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STAMPEDE – Now here |Beautiful song of hope by Julie Elias

Stampede by Julie Elias

In a world where music serves as both a refuge and a beacon of hope, independent artist Julie Elias continues to carve her path with unwavering determination. Following the resounding success of her title track “The Dreamer,” Julie once again graces our ears with a poignant offering, “Stampede,” the second single from her latest masterpiece, the 16-song album titled “The Dreamer.”

In the midst of the tumultuous backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Julie Elias embarked on a journey of self-discovery and creative expression that culminated in the creation of “The Dreamer” album. This album serves as a musical testament to her experiences, her battles with emotions, and the unique challenges faced by an independent artist striving to shine amid adversity. While the title track “The Dreamer” resonated deeply with audiences with its heartwarming message, “Stampede” emerges as a powerful follow-up, poised to further amplify the resonance of Julie’s voice in the midst of the chaos that defines our contemporary world.

Drawing profound inspiration from Isaiah 35:4, “Stampede” delves into the theme of seeking divine refuge during life’s most tumultuous upheavals. The song encapsulates the journey of seeking solace and finding sanctuary amidst the storms that life can bring.

As the lyrics eloquently capture:
“Like a stampede, running over me
Suddenly I need some room to breathe
Lord, give me grace, I need a hiding place
Help me overcome the mess I’ve made”

Julie Elias, a versatile artist in her own right, takes on the role of producer for “Stampede,” further infusing the song with her unique touch. Through her heartfelt composition, she offers not only a musical masterpiece but a genuine balm for the soul, providing solace and hope in the midst of overwhelming times.

The release of “Stampede” is accompanied by an enchanting lyric video, a visual journey that enhances the emotional depth of the song, allowing listeners to connect even more intimately with its message.

Julie’s musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with her inaugural single “The Dreamer” already attaining significant recognition within the industry:

  • Debuted at an impressive #1 on the CRC Weekly charts.
  • Secured a notable #2 position on the CRC Monthly charts.
  • Earned a remarkable #3 spot on the CRC Quarterly charts.

In her own poignant words, Julie Elias invites us all to embrace the dreamer within ourselves, a notion she beautifully encapsulates with the phrase, “God is not done with the dreamer YOU’VE become. Embrace the journey, find hope, and let’s dream together.”

As Julie Elias continues to pour her heart and soul into her music, “Stampede” emerges as an anthem of strength, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams even in the face of adversity. It is a melody that whispers to the soul, reminding us all that within the chaos, there is solace, and within the storm, there is sanctuary. With her music as the vessel, Julie Elias invites us to find refuge in her artistry, to seek solace in her lyrics, and to join hands as fellow dreamers on this extraordinary journey called life.

Stream Mp3: “STAMPEDE”

Stream

Connect with Julie Elias:

Website: https://julieeliasmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieeliasmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieeliasmusic/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/julieeliasmusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@julieeliasmusic
Music Link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rZocF3WbIr1gxmRiALBmQ?si=HU-wdgboStWNlP64jPKEwg

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NOT AFRAID – Amazing single by phenomenal minister TEGA

Not Afraid - Tega
Not Afraid - TEGA

The wonderful spirit filled Abuja-Based Music Minister Tega has released another spirit led and Empowering symphony “Not Afraid”, which her words in the song urges us as believers to cast away fear and put before us faith in Christ: Embrace Faith Over Fear

In an exciting development for gospel music enthusiasts, Abuja-based music minister Tega has just unveiled her latest release, a captivating song titled “Not Afraid.” Following the success of her previous single, “Victory Through the Blood,” which magnifies the power of Christ’s blood to save, heal, deliver, and grant us complete victory, Tega once again delivers an impactful message through her music.

With “Not Afraid,” Tega emboldens listeners to shift their focus from fear to faith, reminding them that Jesus endured immense suffering to set them free from the bondage of fear. Drawing inspiration from 2 Timothy 1:7, which assures believers that God has not given them a spirit of fear but of a sound mind, love, and power, Tega emphasizes that fear is not of God.

In a world plagued by uncertainties, Tega’s new sound serves as a timely reminder for believers to stand firm and resolute, regardless of the circumstances they may face. Encouraging her audience to release worry and anxiety, she urges them to remember that God dwells within them and is always on their side. As faith rises, Tega assures listeners that they will witness the miraculous works of God in their lives.

Not Afraid by Tega is available for stream on all music platforms.

Stream

Connect with Music minister Tega:

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/TegaAmabebe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiamabebe

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Inspiration

7 Tips On How To Sing Better Gospel

boy singing gospel
boy singing gospel

Singing is a skill all of us have, but there are plenty of us who don’t know how to sing, or at least we struggle to do so. There are many reasons for this, for one, you might not realize how much you already know about singing, or how much you can improve with just some humble lessons.

There’s nothing more soulful than singing gospel music. Singing gospel music has an amazing rhythm and a great sense of unity. When you sing gospel, you are also giving God glory, and you can feel the spirit of God when you are singing gospel music. You should sing gospel music to show God’s love to the people. Singing gospel music can strengthen you and help you to find the right path in life. When you are singing gospel, you can share your faith with others. All of the great singers in the world sing gospel music.

1.Practice Singing Every Day.

For those who want to sing their way to the top, practice singing is a must. Singing is not all about having a great voice and knowing every single note; singing is about great songs, great lyrics and a great performance. If you want to sing better and be able to perform at the same level as your favourite singers then singing every day can help you achieve your goal.

According to some, singing is as good as breathing. But for many, singing is a forgotten art that has been abandoned in the modern world. How many of us can actually carry a tune or even hold a tune for that matter? How many of us sing in the shower? I always say, if you can whistle, you can sing.

2.Warm Up Before Singing.

You might think that getting up in the morning and singing in the shower is a great way to warm up, but there’s a better way to warm up and get that voice ready for an entire day of singing. The human voice is one of the most powerful things we have. The sound it makes affects not only the emotion it creates but also the person it’s directed at. When you sing, you’re trying to convey your thoughts, feelings, and state of mind to the person you’re singing to.

This is a varied subject, but warming up before you sing is imperative to your success as a singer and gospel artist. It is imperative that you warm up before you sing if you want the best out of yourself and your voice.

3.Master Your Breathing Techniques.

Singing is no small feat. It takes a lot more than just singing in tune. It takes a lot of practice, a lot of dedication and a lot of knowledge. The problem is that there are so many different ways to make someone sing better. Learning how to sing gospel can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make it easier, and you can make it fun. In this lesson, I’m going to show you how to learn how to sing better through proper breathing.

In order to sing with great style, it is essential to master your breathing techniques. It is the single most important element for a more attractive and attractive vocal style. We are all different, and the way you breathe will make a difference in your singing, but you can use these breathing tips to make breathing easier.

4.Record Yourself Singing And Analyze Your Vocals.

There is nothing like singing a good song, and there is nothing like singing a great song. When we sing, we often forget that it is only a song. That is why we should always record our singing and analyze it. This way, we can learn more about our singing. Recording allows us to hear what we sound like, and to improve our singing by analyzing it.

There are many people who sing in church, but those songs are not always performed perfectly. With the right singing coach, it is possible to sing the songs more accurately and with more feel. Proper training is the key to being a great vocalist, but the process of learning is not easy.

5.Open your mouth

You are going to sing in church one day and you want to sound like you are being compared to the top gospel singers. These tips will help you sound like you are being compared to the best gospel singers.If you’re struggling to learn how to sing gospel, you’re not alone. Singing is not just about wowing the audience. It’s actually about being able to sing. Just like anything else, singing requires constant practice and practice. This is why many gospel singers have a live band to accompany them during performances.

It’s amazing how many people are not able to sing their favorite Gospel songs. But this does not have to be so. There are many different ways of how you can learn how to sing the songs better. Learning how to sing better gospel is not hard, and it is not expensive. You can have better performances anytime you want.

6.Remain relaxed

One of the most effective ways to sing gospel is to remain relaxed. Singing gospel is not as easy as it may seem, and if your mind is not at ease, it will not be able to focus and that will lead to lack of performance.Often times Christians do not sing their praises because they are nervous or anxious about the outcome. They are worried about the pain that their singing may bring them. However, God has promised that no matter what happens, if we sing out of a sincere love, God will bless us and make us happy.

Singing is a great way to express the innermost feelings of a person and spread joy and happiness. The right voice, good voice and right mood help in improving the quality of your music. There are some tips that are instrumental in ensuring that you remain relaxed.

7.Release tension

Singing gospel music is a great way to express and share your faith. That’s because gospel music is so much fun to sing, whether you’re leading a worship team, or are just a listener. But many new singers have a hard time singing gospel. And, when it comes to gospel music, it’s not always easy to find the right way to sing without feeling self-conscious about your voice.

There are millions of people who sing in church and sing on their own, and many of them do not know how to sing better. Finding the right way is something that is very hard to do and you can’t just pick something up overnight. Even the best singers you have always seen struggle to hit the high notes and to say that you are one of those people is not acceptable.

Usman Raza is a CEO and the co-founder of Faith-Based Advertising Company and a content marketing specialist at Alabaster Grace Ministries, Kevin J Madison, Church Marketing Agency, The Glory Candle, and a Christian Store making Orthodox Wooden Cross. He is devoted to helping small businesses bridge success gaps by providing in-depth, actionable advice on digital marketing, SEO, and small business growth. Follow him on Twitter @usmanintrotech.

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‘God Loves You’ Helps in Saving a Man from Suicide

After spending nearly seven hours hanging from a sign above an Oklahoma highway, an unidentified man seeking to end his own life changed his mind after a good Samaritan told him, “God loves you.”

Rick Jewell, the good Samaritan, told News Channel 8 that his son noticed that the man in distress was coincidentally in the exact location as a giant cross that is illuminated during the holidays.

“I stayed over here and prayed for 15 minutes when I first got here, and then my son says, ‘Look over their Dad. There’s a cross right behind him,'” Jewell noted.

Onlooker Trei Jackson told the news station that Jewell’s intervention did the trick after the man in distress did not respond to calls to climb down from the sign above Interstate 244.

“Ole’ boy told him that Jesus loves you, basically, and that you ain’t do no wrong, to come down, just ask for help. He came down,” Jackson said.

“God loves you guy,” Jewell said to the man, prompting him to come down.

“I just started talking to him, and I told him there was more to life than what he was doing and that God loved him,” Jewell explained.

“He looked at me, and I told him to throw me his cigarettes, he threw me those, I said throw me that rope, he threw me that rope, and I said now get down from there. I said they’re going to help you. He headed down. Simple. It’s crazy.”

“But I also told you what I did for 15 minutes over there before you showed up; I was praying. So, that had a lot to do with it, I’m sure,” he said.

According to News On 6, Tulsa Police said that the department is relieved that the man climbed down from the sign on his own, unhurt after nearly spending seven hours.

The man reportedly climbed up to the sign at around 9 am and climbed down at approximately 4 pm.

Tulsa Police Officer Andre Baul explained that the man had prior contact with negotiators in a separate incident and noted that he was in distress because of ongoing legal issues in his life.

“He was scared about the future, about what he was going to be facing once he came down,” Baul said.

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WORD FOR TODAY: Dealing with fear

During the American Revolution, Spain gained control of the Bahamas. In April of 1783, Andrew Deveaux, a lieutenant colonel from South Carolina, recruited a handful of militiamen and Harbour Island settlers to retake Nassau using a clever strategy.

Deveaux had only two hundred men with him, a far smaller force than that of the Spanish, but he managed to capture the high ground on the island after a brief skirmish.

The Spaniards then watched as boats repeatedly ferried load after load of men from Deveaux’s ships to his defensive position on the shore.

What the Spaniards didn’t know was that the same men kept going back and forth, standing up on their trip over to the island, and hiding themselves by lying low in the boat on the trip back to the ships.

The leader of the Spanish troops, fearing a defeat from a larger force in an invulnerable position, surrendered.

When you succumb to fear, you’re already beaten. People ruled by fear stay where it’s safe. And that’s sad, because you can’t reach your potential by staying where it’s safe.

Shakespeare said,

‘Our doubts are traitors, and they make us lose what we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.’

What would you attempt in life if you were sure you couldn’t fail?

Before you answer, read these words of David: ‘When I cry out to you…my enemies will turn back…I know, because God is for me’ (Psalm 56:9 NKJV).

Believe that God is on your side today, then step out and attempt the thing you’re afraid to do! You’ll never be the same again – you’ll be liberated!

This is our Word for Today!

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Word For Today: Your words reveal your heart

The words you speak will give you away every time. It happened to Peter.

On the night Jesus was arrested and all his disciples scattered, Peter stayed close enough to see what was happening – but not close enough to be identified with him.

The Bible says: ‘Those who stood by came up and said to Peter,

“Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”

Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him,

“Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly’ (Matthew 26:73-75 NKJV).

After that episode nobody accused Peter of being a follower of Jesus!

Isn’t it interesting how profanity in any language has a way of making others question the quality of your relationship with Christ?

Your words have the power to build people up or tear them down, draw them to Christ or drive them away.

With that in mind, here are two Scriptures you need to underscore and think about often:

(1) ‘Let your speech always be with grace…that you may know how you ought to answer each one’ (Colossians 4:6 NKJV).

(2) ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…that it may benefit those who listen’ (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).

Today in our ‘Word for today‘, here’s a prayer for you to pray:

‘Father, may the words I speak this day bring credit to the name of Jesus and draw others to him. In his name I pray. Amen.’

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Word for Today: Use what God has given you

Jesus taught his disciples to be distributors of his blessing and ‘first responders’ to those in need. That’s why he involved them in the process; he was equipping them to represent him in the future.

In the feeding of the five thousand, the miracle of multiplication did not take place when the food left Christ’s hands, but the disciples’ hands.

He blessed the five loaves and two fish, gave it to them, and they set out to do what seemed ridiculous: feeding a multitude with a boy’s lunch.

But as they did it, they experienced the miraculous. Why? Because when the Lord’s blessing is upon what you have, you’ll succeed in spite of the challenges and obstacles.

God has given each of us something that others need. But sometimes we fail to recognise it, or we doubt its worth.

So we conclude, ‘I don’t have what it takes.’ You do – but it’s in seed form! Jesus described it this way: ‘First the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head’ (Mark 4:28 NKJV).

God has deposited within you something he wants you to recognise, nurture and use for his glory. When he blesses it, you’ll be amazed at the underdeveloped potential you’ve been running around with.

This miracle began when a boy found an unmet need and decided, ‘These people are hungry and need to be fed.’ That’s also when the disciples discovered what Jesus could do with what they had, even though it looked hopelessly inadequate. The word for today is – use what God has given you!

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Word for Today: Maintaining a good conscience

When your conscience is programmed and governed by God’s Word, it will lead you to do the right thing every time.

And it’s created by the first lessons you learn about right and wrong; which is why parents have the most important job in the world.

If you’re never taught those lessons, you fail to develop a conscience. If you’re taught them poorly or incompletely, you develop a stunted conscience.

If you override your conscience and refuse to obey its inner voice, you develop a hardened conscience and, over time, you will live your life as if you don’t have one at all.

You’ll compromise, cover up, and cut corners to get what you want. You can’t see a conscience or autopsy one, but you can hear it whispering in your mind and feel it tugging at your heart.

And those are the whispers and tugs you must respond to in order to walk in the blessing of God.

Paul said two important things about his conscience:

(1) ‘I myself always strive to have a conscience without offence towards God and men’ (Acts 24:16 NKJV).

(2) ‘I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day’ (Acts 23:1 NKJV).

Your conscience is either healthy or becoming unhealthy. And as it goes, so goes your character, your reputation and the quality of your life. So, above all, keep your conscience clear.

This is our ‘Word for Today‘.

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TD Jakes on how to use social the media effectively

In an increasingly polarized society, Bishop T.D. Jakes has encouraged Christians to use discretion when posting on social media, stressing the power of content that “sheds light rather than generates heat.”

“When you’re broaching a sensitive subject, a controversial subject, a subject where you have an opinion … but may not have necessarily done your research on, I think it’s better to start a conversation with a trusted friend and almost use him as a focus group to make sure that you’re looking at it holistically, and not just narrowly through the lens of your own point of view, so that when you make a statement, it sheds light rather than generates heat,” Jakes, founder of The Potter’s House, told The Christian Post on Thursday when asked about “best practices” when it comes to posting on social media. 

“If you go through that litmus test prior to typing, it will save you a lot of grief and pain, and perhaps in certain cases, finances, trying to rectify a ship that has gotten off course because you’re exposing it to millions and millions of people around the world without the benefit of the kind of process that normal people would go through,” he added.

Jakes recently released his latest book, Don’t Drop the Mic: The Power of Words Can Change the World. In it, The New York Times bestselling author highlights why effective, God-glorifying communication matters more now than ever before, particularly as everyone has a platform thanks to social media.

Jakes, who also serves as the CEO of TDJ Enterprises, spanning film, television, radio, publishing, podcasts and an award-winning music label, explained that before creating a film or documentary, creators typically go before focus groups — they don’t simply “throw ideas into the public domain.”

“I think that would be a very, very helpful practice to do,” Jakes said, adding that platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are bad places to “start a relationship with other groups and entities if you don’t have the prerequisite of a personal real relationship that causes you to share what you have learned.”

“It’s better to say what you have learned or what you’re thinking or what you’re wondering about rather than stated as a fact and become an authority without credentials,” he said. 

During the interview with CP and other reporters, the Dallas-based pastor also reflected on why good communication is important for building connection and community and ultimately, furthering the Gospel.

He shared how, growing up in West Virginia, he was surrounded by a predominantly white community, compelling him to build relationships across many different platforms, races and cultures.

“When America started finally having a real, open conversation about race, it was quite inflamed and difficult and awkward because most Americans, and Christians in particular, think that silence equates to unity.

But it’s really just like a bad marriage where communication has eroded [and that] doesn’t mean that the people are happy in the relationship,” he said. 

“As difficult as this conversation is, I think it’s a critical conversation to have,” he said.

“I have gone out of my way to talk to several white pastors who got backlash from the black community because of the way they phrased or said certain things. …

And what I said at every turn, is, ‘Keep talking, don’t withdraw into a shell and become silent and stop talking.’”

T.D. Jakes | T.D. Jakes

“We must continue to communicate about this because it’s not going to go away by us going back into our tribalism in our silos. We have to keep talking. And get it right.”

One of the most influential communicators of today, Jakes shared how there have been times in his own life and ministry where he’s gotten it wrong — and been forced to admit his wrongdoing and make changes going forward.

Making mistakes — and then being corrected — “doesn’t mean to stop talking,” Jakes emphasized.

“We need your voice. We all need each other’s voices in order for us to be the human race that we were meant to be,” he said.

The bishop stressed that effective communication and ongoing dialogue will help promote unity in a society that seems increasingly divided.

“In order to survive as a society, as an entity, we must recognize our own unity, and not allow the color of the coats of skin that’s placed on our backs to ignore the fact that my kidney will work in your body, your blood will work in mine, and it doesn’t take away from anything that I have.”

“We are one species, and we need to be more proficient at accentuating our oneness and acknowledging our differences in a way that brings wholeness.”

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Michael Jr. shares transformative stories in his new book

For much of his adult life, comedian Michael Jr. has made people laugh, uplifting audiences from some of the world’s biggest stages.

But in between jokes, the outspoken Christian and father-of-five inserts practical wisdom — a practice that, he discovered, impacted audiences in sometimes unexpected ways.

“One time, after a comedy show in Sacramento, California, security approached me and said, ‘There’s this guy that really wants to talk to you,’” he recalled.

“I look up, and there’s this white dude, wearing a wife-beater, really tatted up, and he looked really high because his eyes were all red. But I realized he’d been crying.”

After a brief conversation, the man revealed to Michael Jr. that he was a fugitive of the law in several states and had attended the comedy show to release some of the pressure he was feeling internally.

Incredibly, the man then asked the comedian to help him turn himself in.

“So that’s what we did; we called the police,” he recalled.

“They showed up, I prayed with the dude, I gave him a hug, and he got into the back of the police cruiser, and they drive off.”

“Now, why did that happen?” the award-winning comedian posited.

“If I was only doing jokes and not speaking between the gaps, I never would have had the opportunity to really speak into some people in a way that they needed to be spoken to.”

“In your life, there are gaps,” he explained.

“The question is, what questions are you asking in between the gaps? Are you asking, ‘What can I get?’ or are you asking, ‘What can I give?’ If you change the question, you’ll get different answers.”

It’s life-changing instances like the story about the fugitive — that Michael Jr. said have consistently happened throughout his life — that compelled the podcast host to write his latest book, Funny How Life Works.

Released earlier this year, the book, which sold out shortly after its initial release, includes a collection of stories the comedian told The Christian Post he hopes will inspire readers to embrace their God-given purpose — or, how he describes it, their “punchline.”

“My hope is that people read the book and because they laugh.

They may not even be aware of how it’s helping them look at things a little different,” he said.

“I wrote the stories in such a way that I hope they can see themselves in it, laugh, and receive some actionable takeaways.

It’s the same thing I do on stage and in comedy.

I try to use my talents and resources to ensure that the audience is moving in one direction and it causes revelation, fulfillment, and joy expressed through laughter.”

Funny How Life Works | Funny How Life Works

Woven throughout the book are lessons the “Selfie Dad” star gleaned from his father, a man he described as “pretty awesome,” that impacted the trajectory of his life, from working as an oil change technician in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to performing on the country’s biggest comedy stages.

“I didn’t realize how brilliant it was until I had my own kids. My dad would never sit me down and have talks about sex, drugs, or hard things or drugs,” he reflected.

“Instead, we would have an activity we were doing together, like fishing, for example. While we’re catching fish, we would have those conversations.

So because that was going on, I was receiving what he was saying. I was able to ask questions, and it took that weird awkwardness away. It was very, very strategic on his part to instill those things in me.”

Michael Jr. recalled how his father instilled in his children the importance of prayer and reminded them of their God-given value while giving them the independence to make their own decisions — principles he now uses in his own parenting.

“What I tell my kids is, ‘What you know about God is 100% true.

And there’s going to be people who are going to try to take that truth from you,’” he said.

“Whether it’s a friend or guy at school, they are going to show up and try to convince you of something different.’”

“I plant these seeds in my kids’ heads before it happens so that they are able to play above the game as opposed to being in it and questioning what they know to be true,” he added.

In his book, Michael Jr. also reflects on the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and forgiveness, recounting the terrifying time police held a gun to his head after falsely accusing him of selling illegal drugs.

“I’ve had encounters with the police since then and don’t hold a grudge with any of them,” he said.

“I talk about bitterness and how anger actually perpetuates pain. The sooner you can let that go, the faster your healing will come.”

“What you do,” he added, “is you keep telling your story, and use those stories as leverage to help people really live a better life.”

Seeing his platform as an opportunity to bring hope in hopeless places, Michael Jr. frequently performs in uncommon places, including homeless shelters and prisons.

And through his comedy, acting and writing, the comedian said he strives to both make people laugh and speak wisdom into their lives in such a way that they leave both uplifted and inspired.

“After meeting Jesus, my goals changed,” he said. “I’m always asking, ‘What can I give to this audience right now?’”

“When people laugh, their hearts open,” Michael Jr. added,

“and when your heart is open, I want to make a deposit into it that could make a positive change and help you to discover your God-given purpose.”

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Word For Today: Understanding True Holiness

True Holiness should always be’ to the Lord’ (Zechariah 14:21 NKJV).

Any time we make it ‘to men’, it’s wrong and misguided because it’s just pride and pretense.

Jesus condemned the Pharisees not for their acts of piety, but because they performed them to impress others.

Not only did they live by a long list of religious ‘do’s and don’ts,’ they also kept a scorecard of those who didn’t and denounced them for it.

Some of us grew up in homes and churches that did this, and when the word ‘holiness’ is mentioned, we squirm and think of Christians with sombre faces and pointed fingers of accusation.

That’s not Bible holiness, that’s legalism! And God hates it, and the Bible condemns it.

To understand what true holiness is, think of the word ‘contamination’. It’s one of every hospital’s greatest concerns.

It’s why doctors in an operating room insist that their surgical instruments be constantly sterilised; caps, gowns and gloves worn; and the environment in the room maintained at a temperature where germs can’t live.

Are you getting the picture? Adjust your lens a little, and you’ll see the spiritual application.

True holiness does not isolate you from the world, it insulates you from its contaminants.

Paul corrected the Corinthian church for their approach to the communion table:

‘You even start eating before everyone gets to the meeting, and some of you go hungry, while others get drunk’ (1 Corinthians 11:21 CEV).

So Paul addresses their spiritually sloppy, anything-goes attitude. ‘For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep [have died]’ (1 Corinthians 11:30 NKJV). What’s the answer? ‘Holiness – to the Lord!’

This is our ‘Word for Today‘.

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Word For Today: The power to change

We go to seminars and conferences looking for a painless cure by which our lives can be zapped and changed. often,  we go on diets. We join health clubs.

Our enthusiasm runs strong for about two weeks. Then we fall back into the same old rut.

We read self-help books, but the problem with self-help books is that they tell us what to do but can’t give us the power to do it.

We are told things like: ‘Get rid of all your bad habits. Be positive; don’t be negative.’ But how? Where do we get the power to change?

The word ‘power’ occurs fifty-seven times in the New Testament.

It is used to describe the most powerful event that ever happened – the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

And that resurrection power is available to change your life today. The most important thing in life is knowing Christ and experiencing the power of his resurrection.

Paul writes,

‘I want to know Christ…to know the power of his resurrection’ (Philippians 3:10 NIV).

Again, he writes,

‘I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe in him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead’ (Ephesians 1:19-20 TLB).

The Greek word for ‘power’, which is dunamis, can be translated in two ways:

(1) ‘dynamite’, which is an explosive force,

(2) ‘dynamo’, which is a constant flow of power.

And in Christ, you have both.

Through him you can break the chains that bind you and the limits that constrain you, and walk victoriously in his power today.

This is our ‘Word for Today‘.

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Word for Today: Turn your loss into gain

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WORD FOR TODAY: God is willing and able to deliver

George Müller is considered to be one of the spiritual giants of the church. Do yourself a favour and read his life-story.

Faced time and time again with overwhelming needs, he turned to God in prayer, claiming his promises and experiencing amazing miracles.

But great faith does not come overnight; it comes over a lifetime of walking with God. Müller said:

‘My faith is the same faith which is found in every believer. It has been increased little by little for the last twenty-six years.

Many times when I would have gone insane from worry, I was at peace because my soul believed the truth of God’s promises.

God’s Word, together with the whole character of God as he has revealed himself, settles all questions. His unchangeable love and his infinite wisdom calmed me.

I knew, “God is able and willing to deliver me.” It is written,

“He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things”‘ (Romans 8:32 NKJV)?

You say, ‘How do I get this kind of faith?’ The Bible says, ‘Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God’ (Romans 10:17 NKJV).

Just as a daily diet of good nutrition strengthens you physically, so do reading, meditating, studying, verbalising and standing on God’s Word each day strengthen you spiritually.

The ‘secret’ of successful Christian living is not a secret at all – just get into God’s Word and get God’s Word into you. You can’t avoid anxiety-producing situations in life, but when your faith is strong you can overcome them.

This is our ‘Word for Today‘.

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WORD FOR TODAY: Walk in God’s blessing

Your new nature is programmed to want to obey God in much the same way a calculator is programmed to compute numbers.

When you put in the right information, you get the right response.

And when you feed your new nature with God’s Word, it’s designed to give you the right response.

That’s why Satan tries to keep you so busy doing other things that you don’t spend time reading your Bible.

His goal is to keep you weak and ineffective.

Paul writes, ‘We all…beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image’ (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV).

A mirror is simply a reflector. And the more time you spend in God’s Word, the more you begin to reflect his likeness.

But it won’t happen by just grabbing a verse here and there or skimming through a passage.

No, it calls for renewing your mind every day with God’s Word, to the extent that the Holy Spirit connects with your spirit and produces a Christlike lifestyle.

Jesus said:

‘You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me’ (John 15:3-4 NKJV).

When food dries on a plate, that plate needs to ‘abide’ in some hot, soapy water so that all the mess can be removed.

That’s why you need to soak your mind in God’s Word. It removes not only gross sin, but hardened, baked-on, stubborn attitudes that keep you from growing in grace.

This is our ‘Word for Today‘.

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WORD FOR TODAY: Where can you find peace?

Increasing our pace has decreased our peace. There’s an old joke about a stressed-out personal assistant who told her boss, ‘When this rush is over, I’m going to have a nervous breakdown.

I’ve earned it, I deserve it, and nobody’s going to take it from me!’ We smile, but chances are you can relate. Not long ago we marked the passing of time in seasons.

But seasons became monthly calendars, which became day-timers, which became one-minute managers, which became handheld personal organisers.

And what does it all lead to? As our productivity goes up, our quality of life seems to go down.

An article in USA Today describes how therapist Ofer Zur staged a conference called ‘Speed.com: The Search for Meaning in the New Millennium’.

And guess where he staged it? In the heart of stressed-out Silicon Valley, California! As the attendees gathered, Zur noted the drawn faces, worried looks and preoccupied demeanour of his audience.

He said his personal alarm sounded when he noted they had brought cell phones and laptops – and began using them during the session. Here’s what he said about it:

‘We’ve become obsessed with speed. We end up with lots of plans that we can’t execute and a full schedule that can’t be followed. The paradox of our time-saving tech gadgets is that we’ve wound up with no free time.’ Sound familiar?

So where can you go to find peace? To the one whose name is ‘Prince of Peace’. Today he’s saying to you:

‘If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea’ (Isaiah 48:18 NIV).

This is our ‘Word for Today‘.