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Sunday Edition

2006

May

Song Stories - “I’m So Glad Jesus Loves Me”

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As I was searching for material for our last recording, “So Glad”, I borrowed my mom’s song - notebook. It is a book she keeps of new original song lyrics and ideas. I happened upon a loose sheet - I read the words,

A sacrifice was needed.
Who would die for me?
Who would pay the awful cost to free me from my sin?
When Jesus went to Calvary, He said, “I will. Be thou clean.”
I’m so glad that Jesus Loves me

I’m so glad Jesus loves me
The Pure and Holy loves a sinner like me
He forgave me, and He made me a child of the King!
I’m so glad that Jesus loves me.

My sin was the reason for the cross my Savior bore.
The shame of my iniquity became His crown of thorns.
Through the blood He shed on Calvary, I’m redeemed, I’m redeemed!
I’m so glad that Jesus loves me.

I began to hum the tune to one of the first songs I learned to sing as a child, “Jesus loves me this I know....” This was the inspiration for the music Bobby and I added to Mom’s lyrics. Later that week, I sang the song for Mom. She was very surprised. She asked where I’d found the words. She hadn’t intended it for a song. She was just writing her thoughts to God. Well, I think He liked it and wanted to share the thought with others.

That’s why He let me find it!

Mom often shares her feelings about God’s love. Her father was a very proud and quiet man. He didn’t express his emotions well. He never once told her that he loved her, nor gave her any visible sign of affection. She grew up in church, but the idea she had of the Heavenly Father was that of great stern being looking down on people, ready to execute harsh punishment for the least mistake. It was as an adult that she learned of our Father’s wonderful love and mercy. She is still amazed at the marvelous love of God. I’m almost jealous of her relationship with God. Her passion for Him seems always fresh and real.

I’m glad my mom taught me about our Savior’s love. As a little girl, I never doubted my Heavenly Father’s love for me. I loved Him because He first loved me. It was that simple. There was no thought of being rejected, no thought of earning His grace. As an adult, with all my faults and failures, time and time again I find myself back on my face. I get disgusted with myself, and begin to wonder how God can still love me. I want to be perfect like He is. I want to please Him in every way, but I find myself falling so short! How could he still love me?

The simple words of this song- bring me back to the childlike faith. Jesus loves me! What a thrilling thought! I turn my eyes up to Him, forget about myself, and bask in the warmth of His love!

The McRaes - May 06

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Hey Everyone,

Wow! I can't believe it's already May. Where has the springtime gone? We were in Mississippi this week in 85-90 degree weather and we knew then that we are in for a hot wedding day (May 31st). Nonetheless, we cannot wait! We're at 26 days and counting. : ) Almost here!

People keep asking me if it's hard trying to plan a wedding while keeping a busy schedule on the road, plus living 6 hours away from the wedding site. YES it is. But you know in the midst of all the "to do lists" and phone calls and running here and there, I think these are the times God loves to teach me that all that really matters is how much time I make for Him. I need to be reminded of this every now and then. I can sometimes get so wrapped up in "doing" that I forget to slow down and take a break and remember who's behind the wheel. I'm just thankful He's gracious enough to give me a second chance over and over again!

God Bless,

Kelly McRae
http://www.annieandkellymcrae.com

The King’s Heralds - May 06

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The Northwest tour is officially over. 29 concerts in 31 days. What a great time we had seeing old friends and making new ones. There were several that made decisions for the Lord every night so that in and of itself made the trip a success. However it is good to be home again!!

Well the stake has been thrown down!! Last month I told you that the King's Heralds were moving to the Nashville area. Well, it looks as if our new home is going to be Portland ,TN. We couldn't be any happier, a couple of the guys have already purchased homes there so as of August we will have a new home base.

Speaking of Nashville. We will be in the studio before to long. We are narrowing down our songs that are going to be on the next recording and it looks as if there will be no shortage of great materisl for us to record. We have enlisted the help of our friend Wayne Haun who has agreed to produce and is helping us find great material.

As you can see there is a lot going on and still a bunch left to do. Please remember to pray for us during the next few months. Please drop by and visit our booth at NQC. We'd love to meet you.

The King's Heralds
http://www.theheralds.org

Walk through this world with me Jesus….

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This old world is sure an unkind place to live. Folks on every hand are angry, in a hurry and just down right mean sometimes. It's a real trail just going to the grocery store anymore. I feel that I should wear a stop sign on my back so the person behind me will slow down.

I was at home today working in my office and became somewhat agitated with a chair I was trying to put together. It was a sight let me tell ya. Instead of getting mad and upset I decided to walk away from it for a minute. I put on some good ole gospel music and before I knew it, I was walking around my house lifting my hands and praising my Jesus for the blessings in my life. All my problems with that old chair just vanished.

The Lord helped me to realize that so many "Christians" today are missing out on so many blessings because they don't take the time to praise Him. Why wait until Sunday morning? We can feel His holy presence every day of week. At home, at the grocery, and yes, even on the job. Jesus is everywhere! There isn't one place we can go that He isn't already there. I feel so much safer walking through this world with Him by my side.

I was in Wabash, Indiana this past weekend singing at a church where a very dear friend of mine attends. I was so nervous before service. (I always get that way) Always! Anyway, several of the congregation gathered in the front of the church as the service began. We all joined hands and began to pray. As we were praying I felt the sweet presence of God surrounding us there. What a peaceful feeling!

As an artist I think it's so important to touch His garment before I try to reach anyone with a song. Once I've entered that realm of glory I know there is a band of angels on stage with me. Oh hallelujah!!!

Every time we call His name He is there. Every time we seek His face He can be found. Why don't we do it more often? Some folks will confide in me with struggles they are facing and for the most part my answer is always the same. Talk to Him. Just talk to Him. Troubles may be on every side, but so is Jesus! 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
As I get older I do hope I am becoming more wise; I have realized that I need the Lord more than ever. I face each day with the expectancy of Him walking with me. I can't face one day without the Lord by my side. I wrote a song that has given me the greatest blessing in my life. And that is having the privilege of calling Jesus "My Best Friend". I know He walks through this world with me.

Until next time; chin up & journey on!

MY BEST FRIEND

Verse I
There's been times when I'm sad, and times when I'm glad
The Lord is always there holding to my hand
Makes no difference where I am I just call out His name
For the Lord is my best friend

Chorus
Oh the Lord is my best friend
He knows all about me
He knows where I've been
He knows my heart, soul & mind
He's there all the time
The Lord is my best friend

Verse II
He is there when I pray, He hears every word I say
He delights in the songs I sing to Him each day
I will shout and praise His name for He's always the same
The Lord is my best friend

Verse II
One day soon I will be with my friend from Galilee
Hand in hand we'll walk throughout eternity
For He saved me from my sin He promised I would win
Oh the Lord is my best friend

Jesus you are my best friend!
(words by Sharron Kay King)

Many Blessings,

Sharron Kay King
http://www.sharronkayking.com

Daryl Williams Trio - May 06

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I was channel surfing last night and came across the movie, "Forest Gump." I just happened to tune in at the moment when Forest began running. If you've seen this movie, you'll remember, he began to run one afternoon for no particular reason. It just seemed like a good idea at the time so he ran. He ran across his yard, then his town, his county, his state and then across America and made quite a name for himself along the way. He was featured on national news, his face was all over major magazines and he even developed this large following of people that dropped everything to come run with him. No one knew exactly why he was running, but they knew it had to be important until he stopped dead in his tracks one day, turned to the hushed crowd and simply said, "I'm done." He turned around and went home. I'm sure he got tired and began to question his purpose, yet he had none, so he quit. Quitting is a wise decision if your running for the wrong reason or in the wrong direction. It just feels different if your running from something verses running to something or for something. Exhaustion and fatigue will hit every runner, but a man with a purpose will stop for a moment, refuel, wipe the sweat from his brow and get back in the race.

I will never forget watching a marathon on t.v. in the early 90's. The runners were all different shapes, sizes, colors and ages. Both men and women. Some were in great physical condition, others were not. But everyone determined and everyone with a personal story that related to the cause -- a cure for cancer.... They were running to raise money for cancer research. People were running who lost their spouses to cancer. Others lost their brothers or sisters or children or parents. Despite the obvious differences in their appearance, cultures and income levels....they were united in purpose! Everyone who finished the race would receive a certain dollar amount donated to cancer research in honor of their loved one. It was a long marathon on a hot summer day but thousands gathered along the sidelines to cheer and show their support. As the race began, the local media began to share some of the personal stories represented. The camera zoomed in on a short, stalky man in his 60's. They told of how this man was running in honor of his wife who died of breast cancer only 6 months earlier. They had been married for 41 years, had 4 kids and were just about ready to retire when she was diagnosed with cancer. This man did not have good physical condition or age on his side but his passion for this cause made me believe from the moment I saw him that he would finish that race. The camera began to follow this man as he proceeded to run. After a while you could see that he was tiring but he kept on going. Then, on live t.v., fatigue caused him to lose his balance and he fell hard to the pavement. I remember standing up in my living room and shouting, "NO ! He has to finish this race !!!" I wasn't even there but I felt his determination and the importance of his mission. He got up off the ground and his knee was bleeding pretty bad. As two men from the sidelines were running to help him, he took off running again. But he couldn't run fast and soon he could barely walk. He was obviously in pain but the determination was greater than the pain. So he kept going. The cameras would only leave him briefly to show the better conditioned runners who had already crossed the finish line. This man went from a slow run to a limping walk and still had over 2 miles to go. Everyone was worried about his condition but no one dared stop him. You can't pursuade a man with a purpose to stop no more than you could've stopped Peter from walking on the water or Moses from crossing the Red Sea or Christ from dying on the cross. I kept watching the man in the marathon because I knew that nothing would deter him from his goal. The early finishers of the race must've heard of his situation because, all of a sudden men and women who had already completed the race ran back to where he was. They locked arms with him and practically lifted him off the ground and ran the last 2 miles carrying his weight (bearing his burden). When they hit the finish line, the place errupted with joy. I sat in my living room and cried for the next 30 minutes not sure if I was more inspired by the man who refused to quit or or the men and women who accomplished their goal but ran back to help him accomplish his.

HEB. 12:1 - Let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us

Make sure there is purpose attached to your race.

What is your goal, your calling, your ministry, your dream ? Are you running towards it or away from it ? God has a plan for you and it doesn't include giving up or quitting at the first sign of blood or the second sign of blood or the third or so on... Limp if you have to. Just get there !!

May God bless you this month,

Karen


thanks for requesting ONE HOLY MORNING at your local radio station........check out our website, http://www.DARYLWILLIAMSTRIO.NET

Psalm 101

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Hello Everyone,

Things are moving right along toward the completion of our new CD! We were scheduled to be in the studio for vocals back in April. However, the tornados hit the Nashville area and we had to re-schedule. I like to stay on God's time schedule anyway...he knows what HE is doing! We will try it again May 15th-19th. We are also scheduled to finish up the photo shoot, graphics, mixing & mastering all this month! We would appreciate your prayers!

We will be part of a special concert this month in Ocala, FL. DAPP Ministries is sponsoring an event for the entire family. DAPP stands for "Drug Awareness & Prevention Program." This ministry is focused on bringing families together and educating them on the dangers of drug addiction and the tremendous need for programs and treatment to assist those individuals needing help with drug addictions. The evening will include; Comedy, testimonials from guest speakers who have been delivered from drug addictions, a special presentation from the Florida State Drug Task Force & K9 unit and music! Several styles of Christian music will be represented to have something for the entire family! Families are encouraged to bring their non-christian friends & family members who are struggling with drug addictions.
We would appreciate your prayers on this evening that we can be a light to someone and show them that Jesus is what they need instead of drugs! You can find more info about this event on their web site.
Welcome To DAPP Ministries, Inc. - Ocala, Florida

We are nominated this year for Duet of the Year in the 2006 Diamond Awards! Thank you for all your prayers & support!

I want to say a big I LOVE YOU & HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite guitar player! My husband, Bill will turn 33 years old May 20th!

Other than being a child of God, my favorite thing in life is being a Mother to our 6 year old son, Cameron. He is the coolest kid I know! I love him so much. He has been so patient & understanding with me the past several months as I have been busy with the new CD. If yall ever get a chance to see Psalm 101 in concert, you will be blessed to hear Cameron play his harmonica! He loves to play for the Lord! You will also find him back at the product table selling CD's. He's pretty good at it! OK! I can brag! It's Mother's Day!
I LOVE YOU, CAMERON!


Happy Mother's Day!
God Bless,
Angela
Psalm 101
http://www.psalm101ministries.org

The Quicks -Do As I Do!

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My husband, Tim, is famous in our hometown for his driving ability – he’s vehicularly challenged - he’s had more wrecks than Liz Taylor’s had husbands.  My Dad once said, “It’s not that Timbo drives off the edge of the road – people do it all the time.  The problem with him is that he stays there for two or three miles throwing gravel before he decides to get back on the road.”  Tim has even managed to flip a car upside down.  I’m aware that may have happened to other people before… but in a Carwash?!  After spending two hours on the way home from a weekend singing in Indiana - listening to Tim tell me how to drive, where to turn, and what lane to be in - I decided to get a little relief from the barrage of instructions.  Rebecca needed an Indiana keychain to add to her collection, so I pulled over at the first truck stop I could find.  Tim stepped out of the van and immediately walked head-on into a street sign.  As his hat went flying down the hill, he began to rub his head where a bruise was obviously appearing.  I resisted the urge to roll down the window and give HIM instructions on where to turn and how to walk… “Wives submit yourselves to your husbands…”

Matthew 7:3 contains these valuable words.  “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”  I have had people who cheat on their taxes try to tell us how to handle the finances of our ministry.  I’ve seen doctors who smoke, Sunday School teachers who don’t read their Bibles, and single parents with live-in companions that seem surprised when their teenager rebels.  I’ve seen other people do a lot worse and I’ve been there too.  “Children learn what they live” is the title of a poem that was given to me when my girls were little.  My parents smoked, my grandparents smoked – along with all my aunts and uncles on both sides of the family.  I began smoking at an early age, but finally quit seventeen years later on November 1, 1998.  When I told my girls that smoking was bad for them, I could say it with a clear conscience.  I now try to live my life knowing that what I “do” will speak louder than what I “say.” 

I’m always telling Tim he has no right to tell me how to drive until my driving record is worse than his.  I’m definitely a good driver – def… def… definitely a good driver.  I love you, Tim – go get an icepack.

till next time…
Sally

You can call your favorite Gospel radio station and request the latest “Quick” Music!  Be listening for our new single, “It’s a Sure Thing” released through the Rick Hendrix Co. 

To order our latest project, “What Are You Waiting For” with songs like our new single “It’s a Sure Thing” and our first charting single, “He Can Move the Water,” simply call 615-459-5119 or email us at for more information.

To find out more about The Quicks, visit us on the web at http://www.thequicksonline.com.
The Quicks are also now at My Space!  You can visit us at http://www.myspace.com/thequicksonline!


And The Winner Is….

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Last month SoGospelNews.com hosted the SGN Music Awards! We had the blessing of being nominated in many categories and the total honor of singing at the event! It was fun and refreshing! Chris and Sondra were AWESOME Co-Hosts! We laughed and laughed at the humor. We cried at the precious remembrance segment in honor of some of our friends who went on to be with the Lord in recent months. Our sweet friend, Shannan, lost her best friend and husband Warren Parker and she was there to see how many people loved him. Daniel Riley was there as we remembered his awesomely talented brother Doug. It was just so moving. The best part of the night was something I would like to talk about and hopefully convey as the MEAT of what will make us effective for Christ. It was the attitude that seemed to be wonderfully evident in all of the industry that was present!

This night was so special! I was so struck by the camaraderie that was there! When the announcements came for each of the winners the entire room was thrilled. I felt a sense of people being truly happy for each recipient. All night I never felt a moment of courtesy applause. Maybe I am dreaming, but I think it was wonderful and refreshingly REAL. When the announcement came...AND THE WINNER IS....There was no hesitation...Just incredible joy for whomever it was that received the award!

The BIG winners of the night were The Booth Brothers....AWESOME GUYS THROUGH and THROUGH! We were all so happy for them...They sat in front of us...We kept telling them to go rent a UHAUL...They were so humble every time they won. It was AWESOME! And I want everyone to know that I was with the Unthanks producing their new record the next day. The phone rang for Deon while he was getting ready to go in the BOOTH to sing and it was a BOOTH on the phone...Ronnie had called to tell Deon THANK YOU so MUCH! He also asked for the number of the mortgage sponsor as he was getting ready to purchase a home and he wanted to show his support to her as well.

Another GEM of the night were members of The Crabb Family who won lots! YIPPEE! Jason ended the night with the true synopsis of our desire as servants called to sing for JESUS. The Crabbs, along with Charlotte Ritchie, sang "I'd Rather Have Jesus." And oh how TRUE that is!

So when the announcement is presented, AND THE WINNER IS..., we can all honestly say who the winner really was on April 25th, 2006. It was the one worthy of the WIN, JESUS CHRIST! And we would all rather have HIM than any earthly treasure!

I cannot thank http://www.sogospelnews.com for allowing us to be a part of the evening and I am even more proud to be a part of this industry!

I thought I would reprint the lyrics to "I'd Rather have Jesus" so we can all reflect on them and appreciate the beauty in the message:

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead

THANK YOU to the CRABB FAMILY for re-recording such a TIMELESS and AWESOME message!

Blessings! Donna (Hope's Call)
http://www.hopescall.com

P.S. Pray for us this month as we record vocals for our new album! We LOVE ya!

May Reflections

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MOM-isms….we all have them… something our mother's said to us that stuck. Something that we've heard ourselves say to our own kids time and again like "sit up straight", "don't cross your eyes - they may stick that way", and my personal favorite…"don't run with scissors". As much as I hated to hear those things, somehow they became so deeply engrained in me that without even thinking, I hear myself saying them.

When I was a kid and ran into the house crying with a scraped knee, mom would usually take a long, examining look, and while reaching into the medicine cabinet would declare, "Well, I've had worse than that on my eyeball." Of course, now I realize that it was her way of trying not to alarm me - even if she was worried - and I've heard myself use that same line on my "worry wart" daughter. And where did mom hear it? From her father … who heard it from his parents, who heard it from…you get the picture. We tend to pass those things down.

I can remember as a teenager being worried about a thought that occasionally crossed my mind. It wasn't something I intended to think, but, boom, there it was. I remember expressing my concern to mom. Was I not saved? If I'm saved, how could this thought pop into my head?" It was really distressing. I can remember mom telling me, "You can't stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop him from building a nest in your hair." What she meant, of course, in her folksy way, was that you can't stop thoughts from spontaneously bouncing into your head, but you can control whether or not you dwell on it.

More than once mom has encouraged me to "Shoot for the moon, even if you land in the wood pile." I know now that that saying is a country adaptation of British poet Robert Browning's line, "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp." She wanted us to try, to give it our all, even if we failed or came short of the goal.

Mom knew it was hard for me to push myself forward with my music and my writing. The doubts were always there. What if they don't like it? What if I embarrass myself? What if I'm not good enough? What if… what if… what if. She told me once in her rural way about my music, "Honey, you gotta push. Ain't nothin' birthed until you push." Wow. Corporations have spent thousands of dollars and loads of time on speakers, programs, and gimmicks to motivate their work force and she said it all in ten words.

I can't begin to list all of the things I've heard my mother say over the years that have impacted me and crept into my own conversation. I know I'm not alone, for all of you could list phrase after phrase of MOM-isms that you remember and use frequently. I'd love to hear them.

I am thankful for the simple, down-to-earth wisdom that my Mom displayed in dealing with us kids, and I'm sure the most significant contribution she made was to teach us about Jesus and to introduce us to the Bible where all sorts of wisdom could be found.

Mom read me a story one day of another mother, a very notable mother in the pages of scripture. This mother's words of wisdom to the servants at the wedding in Cana of Galilee still influence and instruct us today, for she told them concerning her son, Jesus, "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it."

If I pass nothing else on to my children, I hope they will remember and heed Mary's saying and pass it on to their children. I think that's the most important MOM-ism of all, don't you?

God Blessings to all this Mother's Day

Janice Crow

Reading And Riding

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So we were riding down the road in our bus the other day and I decided to get in my yearly Bible reading. No, I'm kidding, I read it at least once a month! Well, anyway, I turned to Romans 12 which starts out with some of the most powerful words ever written. "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." I continued on through verses 9-16 where Paul begins to really kick me hard. It was there that Shannon and I started our discussion. Actually, it was more like I was calling the game and he was the color commentator. I would read and he would kinda' call it as he saw it. Which in some cases is totally off, but this time he was really on! HAHA! As we continued our talk, Jason would chime in here and there.

At the end of verse 9, Paul said that we should cling to good. That actually means we should be cemented or glued to good. In this day and time I wonder (even in myself at times) if we truly want to be in a place that we have no choice but to be stuck to do that which is good at all times. I am sure that most of us, most of the time, do not have problems with doing that which is good. I do know that people, me included, will at times choose to do the wrong thing. In the end, the true beginning of fulfilling this verse in our lives starts at making the decision in our hearts and minds to do good now. Don't leave the decision to be made until the temptation of doing wrong comes! Cement and glue is not strong until it dries!

As we continue through verse 11, "the not slothful in business stuff," we all sorta' moaned, groaned and laughed! We know that we drop the ball on that at times.

Then in verse 12 Paul states that we should be patient in tribulation! My first thought is if anyone knows tribulation it's Paul!!The real thought here is that the word tribulation (which is derived from the word tribulum) as used in this passage refers to the beating of, or crushing of impurities out of wheat. This was most often accomplished by rolling a log over the wheat or beating it! Sort of like taking a rug and beating the dirt out of it! Many of us seem to look at tribulations as a bad thing, not a good thing from God. How could something that hurts be good for us? How could something perceived as bad really be helpful to us?I know that is the first question in my mind, but I think we all know the answer. As burning off dross will purify gold, beating a piece of steel makes a sword stronger or pruning a plant will help it produce better and more fruit, so are tribulations in our life. We must learn to be patient, knowing that God wants to help us not hurt us, as Jeremiah 29:11 states! If we try to force the issue in tribulations, then we are going to have to go through them again. Huh, is that really a bad thing though? Most of the time it's not what's going on in our life that is the test, the true test is how we will respond!!

That thought actually got us into verse 13; "Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality."My thought is this. If everyone served each other, as a slave would, one to another, then all the needs of the church body, as well as the gospel would be spread through servitude. I know that I am opening a can of worms with the, "serving as a slave thing," but listen to my reasoning. I did not say that we should treat each other like slaves, making people wait on us hand and foot; I said we should be a slave to our brother. A slave does not have the right to do what they want, when they want, they only serve! They listen to who owns them and do the owners work! We have been bought with a price! People will know us by how we treat them and how we treat each other! What a lost concept! It is not about what can I get, but rather how can I serve! Do not expect all of the sudden, to be a servant or to have a servant's heart, you must practice it and God will help it grow.

Now, I would like to speak directly to the artist and Christian industry personnel that might be reading this article. When we go to a place to sing or promote our business/ministry, we are not there to be served, we are there to serve. We are to be a representative of Jesus, who of course is the ultimate servant! The interesting thing is that when we serve people, they often want to reciprocate by blessing us or our ministry with gifts or acts of service.But there is a big difference between receiving the blessings that people offer us and us expecting to be treated like a star.It is great to have your needs (and even wants) met, but it is completely out of character for a Christian (one who is like Christ) to demand that they be met!This doesn't mean we can't have contracts to state what is necessary for us to present our message and ourselves effectively, but it does mean that we are still there to serve Jesus and His people - not ourselves.After all, we are ultimately trying to present Him effectively and sometimes He shows up best when we are at our weakest!

This applies even if you are an artist who doesn't consider yourself to be a minister (in a vocational sense).Even if you are singing in "secular" venues or you just consider yourself to be providing good, family entertainment, you are still a believer and if you as an artist were to approach people as a servant and representative of Jesus in those venues He would certainly stand out from the crowd.

My last thoughts are this; verse 14 shows how we should treat those that mistreat us.
Simply put, "bless them."

Verses 15 and 16 are a necessity if we are to press forward together. They say take interest in the prosperity and well being of others. Be in tune with each other and have your life filled with godly people. Do not" kiss up" to people that you consider to be great and guard against vanity.

I just want to encourage all of us to continue to present our bodies to God in a holy and acceptable way - the way verses 9-16 call us to live.This is the best way we can worship God.

Jeremie Hudson for The Imperials
http://www.theimperialsonline.com

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