GRACE AND PEACE!

It is imperative that we, as believers, continue to be uncompromising regarding the word of God in its truth and its purest form, which is holy and righteous. It is also imperative that when we deliver the gospel, we stand flatfooted on exactly what The Lord said, because it is from our Father in Heaven and every promise and purpose must live through us. With that said, are we—the Kingdom Builders, the

Praise Raisers, the Warriors, the Camps and Tribes of Judah or—whoever you are in the body, willing to do whatever it takes to get the message across? How are you doing it? Are we stepping on the toes of our own brethren in the gospel? Are we conforming to the ways of God or man? As for gospel music, it is so wonderful that it is getting more airplay on the secular stations and more during the day—No more waking up at 4:30 or 5 a.m to hear gospel. It’s good to know that the gospel is being proclaimed and airtime is given . . . but to what cost or measure?

We have more people singing gospel and inspirational music, but is it for God or the competition? The bible says great is your reward in heaven and only the things you do for Christ will last. So what ignites the saints (and some ain’ts) to have their musical tribute to God in a battle? Example, look on TV—there are more reality shows now than ever before and it has been said that even the reality shows are staged. And guess who’s following suit? Yep, it’s the wonderful lovers of gospel music. Are we singing because we’re happy and free or because we believe that it can be the big pay off? Is it for ministry or for money? It’s funny, but this is what Satan wants. You know him to be the author of confusion and the original minister of music. Now wonder how a person who sings and gives tribute in song to, for and about the

Savior, begins to cry and become upset when they do not win the next level of fame. Who is laughing? Who is to blame? Are the executives and producers “pimping” the ministry of song by using famous people to do the dirty work? Or is it the other way around and the famous gospel music singers are the executives and producers? Someone would ask, why take one of the favorite pastimes (singing the gospel) and pollute it with a financial benefit? Someone else might ask why the benefits can’t include reaping a monetary reward. Oh, this didn’t just start lately, because there are well known fests and competitions with college choirs, local choirs, and other singer/songwriter battles. Listen, if you are who God says you are, the way will be made for you to be an outlet for God to shine. Are you using the gifts that God has given you to defeat others, thus defeating the purpose of your gift?

Or maybe you question if your gift actually makes room for you? FYI, there are no competitions in heaven, neither are there any solos, so if you are looking to be a bright star, pose a question to The Father in the name of Jesus. Ask him how you can sing the songs of Zion without hurting or destroying someone else’s confidence, how you can push the gospel without pushing someone else out.

I don’t want this to be confusing, but it came to my attention when I heard someone on the radio say we are losing our way and gospel music just ain’t the same anymore. I know in some things and in some times it seems that way, because we have never had it like this before.

Do you think that the slaves, our forefathers, would allow what they used to survive become a form of competition? Would Jesus want that after he died on the cross, battered and abused? What do you think?

I had an opinion, but it has changed slightly. Listen family, it’s the sign of the times! The bible says be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind . . . It’s a new beginning, so let’s look at things the way God would see them.