::::::Short Story: ATTITUDE :::::::::

( A long read, but a priceless one)

I flew in from Benin today and had to put a few things in place ahead of my trip tomorrow. A lot of banking things had to be done. So I kept shuttling back and forth the bank. Finally I was going to round off the day's work. It was 5pm, and this bank would close. However, those already in the bank should be taken care of. I went to a young lady to pay in some cash. On sighting me, she gave an attitude, "..please go down and pay in o", she said. I obliged quietly.
On getting down, the young man in the bulk room gave double the attitude I got upstairs ( frowns and sighs) . " why would the security men open the door naaa?", "it's 5 already"
Agreed you close at 5, but I'm here already, so why not attend to me???And the truth of the matter is, I'd been in the bank much before 5. And because they would toss me back and forth, I was there till 5.

Let me cut this short. Anyway, I made up my mind to teach him a lesson in love. I would bless him with 5,000naira and add a little word of advice to that. But he didn't know about my plans. So he started counting the money, frowning, grumbling and mumbling.
As if to confirm my intentions, a colleague of his came around to get something done. And as they discussed, I over head this "grumbler man" telling his colleague how their other colleague pocketed a 1,000naira some customer gave as tip to them. Meanwhile he has no idea a 5k is about to drop.
I filled the teller, and then realized he began to change his attitude. Looking a bit more cheerful and friendly. But hey! I was not impressed. Apparently, he recognized my name, and I guess he was trying to be nice because of Nathaniel Bassey.

Anyway, we finished the transaction, then I said to him, " I'm going to teach you an important life's lesson." I had caught his attention!!! Then I counted, 1, 2,3,4,5 thousand naira, and gave it to him. " That's your's" I said. Stunned and obviously ashamed, he looked speechless. Then I said to him, "you know, sometimes the difference between where you are and a breakthrough or success in life is something called ATTITUDE. Today it's just 5k. Tomorrow who knows, it could be something much much more.

POINTS TO NOTE
1.
Let's begin with the lady upstairs who just shoved me aside.
She missed out on a 5k gift which may have come in handy. And believe it or not, this is how people miss their miracles. Many pray for breakthroughs - marriages, finances, promotions, admissions etc. They bind, cast out, loose and tie, but nothing seems to happen. And sometimes, it's just the culprit of a nasty attitude that's the Red Sea between their promise land and themselves.

2.
What happened to the guy downstairs is what I call grace. And a lot of times, that's how God deals with us. He blesses us inspite of us. But it's never an endorsement or justification for bad behavior. He may have missed out on something, 5 times bigger than what he was complaining about to his colleague, and perhaps,the very reason for his nasty attitude.
But at the end of the day he learnt an important lesson of life in a most humbling way.
And not everyone in life has got that kind of chance or opportunity. Most don't get it.
Romans 2:4
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"

LESSONS
1. Put on a cheerful and friendly attitude always
2. Even under pressure, be kind and nice. Don't announce your troubles to the world. Everyone has got a measure of their's.
3. Respect and honour people, regardless of their social standing in the society. You never know who's on the other side of the counter of life.
4. Be patient. Sometimes, a little more patience helps puts things in proper perspective.
5. It may have been said time and time again, but it's a vital truth of life, that ATTITUDE, to a very large extent, determines ALTITUDE
I hope this helps someone.

This is a true life story. It happened today. Muse on this deeply, more so in the light of 2015, showing up in a few hours. Let's all make PROJECT-ATTITUDE a priority in 2015.
God bless you - Nathaniel Bassey

5 Ways To Combat That Stress

Stress is a disease that can be
partially cured. Here are a few
thoughts that may help you live more in
peace with yourself.

1.They say that 'primordial stress'
is related to our unspoken fear of
dying, of the end of life. But is it
really dying that we are afraid of? No,
because we don't know what dying really
is. With the end of our existence also
comes the end of consciousness and
sensation, and so how can we know
anything of dying?

2.Stress is generated by a fear of
not being perfect.
So, you believe you are perfect, do
you? Well, you should know that you
have never been perfect, because your
lack of modesty allowed you to think
that you were. And there can be no
perfection where there is a lack!

3.Stress comes from being afraid
that you can't get everything done on
time.
Time, like space, is an extendable
dimension. It is one of those rare
commodities that can be bestowed almost
without limit. Remember that nothing
grand or beautiful was ever
accomplished in a day.

4.Stress comes from fearing that you
do not correspond to the self image you
want to project.
The eye does not see the object
itself, but the image of the object.
You too are just a reflection in other
people's eyes. They will never see you
as you really are, no matter how hard
they try. So why worry?

5.Stress arises when you don't know
how to say no.
You do know how to say no. Do you
need proof? Well, the fact that you are
alive and reading these lines means
that you have succeeded in saying no
many times, both with your body and
with your mind. That's because living
means refusing to die, day after day.
.........................................

You can start lowering your stress
level starting today. All you have to
do is choose your priorities!

.........................................

"Anxiety is the vertigo of liberty."
S. Kierkegaard

..........................................

Happy New Year In Advance!!!

5 Ways To Combat That Stress

Stress is a disease that can be
partially cured. Here are a few
thoughts that may help you live more in
peace with yourself.

1.They say that 'primordial stress'
is related to our unspoken fear of
dying, of the end of life. But is it
really dying that we are afraid of? No,
because we don't know what dying really
is. With the end of our existence also
comes the end of consciousness and
sensation, and so how can we know
anything of dying?

2.Stress is generated by a fear of
not being perfect.
So, you believe you are perfect, do
you? Well, you should know that you
have never been perfect, because your
lack of modesty allowed you to think
that you were. And there can be no
perfection where there is a lack!

3.Stress comes from being afraid
that you can't get everything done on
time.
Time, like space, is an extendable
dimension. It is one of those rare
commodities that can be bestowed almost
without limit. Remember that nothing
grand or beautiful was ever
accomplished in a day.

4.Stress comes from fearing that you
do not correspond to the self image you
want to project.
The eye does not see the object
itself, but the image of the object.
You too are just a reflection in other
people's eyes. They will never see you
as you really are, no matter how hard
they try. So why worry?

5.Stress arises when you don't know
how to say no.
You do know how to say no. Do you
need proof? Well, the fact that you are
alive and reading these lines means
that you have succeeded in saying no
many times, both with your body and
with your mind. That's because living
means refusing to die, day after day.
.........................................

You can start lowering your stress
level starting today. All you have to
do is choose your priorities!

.........................................

"Anxiety is the vertigo of liberty."
S. Kierkegaard

..........................................

ACCEPTED BY GOD!

'He made us accepted in the Beloved.' Ephesians 1:6

There's no pain worse than rejection and no pleasure greater than acceptance, which helps explain the length some people go to in order to avoid rejection and earn acceptance. But the good news is, with God you're already accepted. J.B. Phillips translates Ephesians 1:6 like this: 'He... has made us welcome in the everlasting love He bears towards the Son.' And that's not limited to those who appear worthy because of their good deeds and a flawless moral record; it's for every believing child of God, lock, stock and barrel!

Cromwell once commissioned a self-portrait. The artist, courting Cromwell's favour, portrayed him without his obvious imperfections. Cromwell was livid. 'I said paint me, man--me, warts and all!' You're accepted by God, 'warts and all'. But note:

1) God's acceptance doesn't equal His approval. He accepts sinners, but He can never accept our sin. Indeed, His free gift of acceptance is our greatest motivator to renounce our sin and live to please Him (Titus 2:11, 12).

2) God's acceptance is unconditional. He doesn't say, 'You're accepted if you clean up your act.' In the words of Jeremiah, 'Can a leopard take away its spots? Neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil' (Jeremiah 13:23 NLT). God's acceptance has to be unconditional, because it's impossible for us to merit it.

3) God's acceptance is because of Jesus. You're 'accepted in the Beloved'. The doomed Mephibosheth was accepted because of David's relationship to his beloved friend Jonathan (2 Samuel 9). And as long as God accepts Jesus, and you trust in Jesus, you're accepted as well.

Our Wishes For You This Christmas From E-Testifies

May your Christmas be filled with lots of happiness, peace and love... ooh and lots of presents

If you're feeling warm today, it's from all the love we're sending your way. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love, joy and peace are the ingredients for a wonderful Christmas. We hope you find them all festive season. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! May it bring you joy, happiness and everything else you deserve.

It's the time of eggnog, candles, cakes, songs, reindeer, carols, laughter – and most importantly LOVE. Merry Christmas.

Our letter to Santa this year asked for YOU! So don't be surprised when he comes through your window and puts you in a sack!

May your home be filled with Christmas songs, cakes, candies and all the love that this festive season brings.

May this Christmas season bring your closer to all those that you treasure in your heart. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

We wish you a wonderful and merry christmas at this time! Enjoy your day with the Celebrant!
With love from us at E-Testifies!

NEW BEGINNINGS

The creator created people, gave them words for communication and thinking, settled them in the fertile valley at the foot of the mountains, gave them longevity and started to observe, how they will aspire to the development.
The time has passed, but people did not develop.
Their feet did not go beyond their village and did not climb up the mountains. Their eyes did not look at the sky and did not look in the Heart.
So they became old.

The Creator decided to find out, what was the matter.
He became a man and came to them as a traveler. Before sunset people gathered at the square to talk with the traveler.

He described them a life beyond the horizon and suggested:
- Do you want me to lead you there, and you will see how people live in these places?
— Oh, — they answered sadly, - it is late, we became old ...
- Then come with me to the mountains to look at the world from the top!
— Oh, — they suspired, — it is too late, we have no energy …
— Look at the sky, — the traveler said them, — and I will tell you about the life in the Kingdom of Heaven!
They answered again:
— It is late; our mind will not understand your story …
The traveler became sad. He decided to cheer people.
— Let‘s sing a song! — he said and was going to sing first, but people noticed that the san went down.
— It is late, — the said, — it is time to sleep… — and went to their huts. The traveler shouted them:
— People, when life is continuous and infinite, it is not late for any achievements!
But they did not turn back. Then the Creator told himself:
— I will take away all words of limitation from people: „late“, „not“, „impossible“, „far“, „high“, „hard“, „will not understand“, and will place in their hearts the joy of infinity. Maybe they will perceive my Law: nothing is late, because there is no end, there is only the beginning! He did so and waited for the morning: will people change and will they go with him to the mountains?

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE

BROKENNESS

'Not My will, but Yours be done.' Luke 22:42

If your goal is to be used by God, don't be surprised when He permits seasons of adversity and brokenness. Jesus experienced it, and He said, 'A servant is not greater than his master' (John 15:20NKJV). One Bible teacher points out: 'God's intent isn't to hurt us, but to expand our capacity to carry His love to a world in need of compassion... Sorrow clarifies our thinking. In the school of Christ, brokenness is a good thing. It's impossible to become intimate with God unless we're broken of independence, pride and our insistence that our way is better than God's.

Brokenness is the last stop before we finally confess, "I can't; God can." It's Paul confessing, "What a wretched man I am. Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24 NIV). It's the Prodigal fighting with the pigs over food (Luke 15:11-32). It's Joseph, still in prison, forgotten by the cupbearer (Genesis 40:23). It's Jonah in the whale's belly confessing the consequences of running from God (Jonah 2:1-9). It's Peter weeping bitterly outside Jesus' trial (Luke 22:62). It's Jesus abandoning everything to God, praying, "Father... not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42 NIV)... God in His ruthless, loving pursuit will break us of pride, sin, folly and independence (Matthew 21:44). Like Jesus serving bread at the Last Supper, God takes us, breaks us, blesses us and uses us.'

Are you going through a season of brokenness? Be encouraged; in God's kingdom brokenness is the path to blessing. Watchman Nee put it this way: 'To have God do His own work through us, even once, is better than a lifetime of human striving.'

My Funny Experience In Church Yesterday...

He got to church after Praise and Worship, took different shots with his iPhone when the announcement was on, and jes a few minutes after the set man of the house stepped on the altar to share the 'WORD', my guy slept off. (Anecdote of a guy that sat very close to where I sat in church today). He woke up when it was offering time though, (presumed the mellifluous voice of the Choir woke him up). Then I began to wonder 'why do people go to church? Do people (oh sowie, supposed christians) think all that God want from us on sundays is our offerings, or to raise the attendance list or to make the seats warm?

Many attend RCCG thinking they will automatically be counted as the redeemed of God, many attend WINNERS CHAPEL, filled with the thought that just sitting in an AC loaded auditorium is the prerequisite for living HEAVEN on EARTH, and many are filled with the thought that being a DEEPER LIFE member invariably gets you DEEPER in christ (still thinking); Like a friend once posted, 'THERE ARE MANY CONFUSED SOULS THAN LOST SOULS', little wonder why many have confessed prophecies to the extent that they are now confuse. Claimed to be the redeemed Israelites but yet they suffer like the israelites of old. (Is there no BALM in GILEAD? they kept asking, and in their confused state, they conclude that 'their own God is on strike'. *Forgetting not the assembly of brethren without participating in the fellowship is worse than forgetting the assembly* (who knows where the casted out demons would want to abode and start afresh! JES SAYING). All the above being said,

My Main Point: You ask and receive not because yea ask amiss. When you go to His presence, go with a prepared and positioned mind to receive from God, hungry and determined like Jacob who thought it deem fit to maximize the opportunity he had, and faith strengthened like that woman with the issue of blood. Your case is never too big or late for my God to handle, all He's asking is that 'You be positioned to receive', SHOULD THAT CONTINUE TO BE A DIFFICULT THING TO DO?

Good morning!

FULLNESS OF TIME!

The God that we serve give regards to time a lot. Every miracle, deliverance that were done in the bible happened at their appointed time.
Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the saviour, at the appointed time Jesus came to be. Prophet Joel prophesied about the outpouring of the spirit of God upon all flesh, the dispensation of the power of Holyghost in the book of acts came to be.

Maybe you don't know. Let me show you this ;
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

There you have it! For an appointed time, though it tarry but will surely come to fulfilment.

Don't lose hope just yet...Let me tell you a short story of A king and Four lepers.

2 Kings 7:1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 7:2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
7:3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?
7:5 And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.
7:6 For the LORD had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.
7:7 Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.
7:8 And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.

Like the King I pray you will not miss your blessing when your time has fully come in Jesus name!

Be sensitive like the lepers who had no prophet to inform them of what will happen next. They were just sensitive to their appointed time.

God is about doing something great in your life. And it is my earnest prayer that you will not miss it in Jesus name!

Goodmorning!!

Worship With Gbenga Adenuga

Worship with Gbenga Adenuga is a time of inspirational, reflective and soul-rendering out-pour of worship to the Almighty. Gbenga has been an instrument in the hands of God to champion and raise a generation of unusual worshippers in the body of Christ. With original compositions and renditions that cut across denominations and cultural differences, WWGA will be a blessing to all attendees.

"I have been off the worship music scene for a while. I got involved in other things - Please don't ask me what….

I have so, so missed that part of me and the truth is that I long to return actively to creating worship music and performance again. I say to myself, welcome home" Gbenga Adenuga

#WWGA will definitely be a periodic series; the frequency will be made known soon.

“I look forward to a great time in God's presence and in the gathering of real people” .

This is definitely not your every Sunday worship experience... It’s some kind of "fusion" Street - Trado - Contemporary & Church

Everyone who desires to attend is required to register to get an invite.

Click this link to register and get your invites right away goo.gl/Uc7HSr

I don’t think you want to miss this for anything.

Jason Nelson to Release New Live Album ‘Jesus Revealed’ Jan 20th

Talented gospel singer/songwriter and musician Jason Nelson, will release his much-anticipated new album, JESUS REVEALED, on Tuesday, January 20, 2015. Featuring the Top 2 hit gospel single “I Am,” the album is available for pre-order now on iTunes and Amazon.com. Pre-order JESUS REVEALED now and receive the Instant Grat track, “Can’t Stop Calling.”

A worshipper at heart, Jason Nelson recorded 14 live tracks earlier this year before a packed audience in his native Baltimore. Nelson teamed up with long-time songwriting partner, Dana Sorey to co-write most of the tracks, along with his twin brother and fellow gospel artist Jonathan Nelson contributing writing on “Can’t Stop Calling,” while, Tasha Page-Lockhart lends her voice to join Nelson on “I See The Lord.”

Following his hit solo releases I SHALL LIVE, PLACE OF WORSHIP, and the Stellar Award-winning SHIFTING THE ATMOSPHERE, Jason Nelson brings listeners together in worship with his powerful performances on JESUS REVEALED. From the hit single “I Am,” to standout tracks such as “God Is Great,” “The Lamb,” “So In Love,” and more, Nelson sets out to reintroduce listeners to the bible Jesus on the new project. “This album is about showcasing God’s heart, His love and His grace,” explains Nelson.

Visit Vevo to see The Making of Jesus Revealed: http://smarturl.it/BTSJesusRevealed?IQid=press

About Jason Nelson:
Bishop Jason Nelson pastors The Tabernacle at Greater Bethlehem Temple, a thriving ministry in Randallstown, Maryland; however he is one of the most recognized voices in gospel music and is considered to possess a rare gift in the Body of Christ as he releases the power of the presence of God. Jason established his vocal status and exceptional anointing in 2005 with the release of his first solo project, “I Shall Live”.

Not only a gifted voice, but also a gifted songwriter, the songs written for this project propelled Jason onto the industry watch list. Marvin Sapp's title track to the platinum recording “Thirsty” was composed by Jason. The highly anticipated “Shifting the Atmosphere” project, which was released May 22, 2012, gives insight to its audience with the application of Praise and Worship. Jason has also received a Stellar Award for Praise and Worship CD of the year in 2013. Jason considers one of his greatest accomplishments to be his family, wife Tonya, and children Jaelyn, and Jason Christopher

7 Blessing From God You Might Take For Granted

God has given us so many blessings that are too often taken for granted. Of these many blessings from God, there are some that He gives to everyone and others which only come by knowing Jesus Christ as personal Savior.

Of the seven blessings mentioned here, the gift of life and His love are available to everyone. The other five blessings that I mention are reserved for those who are a child of God. Every one of these wonderful gifts are available to anyone who will put their trust in Christ as Savior.

His Love

Even unsaved people have the love of God granted to them. This does not mean that everything will be perfect in the world. We live in a sin-cursed world which also receives the judgment of God. Even though God loves everyone, He is still just and holy. He requires judgment over sin.

God’s love is shown in the way He draws us to Himself. He wants to have a relationship with us. God provided His Son, Jesus Christ, as a Savior from our sins.

Romans chapter 5 contains one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It says that for a righteous man someone might be willing to lay down their life to save that person. For a good man there might be several who would do so. But God, when we were not good and when we were not righteous, demonstrated His love to us by giving His Son while we were still in our sinful condition (Romans 5:5-8 paraphrase).

You and I don’t deserve God’s love. Even as Christians we often don’t appreciate God’s love like we should. Yet He gives it to us unconditionally.

Another way God’s love is shown which we don’t always appreciate is in justice and judgment that He seeks against evil and unrighteousness. And, like a loving father, He disciplines His own children so that they can grow more into the image of Christ (Hebrews 12:5-11).



Life

God has granted us the gift of life. Not only our life is a blessing from Him, but so are the lives of our loved ones. We should cherish the time we have with them.

People tend to blame God for when life is taken away from their loved ones. The question often asked is why God allowed that person to die. What we too quickly forget are the wonderful years of life we had with that person. We should be thankful for the years we had with them. Instead of being angry with God for the loss of life, we should be grateful to God for the gift of life.

Concerning your own life, what are you doing for God with the life He has granted?


Forgiveness of Sins

For those who are saved God has given us His forgiveness. For those who are unsaved, you should recognize that God has offered forgiveness to you which is available for you to receive.

Sometimes Christians struggle with God’s forgiveness and take it for granted, or, worse, sometimes Christians are guilty of belittling God’s forgiveness when they can’t forgive themselves for their sins (Psalm 103:12; 1 John 1:9).


Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has been given to us as a comforter (John 14:26). He is a teacher and guide for our lives. Those who know the Lord as Savior have the Holy Spirit indwelling their lives. Yet, in Ephesians 5:18 Christians are told to be “filled with the Spirit.” Though we have the Holy Spirit present with us, that does not always mean that we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives. The contrast in that verse is to not be filled with wine and let it control your life and actions, but to allow the Holy Spirit so much control in your life that He is the one who directs your life and actions.

The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is a blessing for those who have received Him through salvation. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin because of God’s love toward us. May we be more grateful for this marvelous gift.


Spiritual Understanding

The Holy Spirit brings to us spiritual understanding that is not available to the unregenerate man. 1 Corinthians 2 tells us that the natural does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, but the spiritual man understands the things of God and judges all things with the wisdom of God. The whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 2 is worth the time it takes to read and understand concerning this wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit who gives us spiritual understanding.


Spiritual Gifts

God has granted each Christian at least one spiritual gift. We find lists of the various spiritual gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and various other verses. These gifts include (but are not limited to) evangelism, encouragement, pastoring, ministering, showing mercy, giving, etc. While we should all exhibit as many of the spiritual gifts as we can, we know that the Holy Spirit specifically gifts each Christian with a greater degree of some of the gifts. We are each placed into the body of Christ (the church) to minister to one another through these gifts. Every Christian has been given a way to serve the body of Christ through these special blessings we call spiritual gifts.


Ambassadors of God

As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). What a great honor and privilege! Yet, so often we take that honor for granted and think that someone else will step up to the task. We have been reconciled to God through Christ. Now He has called us to introduce others to Him as ambassadors. Are you willing to accept this blessing that God has given?

The Bible commands us to be thankful (Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Each one of us should strive to be more grateful for the wonderful gifts God has give to us. These blessings of God grow more sweet and precious the more thankful we are for them.

:::Complain About What???, Bro Hans:::

Discipline at the Brunwald monastery
was terribly strict. The law of silence
forced the Brothers not to talk for 10
long years. After waiting for so long,
each monk had the right to say two
words, but not one more.

It was Brother Hans' turn to meet
with the Abbot.

"Speak Brother. I am listening," the
Abbot said.

"Bed... hard," the monk replied.

"I see," said his superior.

Ten years later, Brother Hans met
with the Abbot again.

"And what two words would you like to
tell me?" the Abbot asked.

"Food... bad," said Brother Hans.

"I see," the Abbot sighed.

Another ten years passed and Brother
Hans, kneeling once again before the
Abbot, said, "I ... leave."

"Well that doesn't surprise me," the
Abbot exclaimed, "since all you do is
complain all the time!"

.........................................


The punch line is funny, but the
question remains: why did Brother Hans
choose the life he did if he was not
capable of profiting by it, if all that
he was interested in were his personal
comforts?

Like him, we often find ourselves
complaining about things when all we
really have to do is let go and take
advantage of what the world has to
offer.

.........................................

"If you thank God for all the joys He
has given you, you won't have any time
left to complain."
Master Eckhart

.........................................

Erica Campbell, Michelle Williams, 3 Winans Brothers Collect 4 NAACP Image Award Nomination

Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) continues a hit streak in delivering powerful music that crosses boundaries, racking up 4 NAACP Image Award nominations across two categories for new gospel releases from Erica Campbell, Michelle Williams, and 3 Winans Brothers. The just-released nominations for the 2015 NAACP Image Awards honor Erica Campbell with 2 nominations, in the Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) categories for her album Help, Michelle Williams in the Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) category for her album Journey To Freedom, and 3 Winans Brothers in the Outstanding New Artist category.

With decades of award-winning performances – Erica Campbell, Michelle Williams and 3 Winans Brothers (comprised of brothers Marvin, Carvin, and BeBe Winans) – have forged a distinctive sound on each of their newest releases, creating break-out inspiring hits that have climbed to the top of the charts.

Developing a new creative path with a solo album, Erica Campbell released her debut solo gospel album Help, to critical and chart-topping acclaim, receiving numerous accolades for hit songs “A Little More Jesus,” and “Help” (feat. Lecrae), as well as the album.



Michelle Williams’ Journey To Freedom marks her fourth solo album, with the acclaimed album featuring the spirited chart-topper “Say Yes” (feat. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland), “Fire,” the intimate “In the Morning,” and more, impacting fans worldwide with a sizzling contemporary mix of sparkling vocals and world-inspired melodies.


Brothers Marvin, Carvin, and BeBe Winans formed the new supergroup 3 Winans Brothers, to debut their first album together, Foreign Land, which was released on their label Regimen Records in partnership with BMG Rights, with distribution by eOne Music Label Services, featuring such hits as “If God Be For Us,” and their latest single, “Move in Me.”

The 46th annual NAACP Image Awards will take place on Friday, February 6, 2015, airing live on TV One.

The Walls Group Receives a Grammy Nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for Their Top 10 Hit “Love On The Radio"

The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced on Friday, December 5, 2014 The Walls Group’s first Grammy nomination: Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Love on The Radio,” written by multiple Grammy-Award-winner Kirk Franklin.
“Love On The Radio” spent 17 weeks on the Gospel Radio Chart and peaked at an impressive #9 position.

"This is a special day for me and the entire Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA family,” said Kirk Franklin. “We are thrilled about receiving this Grammy nomination for our first signed artist, The Walls Group. I’m feeling like a proud father today!"

FAST FORWARD, the critically acclaimed album by The Walls Group, debuted at #1 on the Gospel Album Sales Chart, Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Albums Chart, iTunes Christian & Gospel chart, and Amazon’s Gospel chart. Executive produced by multi-platinum gospel star Kirk Franklin, FAST FORWARD features 10 tracks of modern, up-beat and progressive music with strong gospel influences. FAST FORWARD is available everywhere music is sold.

Inspired by the group’s multi-generational appeal, Franklin wrote and produced 8 of the album’s 10 songs and appears on the compelling track, "Beautiful." Eldest member of the group, Darrel also showcased his pen, writing two tracks featured on the project, “Great Is Your Love” and “Freedom.” The album includes power collaborations with R&B artist Brandy on "God On My Mind," and popular Christian rapper Lecrae on "High."

The talented Houston-based siblings, Ahjah (17), Paco (18), Rhea (19) and Darrel (23) have been on the fast track to success that includes going on a national House of Blues tour with gospel phenom, Tye Tribbett , performing as BET Music Matter’s artists on 106 & PARK, and debuting a #1 selling album that received over a million streams on Spotify—but the group remains humble. The whole group co-signs the soul-searching single “Satisfied,” saying it reminds them to keep their eyes on the true prize.

Entertainment One Music Garners 5 Nominations For The 2015 Grammy Awards

Entertainment One Music (eOne Music), celebrates 5 nominations at the upcoming 2015 Grammy AwardsÒ, with award-winning artists Erica Campbell, Karen Clark Sheard, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, and William McDowell garnering nominations for their solo work. eOne Music’s releases dominate the Best Gospel Album category with 3 nominations, with Erica Campbell nominated for her chart-topping solo album Help, Ricky Dillard nominated for his live recorded chart-topper with New G titled Amazing, and first-time nominee William McDowell, nominated for his live chart-topping worship album Withholding Nothing. Receiving 2 nominations in the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song, Erica Campbell garners a second nomination for her album’s title track “Help” (feat. Lecrae), and Karen Clark Sheard garners a nomination for her live song “Sunday A.M.,” with Donald Lawrence also garnering a nomination as co-writer of the song with Rudy Currence.

Phil Thornton, Vice President and General Manager of Urban Inspirational at eOne Music, says of the nominations, “eOne is thrilled with the nominations recognizing the work of a range of our artists this year. From solo songs to the sounds of live choir and worship, we’re proud to support our artists who are a continued source of inspiration and leading force in gospel, creating powerful songs impacting countless listeners around the world.”

A previous 4-time Grammy AwardÒ winner as part of the duo Mary Mary, Erica Campbell’s #1 Gospel debut solo album Help, continues to garner accolades, with hit singles that include “A Little More Jesus,” “Help” (feat. Lecrae), and the latest single “You Are.”

4-time Grammy AwardÒ winning gospel icon Karen Clark Sheard delivers a stellar live performance on the song “Sunday A.M.,” the single from her highly-anticipated upcoming sixth solo album.

Nominated for his #1 Gospel album Amazing, Ricky Dillard & New G’s title track “Amazing,” has also been an unstoppable force, with the song remaining #1 atop the Gospel radio chart for 25 weeks thus far. The incomparable, award-winning choir master has taken his beloved choir sound to new heights, reuniting with New G to create a vigorous 25th anniversary live album, garnering widespread acclaim among fans and peers worldwide.

Award-winning worship leader William McDowell has captured his first Grammy AwardÒ nomination with his #1 Gospel album Withholding Nothing. Released as a combined album/DVD concert film, the stirring live praise and worship experience includes the hit singles “Withholding Nothing,” “My Heart Sings,” and more.

The 57th Annual Grammy AwardsÒ will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2015.

STOP TRYING TO SECOND-GUESS GOD

The Word For Today

'Nor are your ways My ways.' Isaiah 55:8

Are you doing what you believe to be God's will, yet things aren't working out like you expected? God has a different perspective--a better one. It's okay to question Him, but not to doubt and second-guess Him. In His Word He says, 'My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.' When God told Moses he was going to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, Moses was all for it. But things didn't go the way he anticipated because Pharaoh made their lives harder for a while. So instead of becoming a hero, Moses lived through a season of being criticised and misunderstood. Later, when some other things didn't turn out as Moses expected, he got discouraged and complained, 'Lord, I did what You told me to do. How come I'm not getting the results I prayed for?' (Exodus 5:22). Moses didn't understand the results of his obedience, because God didn't tell him exactly how things would turn out.

Usually our frustrations have little to do with what God does or doesn't do, and everything to do with our mistaken ideas about what we think He should do. When you assume, or try to analyse God, you always end up frustrated. Jesus told His disciples, 'You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand' (John 13:7 CEV). It's only in looking back that you see how the Lord has led you. He is the best at what He does and His track record proves it. So trust God and stop trying to second-guess Him.

Short Story:::Be Thankful.

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.

The boy recognised his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?" The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way. "I wrote: 'Today is a beautiful day; but I cannot see it.'"Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign reminded people how fortunate they were to have their sight. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.

Keep the faith and drop the fear. It's a beautiful thing to see a person smiling. But even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason for the smile!Faith is not about everything turning out OK. Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out.
Happy Sunday!

Yada Magazine to Host Rooftop Clan (Sokleva & Protek), DavidB and others at #Stripped this December

Yada Magazine to Host Rooftop Clan (Sokleva & Protek), DavidB and others at #Stripped this December | @SoklevaHughes, @Protekniks, @officialDBmusic

Yada Magazine, Nigeria's top faith based lifestyle magazine on the web is set to host Hip Hop Collective Rooftop Clan (Rooftop MCs & Protek) alongside UK Based Singer DavidB in the first edition of #Stripped. The Mini Concert is a free event aimed at promoting the diversity of gospel music in Nigeria and give a platform to emerging musicians to showcase their talents. Some of the performers that will be thrilling audiences include XL2Letters, T-Acoustic, eMJOY, Endi Ziki, Rapsodee, Femi Leye among others. More acts will be announced by the end of the week.

EVENT DETAILS
Venue: Swe Bar, 2nd Floor, City Mall, Onikan, Lagos.
Date: December 20th, 2014
Time 12 Noon
Hosts: Dr Foy and Captain Quest
Gate Fee: FREE

#Stripped is derived from Hebrews 12:1-2 and is a Yada Magazine Initiative. For updates on #Stripped, you can communicate via Twitter @YadaMag, Facebook: http://facebook.com/yadamag and on Instagram @yadamagazine.

#Stripped is supported by Cryteknics Designs and Swe Bar

Bishop Larry D. Trotter is Causing A Stir This Holiday Season With His New CookBook “Cooking With The Bishop

Those accustomed to Bishop Larry D. Trotter serving up unforgettable gospel gems like “Trouble Don’t Last” and “My Worship is For Real” should prepare room on their tables and hearts for what he is serving up next.

The best-selling author and loved Senior Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago has finally lifted the lid on a sweet collection of his culinary secrets via the highly anticipated cookbook, “Cooking With the Bishop,” available now.

Whipping up an assortment of must-see recipes just in time for the holidays, the endeavor comes as Trotter’s first published cookbook. This may surprise many who were unaware that the legendary gospel artist is also a certified chef trained at Wasburne Trade School and Chicago Cooking and Catering School.

For your copy of “Cooking With the Bishop,” visit Cookingwithbishop.com, Sweetholyspirit.org, or call 773-721-6178 for more information.

Profile:

Bishop Larry D. Trotter is a best-selling author and the Senior Pastor of the world renowned Sweet Holy Spirit Church. An acclaimed gospel visionary, Trotter has seen his tenure as a spiritual leader of in Chicago, Illinois, extend over 30 years. With seven-award projects, one of which was a Stellar Award Nominee, hit songs such as “Trouble Don’t Last”, “My Worship is For Real” and “The Lord is Blessing Me.” Bishop Trotter continues to re-brand himself and remain prophetically relevant as evidenced by his newest endeavor – a cookbook “Cooking With the Bishop.”

Grammy-Winning Legendary Artist Fred Hammond Makes #1 Debut with New Album “I Will Trust”

GRAMMY Award-winning gospel music legend Fred Hammond has released his much-anticipated new album I Will Trust to a #1 debut on the Christian/Gospel chart according to SoundScan.

Garnering acclaim amongst critics and fans, the chart-topping I Will Trust reflects Fred Hammond’s fresh perspective on faith and marks his most intimate album yet. Hammond inspires fans with his perseverance and triumphant return to music and touring after undergoing a double knee surgery earlier this year. Featuring the rousing Top 5 Gospel Radio hit single “I Will Trust” (feat. BreeAnn Hammond), Hammond has created a robust mix of soulful ballads and powerful praise with songs such as “Festival Of Praise,” “His Perfect Love,” “Take Me To The Water,” “It’s Only The Comforter,” “You Bless Me Over And Over,” and more.

Due to the overwhelming success of the recent 30-city Festival of Praise Tour, headliners Fred Hammond and label mate Donnie McClurkin will hit the road again together in 2015 for the second part of the tour.