Southern Gospel News SGN Scoops Digital

Kristen Stanton: VICTORY IN THE VALLEY

Written by Staff on February 12, 2019 – 8:24 am -

I Samuel 17:26: “And David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel?  For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

In this passage, between I Samuel 17:4 and I Samuel 17:26 when David spoke these words, the Philistine giant, Goliath, had appeared each day for forty days, bestowing a challenge upon Israel to fight him.

In verse 24 we finally see just how Israel responded – “And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.”

Have you ever wondered just how long this stand-off would have lasted had David not appeared on the scene?  

Have you stopped to ask yourself why there was a stand-off in the first place?

The Philistines faced off against them, equally able to move from their mountaintop to advance towards Israel.

However, they didn’t pursue –they intimidated. Goliath appeared every day to remind them that they would have to face off against him.

Satan doesn’t want to fight you; he wants to scare you!   

If he fights you, he loses because he knows God has gone before you and fights your battles. If he scares you, he wins because he knows you have forgotten in whom to place your trust!

Victory begins with a change in your perception. Your mind is Satan’s battlefield. Remember, if he scares you, he wins.   

Stop looking at the weight you are carrying as a burden that is keeping you from moving forward. Instead, start thinking about it as an opportunity to grow stronger as you press on.

Stop looking at the valley as a place you don’t want to be. Instead, start thinking about it as a place of growth, a place of life, a place of rest.

Don’t forget the beauty of the valley in your hurry to get through it.  

The reality is that the mountaintop is great for looking back at where you’ve come from and to look ahead to where you are going.

David had victory the moment he said, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”   

He did not run in fear but spoke in faith. His mind was prepared, and his perception was that nobody would defeat God!

Goliath was satisfied in scaring Israel because it prevented them from moving forward.   

Satan is satisfied in appearing every day in your life to scare you because that fear prevents you from moving forward in your life to the place God has for you.

Learn from Israel—they cowered in the face of fear and for forty straight days accomplished nothing for God.    

Learn from David–his perception of Goliath was that God would handle him.

Which are you emulating in your own life?  Like David, you too, can find victory in the valley.

By Kristen Stanton

For more Gospel Music news Read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Tags: Christian life, gospel music, Kristen Stanton, sgnscoops, VICTORY IN THE VALLEY
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Kristen Stanton: The Valley Between

Written by Staff on January 31, 2019 – 10:26 am -

I Samuel  17:3 “And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.”

In I Samuel 17 we see a significant battle. There was a physical battlefield, but there was also a spiritual battle.  

The Philistines were gathered together on one mountain and Israel was on another. They were not occupying the same space–there was an entire valley between them. In order for war to engage, either the Philistines had to want to enter the area where Israel was, or Israel had to want to enter the area where the Philistines were and to obliterate them so that they would no longer face that fear.  

We must understand that we are in a spiritual battle every single day. If we are living for Christ, we are constantly being pursued by the enemy. We can stand on our mountain in the refuge that God provides, but sometimes we need to march into battle and destroy the enemy—face that fear and run it from our lives.  

Either way, it requires us to pass through the valley in order to get to the next mountain. And when we pass through the valley, we become vulnerable either to our enemy or to God.  

Where are you today? Are you refusing to move off the mountain because you fear the valley? Are you tired of the battle you are facing in the valley and just want to quit fighting?   

God knows exactly where you are and has already declared you victorious.    

Take that step of faith and face down your fear.

God’s plans are greater than your fear and greater than where you are now.

God is in the valley between.

By Kristen Stanton

Kristen Stanton is a dynamic singer, speaker, and writer. From discussions on Facebook, to live concerts on any stage, Kristen’s main focus is to share her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She says: “I was saved when I was four years old. I’ve been in church my whole life. I went to a Christian college. I don’t have the experiences of walking away from God and how He brought me back. But I do have the experience of how God continuously reveals Himself to me… of how He answers prayer. I want people to understand who God is so that they can be more of a reflection of Him. My goal is to help others see God in a way that meets every need in their life.”
Following a trio of No. 1 songs from her debut project, “Destiny by Design,” Kristen recently  released her second solo project, “Love As Jesus Loves” and is currently writing songs for her new album. Kristen is also an Attorney-at-Law, serving clients in Northwest Ohio.

For more Gospel Music news Read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Tags: Christian life, gospel music, Kristen Stanton
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Selena Day asks, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

Written by Staff on January 25, 2019 – 5:53 am -

Today I have been meditating on the story in Matt. 16 when Jesus asked his disciples, “What are the people saying about me? Who do they believe I am?”  

He then went on to ask them; “But you—who do you say that I am?”

I believe that these are two fundamental questions to remember during our lifelong journey in discovering our purpose and His plan for our lives.  

What are the people around you saying about Him and what is it that you say about Christ?  

Last night I had a conversation with my daughter about rebellion and her teenage years. I had taught my girls that rebellion is rebellion no matter what age you are, and not to buy into the lie that it is just normal for teens to rebel. Yes, they will question, and, yes they will not agree with us. Those years are the beginning of discovering your own voice, but in those times it is important to have conversations with us (their parents) and to remember that until they leave our home, our voice and our rules will trump theirs. It may not be fair, but life isn’t always fair. If life were fair, we wouldn’t have needed a savior.

This conversation started me looking back over my years as a believer and thinking about the ways that I have lived my truth. I have changed in my beliefs, but also (the conversation) reaffirmed how important it has been in my walk with Christ not to put my hope in my understanding, but to put my hope in my savior.  

In this ever-changing world, it is so essential to routinely ask ourselves, “Is what I believe about Christ wrapped up in my traditions and memories from my past victories, or is it in the current, daily relationship I have with him?”   

If you read the whole exchange from Matt. 16, you will see that only Peter was the one who spoke up boldly and said, “You are the anointed one, the Son of the living God!”

Jesus replied; “You are favored and privileged Simeon. For you didn’t discover this on your own, but my Father in heaven has supernaturally revealed it to you. I give you the name Peter, a stone. And this truth of who I am will be the bedrock foundation on which I will build my church — my legislative assembly..”  

We have just finished the Christmas season, and we celebrated Christ as the newborn baby coming into the world, but he isn’t a baby, nor is he a martyr in a grave, he is a living king.  

How you see him effects how you access him. If you look at your savior as a distant King in the sky handing out judgment for the wrongs you do and bestowing kindness on you when are right, you will have begging prayers pleading for him to help you. You will always see yourself as a lowly slave and bitterness will fester within you for those who may have more or who have achieved more than you.

But when you change your paradigm, you will discover that he is the kindest, most generous, most loving being in the universe, a king that has given you all the keys to the kingdom and longs for you to unlock them and access all that he has for you. Then your prayers will become powerful. You will discover you are not a victim in this life no matter what adversity comes to you, but you are more than a conqueror!  

January is a time for beginning again. We begin new diets, we begin new year fasts, we make resolutions…let me challenge you to ask yourselves these two questions as you start a new year and a new journey with God this year.  

What are those around me saying about him?

And who do I say he is?  

God created you to be His message, and His plans are for your good!

By Selena Day

Selena Day is a motivational speaker and is available to speak at your conference or event.  You may contact her at selenaday@me.com http://www.queenliving.org http://facebook.com/queenismsbyselenaday. Photographs courtesy of Selena Day.

Read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Tags: Christian life, Chuck Day, God, Jesus, Selena Day
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Sweet Water: Do you know Him or just know about Him?

Written by Staff on January 22, 2019 – 2:34 pm -

Amy Oxenrider presents Sweet Water: Do you know Him or just know about Him?

Ninevah, a city in the ancient Assyrian Empire, was located in Iraq on the east bank of the Tigris River. The capital of this dominant empire, this city was one of the most prominent of its time. It is estimated that the population ranged between 100,000 to 120,000, not including those roaming in and out on a daily basis for trade/business. The Bible teaches that this city was guilty of bloodshed, full of lies, filled with plunder, and hoarded her spoil.

The infamous city was not always full of sin. Jonah, a profit of God, preached judgment would come upon them unless their hearts repented and they turned from their wicked ways. We find that the city heeded the words of Jonah and repented. However, sometime between the prophet Jonah and Nahum, the people of the city forgot about the God of Jonah and returned to such a sinful place it was compared to Sodom and Gomorrah, and its wickedness was brought before God. They no longer knew him, only knew about him.

Now let’s go back in time approximately sixty-two years. We find a group of three men by the names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, which are probably recognizable names to many. King Nebuchadnezzar had taken the people of Jerusalem to the heart of Babylon and forced them to deny the living God for a god made by the hands of men.

The Bible says Nebuchadnezzar had a statue of gold created ninety feet high and nine feet wide. He then gathered all of his officials and instructed them to spread the word that all will gather and fall to their knees to worship when they hear the music played. If any refused the King’s command, he or she would be thrown into the blazing furnace.

The fiery furnace was most probably built on the side of a hill with an opening in the top and two on each side closer to the base. These side openings allowed one to see the inside of the furnace without getting too close to be harmed. However, on this particular day, the King had the fire heated seven times hotter than normal for the purpose of punishing rebellion.

When the music sounded, all the people that were assembled bowed down and worshipped as commanded, all but three. One must keep in mind that the people of Israel were those that had heard about the great exile from Egypt and the many battles and miracles God had provided for his chosen people. Even after God had told them on multiple occasions to be strong and courageous, they abandoned their commitment to God in the face of adversity.

The three Hebrew men took a stand for their God. They knew the God of the universe and were not ashamed to show their commitment. This infuriated the king. In a fit of rage, he demanded the furnace be heated seven times hotter than normal.

Nebuchadnezzar had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thrown into the blaze. When he looked into the furnace, he saw four men as opposed to the three that he ordered to die. He asked those sitting near, “Didn’t we throw three men into the fire? Why do I see four, and the forth resembles the son of a God?” For those familiar with this Biblical truth, we know that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked out of the fiery furnace without any harm and they didn’t even have a scent of smoke on their clothing.

The difference between Nahum, Jonah, and the three Hebrew boys, when compared to the people of Nineveh and Nebuchadnezzar, is they knew God instead of only knowing about him. Can you imagine what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thought of the rest of the Israelites when they all immediately bowed when the music sounded? These three young men were wise and respected and were appointed as officials in the Babylonian Empire. They were not only respected by their own nation, but by many of the enemy nation that took them into captivity. These men were not only wise in the eyes of humans but apparently knew that true wisdom comes from the fear of God.

As they saw all of the Israelites bow, I wonder if they were looking around in amazement and disgust at their countrymen’s betrayal of the God of their fathers. It appears so many of them had transitioned from a state of knowing him to a state of knowledge about him.

The personal relationship Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had with their Heavenly Father was so true and pure they took a stand. They told the king, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we served is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Although it seems they would be crushed by the governmental authorities, the one who holds all power and authority in Heaven and on earth was near and ready to save his faithful servants, the ones who know him and place all trust and confidence in his sovereignty.

How many of us have heard of Jesus Christ, know the miracles he performed, and know that he was raised from the dead? How many have heard that he has healed and saved people from sickness and tragedy?

How many KNOW Jesus and walk with him daily? How many depend on him for all things in their lives. How many pray to him daily and read his word to gain wisdom and fuel for our everyday walk? How many are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

So, the question to ask yourself is do you know about him, or do you personally KNOW him?

By Amy Oxenrider

 

Tags: Amy Oxenrider, Bible, Christian, Christian life, God, Jesus
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Merry Christmas from Rob Patz: Is this season of your life preparing you for the next?

Written by Staff on December 24, 2018 – 2:23 pm -

Publisher’s Point for December 2018 by Rob Patz

Greetings everyone and I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas! We are in the month of December here at SGNScoops Magazine and wow, where has the year gone? It has gone by way too fast.

I can’t believe we’re already talking about Christmas and New Year. Of course, as you get older, it goes by faster; or perhaps there is so much more going on in your life that it just seems that way. I don’t know, I haven’t figured that part out yet, but I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas from all of us at SGNScoops magazine. We’re excited about another year of growth and about the events that have taken place throughout 2018.

Speaking of seasons, we are in winter now and of course, the holidays, but life is a lot like that. We as Christians move through many different seasons in our life. So often we don’t look at our experiences; we are always either looking back or looking forward. I want to challenge you today that whatever season you’re in, wherever you’re at right now in your life, that you take the time to enjoy that season.

If you are like a lot of people, when they go through a season that maybe you don’t like –  like perhaps a winter season in your faith – that you have to believe that the future, and your spring, is just around the corner. Try to believe that whatever God is doing in your life, whatever is challenging you right now, that God will move you into the next phase of the next season. We’re not here for forever. You may feel like this season has gone on far too long but you also need to realize that God is just getting ready for the next thing.

Think about this: The shepherds out in the field that saw the star and then saw the angel who said that the Savior was born in a manger.

Now, think about their life. They were sheep-herders, they lived that life, they were out in the field; they probably didn’t think anything about the next season of their life, or about what was ahead for them.

They didn’t realize at that moment that up to this point – I mean think about how cool this was – their life as shepherds led to this point.

They didn’t realize that they were going to go and see the King, that they were going to see the Savior, the King of the Jews.

It is incredible how their lives were prepared. It was like they were in a training for this day. They weren’t at the point of fulfilling what they were going to do but they were in a training moment.

Then a star comes, the angel appears, they are told that the Savior was born and that they have to see the King! Their lives change at that moment. You can read the whole story about what happens to the shepherds but their lives change at that moment forever. If they hadn’t been prepared as shepherds prior to this point, they wouldn’t have there that night, or been able to go to the stable.

I want you challenge you today to think about your life. Right now, this season. It may be a winter season in your spiritual life, or in your physical life, but I want to challenge you today that this moment is preparing you for what the future holds for you. Like the shepherds, I want you to be prepared for the next season, which could come at any moment. I want you to be ready.

A new year is coming for you, a new season is coming. After all, we already are thinking about spring, we’re getting ready for it, preparing for it. I know I am. It’s cold right now and I’m excited about what’s to come. I’m excited about that next season.

We need to be excited, prepared, seeking and doing what God has for each of us in this season of life. One moment completely changed the lives and focus of the shepherds. It can happen just that quickly for you.

Hey, I want to invite you to come and be a part of Southern Gospel Weekend in Oxford, Alabama, on March 21 – 23, 2019. Three great days of gospel music in Alabama. We want you to be there.

Also, make plans to be a part of Creekside 2019, Oct. 27 – 31, for four great days of gospel music in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.. We are going to have a blast and we want you to be there. Email me for details about either of these events, or how the Lord is changing your life, at rob@sgnscoops.com.

 

 

Tags: challenges, Christian life, Christian Music, christmas, gospel music, rob patz, season, sgnscoops
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Inner Views of Eddie and Sherry Richards: Southern Gospel and Simple Living

Written by Staff on December 11, 2018 – 8:58 am -

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

We were recently introduced to the encouraging ministry of the couple who is sharing their Inner Views with us today, and we were so inspired by the way God has rearranged and orchestrated their lives.

I know you will be abundantly blessed by their story and their faith as you read about how He has led them from what is comfortable to a place of deeper trust in Him.

Cheryl Smith: Please tell us about yourselves.

Sherry Richards: Well, where do I start? I grew up in a musical family from Moneta, Virginia (Smith Mountain Lake). My dad was the music director and my mom (was) the children’s choir director. I have an older sister who plays piano and a younger sister who plays anything she wants but is a professional drummer, and I play the piano. My family began traveling and singing when I was eight years old, and I have been in Southern gospel music since then. I met Eddie at a Hinson’s concert in Pulaski, Virginia, in January 1984, where his group was hosting and my mom and I attended with some friends. We married eight months later. After we married, I went from traveling with my family to traveling with him and the group he was with. We have traveled and sung with a few other groups since then, but primarily on the weekend because we all worked full-time jobs.

Eddie grew up in Radford, Virginia. His mother was a saint if there ever was one and his dad, a hard-working man who worked three jobs to care for his family of six children, so their mom wouldn’t have to work outside the home. He began singing early in life also but in the secular field until he was about 28 years old.

We have a son who spent 11 years in the Marine Corps and now works for the Naval Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia. We have three grandchildren.

In January 2017, we stepped out on faith and put our ministry back on the road. While we have been working to build our ministry schedule back, we have worked at various places part-time to supplement the ministry’s income.

Cheryl: When did each one of you, individually, become Christians? What life events led you to the cross?

Sherry: I was saved in a revival at my home church when I was 12 years old. Eddie was also saved as a young man in a service at his home church as well and doesn’t remember what age, but later in life strayed from the church. He will tell you that he didn’t get serious about his walk with the Lord until he was much older. He has always gone to church, not really realizing that his relationship with the Lord was pretty casual until he went through some life-changing experiences that were a real wake-up call.

Cheryl: What are the most significant ways Jesus has changed your lives?

Sherry: I would say, and I think Eddie will agree, that it would have to be learning to trust God and know that He’s got it all, that he has always provided and always will —maybe not in the way we expect or with as much money as we would like, but He will always be there. Now we can’t just live any old way we want and expect God to reward us. God’s word is clear what He expects, and He knows our hearts. As long as we are doing the best we know how to represent Him to the world, He will take care of us.

Cheryl: Can you share something interesting about your relationship?

Sherry: As I said in the first answer, I met Eddie at a concert. I knew the other members of his group, but he was new, so I asked the lady in the group who he was, and she introduced us. He shook my hand and said, “Hi, are you married?” I said, “No.” He said, “Would you like to be?” and I said, “Well, I’m only 17.” He said, “That’s okay.” He called the following week and eight months later, we were married. We’ve been married for 34 years now.

Cheryl: What is the main burden and goal of your heart as you stand before an audience and sing?

Sherry: To show them Jesus, to bring them to salvation if they haven’t done that, to encourage those who have, and to help people see that we need to get beyond the walls of the church to reach people because most won’t come in.

Cheryl: Looking back over your time in ministry, what do you identify as being one of the most difficult seasons you have faced?

Sherry: Probably the most difficult was back a few years ago when we had a group that was seeing a lot of success in gospel music as far as seeing doors open and people saved. We had songs on the (national) chart, and we were about to step out into a full-time commitment, we had been booked that year on three of the largest events in gospel music, etc., and the devil gradually crept in, and in a short time, managed to destroy it all.

I have to say that it was the hardest time we have EVER had, trying to understand why God allowed that to happen. To say we cried for months is an understatement. We have never cried or prayed as much over anything as we did then. It was a devastating time that I hope to never experience again. It is also why we have pretty much stayed a duet

Cheryl: To the reader who is walking through a time of darkness, what would you like to say?

Sherry: Get serious about your walk with the Lord. Trust the Word. Don’t just read it —study it and learn to use it against all that satan tries to bring against you. Get to know it so that you not only have a defense against satan but so that you know without a shadow of a doubt that you can trust God to take care of it. Find a new light and work toward it, and don’t let satan have control over you or your time. If you can do nothing else, just say the name of Jesus over and over because, at the name of Jesus, satan has to flee. I used this for years. Believe me, it works.

Cheryl: How would you describe what it means to fully trust God?

Sherry: Knowing His Word well enough that trusting Him for everything in every situation is just how you roll.

Cheryl: What is the hardest thing He has ever asked you to do, and how did you come to a place of surrender and resignation to His will?

Sherry: That would probably be to stop rescuing our son every time he was in a bind. I guess we came to a place of surrender and resigned to His will when we no longer had the means to rescue him. It was hard then but now that we see how our son has grown into a Christian singer in his own right who can rely on the Lord to stand on his own, it’s been very rewarding.

Cheryl: What are some of your favorite things to do as a couple during your times off?

Sherry: Play a game called Greedy. (Eddie is very competitive.) Cookout with friends and play Corn Hole (Eddie is very competitive.) Ride bikes and go to ballgames. Travel.

Cheryl: If you were counseling a couple who is considering marriage, what would your best advice to them be? What are some of the most beneficial lessons you have learned concerning a long, successful marriage?

Sherry: Put God first, each other second, children third, and careers fourth. Pray together. Go to church together. Save yourselves for marriage. If you are afraid they will leave, they aren’t the one for you. Let them leave. Discuss your goals short-term and long-term. Discuss each of your finances and how you plan to handle them after marriage. Discuss whether or not you want children and if so, how you will discipline them. Have secrets between the two of you and God that no one else is privy to.

Beneficial lessons:

-You won’t always get your way. Marriage is not 50/50. It’s 100% give and 0% take on both sides.

-Marriage is ALWAYS a work in progress, and it takes more than LOVE to make a marriage work.

-TALK TO EACH OTHER, not everyone else, about everything but especially your relationship.

-You start first in doing for your spouse what you want to see them do for you. Then you will see it.

Cheryl: How can we pray for you?

Sherry: Any way you can think of, we’ll take it. Pray for safety and protection on the road for us and our RV. Almost everything we own is in it. Pray for continued good health. Pray for favor with everyone we meet and for doors to open to share our ministry.

Interview by Cheryl Smith. The above is an abridged version. Please visit https://www.homespundevotions.com/2018/05/the-inner-views-of-eddie-and-sherry.html  to read the entire interview with Eddie and Sherry Richards.

Visit the website of Eddie and Sherry Richards HERE.

 

Tags: Christian life, Christian marriage, Eddie and Sherry Richards, marriage, RV, RV Living, southern gospel
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Legal Fight Over ‘Scouts’ Sparks Surge of Interest in Faith-Based, Boys-Only Outdoor Adventure Group

Written by Staff on November 14, 2018 – 4:00 pm -


Tags: Boy Scouts of America, Christian life, Scout, Trail Life
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New SGNScoops writer Amy Oxenrider drinks “Sweet Water”

Written by Staff on September 15, 2018 – 6:59 am -

Mrs. Amy D. Oxenrider is the newest member of the SGNScoops team and we are pleased to present her first devotional article here. A former member of the ‘Riders, Amy continues to sing and has also taken on several speaking engagements. She continues her ministry through writing articles, speaking at revivals, conferences, and one-on-one counseling. The Sweet Water article will be written monthly by Amy, and she will also be conducting live interviews throughout the country, keeping everyone up to date on their favorite artist. Amy, we are pleased to have you as a member of the SGNScoops family.

Sweet Water by Amy Duncan Oxenrider

According To Your Faith

Imagine a woman sitting in her home day after day wishing she could be normal. An illness prevents her from engaging with her peers and family because she is considered unclean. She has no control. She has spent all of her money on herbs and rituals in hopes of being healed so she could be normal.

She sits thinking to herself, “What do I have now? I’m still sick and have no money for medicine. I am bound to my home, away from friends and family. How long will I have to suffer? How long will I be isolated form society?”

As she sits feeling hopeless, she hears through her small window the crowd becoming excited. She walks closer hoping to hear the cause of the commotion.

Then she hears the name “Jesus.”

She remembers what she has heard about this mysterious man they call “Teacher,” “Son of David,” and “Healer.” “Is it true he has so much power,” she says to herself. “Could it be possible that he could actually heal my disease?”

Suddenly, without a second thought, she grabs her cloak, wraps it tightly around her upper body and rushes out the door. She begins to follow the crowd but soon realizes she is not the only one that’s heard Jesus is in town. There are so many people running towards him, will she ever make it before he is out of reach?

She sees him from a distance but can’t seem to get close enough to ask him for help. He begins to walk further away and the crowd is getting thicker. She thinks this is her one and only chance and she is not going to let him get away from her. She pushes, steps over the fallen, presses her way through the crowd but he is still too far ahead of her.

She thinks to herself, “This man has so much power, if I can only touch his cloak, I will be well.”

Again, she becomes more and more determined to make her way to him. Finally, she gets close enough to touch the very edge of his cloak. She falls on the ground and reaches between others to touch the very hem of his garment.

Jesus stops.

He turns and looks to her, asking, “Who touched me?”

She knew he was referring to her. Scared and timid, she quietly says, “It was I.”

Jesus did not have to ask her what was wrong or why she felt the needed to touch him, he already knew. He saw the faith she had in him and loving said, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.”

She was instantly healed. After twelve years of suffering, it all went away once the Healer spoke.

One thing I would like for you to notice: Jesus told the woman that her faith was the reason for her healing. We can pray and pray and pray 24/7, but if we do not have the faith that God is able and willing to answer us when we call on him, our prayers will be in vain.

In the same chapter of Matthew 9, Jesus told two blind men, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” He did not say your mother’s or father’s faith, he said your faith. These blind men believed and were healed. The woman with the blood disease had enough faith in Jesus that she would do anything to get to him. What was her result? Healing. According to her faith, she was healed. Remember, for twelve years this woman was considered untouchable.

Isn’t it amazing that our Savior can change a situation that seems unending in less than a second? Immediately, she was healed. Immediately, our bad situations can change when we touch Jesus, knowing he is able to take care of us.

When we completely submit to his will, giving our future to him and being led by his sweet Holy Spirit, the changes that we will see take place in lives will be amazing.

In times of desperation, don’t worry about the correct way to reach God, just reach him. That’s all that matters.

According to your faith will it be done to you.

God Bless You All

By Amy D. Oxenrider

 

More on Amy Oxenrider:

Amy was raised in a conservative Christian home, being one of two children of Reverend Grant and Shelia Duncan. She and her sister were on the stage singing as soon as they were old enough to hold a microphone. This legacy continues to be passed on through Amy to her three sons. She has recently signed with Green Family Ministry Promotions as a solo artist and will be sharing the love of Christ wherever the doors may open. Amy has also signed with Holland Management Productions (HMP) as a model. Understanding that beauty is not standard, it is Amy’s desire to express to women that we are all created in the image of God and are beautiful in his sight.

 

Read the full SGNScoops August  Magazine Here.
Download the PDF of SGNScoops Magazine HERE

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Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Online HERE

Tags: Amy Oxenrider, Christian life, Devotional, God, Jesus, sgnscoops, Sweet Water
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Unashamed Women’s Conference Gatlinburg, Nov. 9 – 11

Written by Staff on September 7, 2018 – 8:41 am -

Unashamed Women’s Conference to be held at  Gatlinburg, Tennessee on November 9 – 11, 2018

The first annual Unashamed Women’s Conference will be held in the beautiful Smokey Mountains in the heart of God’s country.  The cabins sit upon the mountains overlooking the majestic creation of God’s handiwork. Three days of fellowship, fun, laughter, and spiritual growth await all who attend.  

There will be several speakers, including Amy Oxenrider, Michelle Drummond, Mimi Crabtree, and several others. There will also be several surprise speakers as well as singers, which you do not want to miss. The ladies will enjoy the beautiful, anointed voices of Forever Priceless as they lead us in worship.  The event is sponsored and hosted by The Green Family Ministries. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend. Events will also be scheduled for young girls ages 8-15.

 

Pre-registration is required and limited cabins are available.  The fee for all 3 days is $75. This includes rooms, some meals/snacks, and a t-shirt.  

Call 6014632674  to register. Registration will close on November 5, 2018.

 

Be prepared for several surprises.

Read the full SGNScoops August  Magazine Here.
Download the PDF of SGNScoops Magazine HERE

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Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Online HERE

Tags: Amy Oxenrider, Christian life, Michelle Drummond, Mimi Crabtree, Unashamed Women’s Conference, Women
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Just As I Am with Justin McLeod

Written by Staff on September 1, 2018 – 12:12 pm -

Just As I Am: An Introspective by Justin McLeod

 

The words of a song can be a lot of things: A comfort when one is hurting, or a pick-me-up when one is sad. But even greater is the role that a song can play in the salvation experience.

 

While the bible, the infallible word of God, clearly lays out the path to salvation, many times a song can be heard along the sinner’s path to saving grace. Sometimes serving as the tool to prick the sinner’s heart, sometimes the fertilization of a gospel seed already sown, or the catalyst to the final harvest of a soul won to Christ: the power of a song cannot be underestimated.

 

“Just As I Am” is perhaps the most well-known invitational hymn in the Christian church. Made especially famous in the mid-1900’s as the altar call for many a Billy Graham crusade, this hymn is still sung across the nation and the world on a regular basis even today. An 1835 composition from the pen of Charlotte Elliott, the lyrics of this song are simple, yet incredibly profound.

 

The first verse of the hymn reads:

Just as I am – without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

-O Lamb of God, I come!

 

The hymn begins with an incredible truth and a basic tenant of the Christian faith – to approach our heavenly Father for salvation, we don’t have to put on a facade or dress a certain way, either literally or figuratively. We are to come to him in whatever messy, rotten, downtrodden shape in which we find ourselves.

 

Imagine you are the defendant in a courtroom and the judge asks, “How do you plead?” This is, in essence, the situation in which a sinner finds himself. Yet, instead of answering “guilty,” the blood of Jesus that was shed is your plea bargain; the judge bangs his gavel and cries “innocent – set free!”

 

Not only can we cast appearances aside, but we can offer no defense, no plea. None but the crimson red blood that flowed from the cross.

 

The hymn’s second verse:

Just as I am – and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,

-O Lamb of God, I come!

 

One thing that I personally love about this hymn is that each verse starts off with a reminder that no false appearance, no put-on airs are necessary to meet the Savior. In this verse, the author speaks of the dark blot of sin and its stain on the sinner’s soul. But praise the Lord for waiting not, rushing to the feet of Jesus to claim the sacrifice of that very blood, the blood of Jesus that was shed to cleanse every spot of sin from blackest night to be as white as snow.

 

Just as I am – though toss’d about

With many a conflict, many a doubt,

Fightings and fears within, without,

-O Lamb of God, I come!

 

It can be incredibly difficult at times, especially in the middle of a circumstance or heartache, to turn to Jesus. Though tossed about, in any and every circumstance, the path to him is as simple as ever. Through conflicts, doubts, even deepest, darkest fears, the path to Jesus never changes – it is simply our view of that path that can become skewed.

 

Just as I am – poor, wretched, blind;

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,

-O Lamb of God, I come!

 

Another incredible reminder that any and all are welcome in the Savior’s arms. Regardless of financial status, social standing, or even a physical disability, anyone and everyone can come to Jesus. The new testament’s 10 lepers were considered social outcasts, and yet Jesus not only spoke to them, he healed them. No matter what ailment affects us – whether physical, social, or something other – the answer, the solution, the cure is only found in one place.

 

Just as I am – Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

-O Lamb of God, I come!

 

This is one of the most marvelous lyrics in post-biblical hymn-writing. It takes one simple decision, one belief, one ounce of faith in the Savior and he will receive us, welcome us, pardon us, cleanse us, and relieve us of every one of sin’s stains. He will receive us with no plea, without any line of defense but the blood of Jesus. Welcome us right this moment, without a single, solitary delay. Pardon us of the dark blots of sin. Cleanse us through that very same blood. Relieve us of conflicts and doubts, of fightings and fears, of ailments and wretchedness.

 

And all, simply, because Thy promise I believe.

 

By Justin McLeod

Justin McLeod is a regular writer for SGNScoops Magazine.

Read the full SGNScoops August  Magazine Here.
Download the PDF of SGNScoops Magazine HERE

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Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Online HERE

Tags: altar call, Billy Graham., Christian life, Jesus, Just As I Am, Justin McLeod, salvation
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