Was King David the Original Clean Up Man?

Rev. Angela Lee Price

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.

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Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

Unity In the Community? If My People....

By: Rev. Angela Lee Price

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!

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The Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network

Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network

Stellar Music Weekend on the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

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!

Bishop Victor Couzens: St. Stephen's Men's Day Speaker

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.

Black Males Expected to Make Bricks Without Straw

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?

Read these articles and post:

Weathering the Storm: Black Male Employment in the Recession

Current Unemployment Rates for States

Long Over Due: Rudolph Long Regains Right to Vote

Long Over Due: Rudolph Long Regains Right to Vote

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

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!

 

Related Posts:

Civil Rights Restored to Tyrone Trumbo, Sr.

Civil Rights Restored to Sandra Bartell

Learning About Jesus Luau

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

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.



Find more photos like this on Jesus Saves Ministries

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

Join the Jesus Saves Ministries Social Network

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

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.

Barbara Ice Trammell's Single, "A New Day" Released On Troy Sneed's New CD, "In Due Season."

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

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".

Visit Barbara Ice Trammell's website at barbaraicetrammell.com