Merry Christmas 2014

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

( Isaiah 9:6)

Are You Prepared for 2015

This short clip explains emphatically that despite what you have been going through in 2014, 2015 is going to be better. Be inspired and keep sending up the praises to God.

Pray For Mother Fagan

I came across this video on FB and since I am so moved by it I have decided to share it on two of my blogs. Mother Fagan is 83 years old and is out in the heat gathering firewood so that her and her husband can eat some food. Their home dilapidated and the roof has collapsed and no longer has shelter from the rain. Upon speaking she exclaims that the Lord just sent him to her as he donates some funds to keep her going till he can offer more help.


The video description is as follows:

This video will be bring you to tears..This lady cried in my arms...i have been thinking about her so much ever since and im about to take on a major project which is clean up her home and try to give her a bed to sleep on..she needs a bed..her roof is full of rats..when rain falls she sleep on her neighbors porch..she lives with her husband which is 85 and she is 83...watch and ask how you can Join me in HELPING HER..PLZ SHARE THIS..To donate u can use PAYPAL and find me at readyback@gmail.com...or jus email me at readyback@gmail..com...call me @ 1 876 399 0540 or inbox me here for Updates and follow up.

To find out more  contact St Matthew. For updates and to find out more check out his FB page Facebook.com/readyback

Myles Munroe Family Statement

The Munroe Family have given a statement about their loss.

"We are not sure how or why, something like this would be allowed to happen to such great individuals, but still, God is in control. The past few days have been the most difficult times for my sister and I, my family and all of those affected by this loss." Munroe Family

Myles Munroe's Family Issues Statement at Grand Bahama Press Conference from mackeymedia on Vimeo.

R.I.P. Myles Munroe

Yesterday we learned that well known Pastor and faith leader Dr Myles Munroe had passed away alongside his wife  Pastor Ruth Munroe  in a plane crash in the Bahamas. Every passenger on the plane has also lost their lives. 

The Munroe's are survived by their son and daughter. Prayers go out to the family of all those who lost their lives. 

You can read more in this article

Seth & A New Thing | Midnight Oil

The long awaited Midnight Oil : Live in Worship album by Seth & A New Thing is due to be released on 17th November 2014. You will be able to purchase the album from iTunes and other digital music sellers.

I attended the Midnight Oil Summit last year so was fortunate enough to witness the live recording at the beautiful Birmingham Symphony Hall. The songs are beautiful and one of my favourite songs is "Already Done". You can watch the video below.

You can also preview the album on iTunes and make pre-orders for the physical copy on the Gods Bride Ministries Website. Support UK gospel music.

Read more on the God's Bride Ministry website .

Christian School Told To Invite Imam To Lead Assembly

Christian schools are often some of the best performing schools in the UK. They teach the national curriculum and some hold church based services for assemblies. All schools including Christian ones teach Religious Education as part of the curriculum thus teaching understanding and tolerance to those of all faiths.

The government organisation called Ofsted is the regulator. It has been reported that a very successful Christian school has been told that because they do not invite imams and other faith leaders to do assemblies at the school they face being closed down. That is right. A Christian school is being punished for not having a faith leader from another faith lead school assembly. It makes no sense. 

During the last year there have been some very high profile cases of schools being used to garner extremism amongst other things. The bulk of these schools were muslim or had a large muslim demographic. A few have been closed down due to lack of education being given to the children attending. Now it seems the government has put in a law to prevent such trojan schools as they were referred developing out of control.

So I am still puzzled why they would want to close a school that is doing well and most definitely will be teaching about different faith as part of RE. Apparently school trips to different faith buildings is not enough. We need to pray for these kids and pray the school can continue to teach and offer a good education to its pupils.

In my opinion it would be wrong for a non Christian leader to lead assembly where prayers are involved. Will an Imam pray in the name of Jesus keeping in line with the school's Christian ethos? Do muslim schools have Christian Pastors lead assembly? Let faith schools be faith schools regardless of the faith they belong to. Teaching religious tolerance should not come with a requirement to follow another faith. 

I attended a Christian school as do my kids. I learned about other religions through RE and many friends who were not Christian sharing their faith. Ofsted and the government need to seriously re-consider this one. 

Read the full story here Christian school downgraded for failing to invite an imam

Let Us Pray For Ebola Victims

It seems the disease that lay dormant for decades has resurfaced aggressively. The death toll is rising and the survivors are few. Many families have been affected. Mainly in western Africa. There are many theories around as to why this is happening. Is this a bio war or spiritual attack. Either way people are dying and people are suffering. So let us pray that Africa will become Ebola free and the lives of all those affected can be healed and put back together. Pray for the health workers and volunteers who are helping the sufferers may they be protected too. In Jesus name!

Oprah Sings I Surrender All

Listen to Oprah singing the classic church hymn "I surrender all" during her The Life You Want weekend.

Read more on The Grio

Songs of Praise | Gospel Choir of the Year 2014

Living Faith Gospel Choir singing Total Praise

Song of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2014 is n full swing. The competition is down to the last 6 choirs.  Have a look at the amazing performances of the choirs who have taken part in this years competition. You only have 7 days left to view part 1 on BBC iPlayer. The winner will be chosen next week.

Apollos Hester Inspirational Winning Speech

Apollos Hester is an American Football high school student. He was interviewed at the end of the match in which his team won. Listen to what he has to say and be inspired. He definitely has a calling on his life and now the world knows it too.

The Way Maker Opens Door

Here is a little testimony of mine. Jesus has definitely opened up a door for me. I am so thankful. Now I just need to continue doing my part. Be inspired and stay blessed x

Lecrae - The Rapper Who Reps Christ

I've been hearing about Lecrae for awhile now. Though as my music tastes have changed over the years I listen to far less rap than when I was younger. So although I have seen his albums and songs on gospel charts I have never paid him too much mind. I may have been missing out.

His latest album is called Anomaly and it is on course to become the number 1 selling album in the USA Billboard top 200 after accumulating sales of approximately 90k. Which is pretty good for this day and age. So not only will he be top of the gospel charts he would have crossed over spreading the good news into the pop charts. 

Lecrae has been a saved man since he was 19 years old. Take a look at his interview on the Breakfast Club and listen to some of his music.

Tye Tribett | He Turned It

This song by Tye Tribett gets me up and out of my seat to dance. This song describes the wonders of God's grace. No matter what you have been through or are going through. God can turn it around for your good. 

Genesis 50:20 - But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

No Ice Water Needed!

Psalm 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

A verse about living water may have been a better choice in my opinion but the poster still gives a good message. Don't you agree.

I saw this picture on my FB timeline. I found it interesting in what it had to say. As many will know the Ice Bucket Challenge was started to raise money and awareness of ALS (MND). The ALS Ice Bucket challenge requires the nominated person to either donate money to the ALS charity or have a bucket of ice cold water dumped all over their head.

Is ALS the right charity to support in the research of cures and cares for Motor Neurone Disease as it is known here in the UK. Less than 28% of monies raised actually go towards the actual research. You can read more about that here on the ALSA website. The website Infowars shares some tips on prevention as well what has been discovered to be triggers for this disease such as pesticides and statin drugs used to reduce cholesterol.

One thing I will say is that people power is still alive and well. Social media is making it easier to raise awareness of certain causes. So well done in raising funds and awareness. I have heard of MND before so it is not an unknown disease to me and many.

There are some charities I do support when I am able. However going forward I will make an extra effort to ensure the charities who get my monies have similar ethics and morals as myself. If you are in the UK you can further help your chosen charity by adding gift aid to your donation. Gift aid allows the charity to claim back the tax of the money you donated. You must be a UK tax payer for this option to work though.

I end with this charitable verse from the Holy Bible;

Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

To read more on what the Bible says about Charity please have a look at this article by 
Got Questions.

Holy Ghost | Movie

Film maker Darren Wilson has set out to create a film that takes him around the world, whose lead is taken from the Holy Spirit. There will be a free worldwide premiere on 6th September 2014 and can be accessed here. You can also take a look at their Facebook Page which has regular updates and inspirational.

No Bibles in Travelodge Rooms

Travelodge which has a portfolio of 500 hotels has decided to remove all Bibles from every single room. They say that Bibles will be available at reception for those who request it. This move has been noted as a measure to ensure non-Christians are not discriminated against. Other national hotel chains still keep Bibles in rooms. Many of which are provided to them for free by the The Gideon Society. 

I still have my Gideons Bible I got from school many years ago. I think travelodge has a right to keep whatever they choose in their hotel rooms, however their reasoning is flawed. They should just simply say they do not wish to stock Bibles anymore. All this stuff about discriminating against non-Christians is why in the UK today a tradition such as Christmas lights and the Nativity is being axed under the guise of diversity and multicultural inclusivity by councils and schools. Yet these same people welcome celebrations of other faiths by non-Christians by the same breathe. 

Read more on The Daily Mail

Left Behind | Movie Trailer

Left Behind is a movie based on the book of the same name by Time LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins. The original movie was made in 2000. The 2014 release has been given a complete Hollywood makeover and now stars Nicolas Cage. I have read that the remake does not hold true to the original and that there is a lot of artistic license given. The books and films are based around the coming Tribulation times as described in the Bible. The movie focuses on a time when those who are saved are taken up out of earth as earth continues to fall into chaos and desolation.

So what does the Bible say about the great Tribulation and will there be a Rapture as showcased in the movie Left Behind?

For contextual purposes it is worth reading Daniel 9:20-27 The 70 weeks prohpecy.

In Matthew 24:21-22 it states:

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

The movie and the book seem centred around what some describe as a pre-tribulation rapture. Though in the Bible it explains that when the Son of Man is to return amongst the many signs given such as the red blood moons, earthquakes in divers places etc, the rapture seems to come under the umbrella of signs. So during the tribulation times the saints who are sleeping and those on earth are to be gathered up in the clouds as described in 1 Thessalonans 4:17. Not everyone is to endure the chaos that is to ensue during the end times.

In Matthew 24:37-44 Jesus explains and warns us about the end times and that we must prepare:

37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour[f] your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Revelations 7:9-13 discusses the multitude from the Great Tribulation. Further on in the chapter verses 14 and 15 says:

.....“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.

I do not believe you will get the full context from the movie. As the movie is based on a book whose storyline is based on events from the Bible. I have seen the 2000 movie and it does include many Biblical references including the anti-christ and the two witnesses at the wall. It may just prove a powerful tool and a gateway that allows for discussion with others. I do encourage you to read the BIBLE itself and look up the verses that discuss end time prophecy. Speak to your pastor or Bible study group or someone you know who is a Christian and well versed on this topic. Do your own research too!

I have shared verses to show what the movie is based around. Also to show that the great tribulation which is to come is not a Hollywood scenario but a real life one that will take place and the signs are already in place and already showing. Let us prepare for the King's return.

It Pays To Pray

Source

Mary's Gourmet Diner in Greensboro, North Carolina quietly offered its customers a discount for praying in public. This practice was not advertised it was simply given to those who prayed over their food. Customers only found out when they got their bill. America's civil rights laws however has meant that this practice could not continue even though it was not based on one religion just on the act of praying. An atheist group contacted the diner about this so called infringement. The group is called Freedom from Religion Foundation. I would have thought a group that is about being free from religion would not care about what any religion or religious people are doing.

Regardless the discount and the gesture it offered has been received well by many people across the web. One thing it does remind us, is that we should not be afraid to pray publicly. 

Read more about this story on BBC News Trending Topics.

Miriam Ibrahim and Family out of Sudan

Miriam Ibrahim who was born to a mixed faith household, her mother being a Christian and her Father who abandoned his family, Muslim. She has always declared that she is a Christian and has never been a muslim as she was raised by her mother. She and her family are now finally free. 

They have now arrived in Italy after spending the last month holed up at the American Embassy in Sudan. Prayers have been answered. Let us continue to pray for the family, for their healing, for their continued faith in Christ. 

You can read more by clicking here.

Joy Nicole Loves to Sing

If you are on Facebook or any form of social media you may have come across a young lady called Joy Nicole singing with such an amazing anointed voice gospel songs. The videos are arranged in multi-windows that showcase her skill and talent singing both lead and backing vocals. Her Facebook Page states that though she is not a solo artist, she does sing in her Church Choir and Praise and Worship Team.

Below she is singing one of my favourite gospel songs that was made even more famous in the Color Purple film, "God is trying to tell you something".


Also check out this rendition of "How Excellent" which seems to be quite popular on my FB timeline.



You can follow Joy Nicole on:
Facebook
Twitter

David Banner Asked God For A Vision

David Banner is a rapper, record producer and actor. In an interview with Arise 360 he explains the reason for his change in focus and why he chose to make his current business decsions. He also reflects that having suffered depression he has learned transcendental mediation and prayer which helped him through it all. He acknowledges God for how his life is going.

"I literally prayed one day and I asked God to show me a vision.... it was revealed to me, to stop chasing men and start chasing sound"

Be Who God Wants You To Be

Ephesians 4:1 I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.

Psalm 139:14 I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Who are you? Have you developed an image that is pleasing to others? Do friends try to dictate your very being so that you conform to their will. They too may be followers of Christ, but you must be able to discern the will of God in your life. Yes you can serve other people, but you must be yourself. Your God given self. Pray that God will reveal to you who He wants you to be and for the help to get there. Pray that you will be surrounded by the right people who will help and not tear you down. Most importantly stop conforming to what man wants to see. There is only so much of your life you can airbrush before your spirit starts crying out release, release. release. 

*A Book Giveaway*

I started this blog many years ago. In fact the first entry was in November 2006. I remember debating the title with work colleagues and this was the one. I chose the name Faith and I, as I was at a point in my life wanting to personalise my faith a bit more and also to focus. I have been a regular church attendee from a little girl one who would arrange her own ride to church. It was less of going because you were made to I simply always have loved going to church. My early church days were with my great aunt and seventh day adventist denomination. Though now I go to a Sunday church. I remember as a teenager being teased by boys for my church attendance with taunts of "church girl". Was not bothered as I loved going church and being as active as a member I could be. 

I thought in 2012 after my Baptism I would pick up the pace on this blog. So finally I am re-focused and ready to commit more to this blog. I want to see it reach its full potential and inspire others on their journeys.

As I have finally got over 100 posts and can see how my blogging style has changed I thought why not celebrate with a giveaway for my readers. There will be two winners each receiving one book each. Prizes are:

Prayers That Move Mountains by John Eckhardt (read my review here) 

Anointing: Fall on Me by TD Jakes.

I have read both books and feel they will be a blessing to the winners.

All you have to do is tell me 

(1)What is your favourite post so far on Faithandi.com

(2) What type of posts or topics would you like to see explored on this blog.

Email your responses to letters@faithandi.com 

Any general questions about the giveaway please leave a comment below.

The rules are as follows.

Giveaway Rules:

1. Must be resident in the UK (prizes will only be posted to a UK address)

2. If under 16 must seek parents/guardian permission prior to entry.

3. Tell me what is your favourite post so far?

4. Tell me what type of posts or topics you would like to see on this blog?

5. You must answer at least one of the above questions, failure to do so may void your entry

6. Email responses to Letters@faithandi.com 

7. There will be 2 winners receiving one book only.

8. Prize must be claimed within 48hrs or a new winner will be chosen

9. You will be notified by email and then on this blog that you have won.

10. Competition closes Friday 11 July 2014

Disclaimer: This is a faithandi.com giveaway which has not been sponsored nor affiliated with any third party. 

Meriam Ibrahim Still Needs Prayer

Meriam Ibrahim is a Sudanese Christian woman. She was born to a Christian mother and a Muslim father who abandoned his family while Meriam was still very young. She has been raised Christian and is married to Daniel Wani who is also a fellow Sudanese Christian. 

Sudan and South Sudan are now two separate countries which have also ended up religiously divided. The attacks against Christians in the north has increased and Meriams treatment is not surprising. She has been accused of apostasy and her marriage being deemed void so therefore committing adultery. However the courts have dropped the charges. Yet she is still not being allowed to leave Sudan. Her "brother" who is from her father's side who she does not know from what reports say clearly has a vendetta against her. He is now asking the courts to give him authority over her and prevent her from leaving the country as he now wants to dish out some form of honour for his faith.

This is still an ongoing saga. Meriam was forced to give birth in chains with her son next to her. So please keep Meriam and her family in your prayers. The Bible teaches us that prayer changes things. We pray to a living a God who hears us. So let us continually pray for her. 

Sidenote: Meriams case may have become newsworthy but there are many Christians around the world in both developed and developing nations who are suffering for their faith. We need to be active in praying and being as pro-active as we are able or God leads us to be. 

Penny Blessing

Below is a copy of an entry on my notes on FB dated 28 April 2007:

The other day I was at the checkout and this woman was short by a penny. So I said I will give her the penny so that she would not have to leave any of her shopping behind.
Five minutes later I am on my way to get a ride home heavy laden with shopping bags. Some people are shouting me. This girl says they are calling you so I turn around and this man comes up to me grasping his throat. He tells me he had lost his voice so couldn't yell. He hands me a fiver. My money had dropped out of my pocket and he picked it up and gave it back to me.

Wow!

Just think if I didn't help that lady.Maybe a coincidence maybe not.Maybe God's angels are watching me and you tooStay blessed!!

Just reading it and looking back at that day has given me something to reflect on. It happened seven years ago and I no longer believe it to be a coincidence. I am a strong believer in being a blessing to others. The smallest blessing can make the biggest changes to someone else. I do not know what impact it would have been for that lady if she had to put some of her shopping back. I had no idea whether she was financially sound or just having one of those days. Likewise I know I would have missed that £5. It could have been my fare home that day. To think that man who had lost his voice ran trying to yell to get my attention just to return to me what I had just lost. He didn't have to do it. There is a blessing in being a blessing. Don't you agree? 

Kierra Sheard | Who Are You Following?

Kierra Sheard delivered a very powerful and important message in a sermon called 

"Who Are You Following?"

So who are you following?

Are you following your own wants and your own desires? Are you following what your family and friends encourage you to do? Are you following the purpose that they have for your life or are you following and allowing God to reveal His purpose for your life to you. (Kierra Sheard) 

This sermon is yet more confirmation for me on what God has been telling me and showing me. It is all about Jesus and the plans He has for me and not what others believe that to be. How about you? Are you following Christ  or what others say instead. Enter into a relationship with Him so that opinions do not stir you off the course God has for you. Also be prepared to deny yourself and put God first. Read your Bible and pray without ceasing.

A Sprinkle of Jesus

I happen to come across a lovely young lady on Instagram called Dana Chanel. One of the people I follow re-grammed her videos and I was like wow. She is full of inspiration and thought why not follow her. Her website is called Sprinkle of Jesus where she inspires and shares videos. The website states that it inspires todays generation. Most of the videos are very brief about 15 seconds but are full of the word of God. I hope to see longer videos even if just on her Youtube channel.  She is also active in helping people start Christ based businesses. At just 20years old she is doing well in spreading the gospel of Christ. 

You can find her:
Website

Instagram

Twitter

Youtube

s an online ministry like no other. We're children of God, glorifying his name, recognizing the part of us that can not be change or destroyed. We sprinkle one another with the knowledge of our faith,  in hopes to awaken the holy spirit and encourage our brothers and sisters to make that life changing decision to create a relationship with Jesus

s an online ministry like no other. We're children of God, glorifying his name, recognizing the part of us that can not be change or destroyed. We sprinkle one another with the knowledge of our faith,  in hopes to awaken the holy spirit and encourage our brothers and sisters to make that life changing decision to create a relationship with Jesuss an online ministry like no other. We're children of God, glorifying his name, recognizing the part of us that can not be change or destroyed. We sprinkle one another with the knowledge of our faith,  in hopes to awaken the holy spirit and encourage our brothers and sisters to make that life changing decision to create a relationship with Jesus

Michelle Williams | Say Yes Official Video

The wait is over for what seems like a very long yet anticipated music video by a gospel artist. Many non gospel fans will be tuning into this song and watching the video as it features her former Destiny Child's bandmates Kelly Rowland and Beyonce. The video is just as lively and vibrant as the song.

Is this what Gospel Afrobeats sound like. I definitely need to speak to some folk at church and get some music if that is the case. I love the crowd scenes with the waving of flags which adds a Caribbean vibe to the mix. The African and African Diaspora culture mix is clearly displayed in this video. My favourite part of the video is when the girls are dressed in white and they are glowing. It is like angels singing praises to the Most High God.

In the behind the scenes clips they talk about how inspiring and infectious the song is and that the world needs to hear this. I agree. There is power in the name of Jesus!

The behind the scenes video is below.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. To all the Uncles Granddads and Men who have been and continue to be a father figure in the life of others today and always. May God bless you!

Psalm 103:13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. (ESV)

Psalm 68:5 A Father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. (NKJV)

Michelle Williams | Say Yes

Michelle Williams new single Say Yes was leaked before the official release. Many fans of her former group Destiny's Child were hyperventilating at the prospect of the girls (Michelle, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland) being reunited on a track and in a video together. I noticed that many so called DC fans and those who are not Christian or believe in Jesus felt the need to express their dismay at the songs topic. Imagine being upset that a gospel artist is singing a traditional song about Jesus.

With that all being said. Michelle Williams explained that Say Yes is a traditional Nigerian gospel song. The producer of the song Harmony Samuels who is also Nigerian suggested the song to her.

@comfortzone_se @SoFrolushes The producer of the song @HarmonySamuels is Nigerian and insisted that I do the song and it has blessed me!
— Michelle Williams (@RealMichelleW) May 23, 2014

Michelle has released a lyric video  to coincide with the songs release, whilst we eagerly await the official video.  You can find the song in its original traditional style on youtube. Michelle and co have definitely kept the original feel of the song. I can definitely see this song being sung during Praise and Worship at many churches outside of Nigeria now. It is such an infectious and uplifting song. You just cannot help singing along to it. It is doing very well on the Billboard Gospel charts. Could this be the be the new Jesus anthem sung not only in churches but in the clubs too. It has been a long time since Jesus Walks by Kanye West had crowds going crazy. With Say Yes however it is a song rooted in the gospel of Christ and I expect great things for it the blessings it brings to those who listen to it.

It is such an affirmation to sing. When Jesus says yes nobody can say no! 

Check out the lyric video below. 

William McDowell | 7 Days of Withholding Nothing

Starting today 9 June until the 15th June 2014 William McDowell will allow you watch his DVD Withholding nothing for free over those 7 Days. The event is called 7 Days of Withholding Nothing. You can watch it here WithholdingNothingFilm.com. You can also purchase the DVD should you choose too. However the dvd only appears in the USA iTunes store and not in the UK one. So if you are in the UK now is a good time to take some time out to watch it while you can. 

Donnie McClurkin | Victorious

We are victorious

We are victorious

Nothing can conquer us

We are victorious

When we read our Bibles and listen to the testimony of fellow saints we are often reminded of the victory we have been awarded through Christ Jesus our Lord. This song just captures that spirit of victory so nicely. No matter what you are going through in life, just know that you can make it you can survive you can claim the victory as Jesus has already claimed that victory for you.

Stay Blessed x

Sista Sasha from Dancehall to Reggae Gospel

Sasha was an up and coming singer in the Dancehall Reggae scene. She sang songs with top artists such as Sean Paul. She also had her own hit songs such as Dat Sexy Body. It had appeared she left the music scene as soon as the years passed by no one heard of any new music by Sasha. To my delight I came across the interview in the Jamaica Observer of Sasha who now goes by the name Sista Sasha. She has left the dancehall scene behind to sing gospel music. In the article;

She admits it was not easy walking away from the dancehall scene, but adds there are no regrets. 

"Every Christian should have a spiritual ladder in their walk in Christ and step above the desires of the flesh," she reasoned. "God alone must be on our minds and out of that love and everything else will position itself."(source)

You can buy her new album Breaking Free on iTunes now.
An past interview with the Jamaica Star can be read here
In the meantime take a look at some of her songs which also feature on the album.

"Chosen" is said to be the lead single off the new album

Designer Clothes for Women Clergy

The Telegraphs Facebook page has the House of Ilona Clergy Collection as a one of the 6th May 2014 Photo of the day. The collection features peplum tops and dresses with slightly cinched in waists. The clothes look really tastefully done. 

Check out the collection on their website.

Hezekiah Walker on Arsenio

Having garnered new fame from the news story of the little boy Willie Myrick's kidnapping. He was kidnapped from outside his home and sang Every Praise continuously till he was released. Hezekiah Walker was invited to sing his song on the Arsenio Hall show and discuss his music alongside Myrick.

Passover | Jesus Has Risen

Jesus was slain on the cross and His blood shed for our iniquities. Death could not hold him. For He died and rose again claiming the victory.

As Christians the Passover has gotten somewhat muddled with Easter. Though in the Bible we are told of the Passover and not of Easter. So let us observe the Passover for what it is and symbolises. When Jesus died on the cross He became the ultimate sacrificial lamb, sent down from heaven to save mankind. So let us all observe the Lord's Passover and not forget why this deserves remembrance and observation. 

You can read about the Passover in the Bible in Exodus 12

You can read more about Jesus' resurrection Luke 24

Joseph Prince | The Real Noah Story

In this video Joseph Prince shares the real Noah story as told in the book of Genesis in the Bible.

At present film lovers and hollywood alike have been watching and discussing the current Bible inspired film Noah starring Russell Crowe. Although inspired by the Bible it has been re-written to tell a different story that strays away from the book in which it was inspired by. Based on the many reviews I have read and watched this film is said to have removed God from the story. Movie goers will not see God's love nor the rainbow at the end. The rainbow is a symbol of God's promise not to flood the whole entire earth again as told in Genesis 9.

And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. (Genesis 9:12-15)

 By all means go ahead and watch the current Noah film. A biblical film is not what you will see. Apparently it is more like Gladiators in the rain. If one day I see it myself I may do a follow up post. If you have seen the film please share your thoughts.

Palm Sunday | Hosanna

Today April 13, 2014 is Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. It starts with Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. He rode into the city on a donkey and the crowds followed many laying their garments and palm branches on the ground before He passed by exclaiming Hosanna!

Read the full story in Matthew 21:1-11

Below are some songs that I love to listen to called Hosanna. The first is by Hillsong Chapel, the second by Kirk Franklin and the third by Israel Houghton. 

PM David Cameron | Easter Message

The UK Prime Minister has delivered a Christian centred Easter message.

"Easter is the most important date in the Christian calendar, and an incredibly special time for people across Britain and around the world. 

He discusses his trip to Jerusalem and how there are many Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith. Also that Britain believes in religious freedom. 

God's Not Dead

Whilst watching the 700 Club I came across this movie called "God's Not Dead". It is currently number 3 in the American film charts just below the re-written Noah movie. The trailer shows a philosophy student proclaiming his faith and why he will not deny God. The professor challenges him to prove it or fail the class. 

If you were faced with the task to prove that God is alive what would you do? How would you prove to people of varying degrees of understanding belief that God is alive? 

Have a look at the movies website which is worth a browse: God's not dead movie website

I am unsure if this will get a UK release at the big screen but even on DVD this will be worth a watch.

Sarah Jakes | Lost and Found

Sarah Jakes is the daughter of the well known Bishop T.D. Jakes. She has developed an amazing ministry in her own right and shares how she overcame her own life's trials. In her webisode Lost and Found episode 1: The Evolution of Grace, she greets the audience by stating that she is not a 

"... minister but in ministry that means I have taken all of the things in my life that I thought would at one point hurt me or harm me keep me from grace and used it to help other people."

Sarah became a mother at the tender age of 14. Still just just in her twenties she has also experienced divorce after a failed marriage. Compounded by the fact that she is a preachers kid who did not feel like she belonged in the Church. Her book Lost and Found is about God's saving grace in her life and being an overcomer. It is available to buy from 1st May 2014 or you can purchase it now as an e-book.

Christian Preacher Awarded £13k in Damages

Christian Preacher John Craven has been awarded £13,000 in compensation for injustices against him. He was effectively arrested for answering a question posed to him by two gay teens with a faith based answer. The police failed to see he did not condemn the teens as he advised God hates sin but loves the sinner. During his 19hours stay in prison he was not given any food or medication despite Mr Craven's current medical condition.

Mr Craven won his damages under the Human Rights Act quoting his entitlement to enjoy the freedom to manifest his religion (Article 9) and freedom of expression, including the freedom to impart information and ideas without interference by a public authority (Article 10). (source)

Read more :

Daily Mail

BBC

There is no doubt we are in the last days and the Bible has forewarned that followers of Christ would face the same persecution as He did. These are signs that the King is coming back soon.

Bible reference:

John 15:18-27

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The Coming Four Blood Moons

It has been a while since I have posted. I hope that 2014 has so far been a blessing to you. As Easter is approaching a very significant sign foretold in the Bible is expected to take place very soon. One of the signs that Jesus shared would be a marker that His return was getting closer, would be that the moon would turn blood red. Nasa has confirmed that this is true too. There is expected to be four blood moons between 2014 and 2015. Watch the video below for more info.

Bible verses for reference:
Acts 2:20
Matthew 24:29
Joel 2:31