Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

God’s Love Letter to Us and Inspiration From Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans

"Love" by Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans

I love the song above, and how it delves into the meaning of love, and how God loves us. What is love and how does God call us to love? Here are some notes from the Bible about what is more than just a four-letter word:

God shows His love to us all throughout the Bible. The video below called The Father ‘s Love Letter shows us just how much God loves us. It is a love letter from God, created from verses in the Bible, and tells the truth of how much God loves us. I first saw it TBN a few years ago, and a while back when one of my professors had us read a spiritual piece we enjoyed to the class, I shared it with my classmates.

The video was narrated by Roy Lamont and written by Barry Adams. Visit author’s site Fathersloveletter.com for more information.

Prayer: Lord, I love you! Let me learn the true meaning of love and let me bask in Your presence and Love each day. Allow me to focus on You, so You can show me how I am to love others.

The Bible says in Matthew 5:16: “Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

One of the features of DreaminSoul.com will be special “Spotlights” of artists, especially young artists, who are using their talents to glorify God and to motivate people of all ages. These artists aren’t focused on placing the spotlight on themselves, but they use their gifts to shine a light upward to put the focus on God.

As a prelude of the “Spotlights” feature this post is dedicated to the contemporary gospel group 21:03. The group consists of three talented young men, Torrence Greene, Evin Martin, and Jor’el Quinn, who minister to the world through a combination of soulful singing, energetic dance and unique life experiences. The group was brought together by the hit-producing team PAJAM (Paul “pda” Allen, J. Moss, and Walter Kearney), on January 21, 2003, and that date is the inspiration the name 21:03 arose from. Since today is the anniversary of their founding, let’s go down the list of why 21:03 shines:

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21. 21:03TV

The group’s online “reality tv” show is entertaining and inspiring! They take us into their world of rehearsals, photo shoots, and Gospel events, and each episode lets us get to know the guys a little more.

Watch their latest episodes at the 2009 Stellar Awards, that took place on January 17:

20. They Are REALLY Talented – and Anointed!

From delivering velvety and moving harmonies that draw others to God, to getting crowds hype and moving with their high-energy dancing – these guys are really blessed and bless others through their unique ministry. Talent is plenty in the world, but talent and anointing is priceless.

19. “Total Attention” Is Hot!

Every track on 21:03’s sophomore album is unique, memorable, and enjoyable. Featuring a blend of smooth meaningful melodies, and high-energy beats, with an indescribable combination of R&B and hip-hop with a dash of traditional Gospel, these guys are paving a distinctive path in Gospel music. They give an alternative to all the negativity we are bombarded with each day. The album was also listed as one of the Top 10 Albums of 2008 on the Gospel Music Channel. You can listen to clips of the songs below!

It’s the year of change, and in such a time, one thing that should continually be coming from our lips, along with celebration, is prayer – for our nation, for our leaders, especially for President Obama who will be carrying the weight of the nation on his shoulders. I pray that God’s will be done, and that our nation will rise to greater heights in the Inauguration year.

I came across this video tribute on Youtube that was really beautiful. I believe the video was created by the founder of 1800Gospel.com, a Gospel news site. I love the song that is in the video, “Cover Me” sung by 21:03, and featuring Fred Hammond, J. Moss and Smokie Norful. I’m sure it’ll move you as it did me!

(Updated Note: No this isn’t that video of the kid that went viral but the DC Talk one is just as entertaining;).

I remember jammin’ to this song on the radio back in the day when I was only about 5 years old (I thought it was the “bomb” back then but now when I look back at the clothes we want to forget they wore, the hair, the rapping – only in the ’90’s!:)

On a more serious note, God can truly do a “nu thang” in our lives, if we let go of the reigns and let Him show us what He has in mind. This year we can either do the same thing we’ve always been doing, or we can do something bold and fresh; something that others may not understand, but that embodies the unique purpose God placed in us. Are you doing a new thing in your life to match His promises?

Here are some of the lyrics:
dc Talk “Nu Thang”
My God is doin’ a brand nu thang
But, since time began, He remains the same
Faithful, forever to His word
And solid, a cornerstone unstirred
But, look down through the ages and you will find
God doesn’t change, but He knows the time
From harp to piano, and song to rap
Ya know, God’s with us, so we can not lack and so

(chorus)
God is doin’ a nu thang, in our lives so… We’re doin’ a nu thang, through Jesus Christ.
God is doin’ a nu thang, through our music
We’re doin’ a nu thang, so He can use it…

21:03, Spensha Baker, Merche Moore, Crystal Aiken and many other artists were among those that attended the Christian Music Awards.

21:03 has backstage footage of them at the awards show red carpet, which you can view below:

Click Continue Reading to see the winners at the event.
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