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Thanksgiving 2019: What are you thankful for? Day 2

Thanksgiving day is fast approaching and it’s time to stop and think about that for which you are grateful. Some people think that they need not be thankful for the money they have, the food they eat, the clothes on their back, because they work hard for it. I disagree. Every good and perfect gift comes from God, including the job you have, the strength you have to do it, the breath you breathe in every morning, the blood that courses through your body. Let’s remember to be thankful right now for this moment.

Some of our SGNScoops friends have shared what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving Day. Please enjoy these thankful posts as we lead up to Thanksgiving 2019. Can you relate to any of these expressions of thanks?

I am thankful for the Lord saving me at a young age. Thankful I was raised to know the Lord. Thankful for my family and country. Thankful for health and strength to carry out the call of God on my life. Amazing Grace says it all! Blessings — Jan Harbuck

My lovely wife and kids and grandson. A few of many. — Tim Kinchen

We are thankful for our health, family, friends and all the doors God has opened up for our ministry in the past year. We are thankful to live in a country where we can worship the way we choose and share our testimonies with others. — Donna Journey

I am thankful that Jesus went the distance and provided me salvation. I am thankful that God has allowed me to stand on stages and proclaim His Holy Name once again when I thought that He was done with me. I am thankful that my wife Lisa now travels with me and that He has delivered our daughter from an addiction that almost took her life. I am so thankful for our Family, our Church and the Friends that we have. Vonda said it best. It’s the little things that hold my life together. — Greg Sullivan

I’m so grateful that Jesus saved me! He truly knows my name. Hes been my healer, provider, and He brought my marriage back from the brink of divorce; and pulled me from the depths of clinical depression. Everyday, He is my breath, my life! I’m so truly blessed beyond anything I could have imagined! — Cheryl Thompson

As a group we are thankful for improving health, added members, greater exposure to radio and other states as well as a deeper evangelistic approach. God continues to bless and open doors and the year ahead looks so promising! God is good – ALL the time! Bruce Yates

I’m thankful I’m saved. — Steve Black

I’m thankful for Gods amazing grace and mercy! He saved me at age 9 and gave me a desire to live for HIM and to sing HIS praises. I am also so thankful to have had the beautiful opportunity to meet so many of you who share the same passion to sing.
I cherish each memory and connection I had at Creekside. Sadly, some health issues tprevented me to sing a couple of times but I am truly blessed to have had this wonderful experience. I love y’all and hope our paths will cross again soon! — Sherry Whitson

I’m thankful that God has given me another year on this earth. Another year to show Him to others. Another year to spend with my family and friends. I’m thankful to have a Godly, Faithful and Unfaltering man of God as my husband. He could have so easily been taken from me but God allowed us more time. More time to share what God has done in our lives. Thankful for Grace, Forgiveness, Salvation and Love. Thankful God never gave up on me. — Tonja Rose

Thankful for God’s never ending love, His goodness and blessings in my life. Without Him I would be one most miserable. I could never thank Him enough for my cherished family. God is good all the time. — Donnie Stevens

We hope you have enjoyed these expressions of thanks. Stay tuned for more gratitude tomorrow!

Read more Gospel Music News in the latest SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE.

Rob Patz: How long have you been waiting? 

2019 October SGNScoops Publisher’s Point by Rob Patz

“For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:22‬ ‭ASV‬‬

How long have you been waiting? 

I’m sure most of us are familiar with this story in Acts from Sunday School and I’m sure you’ve heard countless sermons about the man who was crippled from birth.

As the story is detailed in Acts chapter 3, we see the crippled man continues to be faithful, waiting for someone to come along and help him. 

I read this as I was getting on a plane headed from Columbus, Mississippi, to Atlanta, Georgia, and I thought about him, a man who struggled from birth with a situation that in the time and era of the Bible, would’ve put him in a very vulnerable position. There are a few parts of the story that I really wonder about: I wonder about the people that helped him each day to get where he needed to go, and I wonder about his faith.

So back to my story for a second. Here I am, on a plane headed from Columbus, Mississippi. We’ve just finished a great event in Vernon Alabama, and I was headed back to Atlanta. The joke is that it takes a village to keep me (Rob) going. That really is the case. I have a fantastic group of people, both on my staff, and in my personal life, who allow me to do exactly what God has called me to do. 

There are some neat things that are happening with the magazine and with my company. As we took off and breached the cloud cover into beautiful sunny skies, I thought about some of those things, some of the opportunities I have prayed for, for 20+ years. I could have become discouraged, I could have given up and moved on, but instead I have done everything I can to hold fast to what God has promised.

Sometimes, in our Christian faith, as doers of the word and workers in his kingdom, we all need a Peter and/or John to come alongside us.  There are times in life we have to be reminded that even though we are strong in the faith, it takes a community, it takes people that are willing to listen to what God has for us and who are willing to lift us up.

Over the last 12 months, I will tell you that I have watched God answer prayers that not only have I prayed about, but close family friends have also prayed about since I was a child. I’m excited to talk about those answers over the next year. As we continue our journey together, look around you for your Peter and John, and your miracle could be today.

Rob Patz. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

Just remember that this may not happen immediately. There must’ve been so many days of discouragement for the crippled man. However, I can only imagine the victory that this man felt when, after his healing, he could share the joy of his healing, not only with his family, but also with those who cared for him for all those years.

I pray that each of us who are in transition, waiting for our answers to prayer to occur, will remember that we need our community, our family and friends who support us. And that each of us will have our own story of victory to share with each other.

Come be with our Creekside family at Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on Oct. 27 – 31. We want to share music, fun, fellowship, and prayer with you. If you enjoy Southern, Country, or Bluegrass gospel music, you need to join us. For more information visit www.gospelmusicconvention.com or write events@sgnscoops.com.

By Rob Patz

First published by SGNScoops Magazine October 2019

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Kristina Cornell: No Other Name — Healing

Kristina Cornell

NO OTHER NAME — Healing

What is the difference?  If you had a favorite item and you could take it and have it repaired, OR, if someone could revitalize, remake the item, using the same structure, what would you choose? 

I have a pair of black leather boots. They are my favorite. They fit me perfectly, they are flattering with everything, and they are 10 years old. I wear them so much that the soles wear to nothing. They are leather so they get a little scratched here and there.

Early on, I would try and fix them myself. However, I decided to take them to a shoemaker. He removes the heel and sole, he conditions the leather, then polishes it. He replaces the sole with a new one.  I have had this process done twice. They look brand new every time he restores them. He actually calls it that. He does not call it a boot-repair, he calls it boot-restoration because he takes them apart and remakes them. 

No Other Name Like Jesus: The Tenth Leper

There is no other name that brings healing, but the name of Jesus. Isaiah prophesied of the Savior, Jehovah. He wrote: Isaiah 53:5 “But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging, we are healed.”  Isaiah was shown by the Father that the Messiah would come to save the world. Last month was the first part of this series, and it was No Other Name – Salvation. This month we are doing No Other Name – Healing.  Jesus came to cleanse us from our sin and save us from an eternal removal from Himself, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. He also came to save us from hurts and pains, from brokenness and sicknesses, from diseases and depressions.  

In the Gospels, the recollection of Jesus life on earth, we have Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  Luke was a physician and offers a different perspective on a lot of what was recorded. This is one of my FAVORITE stories in the Bible, and we find it in Luke 17:11-19.  Verses 11-14 set up the situation:

“11 As He went on His way to Jerusalem, it occurred that Jesus was passing along the border between Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as He was going into one village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance.

13 And they raised up their voices and called, Jesus, Master, take pity and have mercy on us!

14 And when He saw them, He said to them, “Go at once and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cured and made clean.

Oh my goodness, when we get to verse 15, it starts to get good.

15 Then one of them, upon seeing that he was cured, turned back, recognizing and thanking and praising God with a loud voice;

16 And he fell prostrate at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him over and over. And he was a Samaritan.

17 Then Jesus asked, Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the nine?

18 Was there no one found to return and to recognize and give thanks and praise to God except this alien?”

Every single time that I reach verse 17, I get butterflies in my stomach. I cannot imagine being one of the other nine. Jesus was disappointed. I could not imagine disappointing Jesus!  Of course, I also am so emotional and such a words driven person, I thank Jesus when I find an extra piece of gum in my purse. I cannot imagine being cleansed of leprosy and just going on my merry way without saying thank you. 

We really do not have a lot of information on those nine lepers that continued on their way. but we do know that number 10 was a Samaritan. Jesus called him an alien. There was nothing special about him. As a matter of fact, he had a mark against him for being a Samaritan, as they were not a good match with Jewish people. They had a long history of animosity toward each other.

This man was not high society; he was a have-not. He had no etiquette or training; he was a Samaritan and Jewish people called them dogs. Jesus was not affected by his title. Jesus was not affected by his status and by his disease. Jesus was affected by his heart. Jesus proved the greatest love that day. He loved others above all, and He selflessly cleansed these unclean people.

But the tenth leper…

Verse 19 says it all to me: “And He said to him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith (your trust and confidence that spring from your belief in God) has restored you to health.”  All of the lepers were cleansed, BUT the tenth leper was restored.  He was not fixed; he was made new.  

On, the blood of Jesus, that washes white as snow. He poured out His blood for us, for our salvation and for our healing. By His stripes, we are healed. We can claim victory in our lives today because of who He is.

The tenth leper’s faith in healing is not what made him whole. The tenth leper’s faith in Jesus is what made him whole.  

No Other Name — Healing

You do not have to hold on to things in your life.  Let go and let God have His way. When He cleanses you, praise Him; when He delivers you, praise Him; when He heals you, praise Him…

Restoration will come into your life when you trust in Jesus. Trust that He has the best plan for you. If He does not take the sickness away, He will use it for your good and His glory. If you are afflicted at the hand of another, it is not God’s fault, it is their free will.  But God can take anything and “work it together for good, when we love Him and are called according to His purpose.”

Will we face difficult challenges in our lives? Absolutely. Can Jesus still cleanse us from our uncleanliness?  Absolutely.

Just…Please…Don’t miss the next step…

Praise Him even when everyone else leaves, even if you feel like you’re a lesser-than and unworthy. Praise Him when everyone else wants to go tell others what happened instead of giving thanks. Praise Him even when you think He may not listen because you feel that you don’t deserve His grace or mercy.

Kristina Cornell

Jesus hears us. He recognizes us. He restores us.

There is no other Name for healing, but the name of Jesus.

By Kristina Cornell.

Kristina Cornell is a regular contributor to SGNScoops website.

“…I have been delivered so many times by the hand of God that any creativity that I have I only want to give back to Him. I really have nothing else to say, as I have learned that I have nothing of significance to offer of myself. I am just like everyone else, in need of a Savior. I write from my heart, I write devotionals, stories, songs, messages, even starting on a book, and all I have to offer is Jesus and what He has done in my life!” — Kristina Cornell. Visit her website at www.tellthemministries.net.

You can find out more about Kristina on Facebook HERE.

Coastal Media Events Update

Creekside 2019 presented by Coastal MediaCoastal Media and Rob Patz are preparing to bring the Creekside experience to music fans everywhere, with a goal of 12 gospel music conventions in 12 states over two years.

 

“We are in the planning stages already for several events,” Patz explains, “and my team is working hard to bring high quality events to these states.”  

 

Rob Patz of Coastal Media

Here are a few of the upcoming 2020 events that are in the works: 

 

Coastal Media will begin the year at the Southern Gospel Weekend, March 2020, in Oxford, Alabama (call 360-933-0741 or 256-310-7892 for information.) 

 

Next on the calendar will be Mississippi, at the Gospel Music Expo in Tupelo, on April 23 – 25, 2020. Some of the artists appearing include John Penney, New Ground, Southern Image, M.C. Dr. Buck Morton, and Masters Quartet, Day 3, Jessica Horton, and others.

 

Gospel Music Weekend—Michigan is coming to Ann Arbor June 4 – 6, 2020. GMW Michigan will feature some fantastic artists from the Great Lakes Region, such as Gloryway, Justified Quartet, Cami Shrock, as well as some of the Creekside family of artists including the Dodrill Family, Livin Forgivin, Matchless Grace and Kristen Stanton.

 

Other states in these initial event plans include: Indiana, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

 

Patz believes that the strength of gospel music is lies at the grassroots level— the local church, the communities, the regional ministries who are on the frontlines everyday. “We need to strengthen the frontlines. I believe that if we want to grow as an industry, we need to grow the support at the regional level first,” Patz explains.  

 

Artists in the states mentioned, or those in the area who would like to become a part of the concerts, please contact Rob Patz at 360-920-4057. 

 

Other upcoming events are highlighted below:

 

McKay Project and Coastal Media present Vernon Alabama Gospel Music Weekend

Vernon Alabama’s Gospel Music Weekend 2019

Coastal Media works with McKay Project and Vonda Armstrong to present Vernon Alabama’s Gospel Music Weekend on Sept. 6 – 7, 2019, in the City Auditorium of Vernon. Artists include Amy Richardson, Gloryland, the Bibletones, Jessica Horton, Day Three, Hope’s Journey, and more. For more information, please call 662-889-2829, 256-310-7892, or 360-920-4057.

 

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019

Creekside Gospel Music Convention returns to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in five months. Hundreds of people travel every year to the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, for the entire five nights and four days of music, laughter and family, Oct. 27 – 31, 2019. The Creekside Gospel Music Convention offers Bluegrass, Country and Southern gospel afternoon music showcases, evening concerts, and midnight prayer. Some of the great artists already announced for this year are the Hyssongs, Down East Boys, 11th Hour, Gerald Crabb, Eagle’s Wings, Bibletones, Sue Dodge, the Browders, Josh and Ashley Franks, Hope’s Journey, and so many more.

The last Sunday of October sees the start of Creekside as the Kickoff Concert in the evening presents the Chordsmen and the Pine Ridge Boys. The Pine Ridge Boys are joining with Classic Records and Ken and Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today to record Creekside Live! Join them for all the fun on Oct. 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mill Creek Conference Center, 2674 Florence Dr. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 

The Pine Ridge Boys are bringing a bus tour to Creekside through Annabelle’s Adventures. Larry Stewart’s wife, Anne, of Annabelle’s Adventures, is hosting the trip from Oct. 27 – 30; to include the live concert taping, the 2019 Diamond Awards, VIP Seating at Creekside concerts, hotel accommodation and more. For more information, please email anne@pineridgeboys.com or phone 864-473-8535.

On Monday, Oct. 29, the load-in begins for the groups, as well as the first daily showcase. The evening concert hosts the Life Achievement award for one special music industry leader.

Tuesday night is the prestigious 2019 Diamond Award presentations. Special presenters and performances will accompany the awards, all recorded by WATC TV, for future programming. Be sure to vote today on the top five nominees at SGNScoops.com.

Concerts occur day and night during Creekside, as well as special preaching, continuing through Thursday night.

 

Creekside Bluegrass at Pigeon Forge

Creekside Bluegrass

Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. is pleased to welcome special host Les Butler in the presentation of Creekside Bluegrass, Oct. 28 – 31, 2019. The Smoky Mountain Convention Center will set the stage for the instrumental excellence and mountain harmonies of the King James Boys, Chigger Hill Boys and Terri, Golden Valley Crusaders, Bama Blu-Grace, Williamson Branch, Stevens Family Tradition, Family Sowell, and Walking By Faith.

 

The Creekside Bluegrass showcase, Bluegrass Gospel Extravaganza, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Les Butler will also be hosting a nightly Bluegrass Gospel Showcase on the main stage, featuring some of the excellent Bluegrass groups performing at the Extravaganza on Wednesday.

 

Fans who are excited about the Bluegrass showcases, should call 360-933-0741 and mention “Bluegrass Gospel” for special accommodation discounts.

 

Christian Country at the Creek

The inaugural Christian Country at the Creek, will be held on October 30 and 31, 2019, at the Mill Creek Conference Center, 2674 Florence Dr., in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

 

Some of the artists appearing at this event include Sara Lewis, Jessica Horton, Bonita Eileen, Appointed2, Pardoned, Phoebe White, and more.

 

“We are excited to begin this new event running alongside Creekside,” says Patz. “Come hear more than 30 Christian Country artists during two music-packed days of concerts. This is one of the greatest musical styles today. Don’t miss it!”

 

For more information on the Creekside Gospel Music Convention, the 2019 Diamond Awards ceremony, the Kick-Off Concert, Christian Country at the Creek, as well as accommodations and VIP tickets, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741. Make your plans today to attend Creekside Gospel Music Convention, taking place Oct. 27 – Oct. 31, 2019, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For more information or to book your hotel, contact rob@sgnscoops.com or call 360- 933-0741‬.

Read the July SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Amy Oxenrider: ONE MIND

Altar Call at the First Baptist Church, Hammond

Technology is often a blessing or curse. When it’s working correctly, everything is great. However, when it’s not working as we expect, we often become extremely frustrated.

Computers and smartphone allow us to communicate in multiple ways. For instance, some prefer Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Used for business, pleasure, or leisure, these apps have definitely made their mark on society.

One that is becoming more popular each day is Snapchat. I have to admit, I love playing with the filters. Yes, this 42 year old woman enjoys laughing at herself. But one thing I have learned, these apps and devices can be used to help as much as harm. One must be very careful and use wisdom, especially when children are involved.

Picture by JEFF WILHeLM

Thank goodness God provides what we need, even the things we never thing about, such as wisdom. Utilizing the potential of a technological device to spread joy or happiness is something I have learned can be rewarding.

I am part of a group created on Snapchat for my coworkers. We have used this app for fun, to spread needed information, as well as requesting prayer.

One day we received a notification that we had a message on Snapchat. It was a coworker that was asking all of us to stop for a brief moment and pray for her mother. Apparently, there was an unexpected illness that struck and things were not looking good for my friend’s mother.

When Nancy, my coworker, asked us to stop and pray, she did not say I need all of my Baptist sisters and brothers to pray. She simply said I need my brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for my mother.

The affiliation of our church membership meant absolutely nothing.

The connection to our Heavenly Father meant absolutely everything.

1 Corinthians 1:10 states the following: “I appeal to you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

This scripture teaches us that denominations do not mean anything to Christ. Are they wrong? No. We all choose to worship differently. Our worship and praise should come from our heart, and our actions should be directed by the Holy Spirit, not church guidelines.

Amy Oxenrider

When Nancy reached out to her sisters for prayer, she had Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, and Catholics praying to the same God for her mother’s healing. We were in one mind and one accord. We knew there is one name above all others, the name of Jesus.

When we as the body of Christ come together as one church, one people, and one mind, we can accomplish more than we can imagine for the Kingdom of God.

Much Love,
Amy D. Oxenrider

Amy Duncan Oxenrider, the daughter of Grant and Shelia Duncan, is married to Jason Oxenrider and they have three sons, Brady, Weston, and Rylan.  Amy works as a psychometrist for the Mississippi Department of Education. She also writes for Pure Gospel Magazine and is now a member of SGNScoops.  A former member of the Riders, Amy continues to minister through singing and speaking engagements.  She is excited to see what her future holds and longs to uplift the name of Jesus Christ wherever the doors may open.  

For more Gospel Music news, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019

First Day of Southern Gospel Weekend a blast!

Oxford, Ala. (March 22, 2019) – The first day of Southern Gospel Weekend was filled with numerous gospel artists and styles, from the Bluegrass sound of Eagle’s Wings to the Country gospel stylings of Tonja Rose and Jessica Horton. Fans began filling the auditorium at 5:00 p.m. and the excitement grew as the First Responders and Veterans began entering the hall, after a special private reception with the artists.

The Veterans Appreciation event began the evening with the presentation of the flags, followed by keynote speaker Ken Rollins, who honored the Veterans and First Responders for their service. Special music by Mark209 and Matthew Wilson of Eagles Wings.

The musical portion of the evening was very well received, with artists like Mercy Rain, the Williamsons, New Ground and ClearVision Quartet.

After the concert, many went to eat at Hubbard’s Off Main, where the Midnight Prayer portion was led by Tonja Rose.

We hope you enjoy the images we have captured for you.

Please note, for any that are in the Oxford, Ala., area:  All day Saturday there are events in the Civic Center. Most are free admission. Be sure to catch the Diamond Awards Top 10 big reveal.

For more information please call

SGW 2019 Thursday Mid Prayer. Tonja Rose

256-310-7892.

Final day of voting for this round of the Diamond Awards

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (March 8, 2019) – SGNScoops Magazine has announced that the 2019 Diamond Award Nominations will be ending TODAY on the SGNScoops website. Everyone is invited to the website to enter the Nominations area and list their top ten favorite picks for each Diamond Award category. Vote HERE. But the nominations end tonight.

Creekside Gospel Music Convention

SGNScoops, host of the Diamond Awards, is presenting the 2019 Diamond Awards on October 29, 2019 during the 8th Annual Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Many vocal performances and surprise guests will be included in the gala evening. Fans are encouraged to make their plans to attend today.

Rob Patz and Jean Grady discuss the 2019 Diamond Awards.

The Diamond Awards are completely voter-driven, starting with nominations, from which the Top Ten lists are calculated, allowing voters to select their three favorites in each category. That will bring us to the Top Five lists, allowing voters to select their three choices to bring us the winner of the 2019 Diamond Award in each category. Vote HERE

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019

Don’t forget to order your Creekside VIP pass today! There are a limited number of bracelets available, so please contact Rob today at 360.933.0741. This VIP bracelet will grant the wearer preferred seating at each concert including the 2019 Diamond Awards, special gifts and passes to backstage events, all for only $25. If you are interested in purchasing your $25 VIP ticket call Rob at 360 933 0741.

Rob Patz with Diamond Award winner Kenna West

Find out more about the 2019 Diamond awards by visiting the Creekside Gospel Music Convention Facebook page HERE.

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

Editor’s Last Word: You can do it in 2019!

January 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

January 2019 SGNScoops Magazine: Editor’s Last Word

By Lorraine Walker

Happy New Year! As we head into the month of January, I hope that you had a lovely Christmas season and were able to reunite with family, friends and loved ones. For those that had an empty chair this year, our hearts grieve with you. For those that added an extra space, we rejoice. You never know what is ahead for the next 12 months, but one thing is for sure: God does.

God knew what he was doing when he gave the Wisecarvers their talent and the desire to use their gifts for him. What a great example of the many family groups that have begun to really shine in the last few years. If you haven’t had a chance to hear them, you need to seek them out and listen to their music. We were thrilled that Dixie Phillips had time to chat with this family and to share their story in SGNScoops. Congratulations to the Wisecarvers for being our first cover story for 2019!

You will find the thread of family throughout this magazine, as I’m sure you have noted by now. Westward Road, Endless Highway, the Rochesters, and even Charlie Griffin’s feature – an abbreviated version of the history of Southern gospel music – emphasizes the role that family harmony plays in all genres, but especially in gospel music. For many of us are not blood relatives as such, but we are family because we believe in the saving power of the blood of Jesus Christ. One of our lessons, while we are here, is to learn to love each other. I pray that this year, I will find ways to show love, caring, and appreciation for fellow believers. Will you join me?

Lorraine Walker, editor of SGNScoops

As we turn the page to a new month, new year, new calendar, many people make goals and lists of how they will grow or improve in the upcoming weeks. I’d rather pray that the Lord will help me draw closer to him. But I also have to admit that I have a sinking feeling when people mention resolutions. When I look at some of the years gone by, I know that those resolutions have also gone by the wayside. Some have been shelved and others have just stalled. Do you ever feel that way?

May I encourage you, as I am trying to encourage myself now, to find your hope, peace, and joy in the Lord? He tells us that if we believe that he is our source of strength, then he will be what we need to hit that resume button on goals or plans to use everything he has given to us to be able to mature into the person that can serve him with excellence. Whether that means you become healthier in body, mind or spirit, or whether you expand your knowledge of the Lord and his word, or whatever he has given you to do this year – you can do it. The Lord will enable you to do what he has asked you to do. Find out what that is. Let’s grow together in 2019.

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

Kristen Stanton: VICTORY IN THE VALLEY

VICTORY IN THE VALLEY

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.  

Kristen Stanton

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.

Southern Gospel Weekend 2019

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019

Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Here

Rob Patz says Thank You in latest SGNScoops

January 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

2019 January SGNScoops Publisher’s Point

By Rob Patz

Happy New Year! Starting a new season is a great time to reflect on the terrific friends I have who have walked with me for years, those I have met along the way in the last 12 months, and the new ones I look forward to getting to know in 2019.

Many of you I have met through SGNScoops Magazine, Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Christian Country Expo, Southern Gospel Weekend, or Coastal Media. Though we may have begun as work associates, you have become my friends and many of you have become my prayer partners.

Thank you all for your support and prayers over the last year. Through the good times and the bad, you have been there for me, upholding me with your prayers, words of comfort and texts of support.

I know that 2019 is going to be even better as we follow in the Lord’s steps together. Thank you for your friendship.

God bless you in this brand new year.

I want to invite you to come join us at Southern

Rob Patz

Gospel Weekend in Oxford, Alabama, on March 21 – 23, 2019. We will enjoy three great days of gospel music in Alabama. We want you to be there and enjoy worship and fellowship with us!

Also, make plans to be a part of Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019, Oct. 27 – 31, for five incredible nights and four great days of gospel music in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. We are going to have a terrific time 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.

This is the Publisher’s Point for January 2019.
By Rob Patz

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

Southern Gospel Weekend 2019

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019

Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Here