice says, "Since I began this solo career I've been able to be a part of a lot of very unique events. The Sing Tour is so much fun and to be a part of the talent that is on that stage with The Nelons and Michael English is just incredible. Night after night I marvel at the number of iconic songs these two artists have introduced to Gospel Music. I'm honored to be a part of this tour but most importantly I'm honored to call each of them my friends.”

The Nelons also recently received the exciting news by the Gospel Music Association that the group will be inducted into the GMA’s Gospel Music Hall Of Fame. The GMA Honors banquet will be held on May 10, 2016 in Nashville, TN. If you wish to book The Sing Tour contact Beckie Simmons Agency at: info@beckiesimmonsagency.com To check the dates for the tour near you can go to Michael's website at: http:// www.michaelenglishmusic.com/index.php?p=Tour

Developing Spiritual Resilience for Troubles That WILL Come How to Grow Your Soul's Roots Deep There is no way to get away from trouble in this world. Sometimes things happen that we cannot prevent. Sometimes we have an inkling of what may be coming, but nothing can truly prepare you for the overwhelming waves of pain or anger or grief or exhaustion that will hit you when it comes.

That’s why you need to develop spiritual resilience now.

Looking back over the past few months of my husband’s illness and his death only days ago, I know I would have coped much worse if I had not previously invested in my relationship with God over a long period of time. When fatigue or emotions or stress builds up what’s deep in your soul is what comes out.

I hope your trauma is not as painful as mine. But whatever it is, you will need some inner reserves to make it through. One day you will face one or more of these troubles, if you haven’t already:        

Your child, parent, or spouse will die You will be the caretaker of a parent, child, or spouse with an ongoing serious illness Your source of income will suddenly (or not so suddenly) disappear You will hear a doctor’s report that gives you a devastating diagnosis Your marriage will fail – perhaps through no fault of your own Your own actions will cause someone close to you unbelievable pain – and you unbelievable guilt Someone close to you will betray you You will be a victim of violence – perhaps in your own home

I earned a long time ago that there is no valid way to measure or compare pain. Pain is pain. It feels as bad as it feels. That event or loss or trauma can tear you at the very core of who you are. Your identity, your outlook on the world, your belief in other people, your trust in God will be shaken.

And if you have not invested in your character, your spiritual inner self, that shaking may well uproot the tree of your soul and threaten everything about your future.

Developing spiritual resilience does not mean you will not feel pain. You will still be shaken. You will still be changed by the pain this world brings.

But spiritual resilience will provide you with roots that reach the wells deep within your soul where you can connect with the only source of living water. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38) Though shaken, you will not fall. Though dry, you will not wither and die. Though you may cry out from your place of pain, as David did many times in the Psalms, you will not lose your integrity. You will be able to allow God to use that pain to mature you even further, and become even more nourishing for those who are hungry and even more useful for His kingdom.

How to Develop Spiritual Resilience As with a tall tree that grows roots deep into dry soil to find the life-giving water, your own roots do not grow in a day. When trouble comes God is available to you whether you have deep roots or not. But you will come through those storms differently if you invest now in developing those deep roots. That’s the only way to develop spiritual resilience.

I know these factors have been important in my own spiritual resilience, and they can be for you too.

1. Read God’s Word. That may sound trite, but it’s not. When I returned from the hospital

Karen Peck & New River collectively and individually received six top ten nominations for the 2016 Singing News Awards. Their group nominations are for Mixed Group, Song of the Year for "Pray Now” written by Karen Peck Gooch, Dave Clark, and Michael Farren, and Album of the Year Pray Now produced by Wayne Haun.

Individually the top ten nominations went to Kari Gooch, for the first time as Favorite Young Artist, Susan Peck Jackson for Favorite Alto, and Karen Peck Gooch as Favorite Soprano.

Karen commented, "We're so excited about the nominations! Thank you to all of you for voting. We are extremely grateful. The next ballot will be in the May issue.”

Continuing in the excitement Susan Peck Jackson stated, "I am thankful and honored to be nominated in the top ten Alto category for the Singing News Fan Awards 2016”.

Karen Peck and New River so far this year for the album, Pray Now, has received a Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year, a Grammy Award nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album as well as receiving nine nominations in

the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.

To learn more about Karen Peck and New River go to http:// www.karenpeckandnewriver.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Peckand-New-River .

You can Twitter her at https://twitter.com/karenpeckgooch .

Karen Peck and New River are booked by The Harper Agency. Contact them at http://www.harperagency.com or by E-mail at info@harperagency.com .

About Karen Peck and New River No doubt the most popular mixed trio in Gospel Music, Karen Peck and New River are a music powerhouse in the music industry. With hit after hit and multiple number one songs, they are one of the most sought after groups today. Karen is known country flair and for having possibly the finest and highest soprano voice in any genre of music. Karen was also recipient of the Susan Unthank Memorial Award, an award given by Absolutely Gospel Music only to women who have excelled in their work in a man's world. Karen had a feature role in the hit movie "Joyful Noise�, starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. New River's hit song "Four Days Late� has become a classic in Gospel music.

Spring What A Wonderful Thought

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What is your first thought when you think of Spring? The first things that pop into my mind is, everything becomes new again. The flowers start to bud, the birds start migrating back, wildlife is giving birth, trees give birth to new leaves, the grass becomes green again. It's just like the earth wakes up from a long winters nap and its alive again, everything smells so pretty and the animals are out in full force.

As a photographer Spring is my favorite time of the year to be out on the road taking photos. I photograph everything from flowers blooming, to trees budding and baby animals that are just so cute that you would like to take them home with you. I enjoy driving down the back country roads with the windows down in my van smelling all the goodness that Spring brings and listening to the birds singing their songs. God is so good and God really shows up and shows off in spring. God paints a beautiful landscape for me to capture through my lens and I share it with the world. That is the greatest satisfaction that I get as a photographer.

It says in Song of Solomon 2:11-12 For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Its almost like God says to everything in nature, awake the winter is over bring forth new life.

Another wonderful thing I love about Spring, is that it seems to bring out the joy in some people. I know for myself I feel like I get a burst of energy and I feel alive again. Its a time for children to go outside and play, folks are getting their gardens ready, lawns raked and cleaning their houses. It starts to get warmer out and everyone seems like they have something to do, vacations, road trips and more. People open the windows of their homes to let all the fresh air in and the aroma of Spring fills our homes.

God is so good and his love for us in unending, and He shows us his love through the beauty of His creation. I hope everyone enjoys their Spring and has a blessed time.

Until next time be blessed...

Banner Music is proud to announce the addition of award-winning singer/ songwriter Jerry Salley to their creative family.

"We are thrilled to have veteran songwriter Jerry Salley on staff at Banner Music.

His career accomplishments speak to his hard work and dedication to this industry and we look forward to his continued success as part of our company," said coowner Camilla Kleindienst.

Salley, who co-wrote "Outlaw State of Mind" on Chris Stapleton's recent Grammywinning country album, Traveller, has penned over 400 cuts in country, bluegrass and gospel genres. His extensive talent has garnered him recordings by multiple artists such as Sir Elton John ("Where We Both Say Goodbye"—a duet with Australian artist Catherine Britt), Reba McEntire ("I'm Gonna Take That Mountain" and "Close To Crazy"), and includes the 1990 Dove Award's Inspirational Song of the Year, "His Strength is Perfect", co-written with and recorded by Steven Curtis Chapman and now found in Church Hymnals.

"I am happy to join the creative minds here [at Banner Music] whose heart and family atmosphere mirror the passion of their work," said Salley.

Salley, SESAC's Country Songwriter of the Year in 2003, was also nominated in 2014 by The International Bluegrass Music Association for Songwriter of the Year. His winning streak continued this year with his three tracks on the SteelDriver's Grammy Award winning Best Bluegrass Album,The Muscle Shoals Recordings.

In October of 2015, Salley released the bluegrass/gospel project Gospel From My Grassroots that includes guest vocals from Steven Curtis Chapman to Salley's daughter, Maggie, with contributing harmonies.

(Picture Caption) From Left to Right: James Robert Webb, Camilla Kleindienst, Jerry Salley and Daniel Kleindienst (Courtesy of Bev Moser) To book Jerry at your church, event, or concert contact him at jerrysalleymusic@gmail.com or call 931- 450-4220.

About Jerry Salley Referred to by Billboard Magazine as "One of Music Row's greatest veteran tunesmiths", Jerry Salley, the 2003 "SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year", has had over 400 songs recorded in his multi-award winning career.

Born in the small southern Ohio town of Chillicothe, he signed with Performing Rights Organization SESAC at eighteen years old. Writing and singing in Nashville since 1982, he has written multiple hits in Country, Bluegrass and Gospel Music and may well be the most successful songwriter to have earned equal recognition from all three genres of music - not to mention his recent activity of songs/awards recorded by some of the best/current artists in the "Americana" music genre.

His country hits include the Reba McEntire smash "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain", "Breakin' New Ground" (Wild Rose/Universal Records), "I Fell In The Water" (John Anderson/BNA Records), "How Do You Sleep At Night" (Wade Hayes/DCK/Columbia Records), and four other Billboard chart records. His has written Three #1 Gospel hits, several #2 Gospel hits and over a dozen other top ten/top twenty gospel songs. In addition to songs recorded by the previously mentioned artists, he has had songs recorded by Patty Loveless, Joe Nichols, Darryl Worley, Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Neal McCoy, Mark Chesnutt, Cece Winans, The Whites, and many others. He is a ninetime Dove Award nominee, having won a prestigious Dove for the 1990 Inspirational Song of the Year "His Strength Is Perfect", recorded by and co-written with Steven Curtis Chapman.

As an artist, Jerry has performed on numerous stage shows, including the honor of performing as a soloist many times on the world famous GRAND OLE OPRY. His television appearances include LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, REGIS AND KATHY LEE, NBC'S TODAY SHOW and several different TNN (THE NASHVILLE NETWORK) shows.

New Haven Records recently announced a proliferation of new video clips from the recent album release, Gordon Mote Sings Hymns and Songs of Inspiration. Produced by multiple Academy of Country Music award-winner Mote and industry legends Phil Johnson and Wayne Haun, the CD is an all-new treasury of traditional favorites and new classics blending Inspirational, Southern, Country and Pop styles to create a project that is fresh yet timeless.

In addition to Gordon’s presence on the wildly popular Gaither Homecoming Video Series, Mote has more than 200 individual video performances that have been viewed more than 3.3 million times on YouTube, the world’s largest music and video platform.

Several new video clips from Gordon Mote Sings Hymns and Songs of Inspiration are being released to his growing global fan-base.

Mote’s last project, the Dove Award-nominated All Things New, yielded video clips from his singles "Meanwhile Back at the Cross,” "Sound A Dream Makes,” and "Down By the River”.

This time around, the first radio single, "Only Jesus Can Heal This Hurting World” received a poignant concept video treatment showing how Christ’s love and

mercy can dispel the hatred and heartache experienced all over our planet.

New Haven Records has also created lyric videos for the modern worship favorite, "Because He Lives (Amen)” as well as the traditional hymn classics, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand” (featuring Chicago Mass Choir) and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee”.

Finally, Gordon was honored to record four performance videos with the awardwinning vocal ensemble, "The Voices of Lee,” who provided background vocals for several of the songs on the album. Those clips include, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, "Holy Spirit”, "Because He Lives (Amen)”, and "O, The Blood”.

Ken Harding, president of New Haven Records, concludes, "Gordon’s platform continues to grow as more and more people not only discover his amazing talent but his heart for how the Gospel can heal our world.”

For more information, contact: Keri Sawyer (615) 327-3300 ksawyer@newhavenrecords.com P.O. Box 680907 Franklin, TN 37068

God Of Vengeance?

God hates sin, but he loves people. He hates sin, because he knows it destroys us. Yet, rather than seeing his heart of love, most of us believe that he is actually withholding something good from us when he gives us rules for living. While many see him as a God of wrath and condemnation, he does not delight in judgment. He is a God of mercy, and even the Old Testament prophets who preached judgment offered chance after chance for repentance. It was only when the people’s sin had reached a point of no return (including child sacrifice) that God finally allowed his children to suffer the consequences of their sin. Even then, he desired reconciliation, and his purpose in judgment was to draw his people back into relationship. This passage in Ezekiel stood out to me today.

Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die. Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent!

Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live! Ez. 18:25-32 As I read in Ezekiel today, I couldn’t help but think of the kids who attended Christian school with our kids. When I look back at them, many of them ended up with very broken lives. Why? Just like the Israelites fell into idolatry, because they saw the the rules imposed by their parents and the school as unfair. These kids felt they were missing out on something, and went to great links to be like the world. They didn’t see the good in their parents’ motives, even as Israel could only see what God seemed to be with-

holding from them.* In the end, in spite of their parents’ good intentions to protect them, their lives became shipwrecked.

The bottom line was that they felt like their parents were holding out on them, and they just had to have what everyone else in society had. They didn’t see that their parents wanted the best for them. They only saw that they were “different,” and they didn’t want to be. The same was true of Israel. Instead of being grateful for God’s care and provision, they looked around at what they were “missing.” They didn’t have multiple gods to help with various issues in life. They didn’t have a king like all the other nations, and so they insisted on being like those other nations—even to the point of sacrificing their children to false gods. God gave them free will to choose, and his desire was for his children to choose him. Instead they chose bondage.

God offers us a new heart and spirit, and too often we run after shallow substitutes that result in bondage. We run to other things for comfort—food, relationships, alcohol, and the like. We don’t want to bow our wills to anyone, so in the end our desire to be in control ends up controlling us. The only true freedom in this life is found in completely surrendering to the one who truly wants the best for us. He does not delight in our destruction, and he knows that when our worship becomes misplaced, that will be the result. He offers a solution, yet too often we run to counterfeits.

Thank you Lord that you care, and that you do not delight in judging us. Thank you for your mercy. The solution for this whole problem is proper worship. Help us never put our own comfort or desires above your best for our lives. We know you want the best for us, so we can trust you. Give us new hearts and spirits that delight in you, rather than hide from you. Teach us that true and proper worship is the key to true freedom.

Amen *Now I have to admit that this isn’t the best analogy. Sometimes earthly parents focus a little too much on control, and sometimes that might push kids towards rebellion.

But our Lord never forces his way in our lives, and yet we still insist on running from his best.

Welcome to the Porch, Grab a nice cold glass of sweet tea or a nice warm cup of coffee and let’s chat.

First, let’s say a short prayer asking God to open our ears and our hearts.

Father, we come to you now asking that you will use these words in such a way that hearts will be blessed and open to you. Father, all we do we do for you. Each of us humbled, by your love and mercies every day. Amen

The Priority Of Prayer How many of us really know how powerful prayer really is. We know that when we pray God can answer our prayers as it fits in His plan. Most of us want God to fit our prayers into His plan the way it works out best for us or the one we are praying for.

How many of us start EVERY DAY out in prayer. Each of us can start the day off with pray, you may not but you can. We should be praying before we even get out of the bed, because we don’t know for sure if we will make it back to our bed when the day ends. Life is uncertain but God is so certain.

God wants pray to be a priority in your life How often do you pray? What do you pray about? Do you have confidence when you pray? Is Jesus going to answer your prayers? What is it that motivates you to prayer? It is probably not good times but, fear, pain, suffering or heart ache.

We find that our pray life lacks when we are in a “good” period of life. We just feel that everything is just peachy. We don’t need Jesus right now. Jesus is not here for us to use as a Mr. Fix It. He is here to be our companion, our friend, our father. But let the tide turn, now that will bring us to our knees.

Why is this that we don’t feel the urgency in good times? Did Jesus go away? Do we not need Him? What hinders our prayers? When you pray (and you think),well I have ask for this so many times that God isn’t gonna answer or you just tell yourself that God isn’t going to answer that . This makes me say to all of you and me, that we might just doubt His word. But this really isn’t what hinders or prayers. I say that the greatest reason people do not pray is very simply, SIN. When we have sin in our lives we want to copy the moves of Adam & Eve and hide. If we have a sin in our lives why would we want to talk with Jesus about anything unless we are ready to give up that sin and get right with Jesus? We don’t like that conviction feeling.

Prayer is the most important thing we do. You are talking with Jesus, ruler of the universe and the Savior of your soul. We can read in 1 Thessalonians 5 17-18 Paul tells us; 17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

.Pray without ceasing, what this tells me is that prayer should hold a spot of priority in your life. Priority by definition is this, 1- a thing that is regarded as more important than another 2- the right to take precedence or to proceed before others. It is not just something that you throw into your day, it is first. It is of the most importance. You are speaking with Jesus. So, as I write to you about the “Priority Of Prayer” this means it has a position in our life. By prayer having a position in our lives, it is something we do regularly. I fail at this sometimes myself, I let life interfere, throw off my schedule Let’s look at the verse, Pray without ceasing. What does this mean? Do we just run around mumbling all day? Why, of course not. I think this means that it is to be continually reoccurring in our lives. By this I mean, that Jesus is our go to guy. It doesn’t matter what we are doing. We may be traveling, be on our jobs, thinking of the safety of our children, all the things that go on in our lives. It is a STATE OF MIND, A WAY OF LIFE. True prayer involves the heart and the relationship with Jesus. Jesus told us that “No one come to the Father except by Me”. I think this means in Salvation and prayer. Jesus is our mediator.

Most people when they pray have more of a monologue (a speech) with Jesus than a conversation. They come lay down their need and walk away. They don’t stop to listen to Jesus. Why would they do this? Well, they really don’t expect God to answer their prayers because sin deadens your expectations for a Holy God to hear and answer the prayer. This is what I would call a false prayer. It seems to be based more on what we think we deserve and what we think God should think of us.

We need to pray a true prayer, a prayer that is based on humility. The fact that we are not accepted on our conduct but accepted by His mercy. True pray is a dialogue, a talk and listen concept. Just like building a relationship with someone. We talk, they talk each listen. By this we can build the relationship. It is the same with Jesus.

Jesus wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him. A total bonding of our heart with His. We can achieve this with prayer. There are times that we do the talking and then there comes the time for us to listen. I think we should listen more than we talk . Jesus wants to answer our prayers, give us good things bless us. But if we don’t listen to Him then we are no better than if we hadn’t even prayed. Laying down a list of prayer request and walking away tells Jesus one of two things. 1 – There it is but I really think I can handle it or 2- There it is you just take care of it I have other things to do. We should devote ourselves to prayer. This means we set aside time for it. It takes a priority in our lives so much that it goes onto our daily schedule. It gets an uninterrupted time slot in your day. IT IS IMPORTANT. Prayer is our priority. It is what sets us up for the blessings of God. This is why God wants it to be our priority.

God delights in giving to His children, just as any parent would.

Just a couple things to think about: Prayer is the method by which God meets our needs.

Prayer is the method in which God comforts us in our time of need.

Prayer is method by which we will build our relationship with Him Prayer is the method by which God strengthens us Prayer is the method by which God cleanses us

Prayer allows us ( followers of Jesus) to touch anyone in the world through Jesus; by looking at just these few things can you tell me why prayer shouldn’t be a priority in your life? Prayer will set us up for success with Jesus. So, I urge each of you that read this to look deep into yourself. Is prayer a priority in your life? Even as I wrote this I had to look into my heart as well. I saw some changes that need to be made.

What did you see?

Till next time Thanks for joining me on the porch Brian PS: please feel free to stop by my web site www.brianmaceministries.com and look around or leave me a note on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brianmacemusic/