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GODLY WOMAN

SPIRIT OF DEPENDENCE Written by KristeNicole

As an independent Godly Woman, I like getting things done in my own way, schedule, etc. More often than not life throws a curveball that can trip me up in who I am and what my goals are. When life or our current circumstances become too hard to handle on our own it can often be overwhelming and feel like too much. Thankfully, as followers of Jesus, when we lose our independence physically or emotionally, we have a Heavenly Father who doesn’t want us to walk alone. He doesn’t want us to be independent by ourselves but rather dependent on His guidance and mercy. Hebrews 4:16 says “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. If you’re like me you want to be independent but the truth of the matter is that we cannot get through all of the challenges that life brings without our Heavenly Father. So how do we have a spirit of dependency on God in an independent world? 1.) Prayer When we turn to the Heavenly Father and pray we are able to be vulnerable and let our independent walls down because we know that He sees us, knows us, and cares about us. Matthew 6:8 says “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” The Heavenly Father already knows what we struggle with making it easier to pour out our hearts to Him. By being dependent on Him through prayer, we can admit to ourselves and better deal with our daily life and interactions with others. 1 Samuel 7 gives us a picture of the power of being dependent on God in prayer. When the Israelites were facing an oncoming battle with the Philistines and were very afraid, Samuel who would later become their leader and judge, knew what to do. “He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel, and the Lord answered him.” – 1 Samuel 7:9 Samuel led the Israelites in turning their eyes and hearts back to God in sacrifice and prayer for protection and strength against the Philistine army. Like the battles we often face in our own lives, Samuel knew that they could not defeat the strong army on their own. They needed help and went to the Lord in dependent prayer. 22

Samuel 7:10 says “Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived to attack Israel. But the Lord spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from Heaven that day, and the Philistines were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them.” The Lord defeated the Philistines on behalf of the Israelites as they found protection through dependence on His mighty power. 2.) Community It is so prevalent in our society to focus on one’s own accomplishments, journey, and problems that we often lose sight of the community around us. Our Heavenly Father did not design us this way but rather longs for us to support one another, lean on one another and ultimately lead by example in pointing others to Him which takes a strong sense of dependence. Galatians 5:13-14 says “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we only focus on ourselves, our independence, and our freedom we will find ourselves wandering aimlessly and forgetting why we are really here to start with. Instead, we should be finding a community to lean on so that we can build each other up in Christ as we purposefully journey through this lifetime sharing the light of Christ with others along the way. As we become more dependent on God, our relationship with Him will grow stronger. We also are more willing and able to show God’s mercy and love to those around us. 3.) Scripture We can gain a lot of direction through being dependent on God’s word. There is so much we can gain through seeking guidance from people in the Bible who have faced challenges, triumphs, and similar situations that we walk through today. While being secure in who we are is a powerful thing, being dependent on God is so much more rewarding. Being independent may feel like a great accomplishment, but the blessings we can receive from submitting to His guidance far outweigh what we can accomplish by our own hands.

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Rank

Song Title

Artist Name

THE WELL

MICHAEL LEE

The Days He Can Believe

Small Town Sunday

Hit The Ground Prayin

Steve Bridgmon

God & Country

Anne Wilson

Book Of Momma & John

RayNicole

Lookin For You

Zach WIlliams & Dolly Parton

Good News Sold

Jordan Davis

Why I Pray

Justin David

Jesus On A Train

Gabby Barrett

#10

Better Road

Cliff Preston

#11

Jesus In A Bible

The Springs

#12

Tell Me Why

KristeNicole

#13

Here Comes Jesus

Jeff & Sheri Easter

#14

Does Heaven Have A Creek

Elvie Shane

#15

Heaven, Are You Listening

Kalsey Kulyk

#16

One For You

Shellem Cline

#17

Test And Trials

Joe Richard

#18

I Miss Front Porches

Tonja Rose

#19

I Am

Suzette Michaels

#20

Make Me A Mop

Cody Johnson

#21

Somebody Like Me

Caleb & John ft. CAIN

#22

Front Porch Sittin

Zane and Donna King

#23

Never Alone

Caleb Howard

#24

God Did That

Cody McCarver

#25

Planting Seeds

Greaternity

#26

Good Luck and God

Shane Proffit

#27

Sanding Off The Edges

Tim Menzies

#28

Red Letter Blueprint

Scotty McCreery

#29

Armor Of God

Jaxson Maverick Phoenix

#30

I Still Need Jesus

Steventhen Holland

#31

Old Time Believer

Amanda Joy Powell

#32

Famous Again

Chad Prather

#33

I Want To Go Home

Oliver Anthony

#34

Eyes For You

Ray Hollis

#35

Heartbeat Of America

Dylan Scott

#36

Isn't It Amazing

Connor Jameston

#37

I Can Breath Again

The Great Divide

#38

I Hope She Sees Jesus In Me

Annointed Family

#39

God Ain't Finished Yet

Emerson Day

Missin How It Used To Be

Ira Dean

#40 1.

The Power Source Top 40 is compiled by online engagements, playlists, and spins of multiple platforms. Information is collected over a 30 day period with a maximum 100/ minimum 60 songs submitted to the Power Source Panel for final determination of placement on the chart. The panel criteria includes spins, engagements, production, vocals, and message of lyrics.

AGREEING WITH GOD By Greg McDougal

These days, in ministry, I talk a lot about agreeing with God. Somehow, someway, it seems I always come back around to this theme. Seems like a Captain Obvious moment! Duh! Of course, we’re supposed to agree with God. Yet if I, and everyone else, were to take a notepad and write down all the moments and ways that we agree with God, there is an inherent dynamic or even danger of needing to write down the moments that we fail in agreeing with God. Inadvertently, accidentally and without realizing the thoughts and deeds that we fall short of His will and ways. God’s word tells us that all have fallen and come short of the glory of God. Rom 3:23 Recently, I officiated a wedding and was so struck by how it is no small thing that two stood in agreement with God in Holy Matrimony becoming one. Everyone in the crowd may not have realized it, but they were all agreeing with God bearing witness to the holy occasion. Mark 10:6-9 The life of our savior Jesus Christ is the example of agreeing with God. In the book of John we see that He never did or said anything unless God told Him to do it or say it. John 5:19 In the wilderness, apparently, God told Him to reject the enemy and remind him of His word. Get behind me Satan for it is written. Matt 4:1-11 Apparently, God told Him, his only begotten son, to tarry for four days. Jesus did not argue when He was told to pick up some clay, spit in it and apply to the blind man’s eyes. He was able to be angry but sinned not. That is because when we get angry, we are operating out of our flesh. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. But Jesus was not operating out of His flesh. He was simply agreeing with what His father told Him to do. He saved all of mankind when He agreed with God in the garden of Gethsemane to endure the cross. Matt 26:36-46 I wanted to touch on this theme of agreeing with God first in order to get to the purpose of this article. Do we really believe that we are made in His image? Fearfully and wonderfully made? I’m sure that the unanimous answer is yes. His word says so. He says we are salt and light. He tells us to reckon ourselves dead to sin. He says that we are more than conquerors. That in our weakness, He is strong. He says that if we believe in our heart and confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is a son of God and they died for our sins we shall be saved. Rom 10:9 He says we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ and that by the spirit of adoption we cry out Abba Father. By grace through faith. Eph 2:8-9 Oh, and by the way, He assures us it’s all so, in the beginning was the word, John 1:1, and faith comes by hearing the word. Rom 10:17. Am I preaching to the choir? I am sure of it. Except, wisdom and understanding is something we should seek as if we are digging for buried treasure. Prov 2:4

There are some things that I’ve known about for a long time, but now that I look back, I can, way more, clearly see that there is a lot that I apparently did not understand. Chief among them is the role of a husband and father. As I worked my head off on many days to provide and protect, I failed to agree with God about some things. The word of God tells us about God’s desire to turn the hearts of the father back to their children. Mam 4:6 Back from what? The cares of this life , the deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things that can choke out the word and the word becomes unfruitful in our lives. Mark 4:19 The word of God tells husbands to give himself to his wife (loving and cherishing) just as Christ gave Himself to the church. Eph 5:29 But too many times, according to author John Bevere in His book The Bait of Satan, being offended can distract us from this very thing. According to His grace and work in my life, Phil 2:13 I now understand that, had I been better at striving to agree with God, I would have understood that He created us in His image. Among many other things, He is the creator. We are created to be creators. Not just in sermons, music, and art, but in moments and circumstances. My family and I don't own the corner market on trouble, but we have seen our share. We have had a season or two of some real struggles. I confess to you now, that on too many days, my response was not one that anyone could say agreed with God. I was wound up, upset, angry, and offended. What if I had better understood that it was, very specifically, my role to agree with God. It was, and still is, my job to be the creator. Ambassador to Christ. Ambassador to reconciliation. My responsibility is to show my wife and children what agreeing with God looks like and how good it is when we do. Don’t get me wrong, I have pictures and videos of my family and I working, laughing and singing together. (Man, am I glad there are no pictures or videos of the days when I so drastically failed.) These days I am aware, and thank you Lord, I’m winning at trying to create some solutions and better moments. That can only be done by agreeing with God. His word says the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:20. And, take note, that outburst of wrath is mentioned in the same verses (in the book of Galatians, chapter 5) as murder and adultery and all the other works of the flesh. In music ministry, we create a lot. We write songs and sermons. We create marketing strategies and images. But along the way we are also creating moments and hopefully moments that inspire people to turn to God. My hope in this article is to encourage and remind us all that people are watching. There are still many who don't really know the love of God, the peace of God, the grace of God. Jesus said they will know you are my disciples….John 13:35 Too many are still walking around who are starving to death to see the difference that the word of God makes in our lives. The only way we can show them is to be more on purpose about agreeing with God. If the enemy can keep us offended he can keep us from being effective. God has created us and set us aside for a time such as this to affect those around us. To create solutions and better moments than what our flesh would naturally want us to do. In ministry, we get to showcase, if we will, a response that agrees with God. How we respond to people, to unexpected changes, to trouble and so much more.

Greg McDougal theworkofacarpenterministries.org

I know how, all too well, to respond with my flesh. Anger, frustration, lack of patience, indignation, worry, etc. I’m seeing incredible things happen all because God, in His mercy, has been at work in me and in all of us as well, purging the habits and hang ups of the flesh. And one of the ways He’s doing that is by giving us this glorious goal to shoot for. The same thing that Jesus succeeded at, agreeing with God. And He assures that the work that He has begun, He will finish and, Thank God, His grace is indeed sufficient.

' G TR I P N O P

INDEPEN D N I

6 6 7 7 7 7 1 1 , , 4 4 y y l l u u J J

On July 1, 1776, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, the following day 12 of the 13 colonies voted in favor of independence. The delegates spent two days debating and revising the language of a statement drafted by Thomas Jefferson. On July 4,1776, Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, the date is celebrated as Independence Day.

During the summer of 1776, 56 delegates gathered at the Pennsylvania State House and pledged their “lives, their fortune and their sacred honor” in the pursuit of independence. Now known as Independence Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the Declaration of Independence was signed, finalizing the colonies’ break with England. Eleven years later, representatives from 12 states gathered once again at the State House to shape the U.S. Constitution, finally creating one unified nation. A national treasure, Independence Hall is one of only 24 World Heritage sites in the nation. Spring (March or April) or fall (September or October) are typically the best times to visit Independence Hall and Philadelphia as the weather is generally pleasant, and crowds are fewer. Admission is by guided tour only and free! Originally the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall was completed in 1753. During the years surrounding the American Revolution, the events that took place inside its walls make it one of the most historically important buildings in the country. A visit gives you a chance to walk in the footsteps of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and the other founding fathers. After an introduction and overview from a park ranger, the tour makes its first stop in the Supreme Court Chamber. In the 18th century, it hosted the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The guide provides information about the legal system of the time and how trials took place before continuing. The second room (the Assembly Room) is the most important room of the tour. This is the room where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted in 1776. The one piece of original furniture is Washington’s “Rising Sun” chair, which he used during the Constitutional Convention.

Independence Day and the Declaration of Independence has and continues to play a significant role in our Pop Culture. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence was dramatized in the 1969 Tony Award-winning musical " 1776,"and the 1972 film version, which follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy. The 5th Dimension recorded the opening of the Declaration on their album Portrait in the song "Declaration". It was first performed on the Ed Sullivan Show on December 7, 1969. The Declaration of Independence is a plot device in the 2004 American film National Treasure. DID YOU KNOW - National Country Music Day is observed on July 4th! The start of this day goes back to the 1950s, when the Country Music Deejay Association (CMDJA) initiated this day to honor singer and songwriter James Charles Rodgers, also known as Jimmie Rodgers "The Father of Country Music". Take a patriotic visit to all things 4th of July! Learn more at VisitPhilly.com.

Next door is Congress Hall. During the time that Philadelphia was the capital of the United States from 1790-1800, this building was the meeting place of both the House of Representative and the US Senate. Significantly, it is also the room where George Washington and John Adams were sworn in as president. The National Park Service provides a free app with information about all the National Parks. You will find information about the 28 buildings and sites that are part of the Independence National Historical Park in Old City, including the Liberty Bell, Christ Church Burial Ground, Carpenters’ Hall, and more.

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CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS LEGACY

REMEMBERING RUSTY GOLDEN

Rusty was born on January 3, 1959 in Brewton, Alabama, the eldest son of William & Frogene Golden. His given name is "William Lee Golden, Jr.", as he's named for his father, however, shortly after birth, his family began calling him by the nickname of "Rusty". He chose to use the name Rusty in his professional career and he's still called "Rusty" by family and friends. Rusty, who has always been a man of deep Christian faith, has often publicly spoken about his faith, both on television as well as social media. One such public affirmation was: "Until the Lord calls me away from this world to the next, I want to make it clear that I believe in Jesus Christ as the true Lord and Savior. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, was sacrificed on the cross, died for our sings, and rose again. HE loves us." During this period of intense creative activity, Rusty experienced a serious health crisis which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. On October 5, 2002, after returning from performing at a private party for FORTUNE magazine at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, he decided to check himself into the hospital after what he said was "feeling something different going on inside my body". Within 3 days he would receive a life-saving quadruple heart bypass at St. Thomas hospital in Nashville. Rusty relied on God's leading and decided to write a gospel song. It was called “John in the Jordan”, referring to John the Baptist in the Bible. Rusty said of this period: "Musically, it was a return to everything I grew up on". His song 'John in the Jordan' became a very successful #1 record, and the album on which it appeared went on to win a Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year at the 39th GMA Dove Awards. Rusty soon found that artists in the gospel genre wanted to hear more from him. The year 2022 marked a significant milestone for Rusty: 50 YEARS in the PROFESSIONAL MUSIC INDUSTRY! It was also a busy year for Rusty and the 3-generation band. "William Lee Golden and THE GOLDENS" released their 34 songs on a 3-album set which covered 3 genres in March: Southern Rock, Gospel and Country classics. The group began touring in Tennessee, Georgia, and Kentucky and then made their debut as a group at the Grand Ole Opry in July, making it the 6th time Rusty had performed on the legendary boards. William Lee Golden Jr., known as “Rusty,” died on July 1 at age 65 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee - preceded in death by his mother Frogene Normand, grandparents Luke and Rutha Mae Golden, and Elliot and Estelle Normand. He is survived by his father William Lee Golden (Simone), and brothers Craig Golden, Chris Golden (Marie) and Solomon Golden, along with many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

“This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face,” William Lee Golden said via a press release. “I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter, and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. I love you, son.”

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