Southern Gospel Magazine February 2016

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Southern Gospel Top 40 Radio Chart Eric Hinson Signs Agreement in Branson Rebirth of The Statesmen Quartet


We celebrate Valentine’s Day and it is all about love...which is Wonderful. But, the greatest example of pure love was Jesus giving his life on the cross that we might have eternal life.



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Daywind Records Announces Talent Contest In Anticipation of the Daywind Quartet Festival In celebration of the 2nd Annual Daywind Quartet Festival at The Greenbrier, Daywind Records is excited to announce the Quartet Talent Contest! Daywind invites quartets from around the country to submit a video of an acappella performance of a public domain song (such as a hymn), up to 2 minutes in length, which Daywind will post onto its Daywind Records Facebook page. Quartets featured in the top five videos, as determined by number of Facebook likes, will be invited to perform at the Daywind Quartet Festival in April 2016! Attendees of the Quartet Festival will vote on their favorite quartet, and the winner will receive a 10song soundtrack recording package from Daywind Studios. To enter, send your video to publicity@daywind.com by February 5th, 2016. The videos will be posted onto Daywind’s Facebook page on February 8th, 2016. Fans will have until February 26th to ‘like’ and ‘share’ their favorite video. The ‘likes’ will be totaled and winners announced on February 29th, 2016. The five top “like”-getting quartets will be invited to kick off the Daywind Quartet Festival at the Greenbrier on Monday, April 4th in White Sulphur Springs, WV, where attendees will vote on the top quartet from those performing to determine the winner of the recording package.


The Daywind Quartet Festival at the Greenbrier will be held on April 4-6, 2016, in White Sulphur Springs, WV. Held at the world-famous Greenbrier resort, the event 3day event features Brian Free & Assurance, Legacy Five, Tribute, Triumphant, Blackwood Brothers, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Ball Brothers, Kingsmen, Inspirations, and the Guardians, as well as a presentation of the Quartet Night Across America production with the Gospel Greats’ Paul Heil, scrap iron quartets and Q&A sessions with the artists. The Greenbrier – which is an award-winning, four-star, luxury resort that is commonly referred to as “America’s resort” – attempts to combine the graciousness of the past with the exceptional comforts of today. Guests have access to a multitude of amenities, including golf courses, carriage rides, horseback riding, a wide selection of dining options and tours of the historical bunker located on the grounds. Tickets are available now, with seats starting at $80. For more information on the Daywind Quartet Festival at the Greenbrier or to order tickets, visit www.dmgconcerts.com or call 1-800-635-9581.


Eric Hinson & The Hinson Revival signed a contract months back to perform at The Branson Star Theater Complex under the management of Doug Gabriel. Doug Gabriel has moved to another theater for the 2016 season and I am proud to announce that I will be moving into Doug's position to manage The Branson Star Theater Complex. Hinson & Minson Christian Tour Productions is proud to announce this change and are looking for the following to complete our show for the year: -A pianist that lives in the Branson Missouri area that is available to work Wednesday through Saturday. (some shows will be during the day and night as well) MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF THESE DAYS. This needs to be someone that is ready for the Branson stage. We need a video of all applicants. -People to work in our marketing office and be a part of our theater marketing team. -We have time slots available for acts, artists, that would like to rent the theater to have their own show in Branson in 2016. Slots are going to fill up IMMEDIATELY. If you are interested in anything on this list, please call Diahann Minson Cott at 918919-9965 Eric isproud to announce that Ihe will be moving into Doug's position to manage The Branson Star Theater Complex. Hinson & Minson Christian Tour Productions is proud to announce this change and are looking for the following to complete our show for the year:



During the heyday of Gospel Music one group stood out above all the rest. One group stood for class and quality seemingly put together by God Himself. It seemed that even when those pesky personnel changes happened the cream of the crop were still attracted to this group. The Statesmen introduced to the world "Gospel Quartets� as entertainment by adding flourishes which thrilled their audiences with passionate singing, arm waving, hand clapping, and electrifying performances. This was uncommon behavior for traditional quartets. But, the new behavior attracted renewed interest from their audiences. The leadership of this group receives most of the credit for its creation and creativity. Of course, I could be speaking of only one group and one man. That group and man would be Hovie Lister and the Statesmen Quartet. For decades this group set the standard by which all other groups were measured. Around 1993 Hovie Lister and Bill Gaither wanted to revive this Legendary group and that is when Hovie Walker came into the picture once again. Hovie Walker was one of the Bass singers in the studio with The Gaithers Homecoming Video Series. Hovie Lister and Bill Gaither called Hovie Walker and told him what their plans were. They wanted him to join the Statesmen as the bass singer. Hovie Walker went over to get together with the group to see what it would sound like and Hovie Lister asked Jake Hess, "Is he the one that can do the job?� Jake responded, "He can." Lister said to Walker "Then get your clothes and get on the bus." Now to the present day and the reasoning for the rebirth of the Statesmen. As it would happen there is only one man who could possibly even be considered for such a great undertaking. It would be a man who had been a Statesmen member and was the namesake of Hovie Lister. Now, Hovie Walker has a desire to honor that special group by


group by forming a new Statesmen Quartet with that same class and quality of sound. Hovie Walker stated, "Hovie and the Statesmen has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember with their music playing on the old record player in our home. In 1949 my parents decided to name their new born son after Hovie Lister, naming me Hovie Lynn. They had become friends with Hovie and they hoped I would grow up to be a piano player, however I turned out to be a Bass singer. Sometimes in concerts as Hovie played the piano he would call me up on stage and sit me on his knee while he played. As I grew older I began to sing in local groups that would sometimes open for the Statesmen. Hovie would always come by the record table to check on how I would sign my name. He would say, 'I have got to approve of how you sign that name son, because it has to meet my standards.' Then he would smile and say, 'Your doing just fine, just fine.' Hovie always had class and expected his name to have class too I guess.� Hovie Walker is one of the greatest Bass singers to ever approach a microphone reaching lower notes than most any Bass singer today. Having performed with Gospel groups in the past, such as The Singing Americans, Willie Wynn and the Tennesseans, the Thrasher Brothers, and the Statesmen Quartet he has gained valuable experience in how a group should blend to have that classic quality sound of the Statesmen. Joining Hovie Walker in this endeavor are his good friends Deon Unthank and former Statesmen Quartet Tenor, Wallace Nelms. With just about as many years in the Gospel Music industry as Hovie, Deon brings a smooth Baritone voice and the ability to blend which is necessary for a great quartet sound having experience singing with the Lesters and with his own group, The Sunday Edition, Deon is no stranger to bringing out that close harmony. As a student of vocal studies at the Stamps/Blackwood Conservatory of Music and the Steve Hurst School of Vocal Ministry he is well prepared to help Hovie bring the quality he is striving to reach. Wallace not only brings the warmth and feeling of past Statesmen tenors, but the class that comes from performing with Hovie Lister himself. Wallace, from Kingsport, TN, is college trained in music and computer science. Unthank commented, "I am a very busy man in the Gospel Music industry, so I don't want or need to sing with just another quartet, but when I heard Hovie's dream of how he wants to honor the Statesmen Quartet, I knew that this wasn't going to be just some average quartet, but something that would not only honor the Statesmen, but also bring glory to God, lifting His name with beautiful praise and a strong Gospel message. That's something I look forward to being a part of.� Nelms stated, "We want to keep a certain amount of the legacy that Hovie left us, but at the same time carve out a place for ourselves for our identity.� One spot is left to fill, so Hovie, Deon, and Wallace are looking for a Jack Toney, Jake Hess quality lead to do select dates starting in 2016. This will be a part-time position performing at very select concerts. If you would like to audition for the remaining Lead position contact Hovie Walker hwalker@bellsouth.net, or call at 615-855-1963.




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 Well, it is Feb. the month of love. Many of us will be looking for that perfect thing to give to our sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. Something that will be token of our love. Something to remind them that we love them. What is love? Well, it is defined by Mr. Webster like this. LOVE: 1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. 2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend. Love is a word the many of us “throw “out there in conversation. We love this or that, we love candy, we love our car, we love to hunt, (and for the ladies) we love to shop. That is not the love I want to speak of. I want to speak about REAL love, the Jesus love, the agape’ love. This love will over power anything. It will get you through your rough times it will bring a smile when you can’t find one. So, now let’s look at “Agape” love. Agape 1. the love of God or Christ for humankind. 2. the love of Christians for other persons, corresponding to the love of God for mankind. 3. unselfish love of one person for another, brotherly love. Man’s greatest need is to be loved and to show/gift love love Jesus gave us an awesome example of this love. (The washing of the disciple’s feet.) John 13: 1-6 Why is this a big thing? People of the time when Jesus lived on earth wore sandals.


It as customary in these days that when you came to visit someone’s home there was a SERVANT (operative word here) that would great you at the door. There was a basin of water there. You would take off your sandals give tour toes a breather. Then this servant would wash your feet. Picture with me now if you will. Jesus is instituting the Last Super (as we call it) a memorial feast just before the Passover. Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He was going to be crucified, that Judas was going to betray Him. He knows all of this. When they all came into the house… There WAS NO servant. Not one the others volunteered, So Jesus takes off His outer garment, fills the basin. This is JESUS, the very Son of God, Lord of Lords, and King of Kings and washes their feet. Later, Jesus will tell them in John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. Now this is where Jesus gives them a NEW commandment John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Let’s look into 3 things about this kind of love and see if the hold true in yours or my life. Let’s look at a Christ-like love Christ –like love, Real Love, A selfless love is a selfless love, John 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. We are all so preoccupied with ourselves. This is evident by just looking at all of the “self” books in any book store. We see here that Jesus humbles Himself to do the work of a slave. This is what Jesus did in the physical but it is symbolic of what He did when He lay aside His Royal garments in Heaven and came down to this world. (NOTE Philippians’ 2:5-8) Let’s look at a few key words. GRACE, Is Gods acceptance of me. The grace of God exalts and man without inflating him, it humbles and man without humiliating him. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. FAITH, My acceptance of God’s acceptance of me. Faith accept the fact that God accepts me PEACE, When I see that God accepts me then I am to accept me. When I see the GRACE of God and put my FAITH in that grace, this is when I will know PEACE. With the acceptance of peace we can now love our self. Once we love our self we can love others with the love of God this brings me to the last word. FELLOWSHIP, Once we truly love we will long to be with others and we will enjoy the coming together one with another. 2-Christ Love is a steadfast love, John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. Our love is to be like this. If you’re not able to endure a bad day, being tire or feeling bad. Then do you have real love? Jesus knowing that His end was near showed love, an unwavering love, a steady love.


3-Christ-like love is serving love, John 13:4-5, 4: He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5:After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Real love knows no job that is so lowly to do. Judas was among those that Jesus washed their feet. Jesus knowing that Judas was going to betray Him, knowing the kiss was coming, a kiss that would burn on His cheek like a chunk of coal from hell. He loved him and served him by washing his feet. Would you, could you, do this? If the churches were full of Christians with a Christ-like love they wouldn’t have to beg for help in the nursery, van drivers, people to help out with special events of functions or in vacation bible school. You see a Christ-like love is a SERVING love. 1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. So, in this month of love, love you sweetie for sure he or she is worth that. However, go love the world with a Christlike love. Jesus’s last commandment was this (John 13:34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Let me end with this, many people say “practice what you preach. They are so very wrong. To love as Jesus we are to not practice what we preach but, to preach what we practice. Love is not giving to someone else what they deserve; Love is giving to someone what they need and don’t deserve. Till next time Thanks for joining me on the porch Brian











"God Is Good " I often find myself dwelling on how good God has been to me over the past years around this time of the year. We are into a new year full of new oppurtunities and new trials and tribulations. The past several months of 2015 where some ruff months for myself. I woke up one morning with a real bad case of cellulitis in my left leg because of a weeping wound on the back of my leg. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, and spent the next five months at home on bed rest with a home nurse that came into our home and took care of the wounds on my leg. As a writer and photographer this was literally killing me. The down time was unbearable and I kept praying to God that he would heal me quicker than they where saying it would take. The nurse said I could deal with this problem for the next several months to two years. Well God showed them all, He stepped in and I was back on my feet in four months. I was back out taking photographs of wildlife and landscapes once again. The whole period of my down time gave me alot of time to think about how good God has been to me over the past few years. He has truly been amazing to me, and I could never thank God enough for his blessings. He has blessed me with a very loving and caring Fiance, Mom, Dad and Sister, and many wonderful friends. He has blessed me with many talents, and has showed me many beautiful things in life. As a wildlife and landscape photographer God has showed me many amazing things. I have photographed hundreds of amazing Bald Eagles, Bear, Birds, Deer and much more wildlife. I have seen and photographed many beautiful sunsets, waterfalls, fields, flowers and insects. Each time I photograph these things I say to myself "GOD IS GOOD" we take so many of these things for granted, we just need to slow down and take in what God has given us and realize how good and great God is. My prayer is that you take a few moments each day and look back and see how God has been good in your life and thank Him for the many blessings that He has given


to you. God is so so good and has given us so much to be thankful for. Never take anyone or anything for granted that God has placed in your life, because one day they will be gone. "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 107:1).

I recently photographed this Bald Eagle in Hancock, NY and she sure was a very majestic Eagle indeed. She is around five years old because she still has brown on her beak and some brown on her head. Female Bald Eagles are larger than the male Eagle and Bald Eagles get their white heads, white tails and orange beaks between 4-5 years of age... Isaiah 40:31 but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.


Jeff Stice, along with The Beckie Simmons Agency is excited to announce the release of TWO brand new piano projects!!! The first project is titled Through It All. Jeff stated, "The first of these two new recordings is very special to me. It's been such an eventful past two years and it has never been more apparent to me that our Heavenly Father loves us all. Its been amazing to watch Him orchestrate my journey, teaching me how the melody of my faith is accompanied by His genius at playing it on the pages of my life. There is only one title that came to mind when I began this new recording... THROUGH IT ALL. I understand what this song really means now, so I had to not only play it but use it as the title as well." Other tracks on this project include, "The Prayer”, "His Eye Is On The Sparrow”, "Swing Low Sweet Chariot”, "Highway To Heaven”, "Shout To The Lord”, "He's A Personal Savior”, "What A Wonderful World”, "It Is Well” and "I Got Rhythm”. The second of the two new recordings is called LOVE SONGS. Jeff laughingly says when asked, why a love song recording "Love is in the air... Hahaha. When I began this piano concert chapter of my life, I was amazed at how many requests I would get every night to play classic love songs. So this is for all of the helpless romantics in the world." The song list includes "L...O...V...E”, "Somewhere (There's A Place For Us)”, "A Time For Us”, "Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear”, "I Can't Help Falling In Love”, "Somewhere My Love”, "You Don't Know Me ”, the theme from "Somewhere In Time”, and more. One of the most unique things about both projects is that there is no "background " music on either. This makes it much more challenging to execute but also to come up with creative arrangements. Jeff says" I love playing with dramatic soundtracks and having accompaniment on stage, but you know, sometimes it's nice when it's just me and my piano!"


Both of these new CD's release on February 1st just in time for Valentines Day. You can pre-order by mail at Jeff Stice Music, 13 Bent Grass Drive, Smiths Grove, Ky 42171, email at jeffsticemusic@gmail.com, or on the website, http:// jeffsticemusic.com/ , after February 1st. You can message Jeff on his FaceBook page, https://www.facebook.com/jeffsticemusic and he will give you a good deal on both. To book Jeff contact Beckie at the Beckie Simmons Agency beckie@bsaworld.com or call 615-595-7500. If you would like an interview with Jeff Stice contact AG Publicity at info@agpublicity.com. #### About Jeff Stice Jeff Stice , affectionately known as "Mr Piano Man" is having an incredible musical journey and has reached pinnacles of great success in The Gospel Music World. During his twelve year span with Triumphant Quartet Jeff was honored to receive a number of awards and recognitions. He was voted MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR in 2007 by the Southern Gospel Music Guild. He received THE FAVORITE MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD in 2009 and 2012 at The Southern Gospel Fanfare. In 2007 he was voted into THE EDMONSON COUNTY MUSIC HALL OF FAME in Brownsville, KY. In 2010 and 2011 he received GRAMMY and DOVE AWARD nominations. In 2014 Jeff an Absolutely Gospel Music Award (Ovation) for producing his last Triumphant project, and recently won a 2015 AGM Ovation for Musician of the Year.


Valentine's Day: Does 'V' Stand for Domestic Violence? It's Valentine's Day and the love of your life has called telling you to get ready because he's taking you out for a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant. You spend hours picking out the right outfit, making sure your makeup is perfect and every hair is in place. He arrives home with candy and flowers and you're off for a romantic evening with the love of your life. You dance, you laugh and you make plans for the rest of your lives together. You look at him and think how lucky you are to have found such a wonderful, loving man. Life is so good, it's not just good it's great. It just can't be true. It must be. And then you wake up. It was just a dream. In reality your Valentine's Day does begin with a call for you to get ready. He's taking you out for dinner. You make sure you pick the right outfit, your makeup is perfect and your hair is all in place. You know how he is about the way you look. He arrives home with a box of candy. BUT you're running late getting ready and he starts yelling at you to hurry up because you're going to be late. Then he questions you about the dress you've chosen to wear because it shows just a little to much. You offer to go change but you're running late so he says just forget it and let's go. You arrive at the restaurant and the waiter seats you. He begins complaining about the service and everything is wrong. There's no dancing, no laughing and no planning for a future together. Just criticizing. You arrive back home and he begins to berate you and yelling at you. Telling you what an embarrassment you are to him. He tells you he saw the way you looked at the waiter and the way you talked to him. The way you were every time he came around to see if we needed anything. Flirting with him in front of everybody. Then you make the mistake of talking back to him. You try to tell him you have no clue what he's talking about. You're Valentine's Day is over. You wake the next morning to find a note saying I'm sorry but you shouldn't have___________. You know how I get when you _____________. I love you and I promise I'll never do it again. I'm so sorry please forgive me. You look in the mirror. You see the bruises and you feel the pain each time you move. But he did say he was sorry and he loved you. Besides it was your fault. You weren't ready when he got home and you know how he hates it when you're late. You could have chosen a different dress and you could have not been friendly with the waiter. You tell yourself you really need to try and do better the next time. So you forgive him and your life goes on and on and on in a cycle of violence.


This story may seem unreal but for the 1 in 4 women who are abused by their spouse or partner this story is very real. Domestic violence shouldn't happen to anybody Period! But it does. Every 9 seconds a woman is beaten in the United States. Women are hurt or killed by the same people who once promised to love and protect them. For the wives and children who are victims of domestic violence Valentine's Day is just another day of fear and anxiety. Valentine's Day should be for celebrating the love in our lives. It should be a day of flowers, chocolates, dinners and maybe even a marriage proposal. However, for some Valentine's Day is just another day of domestic violence. Valentine's Day holds different feelings for different people. If you are a victim or a survivor of domestic violence I encourage you to use it as a day to remind yourself that you deserve to be loved. Loved not only by other people but by you. That may sound funny but loving yourself is that foundation for a stronger, healthier relationship with others. That has to first begin with loving yourself and believing you are a person worthy to be loved. Valentine's Day is and should be about celebrating the love in our lives. However as we have seen there are those who suffer at the hands of the one person who is suppose to love and protect them. Remember domestic violence does not take a holiday. Even on Valentine's Day. The day in which we focus on the love in our relationships. This Valentine's Day, when you're out buying a card and candy for your partner and thinking of what dress to buy, say a prayer for the women who shudder in silence. That woman who knows there won't be any candy or flowers. The woman who knows the only thing they will get for Valentine's Day will be another sleepless night just trying to survive. When you think of the loving relationship you have thank God he has blessed you with a caring and loving man. That you don't have to worry about walking on eggshells. To many women have been held captive by domestic violence and it's time to help free them from their prison. In honor of Valentine's Day, let's fight domestic violence. Let's raise awareness to this ever growing epidemic. If you know someone who is suffering in a violent relationship, give them the gift of your support. This Valentine’s Day, reach out to that person who may be suffering in silence. Without judgment offer your support. Your listening ear may be more valuable than any Valentine they may receive. When someone speaks of love they have a smile on their face. When someone speaks of love they think of a very special place. When someone speaks of love it is done with fondness. When someone speaks of love it is done in kindness. When someone speaks of love it is not with dismay. Won't you speak of love and brighten someone's day. Wishing you a happy, safe, and loving Valentine's Day. Debbie Floyd Let's not forget the greatest Valentine we ever received. The love that God has for us when he sent his Son to die on that cross for our sins. John 3:16


At a young age, Brandon Sharp felt the call on his life to write songs for the church and to draw others closer to Jesus through music and other creative elements. He has pursued that call throughout his life through songwriting and leading worship at churches across the country. It is with great pleasure that Daywind Publishing announces the addition of Brandon Sharp to its growing staff of talented songwriters. A graduate of Liberty University, Brandon now serves on staff at Long Hollow Baptist Church located just outside of Nashville, TN. Brandon and his family are fully invested in their church family and are actively involved in a variety of ministries through Long Hollow. Senior Creative Director of Daywind Publishing, Chad Green offers, “Brandon brings a certain passion and skill set to Daywind that we’ve been seeking for a long time. As a worship leader at Long Hollow, he knows firsthand the needs of the local church and it is truly his heart to serve the church. Add to that his songwriting and production skills and Brandon is a perfect fit for the Daywind Music Publishing Family!” Asst. Creative Director Joe Dan Cornett echoes Green’s sentiments, “I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to have Brandon as part of the Daywind family. It has been apparent since the first day we met that he loves God, his family, and serving the church. With his programming skills, songwriting craft, and understanding of the local church, Brandon will be an incredible asset to the Daywind Team.” Daywind Music Publishing services an impressive roster of acclaimed songwriters including Jason Cox, Gerald Crabb, Chris Cron, Michael Fordinal, Ricky Free, Marty Fundeburk, Joseph Habedank, Scott Inman, Justin Kintzel, Aaron Rice, Kyla Row-


land, John Darin Rowsey, Belinda Smith, Sue Smith, Sam Tinnesz, Aaron Wilburn and Dianne Wilkinson. For more information, visit facebook.com/daywindpublishing or info@daywindpublishing.com.


Sometimes I get so down on myself that I think God must be really disappointed. My human limitations and weaknesses are just overwhelming to the point I can’t imagine he would be anything but upset with me. Yet, this is not what scripture tells me. Hebrews 4:15 tells me that Jesus understands our weaknesses. In 2 Cor. 12, Paul talks about delighting in his weaknesses, because when he is weak, then he is strong. It doesn’t seem to make any sense in human terms, but it seems that our human limitations are part of God’s way of keeping us humble and dependent on him. The Lord delights in us, and rewards the humble with his salvation and deliverance (Ps. 149:4). I think it would be a lot harder to be humble if I were strong on my own. So as I sit here day by day moaning and groaning about my shortcomings, I realize should be glorying in them instead, knowing that they are part of his good plan to teach me to cling to him. These weaknesses only become become a problem when 1) I don’t recognize them, or 2) when I make them bigger than God. My tendency is to do the latter, so I have to learn to stop the self-condemnation and use them as motivation to run to him. I need to remember that scripture is filled with flawed people who were used mightily by God. They didn’t suddenly become strong one day, and move into ministry. Instead, their weaknesses were evident even in the midst of their their service. When called by God, Moses argued that he was too flawed, as did Gideon. Elijah panicked and ran off in fear after calling down fire from heaven and defeating the prophets of Baal. David committed adultery and murder, yet repented, and was called a man after God’s own heart. Paul spoke of a thorn in the flesh that God would not take away so that he would not become conceited about the revelations he had received. When he asked God to take away that thorn, God’s response was “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul went on to say that he would boast in his weaknesses, because they were part of God’s good plan. I have to admit I haven’t learned to boast in my weaknesses yet. Even worse, I imagine that’s probably a pride issue. As much as I’d like to think I’ve overcome all vestiges of ego, I don’t think it will ever leave me completely on this side of heaven. As I


sit here contemplating my frailties, and my tendency to beat myself up, I recognize that it’s because I realize that I am not enough. I am not a spiritual giant. When people look to you for guidance, it’s easy to see yourself as some sort of authority or fount of wisdom. The truth is that without him we are nothing, and can do nothing (Jn. 15:5), and that is the reason weaknesses are good. They remind us that it is his strength, and not our own, that is as necessary as breath. I can glory in my weakness, because I realize it drives me to depend on the One who made and loves me. It really is a wonderful thing that I am not enough! It is wonderful, because if I can receive that truth humbly, it drives me to complete and utter dependence on him. When I am weak, then I am strong, but when I abide in him nothing is impossible (Jn. 15:7). It unleashes his power, and miracles begin to happen. So today, I choose to glory in my limitations and frailties. I will move my focus from self to God, and I know that there I will find the power to overcome all obstacles. Oh dear Lord, thank you so much for being faithful even when I fail. Thank you for using my weakness to drive me to my knees in desperation. I need you more than anything! I was created to cling to you (Jer. 33:11). Help me to see that dependence as a good thing, and do not to let me pride tell me otherwise. Lord I truly do “need Thee every hour!” Bless me now as I come to you. Amen


We are so honored to have Andrew Baker onboar Andrew is a talented writer and photographer. Ev Andrew is also a minister and a former radio DJ in


rd again at Southern Gospel Magazine after recovering from a lengthy illness. very month, Andrew will share some of his beautiful photos in his article. n Southern Gospel genre.


Jeff has returned to his position of National S aboard. Jeff is accomplished singer, songwriter, musi the Sr. Division and has sang for several comp pel Quartets, New Destiny and Highest Honor singing tenor and playing the piano. Jeff will him at southerngospelmagazine@yahoo.com


Sales Manager for Southern Gospel Magazine! We welcome him

ician by his own rights., winning The Kentucky Opry in 2014 in petitions for NBC The Voice. Jeff has owned two Southern Gosr. He also traveled for approx. 4 years with Bloackwood Legacy be happy to help you with all your advertising needs, contact m





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