Don't Let It Stop You....

Hello to all my faithful readers! I want to take some time to encourage all of you who have a dream and it seems like you are stuck, stagnant, with no real support. I just recorded a DVD/CD with my group Purpose Driven along with my new choir Keys of Life Choir and it was amazing. However, during this process I have learned some simple truths that may help those of you that are striving for perfection and want the approval of people you "think" should have your back.

1. Make sure you hear from God about YOUR ministry.
I have seen and been in situations where people will boost your head and push you up to do things just to sit and watch you fail. Be watchful of these people because they try to get close to you, but they are most times yours greatest hinderance. When you get in trouble you won't be able to find them. Pray about where God is taking your ministry and move when HE says so. You can't go wrong. Even if things get alittle rough.. you still win because you are not driving.

2. Expect to be dissapointed

When I was preparing for this recording I was excited and energized. I just knew certain people would be there to support me! SIKE I'm the type of person that beleives that if you sow into people, you will be sown into. However, it may not come from those same people. Many people that I have helped and supported had a thousand excusses why they could not or may not be able to attend the recording. So you mean to tell me they already knew "two months in advance" that they couldn't make it. YEAH RIGHT! Can I help somebody right now? People will pray with you, encourage you, tell you that God is getting ready to elevate you until....IT REALLY HAPPENS. LOL It's called a "Spirit of Deception." People operate in this everyday. They use words like "Is it really your time?" "Did God really say that?"

Sometimes you will feel like Gideon... trying to use to many when God is trying to give you a few faithful people to get the job done. Listen if there are people around you that always doubt you and NEVER really support you when it counts.... DROP THEM. There you go.... I said it!!!!!!!!!!! They are leaches and will suck the life out of you.

3. The attacks from the enemy will come.

I have been attacked spiritually for the past year. It will come from any and everywhere.. even people close to you. In seasons of transition these things must be. There is an old saying that is very true " you have to have a test to have a testimony." It doesn't feel good, but it's working for your good. Pray, Pray, and Pray. Prayer really does work! As a matter of fact, it is even working when your prayer is over.

4. In all thy getting get understanding
Whatever it is that you have been given to do... STUDY IT. For example, I am a independent gospel artist. In order for me to be succesful I must study the music business as it is constantly changing. I have to learn about marketing, promotions, radio servicing, royalties, BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, BDS, trends, publishing, advertising, along with hundreds of other things. It's more than just grabbing the mic and singing. You can't go to one music workshop and think you have learned the business. It's just like preaching. You have to go home and do your research. Get on the internet, read books, etc. There are two main reason why I am becoming succesful; GOD and knowledge. They go hand in hand. Let me show you. In Proverbs 4:5-7 it says " Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." In all you do you must use wisdom. I have found that to be so true.

5. God has a remnant set aside

Always remember that if you can't find support from those around you God always has some people waiting for your gift. I was just talking to a close friend of mine who works in the medical feild. It is obvious that she is not suppose to be a preacher (LOL) but helping sick people is her ministry. She never thought of her job as being a ministry until I said that and guess what... she help save a 70 year old womans's life the other day. Why? It's her ministry.

At my recording it was such a sweet spirit there and so many new faces. I came to this conclusion... I had been trying to win the approval of the wrong people when God had already set aside people that love what I do and really support me. You have people that are waiting on what you have, but you have to step out on faith and just do it. If it's baking cakes, landscaping, owning a business, writing music, or whatever it is, there are people waiting to experience you and what you have to offer.

Take it from me. Don't let anything or anyone stop you from going forth in what you believe. No matter what it is. In the words of commission "I'm going on in the name of the lord."

God bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Special Thanks

Hello Folks.... I just wanted to take a few moments and thank all the wonderful people that came out to support Purpose Driven, Keys of Life Choir, and myself on last Saturday. It was an awesome experience. There are really no words to describe it. It over exceeded my expectations. God's presence was in the building and it was truly amazing. Thanks to all the volunteers, camera crew, sound engineers, singers, musicians, and you the fans for your support. "I will speak with everyone else in another blog." Pastor B. J. Goodwin, you are an awesome MAN OF GOD. We thank you so much for sticking with us. Pastor Smiley.... we thank you for opening yours doors when we really need you.

Everything was just great and we will keep you all updated on when the DVD/CD will be released.