Saturday, 31 October 2015

NEWS: Before I die, I will destroy certain Deeper Life doctrines I set up – Pastor Kumuyi


A lot of members of the popular Deeper Life church are still stunned over a recent message from it’s General Overseer Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi.

Pastor Kumuyi while preaching during Sunday’s Worship Service spoke extensively about ‘The Word in A Transformed Believer’ where he openly chastised some sections of the church.

The 73-year-old preacher disclosed that some church leaders have bastardized the church’s doctrines.

He reportedly stated that most of the church doctrines were man made, and he created them, not that they were from the scriptures – the reason of which is to set people on the right path are now being transformed into the things of this world.

Seemingly angered by the situation, he said that most traditions that were borrowed into the church are going to be demolished. He went on to go against the tradition usually observed by the Church’s marriage committee, which is peculiar to Deeper Life.




He asked the congregation of the church “Are we not conforming with the world. Why are you dressing like of the world?”

He then called on the men to be in charge in their own home. In his own words, “Women ministry is our own making, and if we find out that the women ministry is taking us into the world and we are helping each other on how to live like the world and marry like the world and deal with your husband like the world – if it is not helping us and if it is going to hinder us, we strike if off.”

“Before I leave, I mean before I go, I am going to remove everything that I set up, that I thought will help Deeper Life and make us Holy, make us sanctified, make us deep, make us deeper. And I see it is not making us deeper, before I leave, I will uproot all of them and present to you a pure church before I leave.

“What am I afraid of? I can only be afraid of the judgement of God, therefore whoever responds, praise the lord, whoever reacts praise the lord. We are going to stand on the word of God.

“By the grace of God I am not going yet, but, before I go and I am telling you and all our leaders can hear. I am not going to hand over Deeper Life to somebody who will come and destroy everything we’ve built up for years, because he’s man pleaser, women pleaser, never! Somebody who will stand on this word and earnestly defend the faith once delivered unto the saints, that’s what we are going to do. And the whole church will unite. We are not looking for graduates, degrees- whoever! Peter did not have a degree.


“Whoever, will maintain that sanctification, Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord, Whoever will have backbone and be willing to stand faithful, sacrifice everything and bring to church to obedience to the word of God, that’s the kind of leader, God will raise up for Deeper Life after I am gone.”

While the sermon lasted, a lot of members especially women wept like children.


Source: DBM Staff

VIDEO: Anny Advocates Peace In ‘One Voice Peace Campaign’ Featuring Celebrity Personalities


Anny, a prominent Gospel/Inspirational artist in Nigeria has been a renowned peace advocate for many years lending her voice in support of global peace and unity through several campaigns and music projects.

In continuation of an ongoing music project titled “Peace Around The World” dropped earlier in the year to wide recognition and support from NDDC, the “One Voice Peace Skit” further demonstrates Anny’s commitment to advocating for global peace and unity.

Featuring celebrity personalities MC Abbey, Nikki Laoye, Essence, Osharey and Teddy Essosa of Star FM, the skit further shares the strong message for Peace and Unity of all tribes in Nigeria, a simple yet strong message in conjunction with the music theme from its umbrella mother song “Peace Arround The World ” earlier released by Anny featuring Nigerian All Stars.

 
Watch the video below





Follow Anny on twitter: @anny_sings 

 On instagram: @annysings


Source: DBM Staff 

NEWS: Pope Francis Echoes Words of Empathy on New Track "¿Por qué sufren los ninos?"

Video premieres on Telemundo today 31 Oct, album available now for preorder, in stores November 27

Following a historic visit to the United States, Believe Digital and San Paolo reveal the second single from the album Pope Francis: Wake Up!, "¿Por qué sufren los ninos?" The album is available for preorder now on CD and on iTunes with an instant download of the newest single as well as the title track. "¿Por qué sufren los ninos?" describes in Spanish a message of empathy and support among the global community. The track includes an excerpt of a speech given to youth at St. Thomas University in the Philippines, January 2015, wherein Pope Francis says:

"Why do children suffer? Only when our hearts can ask this question and weep,
can we begin to understand."
Backed by a combination of acoustic guitar and evocative choir vocals, the Pope's words convey a universally important message through the widely accessible language of music. The track also includes a Latin hymn "Jesu dulcis memoria" performed by Italian artist Anna Tosato. Each remaining track on the album is equally distinct while staying musically authentic.

 


With assistance from various artists worldwide, Wake Up! is a diverse and poignant compilation of eleven tracks, which include reimagined hymns of the Christian tradition. Wake Up! represents a harmonic link between tradition and modernism, with excerpts of Pope Francis' most significant speeches during his election set over an eclectic compilation of songs ranging from pop to rock, Latin music to Gregorian chants. Over the course of the album, we hear Pope Francis address global issues such as peace, dignity, and immigration, which he so boldly emphasized during his speech to the U.S. Congress on September 24th:
"We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners. I say this to you as the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants..."
 

The album was produced by Don Giulio, who also produced projects for Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI and now Pope Francis. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Guilio explains, "I tried to be strongly faithful to the pastoral and personality of Pope Francis: the Pope of dialogue, open doors, hospitality. For this reason, the voice of Pope Francis in Wake Up! dialogues music. And contemporary music dialogues with the Christian tradition of sacred hymns."

Pope Francis is a forward thinking spiritual leader who has given the Catholic Church a new energy. The Pontiff has millions of followers all whom turn to Francis for prayers, requests, and intercession to which he responds personally and graciously. Now, this album will act as a connection between spirituality and the modern ideals of the collective by bridging faith and the common good through contemporary music.

Wake Up! includes tracks in Italian, Spanish, English, and Portuguese. The album is set for release on November 27 and is available now for preorder with an instant download of the title track "Wake Up!" in English as well as the second single "¿Por qué sufren los ninos?" 


The album can be preordered here.

Stream the full audio and view the lyrics Below.



 

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the album will go to a support fund for refugees.
 
Source: Front Gate Media

MUSIC: Tru South – You Found Me



From Omni Studios Lagos Nigeria, comes a very talented and anointed rapper called Tru South as he celebrates his birthday with a song of gratitude to God, titled “You Found Me”. The Rap Evangelist who heads a group called HolyGhostGang is a member of the BLW (Believers Love World) Rap Nation.

On this track which has a blend of softrock, reggae and rap, Tru sings his heart out to God in praise, whilst reaffirming his decision to always live for Jesus.  Here's Tru


 
"….A special song showing gratitude to God for his faithfulness in my life .This is a gift to everyone who NEVER gave up on me from the dungeons of the streets to the throne room of God .WE MADE IT… I love you. God bless you." ~ Tru South



 Listen Now










The song is Produced by the talented music producer Kelly Lyon at Omni Studios


Follow on Twitter: @2rusouth @KellyLyonn 



Source: DBM Staff

ALBUM PREVEIW: Listen To Kevin Max's Latest Album Right Here on DBM.




Kevin Max has released a brand new album, and it's nothing like you might expect from the enigmatic dcTalk/Audio Adrenaline/solo vocalist. And that's probably what makes it so Kevin Max.

 
Starry Eyes Surprise releases Friday, Oct. 30, to digital outlets.

Listen  Now

 

Source: NRT

MUSIC: Adeh – Most High God



Afro jazz contemporary guitarist, Adeh releases brand new song titled “Most High God”, a song with worship and African rhythmic pattern.

 
 
Adeh has songs like ‘Kingdom Call’, Iwo Ni Mo Ni’ and ‘Ose Baba’ to his credit.

 Listen To Most High God





Follow On Twitter @Adestrings 



Source: DBM Staff

Friday, 30 October 2015

NEWS: Billy Graham's Warning to American Churches: 'Prepare for Persecution'

Evangelist Billy Graham speaks at the dedication 
of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 31, 2007.
In the news today, The Rev. Billy Graham has issued a written warning to America's churches: "Prepare for persecution."

The renowned preacher and founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association penned a commentary that was posted on his website last week and is slated to appear in the November edition of Decision magazine.

In the magazine, Graham notes that the American church has been largely unfamiliar with persecution, writing that this "immunity to persecution that Christians in our country have experienced in the past two or three centuries is unusual."

"As a whole, our nation does not know what privation is. We do not know what sacrifice is. We do not know what suffering is. Suppose persecution were to come to the church in America, as it has come in other countries," wrote Graham.

"Since we have experienced little religious persecution in this country, it is likely that under pressure many would deny Christ. Those who shout the loudest about their faith may surrender soonest."

 
Graham went on to list "five ways to fortify yourself so that you will be able to stand in that day." These included making sure of one's relationship to God, walking with God, regularly reading Scripture, praying always, and meditating on Christ.

"Today our nation ranks as the greatest power on the face of the Earth. But if we put our trust in armed might instead of Almighty God, the coming conflict could conceivably go against us," continued Graham.

"History and the Bible indicate that mechanical and material might are insufficient in times of great crisis."

For many years, some — especially in socially conservative circles — have argued that the United States is gradually marginalizing Christians.

They point to things like the censorship of manger scenes and Ten Commandments displays on government property and an inherent growth of secularism in media.

In recent years, Graham's son, the Rev. Franklin Graham, has become an outspoken critic of what he believes to be growing hostility toward Christians in America.

Earlier in October, Franklin Graham wrote a Facebook post in which he viewed the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, as an example.

Chris Harper-Mercer opened fire on students at Umpqua, killing nine and wounding seven others before fatally shooting himself. Early reports indicated that he specifically targeted Christian students.

"Persecution and targeting of Christians isn't just in Iran or the Middle East, it's right here in America," wrote Franklin Graham.

"The bold souls at Umpqua Community College who stood up to say they were followers of Jesus Christ were heinously gunned down with no mercy. Jesus said, 'If they hate you, remember they hated me before they hated you,' (John 15:18)."



Source: CP

ALBUM PREVIEW: Listen To V Rose's Latest Album Here On DBliss Media. (UPDATED)



An exclusive music premiere, V.Rose features Derek Minor on this genre-fusing, banging new single, "Take a Broken Heart."From from her new label debut EP Hearts Up, out  (Oct. 30) from Inpop Records. 






Listen Now


 


ALBUM PREVIEW

Here are the tracks from V Rose's latest album 'Heart Up'. It is an awesome album and we believe you will enjoy it. So go ahead and listen!









Tell us what you think on this new album by dropping your comments below.




Follow @VRoseMusic on Twitter 


Get It On iTunes or Amazon


Source: DJ Enoch 'DB' and Rapzilla
'Hearts Up'
'Hearts Up'

VIDEO: Wyclef Jean invites Christian rapper B. Reith on stage to freestyle


Wyclef Jean keeps giving platforms to Christian rappers.

This past March at SXSW 2015, Wyclef invited MC Jin on stage to freestyle after his open interview. The Grammy Award-winning artist and Fugees member recently made a similar offer to Nashville-based artist B.Reith at Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. Below is video footage from B.Reith.




Here is The Video Below, Tell Us What You Think Of It.





Source: Rapzilla

TOUR: Trip Lee, Tedashii & KB to tour nation on Winter Jam 2016

Reach Records rappers Trip Lee, Tedashii and KB may be coming to your city in early 2016.

From January to early April, they will perform on Winter Jam 2016, America's largest annual Christian music tour. They will be joined by for KING & COUNTRY, Matthew West, Crowder, Lauren Daigle, Red, Newsong, Sidewalk Prophets, Stars Go Dim, We Are Messengers and Tony Nolan.







No tickets are required. It costs $10 at the door to attend.

Winter Jam 2016 Schedule

  • Jan. 2 - Charleston, WV - Charleston Civic Center
  • Jan. 3 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
  • Jan. 7 - Reading, PA - Santander Arena
  • Jan. 8 - State College, PA - Bryce Jordan Center
  • Jan. 9 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center
  • Jan. 10 - Chattanooga, TN - McKenzie Arena
  • Jan. 15 - Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
  • Jan. 16 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena
  • Jan. 17 - Sunrise, FL - BB&T Center
  • Jan. 21 - Council Bluffs, IA - Mid-America Center
  • Jan. 22 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena
  • Jan. 23 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
  • Jan. 24 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
  • Jan. 28 - Evansville, IN - The Ford Center
  • Jan. 29 - Chicago, IL - Allstate Arena
  • Jan. 30 - Pittsburgh, PA - CONSOL Energy Center
  • Jan. 31 - Auburn Hills, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills
  • Feb. 4 - Mobile, AL - Mitchell Center
  • Feb. 5 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
  • Feb. 6 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia Dome
  • Feb. 11 - Augusta, GA - James Brown Arena
  • Feb. 12 - Greenville, SC - Bon Secours Wellness Arena
  • Feb. 13 - Knoxville, TN - Thompson-Boling Arena
  • Feb. 14 - Fairfax, VA - EagleBank Arena
  • Feb. 18 - Ft. Wayne, IN - Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
  • Feb. 19 - Cincinnati, OH - U.S. Bank Arena
  • Feb. 20 - Lexington, KY - Rupp Arena
  • Feb. 21 - Cleveland, OH - Wolstein Center
  • Feb. 26 - Columbia, SC - Colonial Life Arena
  • Feb. 27 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum
  • Feb. 28 - Norfolk, VA - Scope Arena
  • March 4 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
  • March 5 - Memphis, TN - FedExForum
  • March 6 - Bossier City, LA - CenturyLink Center
  • March 10 - Springfield, MO - JQH Arena
  • March 11 - Wichita, KS - INTRUST Bank Arena
  • March 12 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chesapeake Energy Arena
  • March 13 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center
  • March 18 - Indianapolis, IN - Bankers Life Fieldhouse
  • March 19 - Birmingham, AL - Legacy Arena at the BJCC
  • March 20 - Peoria, IL - Peoria Civic Center
  • March 24 - Roanoke, VA - Berglund Center
  • March 25 - Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena
  • March 26 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Arena
  • March 31 - Tupelo, MS - BancorpSouth Arena
  • April 1 - New Orleans, LA - Smoothie King Center
  • April 2 - Little Rock, AR - Verizon Arena
  • April 3 - Louisville, KY - Freedom Hall

Source: Rapzilla

NEWS: Nigerian Comedian, Julius Agwu Set To Launch Christian Lounge In Lagos


Ace comedian Julius Agwu has concluded plans to open a Christian nightclub in Lekki, Lagos.

The singer and comic actor, who recently emerged from a successful brain surgery, is now more appreciative of life and has been leading a more Godly lifestyle.

The 42-year-old, who is glad for a second chance at life, only recently concluded the shoot of a gospel music video which will be unveiled soon. 


His new Christian bar which will be launched in two months will reportedly be called ‘Believers Lounge’ and will be an alcohol and smoking free zone.




Julius Agwu who is bouncing back from his brain surgery months ago in America has said that he went through his ordeal because God wanted to give him a second chance.

Speaking to Hip TV, he said
"God wanted to prove a point to him. “Well, the surgery God used it to prove a point. I’m living testimony of the fact that God really works. I mean it’s not everybody that gets this privilege; I mean this privilege of a second chance, which is also the title of my new single. The video will soon be out”.


Source: DBM Staff

NEWS: Coach Kennedy Barred From Football Team for Praying After Games


The Washington high school football coach who has become the center of a national discussion on the religious freedoms of public school employees has been placed on leave by the Bremerton School District after he defied district orders and continued to pray on the 50-yard line following football games.

 

According to Fox News, Bremerton High School assistant coach Joe Kennedy was placed on administrative paid leave Wednesday by Superintendent Aaron Leavell and was told he is no longer allowed to participate in any football-related activities with the Knights.

Kennedy has been under investigation by the school district since September when a complaint was issued about his post-game prayers.





"Effective immediately, pending further district review of your conduct, you are placed on paid administrative leave from your position as an assistant coach with the Bremerton High School football program," Leavell wrote in a letter to the coach. "You may not participate, in any capacity, in BHS football program activities."

Although Kennedy's prayers consisted of him kneeling on the 50-yard line to pray with a group of willing students gathered around him, the school district felt as though such prayer violated the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution.

"While the district appreciates Kennedy's many positive contributions to the BHS football program, and therefore regrets the necessity of this action, Kennedy's conduct poses a genuine risk that the district will be liable for violating the federal and state constitutional rights of students or others," a press release from the school district states.

On Sept. 17, Kennedy was told that he can no longer kneel, bow his head or do anything that can be perceived by students to be religious. Leavell instructed Kennedy that he could engage in "private prayer" after football games only if he waited until all students had left the stadium, which usually doesn't happen until hours after games.

Despite the order, Kennedy stayed true to his faith and continued with his post-game prayer tradition on the 50-yard line.

"You violated those directives by engaging in overt, public and demonstrative religious conduct while still on duty as an assistant coach," Leavell wrote.

Although the school district was worried that Kennedy's prayer could bring about a lawsuit from a secular group, the Liberty Institute announced this week that Kennedy plans to file his own lawsuit against the school district for not making an accommodation for his faith and for also violating his First Amendment rights.

"We tried to meet with the school officials in-person but they refused to meet," Liberty Institute attorney Hiram Sasser told Fox News. "We were only able to have a brief hour and a half call with their lawyer, and the result was a letter banning private prayer just a few hours before last Friday's game."


 


The school district's actions against Kennedy come a day after 47 members of Congress sent a joint letter to the school district explaining that school officials have the right to exercise their religious freedoms just as much as any other citizen.

The letter explained that the Establishment Clause does not mean that school officials need to "proactively scrub all references of religion from the public square." The letter urged the district to allow Kennedy to exercise his constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, which he served 20 years as a Marine to protect.

"Rather, the Establishment Clause ensures both that the government does not show preference to a certain religion, and that government does not take away an individual's ability to exercise religion," the letter argues. "We would urge you to also consider the fact that Kennedy's personal actions are not only noncoercive, but also admirable and respectable as they represent his commitment to the welfare of the young men on his team."

The Bremerton Knights will hold their first game without Kennedy on Thursday. As a way of protesting against Kennedy, robed members of the Satanic Temple of Seattle plan on attending the game. The temple's head, Lilith Starr, told the Kitsap Sun that a student from Bremerton contacted the temple and asked if members could give a satanic invocation after Thursday's game.

"They felt it wasn't right that only the Christian voice was being represented," Starr said.




Source: CP

Thursday, 29 October 2015

TOURS: Andy Mineo confirms Uncomfortable Tour, Pt. 2, shares dream collabs & more in Hot 97 interview

Andy Mineo shared some of his past and plans for the near future in a recent interview with Hot 97.

At the 12:48 mark in the video below, Megan Ryte asks what's next for Mineo, who said he will perform 20 dates next spring on Part 2 of the Uncomfortable Tour — after he takes the holidays off to make more music. Mineo added that he has "lots of plans on releasing a lot of music next year."

His list of dream collabs, which he explains 13:27 into the video, included Adele and Josh Garrels.

Check Out The Video






Source: Razilla

NEWS: Buchi Blasts Program Organizers For False Advertising with His Brand

Popular Nigerian  reggae music icon Buchi seems to have had enough of show/program organizers using his name and brand in publicizing events he is totally unaware of. He expressed his displeasure in a statement released below;

"How do we deal with this manner of criminal desperation? No genuine pastor would go to the extent of advertising and publicizing programs with guest artistes they have neither met nor contacted. How insanely bold!

I have been falsely presented to the public on several occasions as participating in certain programs I’m not aware of. I drive by the street and there’s my photograph or name on a billboard or a poster I know nothing about; misleading people through false advertising.

When the people who attend these programs in the hope of seeing the advertised acts wonder at their absence, what do these organizers say to them?

Mostly, they resort to falsely accusing the guest artistes of being unfaithful.

Who are these characters?

They mislead and exploit the public. They hurt our integrity. Most of all, they misrepresent the church.

Should we remain silent?

And Buchi says, STOP!!! "


Follow Buchi on Twitter @BuchiBwai



Source: DBM Staff

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

MUSIC: Sisan – Oh Lord [Prod. By Don Jazzy]



GGGT and Excel Records Presents SISAN with a new single “OH LORD”. The song was Produced by Don Jazzy. Donjazzy met this amazing Gospel singer “Sisan”, She’s just 16. Enjoy this beautiful track by SISAN.

 


Check  It Out:







Source: DBM Staff

VIDEO: Kutless Releases Lyric Video for New Single "Bring it On"


Upcoming release Surrender available for pre-order now
Kutless recently announced that their new studio album Surrender will be releasing November 13 with BEC Recordings. The band's forthcoming album is now available for pre-order, which includes the debut single "Bring It On" as an instant download. Click here to pre-order Surrender now and receive one instant download each week leading up to the release.

The new single is already making impact at radio, hitting New & Active on the Hot AC/CHR and National Audience charts. "This song really looks at the current climate of the world," shares frontman Jon Micah Sumrall, "There is so much darkness going on and horrible things happening all the time, and it's just brutal and very discouraging. So the song is really a cry to God saying, 'Come back soon - bring it on, bring your kingdom because we know that's going to be awesome. Heal this land. Bring healing to your people.' We're looking forward to that day when God makes everything right."

In addition, the brand new lyric video for "Bring It On" debuted this week.







 

Surrender journeys through a season of self-discovery throughout one's life. "For me, surrender is a constant struggle and I have to choose it," describes guitarist James Mead. "God adds shape to our flat and depressed view of reality because we begin to understand that's not all there is. His sovereignty and purpose for our lives is complete and beautiful. He is bringing His kingdom to earth and those who continually choose surrender will be the ones who are quickest to run to God in tragedy and failure because they understand there is more going on than what we see."
Source: Merge PR

AWARD: Faith Child wins Best Gospel Act at 2015 MOBO Awards


On Tuesday night, London-based artist Faith Child won Best Gospel Act at the 2015 MOBO Awards, the UK equivalent to the BET Awards.

Faith Child earned the honor over fellow nominees Leroy Johnson, Ni-Cola, Olaedo Ibe and Chos3n.














In May, Faith Child released his second studio album, Airborne, which featured Da’T.R.U.T.H., SPZRKT, S.O. and A Star, among others.

Buy Airborne on iTunes



Source: Rapzilla 

MUSIC: Samsong – Turn Me Around [Street Version]



It’s no doubt Samsong (Churchboi) is on top of his game. He indeed knows what to offer to music lovers across the globe. Samsong who recently released for free download a single ‘TURN ME AROUND’ off his album ‘OnTopOftheWorld’ which gained massive download is back with a street version of the same song. In his usual vocal dexterity delivered the song with ease and you won’t stop dancing to this version of the hit song. 
 
Here is what Samsong had to say – "I believe music is for everyone, those in church and outside the church. I want to use my music as a tool to reachout and a blessing to everyone who listens to my music. I also plan to release two other great singles, so everyone watch out."


 You Know How Do Here On DBM, Right?  There Are Three In One:
Listen, Download and Share


Listen Now







Source: DBM Staff

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

NEWS: Franklin Graham Urges Christians to Stand up for Their Faith Amidst a ‘Culture of Intolerance’

Franklin Graham said the gunman who killed nine people at a college in Oregon did so because he was “filled with hate.”
 
“This was not about gun control,” Graham said in a column for Charisma News. “It was about a man filled with hate, especially for those who bravely and boldly confessed they were Christians. The shooter, who listed ‘organized religion’ as a dislike on his Facebook page, perpetrated a hate crime against the name of Jesus Christ and those who follow Him.”
 
Graham said that there is a “culture of intolerance” against Christians in the United States.
“From the media, to the courts, to this current administration, there has been a flagrant, disturbing mockery of Christian values and beliefs,” he said.
 
 
Graham referred to the bakers in Oregon who were fined for refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex marriage. He also mentioned the florist in Washington who also would not provide services for a same-sex wedding.
 
“Who would have thought that, here in our own country, there would be less empathy for Christianity than for any other faith?” he said. “That God-fearing people who stand up for their biblical faith would be called bigots and be vilified while those who harass and mock Christians draw approval and applause?”
 

 >
"Today’s Christians need to take a stand against the “culture of intolerance.”
Here’s what I know we can do: Like the courageous men and women at Umpqua Community College, in Roseburg, Oregon, we can stand up for our faith by unashamedly confessing Jesus Christ. They knew they would be killed when they stood and faced the gunman, and they stood anyway,”
Graham said.




Source: DBM Staff

ARTICLE: Finding Total Restoration in Christ



God is in the business of restoration, and as believers in Christ, He wants to make us whole in every area of our lives. This process transforms us into the new creation that 2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMPC) describes as "(a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away …."

I remember when I desperately needed to recover from the abuse in my past. I had thought that when I was old enough to leave home, I would leave the pain behind, but the problem was in my soul — my thinking and emotions. I needed healing and restoration so I wouldn't continue to be poisoned by things that had happened to me all those years growing up.

I came to this realization after a woman came to speak at our church and shared her testimony of how she had been abused and God had healed her. My husband, Dave, bought her book for me, and when I started to read it, it was so painful that I threw it across the room and refused to pick it up.

But then I clearly heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, "It's time, Joyce."

God had a much better life for me than what I had known up to that point, and He wanted to restore my soul so I could experience it.

Double for Your Trouble

Isaiah 61:7 (AMPC) says, "Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy shall be theirs."

This scripture shows us that God can completely restore us — no matter what we've done or been through. And He wants to bring us to a position that's better than we would have been in if we had never gone through the messes in our lives. He wants to give us double for our trouble!




Notice the phrase "instead of your former shame." Do you know what it's like to have shame in your life? I had a shame-based nature for many years because of the abuse I experienced from my father. It made me feel like something must be wrong with me for him to do the things he had done to me.

But the first thing Jesus gives us through our relationship with Him is righteousness, or right standing with God (2 Corinthians 5:21). It's so important for us to get this, because the enemy wants us to think about everything that's wrong with us so we'll focus on our faults. And when we do this, it just gives our problems more strength over us.

We need to learn how to "walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]," because then we "will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God)" (Galatians 5:16 AMPC). This is what it means to be transformed into the image of Christ. And while it's not an easy process, we can do it with God's help.

The Process of Restoration
Think about it like this: When a person restores a used-up, beat-up piece of furniture, the first thing they do is strip off the old layers of paint or varnish.

We all have things that need to be stripped away in our lives. Maybe it's old attitudes and mindsets that don't line up with the way God thinks and acts … or unhealthy relationships that are holding you back from God's purpose and plans for you. Whatever it is, you can pray, "Lord, strip me of everything that's not good for me, and everything that's hindering my walk with You. Do what You need to do to get it out of my life."

Sanding is another step in the process. Is there anyone in your life whose personality just grates on you? They're like sandpaper, and God uses them to get the rough edges off of us so the good things He has put in us can be developed and demonstrated in the way we live.

And after the sanding, there is sealing. For us, that means we're sealed with the Holy Spirit, "marked, branded as God's own, secured" (Ephesians 4:30 AMPC).


 

 


After all this, the furniture must be dusted and polished from time to time. I feel like God is always polishing my life in some area. Our walk with Christ is a lifelong journey that brings us closer to Him and makes us more like Him. That's why we should be thankful when the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, or the mistakes we make; it's how He's polishing us to help us stay in God's will for our lives.

Wherever you are in the restoration process, I want to encourage you to set your mind today that God is healing you, and stay focused on following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Trust God to lead you in the way that's right for you, bringing you to wholeness in Christ in every area of your life!
 
Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored more than 90 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and Do Yourself a Favor…Forgive (Hachette). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit www.joycemeyer.org.

Printed with permission of Joyce Meyer Ministries.


Source: CP

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