Power Source Magazine - June 2024

A Christian Music Magazine June 2024

CHAD ROBERTS Being The Man. Husband. Father. Pastor.

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Hi there

WELCOME TO POWER SOURCE MAGAZINE

Welcome to June 2024 - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! In this issue we celebrate the DADS!!! - Be The Man is the message within the pages of this issue.

On the cover, we introduce you to Pastor Chad Roberts, a man, husband, father and leader of leaders who walks by faith, not by sight. Continuing the theme, we introduce you to a special minister with a connection to the Christian Country and a message on hope for the hurting.

You don’t want to miss a word about Rev. Sherman Branch..

Branch.. We We are are excited excited to to bring bring you you another another message from the legendary singer songwriter Greg McDougal. Additionally, the pages are full of your favorites, Corey Lee Barker, Gene Reasoner, KristeNicole, and more.

The Power Source Christian Country Top 40 Chart awaits inside along with our Fave Ten and the Christian Bluegrass Top Ten. So much music, information, encouragement and tips pack the pages! Thank you for your support!

Be Empowered,

Cece Owens

Monica Walker Mandy Hall

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POWERSOURCEMAGAZINE.COM

CONTENTS 4

EDITORIAL

INDUSTRY

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT- CODY MCCARVER

SONGWRITERS CAFE

CHAD ROBERTS

CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS

SONGS IN THE NIGHT

ARTIST CONNECTION

#GOSPELTRUTH

TENFIFTYSEVEN MEDIA TIPS

GODLY WOMAN

BE THE MAN

CONGITATIN WITH GENE

MUSIC

LIFESTYLE

CHRISTIAN COUNTRY TOP 40

OUT OF THE BOX RECIPES

FAVE TEN CHRISTIAN MUSIC

MINISTRY MOMENTS

CHRISTIAN BLUEGRASS TOP 10

SONGTRIPPIN TRAVELS

REVIEW / REWIND

ON THE ROAD READS

PROMOTIONS

STAGE STYLES

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Artist Spotlight Raised in the mountains of Dunlap, TN, Cody’s first musical influence was in his home church. Even as a young child, Cody loved music and became the church piano player before the age of ten. It’s that musical connection to faith that has helped Cody through dark and troubled times, including the imprisonment of his father and his death inside a jail cell.

Cody spent over a decade with country music super-group, Confederate Railroad, eventually leaving to start his own solo career. This career was extremely lucrative with numerous accolades - including three number one videos’ on CMT Pure Country and earning the title of Independent Artist of the Year from Music Row Magazine.

Throughout his career, Cody has shared the stage with legends such as Charlie Daniels, David Allan Coe, Merle Haggard and more. His solo career saw his music topping the charts and even being featured in several motion pictures, which led to McCarver acting in several western films. His solo music has featured guest appearances

by Colt Ford and The Oak Ridge Boys’ Richard Sterban.

The bright lights of fame and fortune brought many enjoyable things but it also exposed Cody to a very dark side. “Here I was with everything I could imagine,” states Cody, “but something was missing and I was miserable.

So, I started filling that void with Jack Daniels, who became my best friend, every single day.” Cody’s life began to spiral out of control. “I was headed for death,” says Cody. “I knew something had to change…so I went to church.”

Cody searched and found joy in his renewed relationship with God. Cody says: “God let me know that He never left me and He was with me the entire time.”

Cody McCarver’s latest release “God Did That,” rose to #1 on the Power Source Christian Country Chart!

CodyMcCarver.com

POWER SOURCE MAGAZINE SALUTES CODY MCCARVER!

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The First Man

ADAM Adam was the first man on earth and the father of the human race. God formed him from the earth, and for a short time, Adam lived alone. He arrived on the planet with no childhood, no parents, no family, and no friends.

Before God created Eve, he gave Adam the Garden of Eden and allowed him to name the animals. Paradise was his to enjoy, but he also had full responsibility of taking care of it. Adam knew that one tree was offlimits, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Adam was made in the image of God and shared a close relationship with his Creator.

God chose Adam to name the animals, making him the first zoologist. He was also the first landscaper and horticulturist, responsible to work the garden and care for the plants.

To create a companion, God forms a woman from Adam’s rib (Gen. 2:22). Adam would have taught Eve God's rules of the garden. Then Eve offered the fruit to Adam, and the fate of the world was on his shoulders. Through Adam’s transgression, sin entered the human race.

But God had a plan already in place to deal with man's sin. The Bible tells the story of God's plan for the salvation of man. Adam's one act brought condemnation and punishment, but Jesus Christ's one act, would bring salvation

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CHAD ROBERTS To properly introduce our cover feature, consider this activity: collect for yourself a bandana or something to cover your eyes completely, maybe you have a sleep mask, whatever is handy.

Ask another person to blindfold you and then have the following pages read to you while your eyes remain completely covered.

We promise this will be an unmatched experience!

Less than 25 miles from the Birthplace of Country Music Bristol,Tennessee you will find Preaching Christ Church. Located in Kingsport, Tennessee, it is a true community church with an outreach that goes far beyond the doors that hundreds of parishoners go through daily. The founder and lead pastor, Chad Roberts is an author and Bible teacher for Awakened to Grace. He is also the loving husband of Sadie Roberts and beloved father of Piper, Emmy, Hudson, and John Mark. His faith story begins in his childhood, saved at a young age, Chad grew up in a gospel-preaching church. At the age of twelve, a family friend who was a full time missionary brought Chad along for mission work in Romania, a life changing summer experience. It would be these missionaries and those mission trips that would set his life course.

Upon the return home from the missionary trips, Chad was asked to come share the experience with youth groups and in Sunday morning services, eventually He began to preach. In his teenage years alone, God opened the door for that preaching to cover over two hundred churches.

An opportunity that to date includes preaching in over forty countries, training pastors and church leaders, and planting churches. In 2001, Preaching Christ Church was launched, Chad Roberts was just twenty years old, a single pastor with only a handful of people.

Literally, a handful as the entire congregation consisted of less than ten adults. As the church grew, so did Robert's desire to have a family and on Mother’s Day 2008 he met Sadie Hawk and on March 6, 2009, they married.

In the years that followed, the couple welcomed four amazing kids.

Chad Roberts was living a blessed life with his family, experiencing growth at the church and traveling to train church leaders all over the world. In 2017, while in Nicaragua training pastors, he hiked to a radio tower high in the mountains and blood vessels burst behind his left 12

eye. Returning home, Roberts suffered two failed eye surgeries, the surgeon accidentally tore his retina leaving him blind in the left eye. Just sixteen months later, Chad lost vision in his right eye leaving him completely blind

by October 2018. “Most people are surprised to learn that I am a blind pastor,” shared Chad, “after losing my eyesight, I resolved to continue being a pastor and preaching God’s Word.”

He knew God’s grace would be sufficient, but doubts he would have understood how sufficient His grace is without this valley. “ The valleys of our life have the potential to become the sweetest places of our life,” shared Chad, “God is now teaching me contentment, an unhurried pace, and to truly walk by faith and not by sight.

“I FIND THIS SEASON OF BLINDNESS TO BE A GIFT FROM GOD.”

In 2023, at the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the group Sacred Harmony stopped by the Power Source Magazine booth to chat, they shared about their pastor and we couldn’t wait to meet him.

That day, our lives were blessed meeting Chad and Sadie Roberts and our faith was strengthened!

This month we celebrate Father’s Day, and with this issue being themed, “Be The Man,” we knew he needed to be shared with all, and the interview that followed sealed the destiny of being the cover of this special issue. He says openly that it seems an odd assignment for a blind man to help people clearly see God’s will for their lives.

We say he is perfectly called for this season and task!

In the interview, we chatted about life, church, and family. Lots of talking about being sports parents, going here, there and everywhere. It was a conversation that you never wanted to end, so engaging. As it was finishing up, we asked the question, “Do you think anything about your relationship with God would change if your physical sight was restored?” With profound thought and humility, Roberts replied that in this day and age of social media, it was best for him to not be able to engage as it would be a distraction he might not be able to avoid. The relationship that he shares of communication with our Heavenly Father has developed so many strengths for this pastor, he listens…really listens.

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The parallels between shepherding his flock as Pastor and guiding his family as Father is not missed by Roberts, he fully embraces the blend of unconditionally loving during guidance. Recently, while dealing with a church matter, the Lord reminded Chad that he needed to give heed to the weaknesses in both church members and his children. It is easy to focus, support, and encourage the strengths of others, but we should not forget to give the same to the weaker things…as that is the way to convert them to strengths. He has applied this not only to his church leaders, church members, and his family but also himself.

God gave him a vision to reach far beyond the church walls. Through Awakened to Grace founded by Chad Roberts, he is doing that. You can experience his teachings on the ministry mobile app, the daily podcast, on Youtube, the radio, on Amazon and Google anytime. Monday thru Friday you can listen to daily broadcasts on Pray.com. Chad has also been featured in Time Magazine, the USA Today and The Washington Times…just to name a few. To date, he has authored three books with more coming.

The books are must reads…Awakened to Grace, is a collection of riveting stories where history comes alive.

Chad inspires our faith with the lives of people like David Livingstone, Charles Spurgeon, Jim Elliot, Brother Andrew, and more. While it is easy to think of them as spiritual giants, in reality, they were ordinary individuals who said, “Yes” to God’s extraordinary call. He’s In the Waiting shares 30 insights to help you wait on God. Written in a devotional style, Roberts explains why God often waits and why He delights in your waiting on Him. Calling on the Name of the Lord offers fresh insights to breakthrough praying.

Today, Chad Roberts continues to Pastor at Preaching Christ Church in Kingsport, Tennessee and now hundreds pass through the doors, not just a handful. And his message is reaching around the globe and available 24/7 - the message can be found anywhere and anytime. It is a message of teaching people how life is not random, it is actually orchestrated by God for a great purpose. God is allowing Chad to be a trusted spiritual voice in many lives.

AwakenedtoGrace.com 14

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GODLY WOMAN Finding Strength To Carry On

WARRIOR OF VICTORY Written by KristeNicole

I recently had a conversation with an amazing Godly Woman, mentor, and friend in ministry. She reminded me of the battlefield all of us are called to as followers of Jesus.

She reminded me that we have been quiet and ashamed far too long. She said it’s well past time to put on the whole armor of God, to link arms as we walk into the battle that is being fought.

Make no mistake, we are at war, a spiritual war that we should be watching, praying, and engaging in as warriors of Christ.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Have you been, or are you in a situation where you feel as if there is no way you were going to pull through or carry on?

The spiritual battle is our real battlefield. Christ will not only pull you through, but abundantly give to you His strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “’My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

There is strength available to us that only Christ can supply.

Satan tries to distract our focus. That’s why we must stay vigilant and stand in Christ.

In Christ there is infinitely more strength for us than we can comprehend. We must understand that it is because of His work in us.

Romans 6:5 says, “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection.”

Our victory in battle is a result of Christ’s strength. Let Him be at work in you.

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Phil. 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

This doesn’t mean we can do all things through our strength or do anything we want. The message is we can do everything we are supposed to do, and can do, because He is in us.

Battles in life still happen, and the spiritual war still rages on. However, we have a comrade – His name is Jesus.

You may feel like you’re losing, as if the battle has beaten you half to death. Remember, it’s not your strength that allows you to endure in the battle; it is His. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Stand strong. This battle can be won. You can make it through this battle because Christ is the one who is fighting for you.

The victory of war is a result of Christ’s sacrifice for us.

Sometimes, and I am speaking from experience, the worst thing that ever happened to us turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to us.

Christ not only pulls us through our battles, but He also pulls us through death. Death is not a period; it is a comma.

We don’t walk through it but rather He pulls us through it.

Our victory is possible because Christ endured before us – the cross has already happened.

Hebrews 4:14-15 says “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.” Some days the strength that He has provided for me in this battle came as a random text message or phone call from a friend, consoling me while I was crying my eyes out when life had turned out to be nothing close to what I had expected.

So…are you willing to pick up your sword and get to work, or are you comfortable where you are, breezing through life, content to gather all the peace you possibly can because you know that war is difficult and dangerous?

No more coping. No more fighting our battles in our own strength. In our struggles Christ will grow us, as well as prevail with His strength in us, when we choose to submit to Him. It takes faith to hold onto the fact that Christ has gone before you. Be brave and hang tight. The victory of Christ is immovable and unchangeable. Remember, with Jesus we do win in the end!

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The day that Sherman Branch Jr. first believed was March 1, 1970 when he committed his life to Christ. The days that followed were filled with growth in that faith and in 1972 he felt the call of God to preach the gospel. Ordained in 1979, Rev. Sherman Branch Jr. followed that call faithfully in North Carolina churches while building a life with his bride, Debbie and their three children.

Believing that faith was always a part of Sherman’s life, since his father was a pastor. Growing up with seven sisters gave him plenty of opportunities to grow in faith. His first job was at a grocery store, which one would think gave him a great chance to engage with people of all backgrounds.

He has never had a drink of any adult beverage, never been to a movie, and actually never wore shorts until 1997.

It was a faith dedicated upbringing that he experienced, one he would continue as he raised his own family and one that he would need more than could be imagined in April of 2022.

In 1977, Sherman married his love, Debbie and together they started ministry as youth pastors, followed by Branch taking the helm as Pastor in churches around North Carolina. He pastored in Plymouth, NC for 9 years, which was the longest any pastor had stayed at that particular church making it clear he was a beloved shepherd.

Together they had three children, two boys and a girl. The family was serving the ministry, growing in faith and love. A series of events would bring them back to Stanley, NC - closer to extended family.

By October 2021, the family had grown with eight grandchildren, Sherman was pastoring Emmanuel Church in Dallas, NC and enjoying life’s new horizons. It was a Tuesday, when his bride of over 40 years suffered a breakdown, the enemy filled her world with hopelessness and the fight to end her hurting was a priority for Branch.

It was a fight much like a boxing match, battling to the bell and then taking a small break, then the ding of the bell resumed the battle.

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April 2, 2022 was a day that Sherman had to believe as he returned home, calling out to Debbie to announce his presence. There was no answer, he continued to call out going through the house, then he found her. His beloved wife of 44 years stepped from this life into her eternal rest by her choice on that day. Debbie Branch was with Jesus, leaving quite a wake of hurt, confusion and sadness with Sherman, the children and grandchildren.

As one would predict for a devoted pastor, his church of over 23 years was a focus during this personal time of unimaginable grief.

For the dedicated family man, it was his children and grandchildren that became priority. Sherman took no time off, walking through the process of a funeral, the church work and being there for his family. It was an existence, not the life known, and the hurt was almost indescribable. His mind filled with contradictions and “what if’s,” it was a time that most would have stopped believing, just wanting to escape the pain. The first Mother’s Day came that year just weeks after the funeral. Sherman found himself at one of his sister’s home, another 3 or 4 sisters were also present and he just wept and no one said anything. “Jesus wept,” appears in John 11:35, it is the shortest verse in the King James Bible. In the chapter, Jesus is with Mary and Martha, grieving the death of Lazurus. Jesus wept despite knowing Lazurus would be resurrected soon, that the death was not permanent. Biblical scholars and ministers have varied thoughts on this verse. Some say it was His compassion for us, the life He offers to those who believe and some say it shows His anger at death itself, at suffering. A combination of it all applies to that day for Sherman, a little bit of it all flooded his body, his spirit and his soul…he wept.

A pastoral career in the National Association of Free Will Baptist would open an unexpected door…the National Leadership had been discussing a free counseling resource for pastors and wives. In fact Sherman would be the first recipient of this great resource.

The Emmanuel Church gave him a 2 month leave of absence, Branch took the chance to take in new scenery, landing first in the Smoky Mountains where he stayed a month. He stayed connected throughout the leave, choosing to take another leave as the first break came to a close. It was during this time that a counselor talked about dual ministry; pastoring and ministry…something ignited in Rev. Sherman Branch, Jr. In 2023, with much prayer and Godly counsel, “Songs in the Night, Hope for the Hurting,” ministry was launched. The foundational message of this ministry can be found in Psalm 42:8 “ Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” Hope in any circumstance, any hurt is the message shared in this full time ministry. Hurt is not a faith issue, it is not a denomination issue, it is a human issue.

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The impact of this ministry has already been experienced, people are finding hope for their hurt with the message of Songs in the Night. A parent recently wrote Sherman sharing how their 15 year old daughter attempted suicide but was not successful, now after hearing the message was finding hope. There are pastors from different denominations reaching out for a resource for the hurting.

Currently, Sherman is developing two seminars, one called “How to help the hurting, what not to do and say.” A message coming from his own personal experience, those shared by others and that Mother’s Day in 2022. “Never ask what’s going on?” shared Branch, “ask, do you want to talk about it?” The hope message for the hurting is a practical application, it is shared as a tool, a resource for healing the hurt. “I want to teach churches how to be hospitals, not social clubs,” expressed Sherman.

He knows the subject of hurting all too well, he knows how it impacts our faith and how our faith impacts that hurt. It all comes down to the days he can believe,” such an interesting statement, profound and thought provoking. At the funeral of his bride, their son, Jonathon made a statement that impacted his father. “Today I believe, tomorrow not so much.” It would be the inspiration of Small Town Sundays’ newly released song, “The Days He Can Believe,” co-written by his other son, Matt Branch of STS, who equally was impacted by the words of his brother.

Back in the place that Rev. Sherman Branch Jr. took his leave in 2022, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee we met to talk about his ministry.

Knowing the story behind the song, I wasn’t sure what to expect meeting the man, but it was certainly not who I talked to that day.

He has a pastor's heart, immediately you feel embraced with the love of God from the moment he simply looks at you. He is not broken, or faking it until he makes it…he is the walking, talking evidence of the power of God’s healing. I almost forgot to take notes, finding myself engulfed by his words. In just an hour, Sherman set me on the path of healing my own hurts, because he showed me it was okay to hurt. You see we spend time talking about the love of God, the healing power of our faith, what we don’t talk about is the hurt. Branch sat across from me at the table and in between the words as he shared the story I learned that he had found a way to forgive himself, to forgive his bride, to forgive the circumstances, and to forgive GOD! Did you catch those last three words, “to forgive God?” On the days that he believes which have been happening since he was a child, the faith is a part of his life, who he is and will always be. The hurt will cause us to have a spectrum of emotions with anger at times being the strongest or in other words the confusion on “why did you let this happen God.” He didn’t say it that day at Reagan’s Pancake House in words, like I said it was between the words that you experience the healing of hurt, the results of pure forgiveness. Those words in between have been forever captured in “On The Days That He Believes” and with the Songs In The Night ministry, he shares hope for the hurting, bringing forgiveness to those lost in faith or trying to find it again.

www.songsinthenight428.com

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COUNTING THE COST I’m thankful for my heritage. I’m thankful to have been raised in a home where I was taught about Jesus. The church world I grew up in was like living in a bubble. We didn’t have much interaction with people outside of our denomination.

The main reason for that was we were taught to be separate from the world. We didn’t talk like the world, dress like the world or act like the world. It wasn’t until years later I realized it was really a cult-like existence. It was decades before I even heard the word, legalism. However, as long as I didn’t stray outside of that bubble or even look outside the bubble, I was for the most part, happy and content.

There was one thing that disturbed me about my church culture back then. I was a music lover. I grew up going to Gospel concerts that featured the popular quartets of that time. The Blackwood Brothers, The Statesmen, The Speer Family, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Rambos as well as others, were the groups I loved to see in concert from time to time.

It was the only form of entertainment that I was allowed to have during my teen years. While many of the people in our denomination would go see these groups and buy their records, our preachers would criticize the groups from the pulpit.

They would say it was all about entertainment, money and show business. They would condemn the people in Gospel music for not living for Jesus when they didn’t really know any of them! I took great offense to that and it motivated me to start looking outside our Holiness bubble.

During my senior year in high school I got involved with the youth group at a local Pentecostal church. It was my first effort to break out of the bubble. As I made new friends and began to see a different church culture, I saw a whole new world. I learned that people outside of our church world loved Jesus as much as we did. I found that many of them had revelations we didn’t have. I didn’t see as much of the critical, judgmental behavior that was so prevalent in our denomination. That was amazing to me.

As I began to break away from the legalistic bubble I was in, the concern about what my family, church friends and leaders would think, became something I had to deal with. I knew the fact that I was getting involved with Pentecostals would be a major issue with them. I was just 16 years old so those ties were strong and I had to count the cost of breaking away. Our church didn’t believe in speaking in tongues. I had been taught against it all my life. Because I had been so strongly taught against it, I really didn’t like that part or understand it but I was willing to overlook it because I liked everything else I had seen and heard from the Pentecostals. I loved their music, I loved that they didn’t have such restrictions on the way they dressed. There was just so much more liberty and freedom there. So after counting the cost I decided to break away from what I’d known and go where God was leading me.

It may seem to you that this was really not that big of a deal. But to a 16 year old boy in the mid 1960’s it was a very big deal. My father was a pastor in that denomination at the time. He and my mother had recently divorced so I had just gone through that trauma and was for the most part alone and learning to navigate the world by myself. So this was a huge decision for me and my first experience of counting the cost to leave what I had always known. In spite of the difficulty, it was a lesson learned that served me well later in life.

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My next lesson in counting the cost was in the middle 1970’s. I was married with two children. We were involved with a great Pentecostal church. I was a part of the music there and began to write songs. My dream of being part of a gospel group hadn’t happened yet but I continued to hold to that dream. After nine years of marriage it all began to unravel. Making the story short, I was faced again with a huge decision. I had to count the cost of divorce against staying in a volatile situation. My boys were very young and I didn’t want to leave them, but I knew the environment they were being raised in wasn’t good for them either. After counting the cost, I made the decision to end the marriage. Looking back after all these years, I thank God that he took care of the boys. They both are serving the Lord in ministry today and in spite of those difficult days and circumstances they have flourished and are greatly blessed. God is good!

By the way, my dream of being in a singing group did come to pass. In the late 80’s and early 90’s I was part of a great Christian Country band, White River. In the middle 80’s my dream of playing on the Grand Ole Opry was realized when I became bass player and vocalist for Hee Haw star, Grandpa Jones. As stated earlier, God is good!

A few years after that, I had to count the cost another time. We were exposed to the Word of Faith movement. I had never heard the Word of God taught and applied in that way. It revolutionized my thinking and my theology. My wife is alive today because of the incredible teaching we received on healing. But the Word of Faith teaching wasn’t accepted by the Pentecostals we were associated with. So I had to count the cost of moving into the Word of Faith world. It was worth what it cost and my life is forever changed by the teaching we had during those years.

Fast forward to the present day. I’m quickly coming to a time of counting the cost once again.

I’ve recently been exposed to teaching that has rocked my world. This teaching is causing me to re-think my theology again. After believing one way for nearly a lifetime, it’s very difficult to change direction. It’s hard to change what you’ve believed for a lifetime, especially when it’s so different from a lifetime of belief. But truth is truth and when you hear truth, your heart responds to it. The revelation of beloved identity, sonship, Kingdom of God over national patriotism, is new to me and is challenging the flawed eschatology and other doctrines of the western church world that we’ve been indoctrinated with. I can’t discuss these things in detail at this time because it’s all so new to me. I’m not qualified to talk about them intelligently at this point.

But the point of this writing is to emphasize the importance of counting the cost.

The new teaching I’m beginning to receive and believe may cause family and friends to question my thinking. It may bring criticism and condemnation from some. So I have to count the cost and try to decide what is true and am I willing to follow the truth. Admittedly, it’s hard to change theology and beliefs when you’ve believed one way for a lifetime. But I am finding that revelation is ongoing. One revelation brings on more revelation as you search God’s word and listen to the Holy Spirit. My goal is to follow Jesus and take my place in the circle dance of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Cogitate on this.....

Gene Reasoner

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FLAGS

by Rebecca Higgins

Gadsden Flag & Come and Take it Flag This month lets learn about two Flags that we often see on bumper stickers and flying at political rallies. Both flags have fascinating histories dating back to the earliest days of our country. They are the Gadson Flag and the Gonzales Texas Revolution Flag.

The Gadsden Flag is the Yellow “Don’t Tread On Me” Flag featuring the coiled rattlesnake ready to strike the unwary person that steps on him. The flag dates all the way back to 1775 when the motto was used on the drums of Marines that accompanied the Navy on the first mission to capture cargo ships that the British were sending to the colonies loaded with gunpowder and weapons. General Washington and Congress created the Navy to specifically carry out this mission and the Marines were mustered to go with them.

The name Gadsden comes from Christopher Gadsden who was a member of the Marine Committee that stood up the Marine Companies to sail on the ships. He was a leader of the Sons of Liberty in South Carolina and became a Colonel in the Army.

He was a friend of Benjamin Franklin who helped to design the flag. The rattlesnake has important symbolism beginning with the fact the rattlesnake has 13 rattles, one for each colony. Rattlesnakes are also only found here in the US. Franklin further said that “the rattlesnake has sharp eyes…an emblem of vigilance…She never begins an attack, nor when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage.” The flag was flown by Esek Hopkins the US first naval Commander in chief as his personal ensign.

The rattlesnake was a commonly used image during the Revolution. The Famous “Join or Die” cartoon was also a creation of Ben Franklin. The snake was seen to stand for the American Spirit, vigilance, assertiveness, individualism, unity and liberty as well as fascination by those that see her.

The Gonzales flag is also imbued with a spirit of defiance. It was first used at the Battle of Gonzales in Texas, October 2, 1835.

This fight was between what would become Texas and the Mexican government led by General Santa Anna. Mexican soldiers were sent to Gonzales to repossess the cannon held by the Gonzales citizens. The Gonzales citizens arrested the first group of Mexican soldiers sent and this resulted in Mexico sending a larger force to take the cannon. The Texans ran up their new flag that said “Come and Take It” with a drawing of the cannon, then loaded the cannon with scrap iron and fired. There was only one casualty suffered on the Mexican side, but the “battle” was key as the Texans declared they were fighting for the Constitution of 1824 and their cannon.

This is regarded as the first battle of the Texas Revolution as Texas fought for freedom from Mexico. Immediately after this Texas Volunteers formed an army and placed Stephen F. Austin in command. The fight for Texas independence began leading to the Republic of Texas and later our state of Texas.

Both the Gadsden Flag and the Gonzales Flag to those that know their history symbolize the desire for freedom, liberty, and justice. Like any other symbol they are subject to use and misuse by people, but their origins come from a love of freedom and a desire to chart a destiny apart from oppressive governance.

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Celebrating 14 Years!

of Excellence with Integrity

2024 Award Winners and Nominations New Music Awards Nominees John McDonough Bill Abernathy Jeremy Parsons MTS Records Gospel Choice Music Awards Nominees Richard Lynch Lady Redneck HeIsTheArtist DPB Michael Stover/MTS Independent Music Network Awards Winners Jeremy Parsons Bill Abernathy Gary Pratt Eleyet McConnell Pam Ross Eddy Mann MTS Records 28

MTS Management Group/MTS Records www.mtsmanagementgroup.com Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters- Colossians 3:23

EDDY MANN From the moment you get to say hello, it is a special conversation every single time with EDDY MANN. The acclaimed Christian music artist known for his unique blend of sounds has enjoyed a career spanning over 20 albums. Mann has been a full-time musician most of his adulthood, in the beginning it was a source of income and now it is a constant source of life inspiration.

“I am truly blessed, and I am truly grateful for every moment of this music.” shared Eddy. What makes any conversation special is the open heart of this prolific artist, he shares in a manner that inspires you. It is clear how his songwriting is storytelling to melodies, Mann paints a portrait for you to experience visually in your heart and mind as your ears embrace the song.

“Couple years back, I was doing my daily scripture time and “The Humble Cottage By The Sea,” lyrics came to life,” explained Eddy. “My writing process is constant, whenever a thought or idea comes, I stop everything and write.” With a passion for true worship music with accountable lyrics, Eddy Mann strives to create and share positive songs about the Kingdom.

On May 1, 2024, Eddy released his new single, “The Humble Cottage By The Sea,” described by Mann as “An uptempo folk-pop rendering that takes a peek into Peter's house, a shelter that was no doubt a rather poor fisherman's hut of sorts, but the Lord of Glory entered it no less, and worked a miracle. No matter your status in this world, be encouraged by the fact that God more often appears in little huts rather than rich homes.

Jesus is wandering around your room right now, and is waiting to be gracious to you.” The single is the first from his highly anticipated album, ‘Turn Up The Divine’, which is scheduled for release on June 7, 2024.

All tracks of this upcoming album embrace his unique form of storytelling, weaving together faith and life with a sound that you enjoy. Lyrically, Eddy builds a foundation, engages with repetitive lines, and just makes you hear it, feel it, and remember it. Most certainly what one would call the “it factor,” as the “IT” is the impact each note of the acoustic guitar makes causing you to hear it, the harmonies throughout cause your heart to feel it and lyric simplicity that is so relatable make you remember it.

This new single and the entirety of the upcoming album offer the signature style of Eddy Mann, with a deep connection to the power of faith and the encouragement to embrace it. We celebrate his music and wish this husband, father, and grandfather a very Happy Father’s Day! www.EDDYMANN.com

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POWER SOURCE MAGAZINE 31

With Corey Lee Barker

Sending Your Songs For TV and Film Opportunities As album cuts are generating less and less money these days for songwriters, one of the most common questions I get in recent years is “How do I get my songs to TV and film”.

Specifically….”How do they like to receive them?”

Although some of the powers that be may allow you to send links or drop boxes, the most commonly accepted and preferred format is DIsco.ac. Why is it helpful, you may ask? Disco allows the recipient to see the artist, the lyric, the writers and publishers PRO info, the tempo, genre, mood of the song, etc. before they even listen, assuming you have tagged all your metadata into the mp3 prior to sending.

This better allows them to not waste their time on songs that don’t fit what they are looking for.

They can also listen without having to download anything, so it doesn’t fill up their inbox.

How does it help the writers, you may ask? You can choose the unlimited tracks option and upload your entire catalog, keeping it safe and organized. It can be searched by key words, moods, genres, artists, tempos, alphabetical order, etc., so a Music Supervisor can find what they are looking for with ease.

Did I mention it not only tells you if they listened, but if they downloaded it as well. Typically, if a song is downloaded by a Music Supervisor or Movie producer they either want to save it for a possible future use, or even test it out in a scene they are working on at the moment.

What does it cost me, you may ask? Somewhere between $100 and $200 per year on average, depending on which package you choose.

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I personally connect a disco link to all of my emails with my Christmas Song playlist, so that I may be pitching holiday songs at any minute without even telling someone to listen. It sits there patiently under each email I sent, just waiting for someone to push play out of curiosity:) It’s important to remember that you need to abide by each particular Music Supervisor’s delivery preference, so this program is not a 100% need for everyone, but it covers around 90% or more in my experience, so it is a must for me, and a crucial part of the puzzle for the success I’ve been lucky enough to have.

How much money did they give me to post this article, you might ask? I don’t know anyone there personally, but maybe they will send a free taco on Tuesday!

How many bananas can a monkey eat in one setting, you might ask? I’m not really sure, but the next time I see one with a bunch of bananas I will hang around and watch until I can get you a solid answer.

Best of luck my friends - Corey Lee Barker

www.CoreyLeeBarker.com

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WRITERS: MATTHEW WEST/JEFF PARDO/ANNE WILSON/EMILY WEISBAND “10 FOOT TALL AND BULLETPROOF ALWAYS LOOKING UP TO YOU I CAN SEE ME, FOUR YEARS OLD, UP ON YOUR SHOULDERS THE SOUND OF GRAVEL MEANT HOME FROM WORK CALLOUSED HANDS, FLANNEL SHIRT KISS GOODNIGHT AND BEDTIME PRAYERS WHEN THE DAY WAS OVER I'VE GOT YOUR EYES, I'VE GOT YOUR HEART I'VE GOT YOUR ARMS HOLDING ME I'VE GOT A PLACE TO LAND WHEN I JUST CAN'T MAKE SENSE OF ANYTHING THIS WOMAN I'M BECOMING, THE WORLD MIGHT PUT SOME LABELS ON HER BUT NO MATTER WHERE I GO, I'LL ALWAYS BE MY FATHER'S DAUGHTER OH, OH, OH, OH...”

HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/_KMN1DVUQVA?SI=9HFDTTWLAKU8LCB5

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“ The Song, “ Love, Me”, is the Song that gave me a Career , and got me started…. My First Number 1 Record. I am SO incredibly honored, and excited, for the Release of a brand new Version, by my Dear Friend, Todd Tilghman . I have the honor of singing on the Record, with him.

I am such a HUGE FAN, of Todd’s amazing, one of a kind Voice, but also of Todd, as a Human Being. This truly a Blessing for me, to be a part of it.

Very excited for everyone , to hear this Record!” - Collin Raye.

“Working with Collin was a dream come true. Everyone I work with knows I love a story song, and I love one that pulls at the heart strings, and Collin is the king of those songs. I’m so excited about this song, and I hope everyone loves the collaboration as much as I loved doing it. “ -Todd Tilghman

RELEASES ON JUNE 24, 2024

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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.

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POWER SOURCE

CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS BIG NEWS

FIRST OF IT’S KIND - ACROSS THE WORLD

On March 1st, 2025, Gather25 will bring together Christians across the world for 25 hours of prayer, worship, repentance, and commissioning on an unprecedented scale. Using technology and AI, connecting the global Church across a single 25-hour period is now a reality for the first time. Gather25 promises to be more than just an event; it is anticipated to mark a pivotal moment for the story of the global Church in history.

Find out about Gather25, and sign up for more resources at: gather25.com

CHOSEN Fans of The Chosen... the wait is over. The show’s creator and director Dallas Jenkins has announced that the first two episodes of Season Four will be streamed at 7:00p.m. (Eastern Time) Sunday, June 2.

The fourth season is a gateway to the sufferings of Christ; Paras Patel, who plays the role of Matthew in the series, described the season in a recent interview. “It’s pretty difficult,” he said “because in Season Four, you’re seeing the implications of Jesus’ message, and how the political leaders and religious leaders are against him. One sees a lot of misunderstanding on the disciples’ part – of not really getting the message, and not really understanding that time is limited.”

The new season will air exclusively on The Chosen app, available free either online or on your television. After the two-episode introduction on June 2, the remaining six episodes will be released via the app, two at a time, on subsequent Sunday evenings. And within a few months, the series will be widely distributed via other outlets including Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock and Netflix.

In a personal interview, Jenkins reported that the set, located in Midlothian, Texas, is truly a place of peace. “We really do try to foster a culture of humility,” he said, “…a culture of surrender.

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POWER SOURCE

CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS LEGACY

SONY RE-RELEASE Sony Legacy released Grammy and Dove Award-winning Reba Rambo’s 1980 album Dreamin’ to digital outlets for the first time on May 31st. Remastered from the original master tapes by Greg Hand, Dreamin’ was recorded at Nashville’s Sound Stage Studio, produced by Phil Johnson and Dony McGuire and released in the spring of 1980, Reba has earned a Grammy Award, three Dove Awards and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of The Rambos. Her songs have been recorded by Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Natalie Cole, Debby Boone, Donna Summer, Cynthia Clawson, the Gaither Vocal Band, Michael English, Mark Lowry, The Nelons and many more.

She is currently in production on her first solo album since 1982. She is also completing Rambo Women, an album recorded in collaboration with her daughter, Destiny Rambo Khouri, produced by Joel Khouri (John Mark McMillan, Josh Baldwin, Matrimony).

RADIO

SIRIUSXM LAUNCHES ENLIGHTEN

Available now on channel 150, Bill Gaither’s enLighten features uplifting Gospel music and stories of hope and inspiration. The new year-round channel features uplifting, harmony-driven Gospel music with stories, inspiration, and hope from Bill Gaither and more. Included among the dozens of artists you’ll hear regularly are the Gaither Vocal Band, Booth Brothers, Brian Free & Assurance, Karen Peck & New River, Greater Vision, Talleys, Perrys, Joseph Habedank, Jeff & Sheri Easter, David Phelps, and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.

Bill Gaither is a legendary American singer, songwriter, and producer of Gospel and contemporary Christian music. The GRAMMY winner has garnered more than 25 GMA DOVE Awards and is a three-time member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

AWARDS

CERTIFIED GOLD FOR COLTON DIXON

Atlantic Recording Artist Colton Dixon has received his first RIAA Gold Certification for his massive hit, "Build A Boat." The radio team from K-LOVE and Christian label partner Fairtrade Services surprised Dixon in an interview during the K-LOVE Fan Awards weekend with hundreds of fans sharing in the excitement. “Build A Boat” was the biggest song of 2022, holding the No. 1 spot for 11 weeks and also receiving Song of the Year nominations for both the K-LOVE Fan Awards and Dove Awards.

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POWER SOURCE

CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS FESTIVALS

COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU!!!

7/11-7/14 Lifest Oshkosh / Oshkosh,WI www.lifest.com 7/13 Hillfest New Ipswich,WI www.hillfestevents.com 7/20-7/21 LifeLight Hills Alive Rapid City, SD www.lifelight.org 7/29-7/31 Kingdom Bound Buffalo, NY www.kingdombound.org

7/30-9/7 40 Days and 40 Nights of Christian Music Williamstown,KY www.arkencounter.com

Want your Event in Power Source? It’s Free! Send it to mmc@tenfiftysevenmedia.com

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Ministry Moments https://www.facebook.com/EternalVisionMinistries

Eternal Vision debuts an original song recently on the Grand Ole Opry House Stage.

“When I Saw You There,” was written by Michael Shannon Shelby after a friend of his passed away at 38, during the pandemic. Shannon shares, “I was very inspired by the faith of his wife, and from watching his journey from this life to the next, through her eyes. I put many personal memories from my own life and my 17 year marriage into this song. It culminates in the ultimate promise that the best days are not behind us. For a Christian, the best days are yet to come! I pray this song is a blessing and an encouragement to those who are eagerly awaiting and anticipating meeting their loved ones again in Heaven. Oh what a reunion Heaven is going to be!”

“When I Saw You There” Michael Shannon Shelby Michael Shannon Shelby Music, BMI When I saw you there, coming in through the door, I'd never seen, such beauty before I tried to get up, the courage to speak I mumbled my words, but you thought I was sweet There was magic, you could feel in the air And Nothing I could do to prepare, for When I saw you there When I saw you there, walking down the aisle That pure white veil, couldn't hide your smile I took your hand, we said I do Two became one when God gave me you, There was love that you could feel in the air And nothing in this life could compare To when I saw you there When I saw you there, I thanked The Lord When I saw you there, I found whom my soul adored These memories are gifts, these moments in life so rare, I’ll never forget When I saw you there I’d never seen a miracle before ‘Til The day that you handed me our baby girl When I saw you there, your eyes were closed The pain that I felt, nobody knows I held your hand, I kissed your face I whispered in your ear, "It's ok baby, You’re going to a better place…"

There were Angels you could feel in the air And a peace that came amidst the despair Knowing.... I'll see you there When I see you there, in the arms of The Lord When I see you there You will be Healed and restored!

We'll Reminisce all about the life we shared And I just can’t wait ‘Till I see you there I’ll never feel alone, When Jesus comes to welcome me home And I see you there

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Are you struggling?

Even in your walk of faith?

He's not surprised.

He Knows exactly where you are, and the good news is that He Loves you too much to leave you there!

He is more sovereign than your circumstances and much stronger than your struggle!

He knew you needed a Savior a long time ago!

I want to tell you about some of the tools that He's been using to work in your life all along.

His Word. His People.

Circumstances that He allows.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 I hope to help you with worship.

He's given me a message to remind you that He’s building you...in His image...

Faithfully...with Love... Grace... and forgiveness!

Teaching you how to, more fully, trust Him...

It is Him at work winning you over to agree with Him more than you ever have before!

It's no small thing!

It's God's Math!

He Provides!

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Luke 22:31

The Work of a Carpenter Ministries Greg McDougal Full Time Music Evangelist greg@theworkofacarpenterministries.org

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Got Music Ready?

RELEASE S S T S T L T L L U U U S S E S E E R R R H H T H T I T I WWWI

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New Single Release

“I AM” Now Available!

Radio & Streaming Platforms Contact: suzzette@suzzette.net | 615-384-7608

www.suzzette.net Suzzette Michaels Music

P.O. Box 1281

Springfield, TN 37172 53

BRING ON THE BLINDERS!

It’s funny what you remember from your childhood. Some things are so vibrant it’s as though they just happened yesterday. I remember sitting on the porch shelling peas and snapping green beans. Making lye soap and churning butter. I remember picking okra and tomatoes, and eating watermelon till I popped. I loved to climb papaw’s apple tree, because we all know the biggest and best apples are at the top! And boy did I get in trouble for that one; but man it was so worth it!

One of my favorite childhood memories was watching my papaw plow with his mule. I liked that old mule, although he could be really stubborn at times. But papaw would put a bridle on him with blinders on it. The blinders prevented the mule from seeing behind him and off to each side. It kept him from getting distracted or spooked. Its purpose was to keep his focus on what was in front of him. Now I think that’s a grand idea! How awesome would it be if we had a pair of blinders that made us focus on the tasks that God has given us? We’d have no fear as we go about His business.

Imagine how much of God’s work we could get done!

But in our human weakness we can easily be overcome with guilt, fear and shame. The sins of our past comes to the forefront of our thoughts and drag us down into that murky pit time and time again. We question our worth, which limits our potential. And there are so many distractions in our world today. Too often our actions are self-serving. We are not about God’s work and tend to put Him last. We don’t make God our priority when this old world screams at us daily and our sinful nature pulls us astray.

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If we could just put on our blinders each morning before our feet touch the floor! Our first thoughts of the day would be about God’s business. Our blinders would keep us from looking back and dragging up our past; realizing that those sins were forgiven many years ago. Our blinders would keep us from looking side to side and worrying about what others are thinking or comparing our lives to theirs. With our blinders our focus would not be on the world around us that constantly begs for our attention.

No, with our God given blinders our focus would be on being the best goal reaching, soul seeking servants of God! But unlike the mule, we don’t have those blinders. Or do we? Our study of God’s word gives us direction and perspective. Our Christian brothers and sisters provide encouragement and accountability.

And our prayer life allows us to communicate directly with our Creator! Our daily Christian walk gives us that focus.

And when we fail? Our Heavenly Father is so full of mercy!

He comes right down into the mud and mire and pulls us out. He ain’t skeered of our dirt! He places His clothing upon us and cleans us right up. He wraps us in his arms and gathers us back into his fold to continue the God given race that was set before us to run. So bring on the blinders and let’s be about God's work!

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#THEGOSPELTRUTH

“CLEAN YOUR TOILET” Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the lord not to man, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

This one of my favorite scriptures of all as it depicts the challenge to excellence. If we had this thought process in our minds, to do WHATEVER as if unto the Lord, We would all be much more efficient and much more intentional. But what does this mean? What is this challenge trying to get us to do? Personally, I believe this command is showing us how to develop a habitual life of excellence.

If we were to truly do ALL things as if unto the Lord, we would strive for perfection in all things Matthew 5:48.

Also in James 1:4 it says that if we believe that we can obtain perfection then we will obtain it. There are a myriad of scriptures in the Bible pertaining to striving for and obtaining perfection. This should be the goal of ALL Christians as we are under great attack by the world through culture and society.

Society teaches us that the mundane and the “close enough” is out right and should be respected. This nonsense is the trigger for the upside down society that we live in today. However, God knows that this type of mindset is unstable ground. It is in our nature to gravitate to excellence. We naturally seek it out. This is why these scriptures are there, to teach us how to create a life of excellence so that people will come our way.

True leadership is not in telling people “what to do” but, it is in showing them how to live so that they will seek it out naturally and gravitate towards us. If people see that in us and come our way, it is much easier to witness to them and direct them to the truth of Christ.

So, with that being said, how do we proceed with this habitual life of excellence? Honestly, it may very well start with your toilet. If we are to do WHATEVER as if unto the Lord, then what about that toilet? See, some of you reading this may very well be that person who will leave their toilet in such a condition that it takes acid and steel wool to clean it. Some may clean it weekly or whenever it shows signs that it needs something done.

However, if it were to be done “unto the LORD” it would literally be spotless at all times!

Why is this a big deal? Here’s why, if you can’t keep your toilet clean then I would assume your bathroom is a mess. If your bathroom is a mess then I would assume most of your house is a mess. If your house is a mess then perhaps your yard is not so great. If your yard is in shambles then most likely so is your car. If your car is a disaster then so is your workplace and so on…..

It all starts with the simple things that very few of us pay attention to. When we do ALL THINGS as unto the Lord, we will create a habit of excellence that will flow into all areas of our life. As it begins to flow throughout our lives, people will pay attention and gravitate towards that beam of excellence.

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#THEGOSPELTRUTH So many of us focus on the “achievement” as opposed to the journey. The apostle Paul describes this life as a “race” in Hebrews 12:1. This “race” is to be seen as a competition with ourselves and it is unto death. This means that our journey is never complete. However, we often focus on the achievements rather than the journey. When we get stuck on the “achievements” we will often seek the next “achievement”. The journey of life is not about achievements but rather about improving ourselves daily.

Focusing on achievements will often cause us to not complete tasks as well. Once the dishwasher is loaded then we often feel like the achievement is complete. This is why so many HATE to unload the dishwasher.

When the theory of “journey” would cause us to see it to the very end and seek the next step in the journey.

I realize that using loading the dishwasher as an example for biblical excellence seems ridiculous, but it is not!

Remember, “WHATEVER” you do!!

This word ‘WHATEVER” is designed to push us towards a habitual life of excellence. If we were to truly do ALL things in life as if they were for God himself, it would literally change how we clean that toilet. Change that and more tasks of excellence will follow.

Here’s the crazy thing, doing all things as if unto the Lord is actually EASIER! If we do all daily things as if unto the Lord and truly focus on the journey, we would find that the workload becomes lighter, not heavier. Is it easier to spray a little cleaner, run a brush through the toilet everyday or to get on our knees and scrub for 30 minutes because company is on the way??

The Bible knows how to point us in the direction of a lighter burden in life. Seeking to do ALL things for his glory is easier and we get his blessings in the end. It doesn’t get much better than that.

#THEGOSPELTRUTH WITH SHANE ROARK Shane is the co-owner of Chapel Valley Studios. He started playing sessions at age 16 and worked in multiple studios before launching Chapel Valley. He has been producing music for over 25 years, and is well respected among his colleagues and clients alike.

Follow TheGospelTruth on Facebook!

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Encourage Yourself.

Have you ever been in a situation where it appears that your family, friends, and neighbors have turned their backs on you? It is during those tough times that you really find out who's on your side. I also found myself in such a particular challenging situation one day, but through prayer and faith, I encouraged myself in the lord and received the victory.

Even those friends who say they will ride, or die will leave you standing all alone, because they don't have all of the facts, or they can't see what God is doing in your life. When my situation occurred, people who were along just for the ride soon abandoned me. One such supporter even called me up to invite me to lunch, but while at lunch his words and actions cut me so deep that I lost faith in some of my Christian friends.

At that time i felt that we didn't even serve the same God, because my Bible said in Galatians 6:1-2," Brothers if a man is overtaken in a trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."

"Bear one another's burden and so fulfill the law of Christ." Instead of praying for me and helping me through my demanding situation he condemned me and told me that I should leave the church. I know for a fact that sometimes God will use us to help keep our brothers and sisters in Christ on the right track. If we see someone getting into sin or walking away from the clear will of God, we need to allow the Lord to lovingly use us to encourage others and pray for them and lift them up. In such matters, we need to really pray and allow God's spirit to make us gentle yet faithful servants. So, after my talk with the so-called brother, I had to go to the Lord in prayer and encourage myself.

I had to remember that God said, “he would never leave me nor forsake me and I could find my strength in him.

I knew that God was forgiving and gracious, although people turned their backs on me; God welcomed me with open arms, and he forgave me for my sins. There will be times in our lives when everyone seems to abandon us, it is in those times we must be strong and encourage ourselves in the Lord. There's a story in the bible where King David had to encourage himself, 1st Samuel 30:6 says, "Now David was greatly distressed, for all the people spoke of stoning him because the souls of the people were grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David encouraged himself in the Lord.

This was King David the mighty man of God, who led his army to countless victories, but now they spoke of stoning him to death. As it happened, David and his men were all fighting in another battle, and when they returned to the city they found it burnt with fire and their wives and children had been taken captive by the enemy. Then David and all the people who were with him lifted up their voices and cried, until they had no more power to cry. King David encouraged himself in the Lord, and told the priest to bring him the ephod, the ephod was a sleeveless garment worn

by Jewish priests. So, King David prayed and inquired of the Lord saying, “Shall I pursue this troupe? Shall I overtake them? God answered him and said," Pursue, you shall surely overtake them and without fail to recover all." King David did not retreat to a pity party and asked everyone else to join him, instead he encouraged himself in the Lord and he had a talk with God. God supplied King David with strength, instructions, and the assurance that they would reclaim everything that was taken from them and even more. If King David had to encourage himself in the Lord, how much more do we need to encourage ourselves in inconvenient situations?

If we will seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things will be added unto us also. When we encourage ourselves in the Lord, we remember the goodness of God, his faithfulness and his promises that will never fail. My friends remember, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Be encouraged and know that the greatest encouragement will come from within you, and when you learn to encourage yourself, you can encourage others.

WILLIAM THE ENCOURAGER. W.M. Harris grew up in Mississippi on a plantation with his mother and stepfather, who were sharecroppers. He spent his teenage years in Chicago where he was involved with gangs, drugs, and violence. After a shooting incident and with a broken heart his mother made a decision that changed her son’s life forever. She dedicated his life, her son to the Lord.

God heard a mother’s prayer, and today that ever present hand of God is the living testimony of William The Encourager...An Author, Speaker, Radio Show Host, Husband, Father, Friend and

Follower of J.E.S.U.S.

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He Stopped By Each and every time that I cried out in my distress, I remembered what the words of the Lord would attest.

During the many times that I've walked down this way, He would always stop by, and I would hear him say, In your darkest hour, I will never leave you or forsake, because it's your heavy burdens that I've come to take.

He stopped by and said, "You have not been given a spirit of fear, just always remember, that I am Omnipresent, and I am always near.

He stopped by and said, "In the shadow of the almighty God you stand, because you are kept safe in God's almighty hand.

He stopped by and said, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. because I am Omnipotent, and I will win the fight.

He stopped by and said, "Your debt has been paid, and your sins are forgiven, speak life to yourself, be encouraged, and be about the task of living.

Because I gave you life, and more abundantly I give. but seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and you shall live.

BY WILLIAM THE ENCOURAGED

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Dads are like stars. The brightest ones shine!

Dads Dads are are truly truly something something special special and and they they know know all all the the best best dad dad jokes jokes..

That's That's why why it's it's important important to to honor honor them them on on Father's Father's Day! Day! In In honor honor of of the the occasion, occasion, make make sure sure to to plan plan a a dad-themed dad-themed activity activity like like a a backyard backyard barbecue barbecue or or golf golf outing, outing, celebrate celebrate him him with with a a thoughtful thoughtful gift gift or, or, at at the the very very least, least, give give him him a a sweet sweet card card with with a a Father's Father's Day Day message message written written inside. inside.

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Father’s Day celebrations are all about the time you spend with them, the conversations that can be had and the memories made. Dad’s are known for making their kids shake their heads in wonder at firm or silly advice and being the rock of our lives. They come in all shapes and sizes, and the title can vary as well...might be Dad, Daddy, Father, Grandpa, Papa, Uncle, Friend, or Coach. They are the men that shape the lives in a positive way.

SO LET’S CELEBRATE AND MAKE SOME FUN MEMORIES!!!

1. Make him breakfast or brunch - they say the way to the man’s heart is through the tummy!

2. Take a woodworking class - Home Depot and Lowes offer classes, check them out or other local options.

3. Build a model - planes or cars or whatever...build the memories.

4. Have a campout - in the backyard, your favorite campground or the living room...just have fun!

5. Host a multigenerational meal - perfect for dads, uncles, grandpas and all!

6. Plan a scavenger hunt - inside or out, just take it wherever you want!

7. ENJOY! No matter what you choose to plan, make it lots of fun and absolutely add his favorite MUSIC! And don’t forget those Dads to Be...they are not really in all the pregnancy fuss, so choose this day to fuss a little over them!

If you’re missing your Dad on Father’s Day, create the event in his memory. Gather those who loved him most, and share the good memories you had with him. Conversely, if you’re a parent who’s lost a child, honor your love for them with a cozy spread filled with all the things that made them happy.

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STAGE STYLE Tips Pay attention to your brand...

Pay attention to your brand, your music and make sure to bring your stage style forward with the same look.

IT’S OKAY This includes what you post online!

Let’s say you an artist known for wearing all denim. That is your brand style, so wear it everywhere you go from shows, to interviews, to all of your online posts. When you need to be a little more dressy than normal, add a little bling or sparkle to your denim. Get a denim sport jacket or sparkle up a denim jacket/vest.

Ladies...You can never go wrong rocking some denim and pearls!!

For the artist without a branded style, you may like to wear a variety of fashions, in that case go with colors that go along with your logo or stage set.

MERCH. MERCH, MERCH....DON’T FORGET THE MERCH! Keep that brand flowing to your merchandise table!

Keep in mind your style and music when designing your merchandise, especially the clothing.

If you are known for stylish hats, boots, or jewelry, make sure some of those items are available.

Express the fun side of yourself on your table!!

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