Jesus Saves Ministries shares the saving grace of Jesus Christ from an African American perspective by helping to demonstrate the power and relevancy of the Cross in the 21st century.
Please forward this to all of your family and friends! America's No.1 National Urban Gospel Stage Play is coming to Louisville, KY on Saturday - January 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm and 7:00 p.m. @ The Louisville Memorial Auditorium.
Starring: Alicia Robinson Cooper & Lead Singer for John P. Kee and the VIP Choir 'He's My Rock'; Chad Cooper, Actor/Comedian featured on TBN and Star of the New Movie "Family Mess" set to be released 2010; and Virginia Bostic, Stellar Award Winner and Lead Singer for The Miami Mass Choir 'It's Praying Time'
'Church Mess' The Play features the money hungry deacon, the religious church mother, the down-low and low-down brother, the choir member with the alternative lifestyle, the desperate college student that's having affairs in the church to pay her bills, the playboy minister of music, baby mama drama. While some of these issues are prevalent in today's churches! 'Church Mess' The Play portrays the church as still being the greatest institution in the world for healing and deliverance!
"Earlybird Ticket Specials" NOW ON SALE!!! ONLY $25 while they last! Regular price is $45.00. Buy today! Tickets are going fast! Call 1.888.977.2282 ext. 100 NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesus Saves Ministries will have your tickets to Church Mess! Details to come on the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network! If you are not a member, join today. It's Free!
Lifting you up in a down economy, Jesus Saves Ministries. Celebrating 4 Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!
Thank you Jesus Saves Ministrries supporters for helping us fulfill our Matthews 25:35-40 mandate to care for "the least of these." Jesus Saves Ministries began distributing Blessings In A Basket toiletries baskets to homeless and less fortunate citizens in the Louisville and Southern Indiana communities on November 14th.
A total of 25 Blessings In A Baskets were delivered to the following locations in the Louisville and Southern Indiana areas:
Rhonda's Another Chance Transitional Home for Women;
Wayside Christian Mission's Mens' and Womens' Homeless Shelters;
The House of Hope Transitonal Home for Women;
Dosker Manor Housing Complex for low-income and disabled adults;
Lincoln Hills Health Center nursing home in New Albany, IN;
A homeless male on the street.
Homeless overnighters Shannon Goode of Louisville (left), Scott Joiner of Indianapolis, and Gene Jenkins of Cincinnati each received a "Blessings" basket at the Wayside Christian Mission's Men's Shelter on Saturday, December 19th. Four female overnighters received baskets as well.
Ramona Wilson with The House of Hope and three Hope residents received "Blessings" baskets on December 12th. The House of Hope is a recovery-based transitional home for women located in Louisville's California community.
Dosker Manor six-year resident Ema White and 10-year resident Rudy Jeanes received “Blessings” baskets after worship service on Sunday, December 13th. Dosker Manor is Louisville housing complex for low income and disabled adults. Two Dosker Manor residents were the first to receive baskets on November 14th.
Jesus Saves Ministries "Blessings" baskets included a variety of toiletries, (some with hoodie t-shirts,) a New Testament Bible, a Memory Cross Card explaining the "A,B,Cs" to salvation, a Jesus Saves brochure and a Christian gift.
Thanks again for helping us share the love of Jesus Christ with Blessings In A Basket!
Lifting you up in a down economy, we are Jesus Saves Ministries!
Add the book that inspired the movie starring Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness to your book collection as our Christmas gift to you! The Pursuit of Happyness is the story of Chris Gardner and his son's journey from homelessness to prosperity. "Motivated by the promise he made to himself as a fatherless child to never abandon his own children, the two spent almost a year moving among shelters, 'HO-tels,' soup lines, and even sleeping in the public restroom of a subway station.
Never giving in to despair, Garner made an astonishing transformation from being part of the city's invisible poor to being a poweful player in its financial district." -- The Pursuit of Happyness.
"Real, exciting, courageous. This story is universal and just might provide us with a new understanding of the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. A page-turner, The Pursuit of Happyness will keep you up at night." - Reverend Cecil Williams, Glide United Methodist Church Add Walter Mosley's book, Workin' on the Chain Gang, Shaking Off the Dead Hand of History to your book collection as our Christmas gift to you!
Author Walter Mosley writes in book written in 2000, " Far from being a cause for celebration, the millennium, Mosley argues fiercely,l should have been the occasion for a frank reckoning with the real state of our society. We have the power to end starvation, but one-third of our children live in poverty. Our politics have degnerated into a multimillion-dollar game show ruled by two indistringuishable monopolies.
We drug ourselves with television, sports, sex, apathy, and obsession with celebrity, while our cities rot and violence erupts in our schools....but each one of us can work toward breaking off these chains. First by recongizing the truth of our history--a history that is crucially informed by the black experience...."
We have added several books on the Main Page right side bar of the Jesus Saves Social Network. They are available to new members this weekend. Bless a church member, friend or relative with a FREE Christmas gift! Invite them to become a member of the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network today!
These books are available to new members this weekend:
The Start of An Uncommon Life, by Tony Dungy
Victory In Jesus, by Rev. E.V. Hill
A Bound Man, by Shelby Steele
Sassay, Single & Satisfied: Secrets to Loving the Life You're Living, by Michelle McKinney Hammond
Thank you so much for your prayers and support of this ministry! Merry Christmas from Jesus Saves Ministries!
The Women's Ministry of St. Stephen Church, Louisville, Kentucky held their 6th annual Holiday Tea, "Hatitude: Ladies & Their Hats" Saturday, December 12th at the St. Stephen Family Life Center in Louisville. There was a hat show, great food and music and plenty of beautifully decorated tables on display.
Jesus Saves Ministries was in the house with three guests. Ramona Wilson, left, is with The House of Hope, a recovery-based transitional home located in the heart of our city's poorest neighborhood, the California community. Ramona is a house monitor at the transitional home where she monitors curfews, supervises chores, and collects rent among other duties for nine women. Additonally, she is employed at the Volunteers of America as a counselor tech under a certified alcohol and drug counselor where she monitors ladies in a recovery program for homeless women and their children. Ramona and three ladies at the House of Hope received Blessings In a Baskets.
Jesus Saves Social Network member Min. Chalina Clayton and her mother lovely Marva Miles were are guest as well. All three guests received Jesus Saves hats and The Net Christian E-Newsletter Journals. Find more photos like this on Jesus Saves Ministries Lifting you up in a down economy, Jesus Saves Ministries. Celebrating 4 years of lifting up Jesus Christ!
How is your heart today? Are you troubled and trippin’ about your situation, relying on psychics, fortune tellers, horoscopes, crystal balls, and prosperity preachers for answers, or are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ to be your burden bearer?
Jesus says in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.” There is no trouble too hard for God, no heartache, disease, nor difficulty. Study His Word and take your troubles to Him in prayer. He is able turn your troubled heart into a triumphant heart and set you free.
Jesus told his disciples in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father but through me." Not only is Jesus Christ the only way to eternal life, He is the only way to abundant life. Salvation, deliverance, healing, and sanctification cannot be found in Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor the Jesus of the New Age Movement. Those things can only be found in Jesus Christ. He is the way.
Finally, Jesus says in John 16:33 what prosperity preachers won't tell you, "...In this world you will have trouble." Too many Christians are troubled today because they are falling for the distortions of prosperity preachers who say once you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you won't get sick and riches are yours for the asking. "God's got a blessing with your name on it. Send us a special 'Get Back Devil' seed offering, and claim that thing!," they say charismatically. The next time you hear that lie, hollar back, "You made that up!," and rest on the conclusion of verse 33 where Jesus says, "...take heart! I have overcome the world."
Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. SpiritualGraphics.com Check us out on...
Who's Who Louisville is proud to announce the unveiling of a new directory highlighting and featuring “Louisville Black First Ladies of the Church”. The pictorial directory will include biographical data on “Louisville Black First Ladies of the Church”, their roles and contributions to the church and community. The directory will include a listing of Louisville black churches, pastors and other related information. Not only will the publication provide enjoyable reading but will serve as a great resource directory for the entire community. The publication will be introduced and unveiled spring 2010 with an evening of celebration highlighted with a banquet featuring guest speaker Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant.
Rev. Dr. Bryant is the first lady of AME Bishop John Bryant, the 106th Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Chicago, Illinois, and the mother of Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant and Dr. Thema Simone Bryant-Davis. Rev. Dr. Bryant is the author of the book “letters of light for first ladies”, a collection of letters that mentor other first ladies of the church to include letters rich in comfort, encouragement and challenge. She is recognized worldwide for her ministries to women and children. She is also the author of several books and was a contributor to “Those Preaching Women”, Volume 4 from Judson Press.
We want this directory to be as inclusive as possible and we need your help. We are compiling a list and contact information for “Louisville Black First Ladies of the Church” so that we may send the appropriate information to the church and/or their home. There is no cost associated with their photograph and biographical data appearing in the publication. Please contact me via e-mail at duane@whoswholouisville.com or phone (502) 240-0444.
We will have advertising and sponsorship opportunities in the publication and at the unveiling. If you wish to know more about advertising and/or sponsorship opportunities, please contact me via e-mail at duane@whoswholouisville.com or phone (502) 240-0444.
We certainly know we will not be able to directly contact every church, first lady and/or interested advertiser/sponsor, so we encourage you to forward this information to appropriate and interested parties.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and support. We will look forward to the inclusion of your first lady in the 2010 inaugural edition of “Louisville Black First Ladies of the Church”.
Duane M. Lightfoot, Sr Who’s Who Louisville Linking Business and Community Together duane@whoswholouisville.com (502) 240-0444
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'" Matt. 25: 35-40.
Jesus Saves Ministries and the Jesus Saves Social Network are sharing the love of Jesus Christ by providing "Blessings In a Basket" this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. On Sunday, November 14th, Jesus Saves Ministries began distributing "Blessings In A Basket" baskets. Thanks to your generousity, we now have another set of baskiets assembled and ready for distribution to persons in need. Join us in providing additional baskets to the less fortunate.
How to Contribute: 1. Pray specifically for "the least of these" to be fed, clothed, sheltered and protected from dangers seen and unseen. Pray, too, that the Lord will prepare hearts to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You can post prayers and names in The Prayers of the Righteous group or The Least of These group.
2. Join the Least of These Group. The Least of These Group addresses issues of concern to the poor, homeless, marginalized, and disabled and disadvantaged per Matt. 25: 35-40. There you will find more ways to help the "least of these" this season.
2. Donate personal-size toiletries, soaps, lotions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, hair products, combs, brushes, shaving supplies, lipstick, fingernail polish, tissues, perfume, aftershave, and deodorant, or gifts of your choice to our baskets. To donate, send me an e-mail and we will arrange to pick up your items, or you may send a small monetary contribution in any amount to Jesus Saves Ministries, P.O. Box 1284, Louisville, KY 40201.
3. Send me the name of a person or family we can help in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area. Your name will be included on the gift tag as a contributor to their Blessings Basket.
Our goal is to donate baskets on a first-come, first-serve basis according to the order in which names are recieved. Jesus Saves Ministries will assemble baskets, include a New Testament Bible, a Memory Cross Card explaining the "A,B,Cs" to salvation, a Jesus Saves brochure and a Christian gift. Baskets will be dispensed throughout the Christmas season as they become available! Don't delay! Help share the love of Jesus Christ with "Blessings In a Basket" this Christmas.
Lifting you up in a down economy, Jesus Saves Ministries. Celebrating Four Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!
Ladies, no matter what you are going through and no matter where you have been, the Bible encourages you to always have an attitude of gratitude. What do you have to be thankful for? What has God done for you this year? What gratitude do you have under your hat? Make it known known according to 1 Chronicles 16:8. Share in our discussions on the Jesus Saves Social Network and express your "hatitude" of gratitude.
Jesus Saves Ministries will be sending two ladies, who would not otherwise be able to attend, to the St. Stephen Women's Ministry "Hatitude" Holiday Tea on December 12th at the St. Stephen Family Life Center, Louisville, Kentucky as part of our Least of These ministry. This 6th annual tea will include fabulous food, holiday music, a hat fashion show, and much more! When praises go up, blessings come down! Express your gratitude today!
Lifting you up in a down economy, Jesus Saves Ministries! Check us out on...
"For I was an hungered, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick or in prison, and come unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto youm Inasmuch as y have done it to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" Matthew 25:35-40.
Jesus Saves Ministries will be feeding several families this Thanksgving and Christmas. Jesus Saves Ministries will be delivering "Blessings In A Basket" toiletries baskets to the homeless and those in need throughout the season.
Jesus Saves Ministries will provide tickets to the St. Stephen’s Women’s Ministry “Hatitude” Holiday Tea, Saturday, December 12th to two women who otherwise cannot afford to attend, courtesy of the St. Stephen Women’s Ministry.
Help Us Help the “Least of These” This Holiday Season. Here's how you can help:
Pray for the "least of these" according to Matthew 25:35-40.
Supply the last names of families in need to receive turkeys with trimmings for 4, or persons to receive "Blessings In a Basket" toiletries baskets (persons who are homeless, temporarily living in shelters, unemployed, seniors in need, etc.); or women to receive tickets to the "Hatitude" Holiday Tea.
Contribute toiletries or sponsor a “Blessings” Basket;
Participate in the Least of These Group with commentary, statistics in your area of the needs and particular circumstances of the people we are serving.
Lifing you up in a down economy, Jesus Saves Ministries! Celebrating 4 Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!
"The proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism" Acts 6:6-7.
Church growth is good, but when you don’t have the resources, the people operating in their proper places in ministry, you’ve got problems. In Acts 6, we see immediately there is a problem, and not just one problem, but two problems. The Greek-speaking widows are complaining that they are being discriminated against in the daily ministration.
This was not just a food line. The disciples weren’t just waiting on tables. The daily ministration was a place where money changed hands. The tables were a place where disciples brought their money after the sale of their estates and land. Jesus told the rich, young ruler to sale his possessions, give the money to the poor and follow Him. The young ruler went away sad because he was not willing to part with his worldly possessions. Ananias and Sapphira sold their property and brought money to the disciples, but kept part of it for themselves. They died, mostly likely at the tables, for lying to the apostles.
Also, the tables were the place where the Grecian and Hebrew widows received public charity, funds, food, and help with daily living. This neglect of the Grecian widows occurred because as the church was growing the disciples found themselves out of place. They were serving tables when they should have been preaching. They were serving tables when they should have been praying. Have you ever known someone to be out of place, greeting on the door or serving as an usher but looking like they just drank sour lemonade? I want to encourage everyone to get in where you fit in!
In Acts 6, the apostles "kill two birds with one stone." Sorry Stephen. Stephen was stoned to death for the Gospel's sake. We see the resolution to both problems in the establishment of the office of deacon. There were 16 deacons ordained last Sunday at St. Stephen Church. One of them, Deacon Dick Dickerson, is from Dosker Manor. I believe God is speaking specifically to Dosker Manor on this subject, “Get In Where You Fit In.” He elevated a woman here from her wheelchair here so that she could “fit in” to the choir. He has elevated a man here, not from his wheelchair, but in his wheelchair so that he now “fits in” on the deacon board.
Somebody has an opportunity to “get in where they fit in” right here on Friday. Bible Study is Friday, but some of you have been saying all year, “This Friday is a bad Friday. “This just ain’t my year. This Friday is Friday, the 13th, and it’s the third one this year. If it wasn’t for bad luck, I would have no luck at all.” I stopped by to tell you stop don’t afraid of witches, warlocks, spells and unlucky days. The Ancient of Days is all you need! He is much more powerful than any black cat, Satanist, psychic, or magician. The powers of Pharaoh’s magicians couldn’t match God’s powers in Exodus 8:19, 9:11), and the King’s magicians couldn’t interpret his dreams when Daniel could through God’s revelation (Dan 1:20, 2:27, 4:7ff). Acts 19:19 describes how the people who had done magic gave it up after they trusted Jesus, “And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone” (NASB).
In order to get in where you fit in, turn your bad Friday into Good Friday.
Say “TGIF – Thank God I’m Forgiven!” Write down, “TGIF.” Take the “T” that represents the Cross and move it from the beginning to the end because Jesus is coming back again. Now you have the word, “GIFT.” You have just turned your bad Friday into Good Friday. John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life!”
Turn your bad Friday into Good Friday. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Isaiah 53:5 says, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisment of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." What can wash away are sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Turn your bad Friday into a Good Friday. Jesus defeated Satan and his evil forces at the cross! Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them at the cross."
The disciples turned their bad Friday into Good Friday in Acts 6. They recognized that they were not serving properly within the body of Christ so, “They gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry for the Word of God in order for us to wait tables” (v2) .
In order to get in where you fit in, stop sitting in!
Not only is Jesus our perfect Gift, defeating principalities and powers at the Cross, he also gave us at least one gift for the work of ministry. Ephesians 4:7-8 tells us Jesus, the perfect Gift, has given gifts to men. Our gifts have been given “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (v12).
He didn’t save us to sit. He saved us to serve! That’s the problem. Some of us are just sitting in. We’re just sitting in worship service, matinee style with our candy and food, texting on our cell phones while worship is going on. We’re just sitting in front of the television watching the Yankees beat the Phillies, glad baseball is over so that now we can sit in some more on the real sports, football and basketball. We go by and sit in with “Big Mama” every once in a while like we’re doing her a favor. We see that she needs help around the place, but won’t pick up, straighten up or fix up. We see that her eyesight ain’t what it use to be, her curtains need washing, clothes need ironing, but all we to do is go by and sit in. The days of just sitting in are over. There was a time when the sit in was a very effective tool for protest. I thank God for the sit in, but how did Barack Obama get into office? People didn’t just “sit” him in. They “fit” him in, by voting him in office! Stop sitting in. Get in where you fit in!
Okay, preacher where is that in the Bible? Stephen and the six were voted into office, "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known (say known) to be full of the Spirit. This proposal pleased the whole group" (vs 3-5). King James says, “And the saying pleased the whole multitude….” They chose Stephen.…" It’s called lay participation.
Let me help you. God has given all of us at least one Gift, but He doesn’t give gifts in secret. Even if some of your gifts appear to be a mystery to you a little while, your gifts will find you out. Your gifts will make room for you. Has anyone come up to you lately and said, “You’re good at that!,” “You should consider doing such and such in the church?” Those are quite possibly times when your gifts are making themselves known. Stephen’s gifts were known to the multitude. Stephen was the first disciple martyred for the faith in the New Testament. Stephen was one of the seven men chosen to assist the apostles in the administrative affairs of the early Jerusalem church. He is most noted for his outstanding character, faith, wisdom, courage, and willingness to contend for the faith against false accusation and fierce opposition. St. Stephen Church is named after Stephen. Stephen talked about the people who were "sitting in" at the Sandhedrin calling them "stiff-necked." (7:5) Stop sitting in! Get in where you fit in!
In order to get in where you fit in, find your business and mind your business!
Every Christian should find their business and mind their own business. We are too busy in everybody else's business that we can't find business of our own.
Find your business: 1 Corinthians 12:1-21 – “And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” 2. Romans 12:4-8 – “For as we have many members in the body, and all members have not the same office…” The apostles found their business – prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Mind your business: 3. 1 Timothy 4:14 – “Neglect not the gift that is in thee….” 4. 2 Timothy 1:6 - “…stir up the gift of God…” The apostles minded their business by turning the daily ministration over to the seven elected officers. When they did this, the word of God spread rapidly so that even the hard to reach priest came to the Lord.
God had already equipped Stephen for his administrative assignment (v3, 5). Stephen’s additional gifts were (some appear in Chapter 7 & Chapter 22): a. administration (v3,5) b. wisdom (v3) c. faith (v5) d. miracles (v8) e. teaching (v9-10, chapter 7) f. prophecy (v9-10, chapter 7) g. martyrdom (chapter 7, 7:60)
In addition to these gifts, Stephen was fine! He had it “going on!” To me, he must have looked like Denzel Washington. The Bible says, "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel (chapter 6:15).
In order to get in where you fit in, get out.
I did not include evangelism as Stephen’s gift. He contended for the faith in the Synagogue of the Freedman. Stephen was an apologist. He defended the faith. Phillip, who “got in” with Stephen and the five disciples in Acts 6, “got out” as an evangelist in Acts 8. Additionally, his four daughters had the gift of prophecy.
I said earlier this summer that the cults are out there out-witnessing us witnesses. This is one reason Christians are denouncing Christianity, turning to other faiths, or adding unbiblical all-roads-lead-to-heaven types of beliefs with Christianity. On any given Sunday, or Monday, or Tuesday, any day of the week, for that matter, we are more apt to see Mormons in pairs riding their bikes, Jehovah's Witnesses walking the streets, and Muslims on the street corners selling their bean pies and Final Calls than we are to see denominational or non-denominational Christians witnessing for Christ.
Considering the numbers of churches on every corner in every city, and the size of some of our mega churches, we should be bumping into each other on the streets with our complimentary Bibles and tracks eager to share the Good News with anyone willing to give us half a minute of their time. If we are going to make a great commotion about the great commission, many more of us are going to have to get out!
In order to get in where you fit in, 1) turn your bad Friday into Good Friday; 2) stop sitting in; 3) find your business and mind your business; and 4) get out.
Sermon preached Sunday, November 8th, St. Stephen East at Dosker Manor, Louisville, Kentucky. Inspired by the St. Stephen Church Sunday school lesson, "Mind Your Own Business," October 11-12, 2008.
In an April 2009 interview in True Love Magazine, Tyler Perry was asked the question, What would you say to someone who is struggling to make it? He referred to Joseph's response in dealing with hardship, "I would tell them the fascinating story of Joseph in the Bible - he always dreamt. Even when there was a famine in the land, he still dreamt and he did an amazing thing - he gave. And that's what I would say to people - give. Give, even when it doesn't make sense. It doesn't have to be money, but if you have something to share with people, do it. It will bring blessings in your life. When you have a dream that God has given you, the dream will start to believe for you. You will meet people who will believe in you, but whatever you do, don't stop. Keep moving."
Do you agree or disagree with Tyler Perry? What would you say to someone who is struggling to make it?
Reply by Therese Warrick on October 30, 2009 at 9:55pm
Rev. Price, I really like this discussion topic. It hits home for me because I have been that person who has had to struggle to make it, and sometimes I still struggle with certain things in my life, especially as a single parent. I read Tyler's answer and he is certainly on point. I deal with my struggles by praying, I pray believing God that He will see me through. I also deal with my struggles by getting in the Word and by seeking out my prayer partner, and asking believers to intercede on my behalf.
I would say to someone who is struggling to make it to keep on going, don't give up, just hold on to God's hand, don't let it go; just keep on praying, pray morning, noon and night, pray anywhere and everywhere, just pray, but pray believing that God will make a way. Speak life and affirm what it is that he/she is seeking, that is, financial blessing, job promotion, getting out of depression and disappointment, whatever it is, just speak life over the situation.
I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two people are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help.
Reply by Rev. Angela Lee Price on November 4, 2009 at 9:12am
I am glad to see at least one of the prosperity preachers backing away from the distorted prosperity gospel to focus on the ministry of Jesus Christ thereby presenting a more balance message of hope. I believe telling the truth in love is the best thing one can do in the midst of struggle and suffering. The Bible tells us that speaking the truth is love helps us as Christians become mature, grow up in Jesus, and to not be tossed "to and fro" by every wind of teaching and schemes of deceitful men (Ephesians 4:14-20). The best thing we can do as a general rule is tell the truth and not try to water it down or distort it in any way. Some of the struggles we face we bring on ourselves. The Lord says, "My people perish for lack of knowledge."
Reply by Jazlyn on October 31, 2009 at 12:14am
I believe that we all were put here to tend to one another. Often times i will go out of my way to help a stranger and it feels good. I dont look for anything in return, I just do it.....
Reply by Rev. Angela Lee Price on November 4, 2009 at 9:19am
There is scripture for what you just said, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" 1Peter 4:10-11. When we use our spiritual gifts, we extend God's grace to one another. One of the spiritual gifts God gives to believers is the gift of giving.
Reply by Jazlyn on November 4, 2009 at 9:57pm Angela, I will read 1Peter, thank you for the reference.
Next week, Jesus Saves Ministries will be giving away a pair of tickets to the 7:30 p.m. performance of Tyler Perry’s stage play “Laugh to Keep From Crying” coming to the Louisville Palace Sunday, November 15th, Louisville, Kentucky.
Amazingly, Tyler Perry has built a solid portfolio of stage productions over the past 12 years. Tyler Perry’s “Laugh to Keep from Crying” will surely bring much needed laughter with all the challenges we face today. This 11th production touches the depths of our souls and has a lot of great poignant moments. It explores confusion versus an illustration of courage. A cast of veterans from former Tyler Perry productions will provide you with a clear perception to manage your own situations but on a lighter scale.
The story line is based on life’s struggles in the heart of the neighborhood. How does one understand and protect young people; how do you manage to keep a roof over your head when you lose your job; where do you find a bed of roses when there is so much pain? A family that receives redemption and a neighborhood that comes together with hope, love and respect is recognized. As all of Mr. Perry’s stage productions have been in the past, this entertaining experience is full of great laughter, high quality singing and encouragement. As they say during difficult times, you have to "Laugh To Keep From Crying"!
The ensemble includes Palmer Williams, Jr. (“Floyd” of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and The Marriage Counselor) who gets involved in everyone’s business - this time as the landlord; you’ll remember Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley, from previous stageplays and movies, as she portrays a single mother with 2 teenagers; D’atra Hicks, has been in his past productions – now who could forget her voice; Chandra Currelley, a very familiar face and talent in his productions; and Mr. Perry is bringing back Tamar Davis, Stephanie Ferrett, and Donnie Sykes from “The Marriage Counselor”.
To enter the drawing, join the Laugh to Keep From Crying group on the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network and participate in one of the discussions. There will be 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners. Current discussion topics include:
What would you say to someone who is struggling to make it?
Real men do cry
Is it easy being a Christian today?
Over the past month, Jesus Saves Ministries has given away tickets to the stage play Clean Up Woman and to Unityfest 2009 featuring national gospel artists, Hezekiah Walker and Kim Burrell.These tickets and other gifts are our way of lifting you, our members and supporters up in a down economy.
Below is a video excerpt on prayer from one of Tyler Perry’s plays.
Rev. Jeffrey Johnson, Sr. Pastor, Eastern Star Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana was the guest speaker for the 30th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby, Sr. Pastor, St. Stephen Church, Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday, October 25th. This is a brief excerpt from the 11:30 sermon, "I Got Next," based on Exodus 3:1-6.
This is a brief excerpt from the 9:40 service message, "Life After A Storm," based on Genesis 8.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus!! His is the sweetest gift of all! Share the Gospel with trick-or-treaters this Halloween with Memory Cross. It is simple, quick and easy to use, an effective way to explain the plan of salvation. Bring them to your next Trunk Or Treat Party, Hallelujah, or Autumn Festivals. The kids and adults will love them.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention is asking churches to modify the way they conduct worship services as a precautionary measure against the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses. The convention this month issued its Flu Preparedness Guidelines for Churches as part of its Safe Church Initiative.
In an October 6th article in the Western Recorder Newspaper, Coy Webb, the KBC's disaster relief associate acknowledged, "Adjusting the greeting time might be a tough one for many churches. We enjoy and appreciate the physical contact, but it might be best to forego some of that for just a little while....I think the key words for now are 'common sense' and 'watchfulness.' Churches do not need to overreact, but at the same time, they should take commonsense precautions and be watchful for what develops during the next few weeks and months," Webb said.
Two thumbs up for The Clean Up Woman! Don't miss this stage play if it comes to a city near you. It was at the Louisville Palace in Louisville for two showings on Sunday, October 11th, and it was fabulous! It had twists and turns, great singing, an all-star cast, and a revolving stage with three scenes. It was uplifting, clean with no profanity.
Producer JD Lawrence, in photo with Jesus Saves Social Network ticket winner and blogger Therese Warrick, and myself, greeted everyone at the end of the performance and stated that additionally his goal was to present positive depictions of the black male. He did that, plus more. You certainly got the sense that some of his characters believed in God and went to church, and then there was the Scripture-quoting "devil." All I could say was, "Jesus rebuke you, Satan!" JD did a wonderful job conversing with, or shall I say, clowning audience members during the play. It was hilarious!
I met Christopher Williams from New Jack City fame. Both he and JD were very hospitable joking with fans as they signed autographs and took pictures with them. The deejay did a wonderful job, too, keeping everyone entertained at the intermission. He had'em dancing in the isles with great ol' school hip hop.
Two thumbs up for the Clean Up Woman!!! It is not your typical play on the love triangle and infidelity. It was much better than we could have imagined. We can't wait to see Clean Up Woman Part Two and the movie next year.
With all this talk about the play, The Clean Up Woman and the discussions on who in the Bible was the original clean up woman going on on the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network, my question is "Was King David the original "clean up man" in the Bible?"
Scripture says, "One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing - a very beautiful woman. So David sent someone to inquire about her, and he reported, "This is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite. David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her....The woman conceived and sent word to inform David: 'I am pregnant'" 2 Samuel 11:2-5.
Sure, some might suggest that it was Bathsheba who got her "clean up" on in 2 Samuel. After all, she was on the roof, of all places, cleaning up. However, after all is said and done, it was King David who chose to sleep with another man's wife, get her pregnant, kill her husband Uriah and marry the woman. Their first child dies. Their second child, who becomes "Mr. Clean Up, II, was King Solomon, a man who had so many women he didn't know what to do. Though David was a man after God's own heart, I think his actions, in this instance, qualify him as the male "O.G." of the "clean up." Post your comments on the The Clean Up Woman Group on the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network, or join the group and start your own discussion on the clean up woman. Your name will be entered in our drawing for a pair of tickets to the play, The Clean Up Woman, coming Sunday, October 11th, 3:00 p.m. to the Louisville Palace, Louisville, Kentucky.
Lifting you up in a down economy, we are Jesus Saves Ministries! Celebrating 4 Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ.
Life is a precious gift from God, but life has its strife. In the middle of those three words, "life," "gift," and "strife" is the word "if." Life is "iffy," too with its twists and turns. Most importantly, life is conditional, dependent upon the "if" of us doing our part in our relationship with God. If we do our part, then God will do His part.
One of the things we must do to build unity in the community and eliminate so much unnecessary strife is to focus on 2 Chronicles 7:14, and the "if" of life. Yes, there is an "if" in life, but there is also an "if" of life. The "if" in life, has to do with what happens to us. The "if" of life has to do with what happens through us.
2 Chronicles 7:14 speaks about the people of God who were called by His name. It starts, "If my people...." It was originally given to Solomon concerning the children of Israel. If the people of God were to focus on the things of God, we could build unity in the community.
The "if" of life is conditional on us doing our part in life everyday, humbling ourselves, praying, seeking the face of God, turning from our wicked ways. God promises that when we do these things, He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal the land, the land of our dysfunctional relationships and broken marriages, the land of our addictions and diseases, the land of our heartache and despair, the land of our unrealized potential, vacilating vunerabilites and elementary tendencies, and the land of our blighted communities. We've been traveling down dusty roads in these barren lands far too long. If only we could find Route 66 with its on ramp at Genesis and its off ramp at Revelation! We must focus on the "if" of life.
Another thing we must do to build unity in the community is to focus on Ephesians 4:7-14 and "if" of "gift." Yes, there is an "if" in "gift," but there is also an "if" of "gift." The "if" in "gift" has to do with what man gives to us. The "if" of "gift" has to do with what God gives through us. Ephesians 4:7-8 tells us Jesus, the perfect Gift, has given gifts to men. Our gifts have been given "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (v12). He didn't save us just to sit. He saved us to serve.
God promises that if His people were use their spiritual gifts to preach, teach, evangelize, and pastor, we would eliminate so of the strife and become built up in the unity of the faith. And unity is what we need.
The Scriptures say, "Then we will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceiftful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (v14-18). Focusing on the 'if" of "gift" requires that we not neglect our gifts (1 Tim 4:14), but that we stir up our gifts (2 Tim 1:6).
If the people of God who are called by His name would focus on the "if" of "gift" and the "if" of "life", we could build unity in the community and eliminate some of this strife in life!
Join the Unity in the Community Group on the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network, reply to this post or start your on discussion on how to build unity in the community. Your name will be entered in our drawing for a pair of tickets to Unityfest 2009 featuring Hezekiah Walker and Kim Burrell, Saturday, October 17th at the Iroquois Amphitheatre in Louisville.
Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!
The Stellar Awards is conducting online voting for gospel music artists in approximately 28 categories through October 3rd for the Stellar Awards. Now is the time to make your voice count! Log on and vote for your favorite gospel artists, groups, and choirs. We in the Louisville area ask you to support Louisville's own, the St. Stephen Temple Choir in Categories 8 & 20, "Choir of the Year," and "Traditional Choir of the Year."
Additionally, this would be an excellent time to tell your church members, family or friends about the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network. This weekend, Jesus Saves Ministries is giving away to first seven new members who join the social network by Sunday 9/27 at 11:59 p.m. a gospel music CD by one of the following Stellar-nominated artists, groups or choirs, The Brown Sisters, Brian Courtney Wilson, Heather Headley, The Temple Choir, or Kierra Sheard. Congrats to our first two new members this weekend, RJ and Mimi.
Hezekiah is on fire! Hezekiah Walker and LFC are up for Stellars in at least five categories. Congratulations to Louisville's own Jason Clayborne, a songwriter on Hezekiah's "Souled Out" CD. Current social network members ( with join dates before 9/24) can enter the drawing to win the Hezekiah Walker & LFC's, Souled Out CD. To enter the drawing, act fast and join the "I'M Souled Out On Jesus" group and participate in the discussion. The drawing will be Monday evening, September 28th.
There is more in store in October. Jesus Saves Ministries will be giving away tickets to the stage play, The Clean Up Woman, starring Christopher Williams, Telma Hopkins, Jackee Harry, and JD Lawrence, and to Unityfest 2009 featuring Hezekiah Walker and Kim Burrell, both events in Louisville. To enter the drawings, join "The Clean Up Woman" and/or "Strength In the Unity" groups on the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network and participate in the discussions or start one yourself!
Lifting you up in a down economy, we are Jesus Saves Ministries!
Celebrating 4 Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!
Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!
By: Min. Angela Lee Price A powerful package of preaching power, Bishop Victor Couzens, Senior Pastor Inspirationl Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio was the Men's Day guest speaker at St. Stephen Church, Louisville, Kentucky on September 13th. Bishop Couzens preached all four services including, "From Maniac to Missionary," at 8:00 a.m., "Blessed, But Bound" at 10:45, and the uniquely crafted and presented 11:30 message, "Where Is Barabbus?"
At the 9:40 service, Bishop Couzens preached, "W.W.F., Wrestling With the Father, from Genesis 32:21-24. In this message on the patriach Jacob wrestling with God, Couzens said, "It's alright to have a checkered past as long as you have a relevant relationship....Before you can go to Canaan, the place of inheritance, you must first go by Jabbok, the place of preparation. God takes things from you, and gives things to you there....God is more concerned about where you are going than where you have been."
Couzens told Sunday morning worshippers at his first appearance at St. Stephen Church, "You've been running and walking, but the Lord wants you to L.I.M.P.- Lean Intentionally on the Master's Provisions."
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Couzens started his preaching ministry at age 14, and his pastoral ministry at 19. He is a candidate for a Masters of Art Degree in Ministry from Indiana Weleyan University, and has served as the third vice president of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.-Young Pastors and Ministers Division. Couzens has been pastoring Inspirational Baptist Church since July 2000, and has grown the church from 300 to more than 1,800 members.
By: Min. Angela Lee Price When it comes to black males in this economy, I am reminded of what Pharoah told the Israelites, make bricks without straw (Ex. 5:6-7). In many cases, black men have the desire to provide for their families and children, but not the means. They are expected to provide without provisions, the jobs necessary to make ends meet.
We are experiencing the full affect of this economic recession right now. The current national unemployment rate is at 9.7%. Kentucky's unemployment rate is at 11.1%, the highest its been since they started keeping track 33 years ago according to yesterday's Courier Journal Newspaper. What this particular article does not show is that overall unemployment in west Louisville, the area with the largest African American population in the state. West Louisville black unemployment rate is 13.4%. And black male unemployment in west Louisville is 17.5%, five times higher than east end employment based on census data. Yet, Pharoah is out there declaring, "Lazy, that's what you are-lazy....Now get to work" (Ex. 5:17-18). Sure, there is enough blame to go around, but the fact is, the statistics speak for themselves. We as a Christian community need to step up and help out. But how?
As scary as those statistics are, the unemployment rate for black males in many urban cities is double that of their white counterparts. Buffalo, Milwaukee, Detroit, St. Louis, and Chicago have all seen black male unemployment higher than 50% in recent years by some accounts. By all accounts, black males are hardest hit by this recession. They are "the least of these." In fact, it has been mentioned in several studies, including the Chicago Reporter article, Double Trouble that an unemployed white male with a criminal record stands a better chance of gaining employment than a black male without a criminal record.
Help us put a face to this group of "the least of these" by providing feedback to the staggering statistic of black male unemployment. What can the church, particularly the black church do to help?
Kentucky is one of two remaining states that permanently denies the right to vote to former felons without a successful petition of the govenor's office for a restoration of those rights. Through an arrangement with the local and state Departments of Correction and the governor's office, I am able to track applications that come through this ministry or St. Stephen Church through the entire process.
We are happy to report that another one of our applicants, Rudolph Long, III recently regained the rights to vote and hold public office. I spoke Rudolph on Friday, September 11th, as he received his certificate and voter registration card in the mail. The Lord's timing was perfect, and so we rejoiced! Here is what he had to say about regaining the right to vote:
Min. Angela: What does it mean to you to have your voting rights restored?
Rudolph: It means a lot! I have a chance to have a hearsay in what's going on the world. Without the right to vote, you don't have a voice.
Min. Angela: Are you employed?
Rudolph: I've been unemployed for 11 months. I worked for the Lear Corporation for 13 years. I was laid off due to cutbacks in the automobile industry. My drug felony case dates back to February 1995. Since being laid off, it's hard to get a job because employers look at your past. I hear, "We don't hire people with felonies." It's almost like they treat you as if you have an incurable disease.
I feel like my case is different. I'm a changed man. I serve the Lord. My whole life represents Christ, but employers don't see that. They only go on your past.
Min. Angela: How are you a changed man?
Rudolph: I no longer deal with drugs. I don't smoke or drink. I have a wife, (Angela Long with Rudolph in photo.) and kids. Everytime I get a chance, I try to tell people about my hurts and pains so that they don't have to go through the same things I went through. It's been over 14 years now.
Min. Angela: What church do you attend?
Rudolph: On Fire Christian Center. I'm in leadership there. I'm a Jesus freak. Everywhere I step my foot I try to show it by the way I live and carry myself. I am trying to live a life of righteousness and holiness.
Min. Angela: When was the last time you voted?
Rudolph: I have never voted in my life. When I was 21 or 22, voting didn't matter to me. I didn't think it was important. Scripture says, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me" (1 Corin. 13:11). I'm a grown man now. I know my voice counts, and I plan to use it.
If you or someone you know would like more information on regaining voting rights, contact Min. Angela Lee Price at jesussaves1@insightbb.com, or aleeprice@ststephenonline.com. You may call 502-415-1001 (Mobile), or 502-583-6798 (St. Stephen Church) and leave a message.
Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!
Jesus Saves Ministries hosted a Post-Labor Day Luau for my Sunday school class, Learning About Jesus on Sunday, September 13th. Left, members of my leadership team, from left to right - Evangelism Coordinator Mattie Smith, Teacher, Min. Angela Lee Price, Missions Coordinators Sylvia Harper and Cozette Benson-Curry, Co-teacher Karen Martin, Administrator, Marilyn Swinney, and Activities Coordinators Hannah Clayborne and Lisa Grant, plus "hoolah darlings," little Kendra Harper and Jamila Young.
We dined, enjoyed outdoor gospel music, discussed the Bible, and spent time in the "Sonshine" walking with Jesus.
Learning About Jesus is a co-ed group of adults 25 and over. Our class meets Sundays from 8:30-9:30 a.m., Room 306, St. Stephen Family Life Center, 15th & Kentucky, on the campus of St. Stephen Church, Louisville, Kentucky.
Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
If you have a heart for the the poor and marginalized, the left back and left out, the discriminated against, the sick and suffering people of this world, you are socially conscious. You're in the right place. The above Scripture is just one of many that demonstrates that Jesus Christ was socially conscious as well. He saved, delivered, healed, and set people free from their afflictions. He was a voice for the voiceless. Moreover, He socialized with those he served! You see, we realize that it is not about us, and how much we can name and claim. It's about Jesus!
Become a member of the Jesus Saves Social Network. We encourage you to take advantage of everything it has to offer -- set up your own web page, participate in forums, create blog posts, meet pastors, preachers, teachers, ministry leaders, Christians, and share with others what the Lord has given you to do in ministry. If you desire to know more about Jesus Christ, we welcome you to join as well. We pray that the dialogue is meaningful and thought-provoking, and that you will tell others about the Jesus Saves Social Network.
We are concerned about "the least of these," preserving the purity of the gospel, and reaching the lost for Jesus Christ. This is a social network for the socially conscious, for those with a heart for social justice, and who are concerned about their horizontal as well as their vertical relationship with the Lord. Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as you love yourself! Join the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network today!
Below is an excerpt from my September 11th radio interview with gospel singer, songwriter Barbara Ice Trammell on Jesus Saves Ministries Live! on BlogTalkRadio.com. The title song from Barbara's CD, "A New Day" was just recorded by national gospel artist Troy Sneed, and is on his newly-released CD, "In Due Season."
How did Troy Sneed learn of your song? It was one of those God blowing your mind again things. When I look back over events that happened over the past few years I know that God actually said NO to me in a lot of circumstances that sent me into His YES . He blocked me from working with a lot of musicians, and believe me, I did try and when I had almost given up on the idea of a CD He brought a young man into my life by the name of Titus Robertson. Titus is from Louisville, but travels all over the world and works with many national artist. God sent him to help me. Titus was my musical consultant, arranger, confidant, you name it, for my last CD, which by the way is titled "New Day". Titus was the one who introduced my song to Troy Sneed.
Have you and Troy Sneed met? Actually we have never met. I've corresponded with him by email and spoken to him on the phone. He has plans to be in this area soon and we plan to get together then.
How did you find out Troy Sneed was going to do his version of it? Actually Titus called me a while ago and gave me the news. He asked me if it would be OK to have Troy call. Several weeks went by, and I was beginning to think it wouldn't happen. Then I got another call from Titus letting me know that Troy had been trying to reach me but had the wrong number. Once Troy got the right number, things started rolling quickly. Troy's version has a style that is different from mine. It's sort of has a quartet flavor. I love it! The song is the same but molded to his unique style. I'm so thrilled that this song can touch so many lives. God is so faithful.
Troy Sneed's version of your song has a quartet flavor. What flavor does your version have? Actually my version has a more Traditional Gospel, Sunday Morning, Go To Church flavor.
What type of gospel music do you like singing the most traditional or contempory? Is it represented on your CD? I would say a little of both. And yes, most definitely these are reflected on my CD. I grew up in the Baptist church, so that's my foundation, however I have a couple of Masters Degrees in Music one of which is from in voice performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music.
What is the Inspiration behind New Day? I am reminded each day that God has allowed me to wake up in my right mind in good health and blessed me with so many things. Most of all He's given me another opportunity to get things right and press toward the goals and blessing that He has for me.
What is your favorite song on the CD and why? That would have to be "Holy, Holy, Holy"...We serve an awesome God. There is none that can be compared to Him. "I stand amazed, worhip and Praise Him..He only is Holy.
Who are some of the gospel artist you have worked with? Yolanda Adams, Keith Hunter and The Witness For Christ Choir, Douglas Miller, Michael Bolton, Angella Christie, Bobby Jones.
Do you have plans to work with Troy further in any way? I would love to. But for now there are no plans. I know that God's promises are true and in his time.....not mine.......I'll have my "Habakkah moment. :)"
Have you signed with a label? No I haven't. I'm what's considered an Independent Artist. In fact God helped me to finance my last project totally on my own. That was not my plan, but His. He kept pouring into my spirit the same thing he did for Moses......."What Do You Have In Your Hands". I solicited funds, but none came. However in God's plan and time, little by little, penny by penny I was able to get it done. But I guess you already know.... God will not bless me to get my next CDs produced in the same way. He wants me to rely on Him, not man. I don't have the money I used to have because there were cutbacks on my job. I thank God I still have a job, but I just have to focus on a few other things right now. I have no complaints. All my needs have been met and some of my wants. :) God promised that "My Grace Is Sufficient....". So I know, that just like the title of Troy's new CD. "In Due Season."......God WILL handle it. The Word says that we will experience "New Mercies" every morning. So when I wake up in the morning, I Thank God for a "New Day".
Please forward this to all of your family and friends! America's No.1 National Urban Gospel Stage Play is coming to Louisville, KY on Saturday - January 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm and 7:00 p.m. @ The Louisville Memorial Auditorium.
Add the book that inspired the movie starring Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness to your book collection as our Christmas gift to you! The Pursuit of Happyness is the story of Chris Gardner and his son's journey from homelessness to prosperity.
Add Walter Mosley's book, Workin' on the Chain Gang, Shaking Off the Dead Hand of History to your book collection as our Christmas gift to you!
Our goal is to donate baskets on a first-come, first-serve basis according to the order in which names are recieved. Jesus Saves Ministries will assemble baskets, include a New Testament Bible, a Memory Cross Card explaining the "A,B,Cs" to salvation, a Jesus Saves brochure and a Christian gift. Baskets will be dispensed throughout the Christmas season as they become available! Don't delay! Help share the love of Jesus Christ with "Blessings In a Basket" this Christmas.
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The Stellar Awards 
When it comes to black males in this economy, I am reminded of what Pharoah told the Israelites, make bricks without straw (Ex. 5:6-7). In many cases, black men have the desire to provide for their families and children, but not the means. They are expected to provide without provisions, the jobs necessary to make ends meet.
How did 
