Jeff’s self-penned song…”I Was There” made it in the Top 20 Chart!
Please keep Joye Atkinson in your prayers. She so faithfully brings her beautiful poetry to Southern Gospel Magazine each month for your reading enjoyment. Joye is in the midst of a battle with cancer. She npt only needs your prayers but some financial assistance to pay for medication and co-pays. Please consider a donation or purchasing a book from her of her first volume of poetry. If you would like to make a love offering donation‌.please feel free to paypal my account and mark it for Joye/love and I will see she get s the funds‌ Thank you for your help but most of all your prayers. Paypal: ruthie.gainey@yahoo.com
Rob Mills Family is a Dad and his two sons. They are highly anointed, sweet family harmony. Each plays multiple instruments. This is one of the most exciting groups to hit our Christian music industry. They can sing you a full concert of Bluegrass or sing the old classics and give you some good ole Southern Gospel. They are talented and you will want them for your next awrvice or event‌.Call and book them today!
Jeff Davidson has sang tenor and played keyboard for Blackwood Legacy for a number of years in the past. He has sang with quartets, Highest Honor and New Destiny. He has the most incredible tenor voice you would ever want to hear. He writes songs and has had them chart! He recently competed in NBC “The Voice” and will be going onto the sound round of competition. Jeff is highly anointed and plays severall instruments as well. You will be glad you had him for your next church service, homecoming or event. Breaking news….Jeff’s song “I Was There”
reaching Top 20 charts Call today and book him!!!
Highly acclaimed RFD-TV's The Music City Show has been proclaimed the winner of the Favorite TV Show award at the Christian Voice Magazine 2015 Gospel Music Fan Awards. Produced by Scott Godsey and Associate Producer Bev McCann the show features top artists from both Gospel and Country music genres who perform Gospel songs. Now in it's fourth season, The Music City Show is gaining in popularity every time it airs on television. Producer Scott Godsey commented, "We have the best crew in Christian TV with Tim Lovelace as host, show regular the Positive Cowboy – Jim Sheldon, and house band the Blue Jean Band. Thank you to Christian Voice magazine for honoring us with this Award.� If you would like to interview the producers or regulars on The Music City Show contact AG Publicity at info@agpublicity.com . To learn more about the Music City show go to http://www.themusiccityshow.com or https://www.facebook.com/themusiccityshow . Twitter them at https://twitter.com/ MusicCityShow .
About The Music City Show The Music City Show, a Southern/Country Gospel weekly show featuring top artists like the Oak Ridge Boys, Adam Crabb, Karen Peck and New River, the Browders, the Bowling Family, the Blackwood Brothers, the Hoppers, Comedian Tim Lovelace, Gene McDonald, Aaron Wilburn, Lynn Anderson, the and many more. The show features special host, Tim Lovelace, each week with Nashville's own Blue Jean Band and The Positive Cowboy Jim Sheldon. The Music City Show is a series based in Nashville, Tennessee - America's favorite Music City. The show has many elements of Nashville that people love, namely a live house band, talented artists, heartfelt interviews and comedic entertainment. It is likened unto The Tonight Show, with comedy segments, and a beautiful cityscape backdrop. The Show has now expanded to four networks which include RFD-TV, The Heartland Network, FamilyNet, and the NRB Network.
Be careful of the Beam "I wonder what happened to their marriage, they seemed so happy" "yes they did, I heard that he..." "I wonder why she does not come to our church anymore, I heard...." "The reason he didn't receive the healing is because ... " "I am not one to judge, but if she would just..." "Well that's what I have always been taught so..." Have you ever known people or over heard people saying these type of things? We could probably right a books till the Lord comes back and never finish the series of comments that people say about other people. Have we ever wondered who these people are or why they would say these kind of things? I know that this will amaze some. but some of the most critical people in our lives are....Us. The people who confess to follow the author and finisher of our faith. Yet we have placed our selves in a position to know him so well that we can now Judge his creation and his people just by looking on the outside without never seeing their heart. Could this be true? Do we know enough to stand in Gods place and judge one another? Do we really know why a person is suffering so? Do we really know the why? We are to quick to place our selves on Gods thrown. Even when we have no idea why a person is suffering or going through trials in their life, we can look on the outside of that person and quickly show our self righteousness, which eliminates our ability to judge in the first place. When God allowed Satan to test job, One of Jobs friend tried to help him, but quickly accused him of some known or un know sin as to why he was going trough his issues, Job 22: 5 Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite? 6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing. 7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry. 8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth; and the
honourable man dwelt in it. 9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. 10 Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee. Job became so discouraged because what his friends were saying to him that he started to questioning God. Then God answers, Job 40:6 Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? Yes who are among us that we should believe that we are more righteous that God, that we can sit in the place of God and make judgments of others by only seeing the outside of a man? James also talk's to us about the same thing,James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? James makes it absolutely clear that when anyone takes this kind of stance and attitude toward another, he or she is actually judging God. This was Job’s sin. He was critical and judgmental of everyone else—even judging and condemning God in order to maintain his own self-righteousness. Most people quote the first verse of Matthew when they are faced with their own sin, Matt 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. They forget about the rest of the verses to place to correct first verse in context, here is the rest of it 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Who will do the Judging? who will give the measure? whether we realize it or not,Penalty comes after judgment. Yes we should judge Sin, Yet the person's Judgment is to be left up to the one who has been given the authority to judge and God gave that authority to his son.
To those who are experiencing the penalty of judgment from another, God has given the authority to judge you to his son and he alone shall judge you. To the ones who are judging another, sometimes the splinter you are trying to remove from someone else's eye causes the beam to be removed from your own eye. Lets us seek to Love one another with wise council, and guide each other to the finish line and receive our reward Because we don't know WHY a person is going through WHAT they are going through and it may just be Gods plan that your are Judging.
O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern impassion’d stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law! O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness, And ev’ry gain divine! O Beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
Talent was not in short supply Tuesday night in the Van Ness Auditorium at the LifeWay Christian headquarters. Several of the industry’s top singers and songwriters performed to a full house of aspiring artists, songwriters and industry professionals attending GMA’s sold out IMMERSE conference this week in Nashville, TN. Award winning singer/songwriters Brandon Heath and Chris August kicked off the evening, hosted by Ed Cash, that went on to feature one chart topping song after another, as well as moving stories from the writers about the personal struggles that inspired the now well-known lyrics. All genres of Christian music were well represented and received with an overwhelming enthusiasm by the audience, as well as the songwriters themselves. Representing Southern Gospel was Daywind singer/songwriter Joseph Habedank, as well as Daywind’s songwriting veteran, Dianne Wilkinson. Habedank wowed with an acoustic version of his recent radio hit, ‘Never, No Never,’ accompanied by co-writer Lee Black on the piano. Wilkinson, the self-proclaimed ‘Momma’ of the group, offered inspiring words of encouragement to the younger writers before in-
viting the Kingdom Heirs on stage to perform her song, ‘The Joys Of Heaven.’ Both performances were met with standing ovations from the eager crowd. “The BMI Songwriters Showcase is a highlight each year for the Christian music industry,” shares Rick Shelton, Vice President of Music Publishing at Daywind. “We couldn’t be more proud of Dianne and Joseph whose songs lit up the audience. We are grateful to BMI and the Gospel Music Association for the opportunity to honor current hit songwriters, and in the process, inspire the next generation of creatives. What an impactful experience!” Daywind Records is home to an award-winning roster of artists, including Legacy Five, Adam Crabb, Browders, Jim Brady Trio, Greater Vision, Joseph Habedank, Adam Crabb, Karen Peck & New River, Bowling Family, Tribute, Nelons, Brian Free & Assurance, Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Wilburn & Wilburn. Daywind is distributed to retail through New Day Christian Distributors, Sony Red, and all major digital outlets, including iTunes. For more information, visit www.daywindrecords.com or contact Dani Phillips at publicity@daywind.com. 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 Rowland, 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.
Daywind Music Publishing Presents New Christmas Musical
Daywind Music Publishing proudly presents a new Christmas musical, THAT’S WHERE THE STORY BEGAN. Three of Christian music’s most successful songwriters, Gerald Crabb, Dave Clark and Mike Harland collaborated to re-tell the Christmas story. Suitable for choirs of all sizes, THATS WHERE THE STORY BEGAN includes stirring narration as well as wonderful new songs and familiar carols arranged and orchestrated by Camp Kirkland, Marty Hamby and Cliff Duren. The 30 minute musical captures the joyful announcement of the Messiah’s birth, and also tells how and why He became flesh to dwell among humanity. Regarding the writing process, Clark stated, “Anytime I write with someone new for the first time, there is an inherent nervous. Because I am such a fan of Gerald Crabb and Mike Harland, I really wanted the process to go well. From our first ‘hello’ it just felt like all three of us were on the same page.” Harland continued, THAT’S WHERE THE STORY BEGAN is the most unique writing experience of my entire career. For three writers to wrap around a single idea and then put it all together like this is a real God story! This is His story- and ours! And it is a real honor to tell it with Gerald and Dave.” Clark added, “Looking back, I don’t remember much about the actual writing because it came together effortlessly. I doubt it’s because we’re that good of writers. You have to be a pretty bad writer to mess up a story that good. It is an amazing story- God sent His only Son from heaven to earth because somehow He thought we were worth saving. Now that will sing!”
Crabb commented “I have always wanted to write a Christmas musical, and what could be better than being teamed up with the best- Mike Harland and Dave Clark? I am very grateful to Daywind and Lifeway for giving me this opportunity and I’m also very pleased with the outcome. I pray that many hearts will be touched and lives will be forever changed.” Rick Shelton, Vice President of Daywind Music Publishing stated, "Gerald, Dave, and Mike have combined their gifts of crafting songs to create an inspired musical account of Jesus’ arrival to a hurting humanity in a fallen world. THAT’S WHERE THE STORY BEGAN not only recaps the beautiful event of God come to man, but also reveals the plan and possibilities that were set in motion that first Christmas. This presentation will surely impact those have the opportunity to experience it just as it has me.” Featured songs: Let There Be Joy/Joy To the World Even Still/O Come Let Us Adore Him That’s Where The Story Began/Blessed Assurance The Way He Came/Birthday of a King On This Christmas Day THAT’S WHERE THE STORY BEGAN is available exclusively at Lifeway. Visit way.com/music or call 800-884-7712.
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Stacy & Gina Cooper Form This Talented Duet With A Great Mix Of Southern Gospel As Well As A Bit Of Light Contemporary Gospel To Bless Many People Across This Nation. They Are Currently Touring the States with Their Positive Message of the Hope and Faith in Jesus Christ These Ten Songs Will Truly Bless Your Spirit #1 it’s good to Be Here Again # 2 Prayer Bells Of Heaven # 3 Nothing Better to Do # 4 I’ve Never Been Better
# 5 I Will Be Praying # 6 When I Get Where I’m Going # 7 So Smile # 8 Grace Is Never Far # 9 Just Over in the Glory Land # 10 God Is Still In America Stacy & Gina Are Committed To Seeing The Work Of The Lord Done Through Their Ministry Of Song I Feel Their Songs Are On A Professional Level And Look To See This Duet Go Far In Southern Gospel Music. I Recommend You Book New Road 2 Today www.newroad2.com Phone # 423 310 2136
Sunday Drive
I Had the Privilege to review the brand new cd from Sunday Drive, And Was Uplifted in the spirit of the lord. Jeff Treece and Sunday Drive Have a CD Album out now Entitled Happy Happy Happy And great news for the trio recently their song this I know has pushed into the national charts across the nation And moving the trio into more dates and venue’s to share their ministry with others.
These 8 Songs were of top notch quality and talent # 1 this I know # 2 Happy happy happy # 3 Just another stone # 4 The Light # 5 Heaven # 6 Don’t Drown # 7 in this world today # 8 American Hero’s Sunday Drive Would Be A Great trio to have at your next concert, or church singing find Sunday Drive On Facebook Or Contact www.crossroadsmusic.com sundaydriveband.com phone 615 598 7098
The Isaacs are frequent performers at the Grand Ole Opry, but tonight takes on a very special meaning as they perform "The Three Bells” on the Opry stage. As a result of the success of the Isaacs re-recording of the song they have been asked to perform it tonight at the Opry as a tribute to Jim Ed Brown, who passed away just last Thursday, June 11th. Very popular Gospel artists, The Isaacs, recently covered the classic Country tune "The Thee Bells” made popular by Country and Grand Ole Opry star Jim Ed Brown in the late 50s. The song has been a huge hit in the personal appearances of the Isaacs and especially at the Gaither Homecoming Concerts. The Isaacs sang the time-honored hymn "It Is Well” at the Memorial service for Jim Ed Brown held at the Ryman Auditorium on Monday, June 15th. As covered by the newspaper, The Tennessean, other performers paying tribute to Mr. Brown included the Oak Ridge Boys, Vince Gill, the Gatlin Brothers, and Lady Antebellum, and others, along with several speakers who shared their memories. Lily Isaacs stated, "It was a great honor to be a part of the home going service of our dear friend Jim Ed Brown . He will be missed by all. He was an amazing human being. We are grateful that we got to know him." If you would like to interview the Isaacs contact AG Publicity at info@agpublicity.com . To learn more about the Isaacs got to http://www.theisaacs.com or https:// www.facebook.com/TheIsaacs or Twitter at https://twitter.com/IsaacsMusic . If you are interested in booking the Isaacs go to the Harper Agency at www.harperagency.com or info@harperagency.com .
RED, WHITE AND BLUE STRAW
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped top 1 pint blueberries, rinsed and drained
2 pints fresh strawberries, rinsed and slic
Directions Prepare cake according to package direc Frost cake with whipped topping. Place b strawberries as stripes to make an Amer
WBERRY SHORTCAKE
x
pping, thawed
ced
ctions and bake in a 9x13 inch pan. Cool completely. blueberries in a square in the corner, and arrange sliced rican flag. Chill until serving.
I am a born-again Christian. My parents led me to the Lord when I was very young, and I have attempted to live that life to the best of my ability, and to make a difference for Jesus in other people's lives. I wrote my first song and learned to play the guitar when I was seven years old, and I have been writing and singing ever since. I was raised on a grain and dairy farm in rural SE North Dakota near Valley City, ND. The family homestead was established in 1883. My folks are on the original farm, and I'm a mile down the road. Growing up our family traveled and sang in the area at churches, festivals, events, etc. My folks, my sister, and my brother all contributed musically with voice and instrument. I graduated in 1990 and attended MidAmerica Nazarene University (at that time MidAmerica Nazarene College). I traveled full time for three years as a group director for a public relations traveling singing group. For those three years, we traveled in a seven state region singing gospel and talking about the value of Christian Higher Education. I graduated MNU in 1994 with B.A. in Mathematics. I spent a short time in graduate school at Colorado State University studying Applied Mathematics. Starting in 1995, I followed the "voices of wisdom - ;-)" to get a real job and spent the next 14 years in professional sales. ALL THE TIME, I CONTINUED TO WRITE AND SING. I was a worship leader at a church we attended for 6 years, from 1997-2003. By 2009, I was a Cardiovascular Sales Specialist with a large pharmaceutical company, and was let go in a massive company downsizing. I prayed for wisdom, and the answer seemed to be to move back to my "roots" and chase the dream that was birthed in my heart in 1979. Music. Singing MY songs.
I cut three albums at the studio of Gene Breeden in Nashville, TN in 2009. Two that were "western" country and my first Country Gospel album. All the songs original both the words and music. I cut two more in 2011 with Gene Breeden. My Christmas album, and the 3rd western/country. 2013 I was back in Nashville with producer Dave Signs and cut two more. (The 4th Western/Country and my 2nd Gospel). The dream was unleashed, in 2009 I finished with 70 events. For the following three years I averaged about 100 events per year. For the last two (2013, 2014), I've averaged over 120 per year, with 137 events in 2014. To date, I have cut and released seven albums of 100% original music (songs/lyrics/ music). I was just nominated for a 4th time as the Western Artist of the Year in the Male category by the Academy of Western artists. I now have 4 albums of western/ country, one album of Christmas music, and recently released my 2nd Country Gospel album. The release of my 7th album put me in a category that very few musicians worldwide in any genre have ever done -- and that is 7 albums released of original music. I do not have a label. I am THAT DETERMINED. I intend to some day make my living entirely with my music - doing ONLY original songs (with the exception of hymns, etc.) Of note, in 2014, singing 137 events, about half of those were gospel programs. We sang and did outreach programs for almost every denominational "flavor" that there is. I am a story singer, and the way that I weave my concerts with my songs and anecdotes is memorable, and elicits a lot of referrals and requests. I do not have an agent. I do everything myself, because I care about my kind of show. I have visited with many, but they didn't share my values, and couldn't guarantee me more gigs or exposure that I can get myself. Music does not pay all the bills, so I do just about everything in order to be able to keep me on the road, and keep my house going. We home school so we can be flexible to sing when we are able. I just turned in my "stack" to the accountant and had sixteen W-2/W-4 or 1099's from 2014. I am endlessly creative, and work all the time to continue my dream. It's who I am. It's what I'm supposed to do. My family comes to every show, and participate with me. We usually sell well whenever we do a concert, but it is a lot of work to build a brand and build a following. George Strait said one time that he build his music one person at a time. We do that. We go and sing wherever we are asked. Commercial events I "bid" at a going rate, but Gospel is all done on a free-will offering basis.
My next step "goals" include these: 1. Find some level of sponsorship to alleviate the burden of the extreme work load, and to be able to not hesitate singing where there might not be enough sales/ offering to "break even" 2. Get back to the studio. I am writing for 3 projects. A 3rd Gospel album, a 2nd Christmas, and my 5th Western/country. 3. Upgrade my travel vehicle. The old van is starting to get tired. 4. Make some equipment upgrades to enhance the stage show. 5. Find an advocate that can help to book shows (like an agent) and help to make my tours a little more efficient and more effective. ME calling and asking whether I can come and share is a lot different than someone of reputation calling and saying "You need to get Greg. Here's what HE does...." I desire to be successful enough that I am able to inspire and "pour" into other people's lives, to help them achieve their dreams. Sometimes a $100 tip makes the difference. Sometimes the ability to give an opportunity to someone will be the spark that inspires them to go to the next level in their "God Given" dream. I tell somewhere during every show that "We were created with a God-given dream. With something that we can do better than anyone else. I believe that true happiness and fulfillment comes only when we BE WHO WE ARE." My western/country songs have universal appeal, and are positive perspectives on life, living, and love. My gospel clearly reflects the love that God has for us, and how much He desires to have close relationship with us. www.greghager.com greg@greghager.com P.O. BOX 773 Valley City, ND. 58072 701-490-1807 Give Greg a call as soon as possible and schedule him for your next service Or event. You will be so glad that you did!
If you would like to have a story about your group, ministry, church, etc like the one about Greg Hager…..Southern Gospel Magazine would like to offer this to you. It is not a cover/ featured article…….but it will be a short bio, story and we will allow up to 3 pages and one photo…..in this article. If you would like to know the reasonable cost….please let me know….it is simple and easy for you and gets your ministry into a international publication. Please contact me for details… southerngospelmagazine@yahoo.com YOU WILL BE SO GLAD THAT YOU DID…...IT IS VERY REASONABLE IN COST AND YOU CAN NOT GET THIS IN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE WITHOUT PAYING A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS FEATURE STORY!
An Open Letter From The Rambo Family
Dear Friends, There's never an easy way to share difficult news but you all have been a part of so many joys, tears, valleys and triumphs with our family over the years and I wanted to ask for your prayers as we walk through this challenge. My dad, Buck Rambo, has been fighting a private battle with cancer over the last several months. Throughout the diagnosis, doctor's visits, radiation and chemotherapy, dad has been and remains a fighter. He knows the Great Physician and has experienced healing many times in his life. He is truly an inspiration to us all. His precious wife Mae is such a kind, loving and faithful caregiver. She and Dad will be coming back home to Nashville from his treatments in Florida at the end of this month. Please believe with us for complete healing, wisdom, strength, favor and everything extra that is necessary to accommodate him at this time. Please lift up all our family as we walk by faith through this difficult season. Jesus is guiding each step of the way. Lovingly, Buck Rambo Family
TIME IS RUNNING OUT In my quiet time with God at the end of the day I sensed in my spirit he had something to say So I just sat there quietly and as I waited on him I saw in the spirit the earth was dark and grim Then I saw the Lord weeping as he slowly shook his head I said Lord what's the matter and this is what he said My heart is truly breaking as every single day My children have stopped listening to what I have to say My Father's getting ready to rid the world of sin And the earth as you know it will crumble once again But I still have a remnant committed unto me Who have my desire and passion to set the captives free Time is of the essence we must not hesitate Find the lost and bring them in before it is too late @ Joye Atkinson
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 I have been attending a class on being a real disciple of Jesus and the first two questions in a series of five were theses. Who is Jesus? And, who is Jesus to me? (Not what I think) When answering or asking this question we don’t want the answer to be what we/you “think” but what we can back up with the Bible. The bibles answer to the first one: Who Is Jesus? John 1 [The Word Became Flesh] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. ... Now, when Jesus ask His disciples who do men say that I am? This way their reply, Mark 8:28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” Then Jesus asks them a more important question. Who do “YOU” say I that am? Simon Peter answered with “you are the Christ, The Son of the living God. Well, here is my answer to that question. I will answer it with the “ABC” of Jesus. Now remember these are what Jesus is to me. You can take this and make up your
own list of what Jesus is to you. Who Is Jesus To Me? He Is; A-All KNOWING John 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, C-Creator Isaiah 43:15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” D- Deliverer 2 Samuel 22:2 He said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, E-EVERLASTING Psalm 41:13 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. F-Faithful Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, G-God Exodus 3:6And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” H-Helper Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. L- LIGHT John 12:35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
P-Provider Genesis 45:11 There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’ R-RESURRECTION John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, S-SUPPLY Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. W –WAY John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Now, I didn’t use the whole alphabet. It would have been pretty easy to do (OK, X,Y,Q and Z might have posed a challenge). There is so much we all have to learn in order to be a real disciple of Jesus. It is even more than a relationship with Him. It is a Covenant with Him, (A serious agreement or promise) to walk with Him, talk with Him. How is it that we can be real disciple? First, we must see Jesus as a real person. We need to sit down at the table and look across to see Him sitting there. He isn’t just some whimsical cloud that floats around. He is real; He walked on earth just as you and I. Yes, He is God, King of King, but through His personal sacrifice on the cross with His shed blood, His gift of salvation, we can walk up and talk to Him anytime. You can do that to any leader on this planet. As we grow and get closer to Jesus. We will find that He becomes a part of us. We will share thoughts; He will speak to us in our spirit or in His word as we read it. The Bible is our life line to Jesus. He laid it all out for us. We will carry on conversations just like friends do. Our spirits will be as one. Just as Jesus is one with God and The Holy Spirit. Now, don’t read into that that I am saying we will be a God. What I am saying is Jesus will consume our lives and thoughts. We will stop and listen to what He has to say before we make a choice or decision. Jesus is not a name over your Church door; He is more than a doctrine. He is a real person that came, lived, died and was resurrected. He lives in each of His disciple by the Holy Spirit. It is up to each of us to STOP and LISTEN to the voice of Jesus and let Him disciple us through the word and through the Holy Spirit. To become a real disciple of Jesus we must spend time with Him in conversation and by reading His word. You don’t learn to play a sport by just sitting there you must get up and participate. Listen to the coach and the more you do this the better you will get. It is the same with becoming a disciple of Jesus. He is our coach. So, step up to the plate and take your swing. (psst, You won’t miss, Jesus has your back) I pray that each of you that read this will step back and evaluate just where you
stand as a disciple of Jesus. I did and I fell way short. Once again, Thanks for joining me here on the porch. Brian
Storms and Rainbows Have you ever experienced the storm in your life? Times when you could make no sense of things that are happening in your life. All of a sudden your problems are so big that you become overwhelmed and you feel you're drowning. I don't think anybody can say that they have never gone through a storm in their life. Someone once wrote, “God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, nor sunshine without rain, but he did promise strength for the day and light for the way.� Everything could be going great. You have it all under control and suddenly in a blink of an eye, a split second your world is turned upside down. Think about Job for a minute. He had everything, family, wealth and blessings. Job was considered the greatest man among all the people in the east. (Job 1:2-3) Then all of a sudden Satan took it all away from him. Satan thought that by breaking Job he could get him to curse God. The one thing that Satan hadn't counted on was Job never lost his faith in God. In Job's deepest, darkest hour instead of cursing God, Job praised God. There are three things Satan wants us to believe when it comes to storms in our lives. The first thing is that our storms are permanent. When we believe that way we begin to lose hope and give up. Second Satan wants us to believe our problems are bigger than they really are. We have to step back and look at our storm from God's view. When we do our raging problems suddenly become small. Third Satan wants us to believe we can fix our own problems. Have you ever been in the middle of a crisis worrying how you're going to handle everything? Then all of a sudden you remember you haven't ask God for His help. I certainly have. We have to remember the words to the song that says Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Job never lost his focus nor his faith and trust in God. Because of that God gave back to Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)
The storms in our lives can often make us or break us. When the storms come we need to keep our eyes focused on God. We can't focus on the storm or we loose sight of the only one who can help us. We have to trust God. We never know what's on the other side of our storms. I Corinthians 10:13 tells us that when we are tempted, God will always provide a way out so we can endure. Jesus did not promise a life without problems. He did, however, promised to be there to get us through the storms. He will always hold us in the palm of His hand. God held Noah in the palm of His hands and keep him safe through the storm. God then gave Noah a rainbow after the flood to let him know the storm was over. Just like Noah, God gives us rainbows at the end of our storms. Ezekiel 1:28 and Revelation 4:3 describes the rainbow as the Glory of the Lord. The next time you see a rainbow remember you are looking at God's glory on earth and in our lives. We will all have storms in our lives. Storms we will feel are impossible to get through. You maybe going through a storm right now. Remember God is in control. He will give you everything you need to survive the storm. Through God you will have a victory over the storm. Isaiah 43:2 tells us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, now shall the flames scorch you.” The storms in our lives will pass. We, however, have to take our eyes off our storms and focus on Jesus. God is always there in our storms and in our rainbows. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us that God will never leave us or forsake us. Today are you dwelling in your storm instead of looking for your rainbow? Maya Angelou wrote, “God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us in the dreariest and most dreaded moments can see a possibility of hope.” Remember we will all face storms. When you do ask God to lead, guide and direct you in the way to go and what to do. I leave you with this Irish Blessing, May God give you, For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile. For every care, a promise. And blessings in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer. God Bless Debbie Floyd
With the most No. 1 hits in Southern Gospel history, a dedicated following, and a faithful message for the masses, The McKameys’ great music and unwavering dedication to the Lord have stood the test of time. Now they are back with their 51st recording, What If, available on Horizon Records. What If has what we love about the group, like songs of joyous celebration with “I’m Gonna Give It Away” and “I’ll Give You Grace.” The old time traditional melodies come from Eli Fortner on “Where He Is” and from Peg McKamey-Bean in “I Have A Home.” Lyrical content is always at the forefront of a McKameys’ release, and What If is no exception – all songs are delivered with The McKameys’ trademark conviction and passion. The McKameys play about 150 days a year, traveling all over North America from Southern California on up to British Columbia and over to the East Coast, north to New Brunswick and south to Florida. They have been honored for having the most #1 hits in Southern Gospel Music. The group has been awarded several Singing News Fan Awards throughout the years with Peg being named Favorite Female Vocalist a remarkable 7 times. Ruben and Peg are both recipients of the Marvin Norcross Award and Norcross/Templeton Award respectively.
For more information visit:
www.mckameysonline.com
Track Listing: 1. I’m Gonna Give It Away 2. Your Prayers Have Been Heard 3. There Is A Peace 4. Where He Is 5. While I Wait 6. I’ll Give You Grace 7. Lift My Voice 8. I Have A Home 9. What If 10. Work In The Field TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW, REQUEST A REVIEW COPY, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: claire ratliff laughing penguin publicity & consulting po box 140396 nashville, tn 37214 615.476.3200 claire@penguinpublicity.com www.penguinpublicity.com
While sitting outside on the porch I got to pondering about choices. Its one of my very favorite words as most already know. We have to make many choices in our lifetime..Some are very important, some are not but the choices we make however, determine our happiness or our unhappiness. Regardless we do have to live with the consequences of our choices. It takes a lot of courage to step back rather than leaping forward. Unfortunately, some of us make wrong choices by leaping ( Guilty ) .Often we can change though and get back on the right track. Getting back on the right track though involves true repentance , recognizing the error of our ways, forsaking our wrongful deed,never repeating it, confessing and if need be, making restitution. Learning by experience has value, but the "school of hard knocks" is deserving of its name. Progression comes faster and easier though by learning from our parents and those who love us We can also learn from the mistakes of others and their wrong choices.No matter how many people in our world are involved, none are justified in being dishonest, lying, cheating, using profanity, especially taking the Lord's name in vain or engaging in immoral sexual relationships.One person having the courage to make the right choice can influence many others to also choose wisely. You are responsible for the choices you make. You should not blame your circumstances on your family, or your friends if you choose to disobey God's commandments. You are a child of God with great strength. You have the ability to choose righteousness and happiness, no matter what you face or have faced.. We need to be stronger and more responsible for our choices in a world where people "call evil good, and good evil. If we have to choose wisely because blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make. Remember God Loves ya and so do I
Sneed Family Adding New Member Glasgow, Kentucky, (June 25, 2015) There seems to be a lot of jubilation in the Sneed Family camp as the recent news of a new member has been announced. The name has not been released yet, but as soon as they know another press release will be forth coming. No this is not another singer or musician and this one cannot be fired from the position about to be held. Of course the new addition is a brand new baby. Caleb and Amanda Cowan will be presenting the Sneed Family with their first GRANDCHILD!!!!! There is a big smile on Caleb's face and there is a special glow about Amanda. Neither of those compare to the almost boastful pleasure seen on the face of Grandfather-to-be Jeff Sneed, while future Grandmother Pam Sneed is just keeping her cool until the big day arrives. On June 19th Caleb and Amanda commented, "As of tonight, I believe the "secret" we have been trying to keep for several weeks now is officially out! It looks like in January of 2016 we will welcome our first baby into our little family! Our hearts are overjoyed! For this child we have both prayed for a while now, and we couldn't feel more blessed or excited! We ask each of you to please help us pray for a healthy baby! Love you all so much!!� In other Sneed Family news, the big Loretta Lynn concert is being brought to you by the Sneed Family on Friday, July 10th @7:00PM cst. at the Plaza Theatre in Glasgow, Ky. For tickets call 270-361-2101 or purchase online at plaza .org. Better hurry because there are only 46 tickets left. If you would like to interview the Sneed Family contact AG Publicity at info@agpublicity.com . To learn more about the Sneed Family you can go to http://www.sneedfamily.com or https://www.facebook.com/sneedfamily . To book the Sneed Family contact by E-mail a sneedfamilyoffice@yahoo.com or call the Sneed Office at 270-678-3575
5 Benefits of Reading the Bible As a Christian you’ve probably heard over and over, “Read your Bible!” But why? You get busy and it just doesn’t happen. Or you begin, but get bogged down in the “begats.” Or you really try, but it just doesn’t seem worth the effort; it’s not doing anything for you. Reading the Bible becomes one of those “should’s” hanging over your Christian life and making you feel guilty. If that’s our experience, we must be missing something. Consider what the Bible has meant to believers throughout history. Would monks and other religious workers spend their entire lives painstakingly copying the Bible by hand if it were just a duty? Why would Guttenberg choose the Bible as the first work to be produced on his new invention – the printing press? Why would governments aligned against the Christian faith not uncommonly kill people simply for possessing a book? Would underground evangelists risk their very lives to bring Bibles to people if it were just something they “should” read? Why would believers in some countries rejoice with tears when they received their first Bible if they were only “supposed to” read it? There must be something more to the Bible than we usually pay attention to. Many people in our culture possess multiple Bibles that are never read. Perhaps we value it too lightly because it hasn’t cost us anything, or we haven’t experienced any benefits from putting it into our souls. If you haven’t experienced the Bible as vitally nourishing to your soul, here are 5 benefits that you’re missing out on: It changes your thinking. One of the biggest factors in your success in any area is your thinking: personal relationships, enjoyment and fulfillment in life, vocation, character development, and more. Spending time reading the Bible regularly provides wisdom, perspective, ideas, principles, and truths that elevate, stretch, clarify, strengthen, and sanctify your thinking. It’s the only way to “renew your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
It changes your heart. Our natural God-given desires have become tainted and distorted by the sinful world in which we live. We can’t change our hearts ourselves no matter how hard we try. God’s word is a vital part of the way God works His transformation in our innermost being, causing our desires to change and making us again into His image. (Hebrews 8:10) It cleanses your soul. Our inner being is constantly being bombarded with distorted, ungodly, or shallow images, sounds, and other messages from media, people, or our own sinful memories and desires. God’s word provides the counterattack to the enemy’s war to contaminate and capture our souls. We need a regular dose of this cleansing. (Ephesians 5:26) )It nourishes and grows your character. There is satisfaction and nourishment for your soul in God’s word that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a doorway to intimacy with God. It provides a barrier against destructive and sinful behavior, and a pathway to forgiveness when you need it. Without time in God’s word your inner spiritual being will be starved and stunted. It demonstrates the big picture. The Bible is a story, the story, of God making humankind, humanity’s royal mess-up, and God remaking humankind. It tells us that “Jesus is going to win!” Finding ourselves in that big story provides context for our suffering, meaning for our present, and hope for our future. If you want to experience the nourishing and transforming grace that’s available through God’s word, find a way to make it a part of your life daily. Listen to an audio Bible while commuting. Read a few verses together as a family at breakfast. Download the Bible app on your smartphone and sign up for a reading plan. It’s never been easier, or more important, to make the Bible part of your life. Your very life may depend on it. And don't forget to visit our website often! www.drcarolministries.com
The Bowling Family Announces Annual Music Fest & Talent Search Award winning Southern Gospel artist, The Bowling Family, announces their First Annual Music Fest and Talent Search hosted by the City of London, Kentucky and the London Tourist Commission in conjunction with Global Promotions. The exciting two day event will take place on Friday, May 13, 2016 and Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the First Baptist Church of London, 804 West 6th Street, London, Kentucky. The Bowling Family is thrilled to have Adam Crabb, Gold City Quartet, Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant Quartet, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The McKameys, Primitive Quartet, and comedian Aaron Wilburn performing. The Bowling Family has appeared on the Gaither Homecoming concerts and videos, TBN, during Gospel Music Week’s Dove Awards, at GMA’s Seminar in the Rockies and numerous other major events. Their debut release, Faith To Believe, garnered a record four number one songs, as well as the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards 2008 Song of the Year (Your Cries Have Awoken The Master). Their current project Safe After The Storm has produced two number one songs. Mike Bowling notes, "This has been a lifelong dream to have an annual event in my hometown. This gives us an opportunity to bring the best talent in the industry to London, KY and to also show off this great community to gospel music lovers nationwide.” The first annual Music Fest will feature a Talent Search in conjunction with Daywind Records to be held Friday morning at the London Community Center at 9:00 AM. The Friday night concert includes Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant Quartet, Aaron Wilburn and The Bowlings. The concert begins at 7:00 PM.
The Saturday night concert includes Adam Crabb, Gold City, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Aaron Wilburn, and The Bowlings. The concert to begins at 6:00 PM. A Saturday Matinee is scheduled for 1:00 PM and will feature The McKameys and the Primative Quartet. You can learn more about The Bowling Family by visiting www.bowlingsonline.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bowling-Family/ . To book The Bowling Family contact Beckie with the Beckie Simmons Agency by Email at beckie@bsaworld.com or call 615-595-7500 . About The Bowling Family The Bowling Family is no stranger to the Christian music world having a long list of accomplishments during their vocal careers. The Bowling Family combines talent, sincerity and experience to create a memorable concert experience. Their goal for the evening is to usher in the presence of God and celebrate the Christian message. They feel privileged and honored to enjoy the freedom to honor Christ with any and all of their abilities. The group consists of Mike Bowling and his wife, Kelly, and their daughter Hope. They bring you their stories and songs in a way that is reminiscent of days gone by. To watch them perform reminds us of a time when "all night singings" were the norm, and folks lined up early to visit with the singers and musicians. As in most things, musical styles come full circle. What is old is new, and what is new is old. Musically, Mike, Kelly, and Hope make us realize this. Somehow they have created a sound that is as refreshing as the sounds of the early 70s. Mike has often been referred to as the vocal stylist of the day, however, the completion is so obvious with Kelly and Hope by his side. History will note that they have been true to the excellence of their ability without diminishing or distancing the listener.