Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

Here is a three part video interview with rapper Lecrae where he talks about how he grew up in the inner-city, and through tough circumstances discovered that he needed to make some major changes in his life. The interview is part of the Don’t Waste Your Life podcast series, a resource from Pastor John Piper’s Desiring God ministry. Lecrae is real about how his relationship with God has not been easy and the mistakes he’s made in the past:

Israel Houghton is releasing his newest album “The Power of One” on March 24th. This will be his first solo album since 1997, and will feature other artists like Mary Mary and tobyMac. EJ of the Gospel Pundit did a review of the album, which you can check out. I’m excited to experience it for myself!

In this clip Israel Houghton talks about how he and Richardo Sanchez wrote the song “Moving Forward.” (This is one of my favorite songs and I can’t wait to play it over and over on “The Power of One.”):

Visit Israel’s website, www.newbreedmusic.com, to find out more about his new project. You can also follow Israel Houghton on Twitter at http://twitter.com/israelnewbreed for more updates.

In a recent interview with BreatheCast.com, Israel was asked what worship is to him. Here’s what he had to say:

“Well, I’ve heard it defined so many different ways. I tend to always answer it by saying what worship is not and worship is not music and it’s not singing and it’s not lights and words on a screen. Those are all things that sort of help us get into the corporate environment of worship but worship is the position of the heart. It’s a lifestyle. There’s a mother who every morning gets up and worships God by looking after her kids. And she’s not singing and she’s not jumping up and down and clapping but maybe she’s packing a lunch. She’s looking after the miracle that God gave her and that is a life of worship. That is a heart after God.

“And what I say in the corporate expression is… and this is just my definition. But worship is a conversation between friends and if God has called me His friend there’s something about honoring Him. And conversation is an important phrase because a lot of times we commingle “God, you’re great, we love you, we worship you, we lift our hands”, and we leave and we never listen for the response [from God] because God does want to encourage our hearts. God does want to speak to us and sometimes you just need enough of that exhale in the moment to let God do only what He can do. So worship to me is a conversation between friends.”

Quote Source: BreatheCast: “The Power of One: Interview with Israel Houghton.”

Do Not Fear; Hear His Voice, Heed His Holy Spirit…

by Dream in Soul Editor Julene Fleurmond

She tossed and turned all night. She could not sleep. The same thoughts permeated her heart, and her mind was filled with visions.

“Lord,” she prayed. “What does this mean? Is this dream from you? Is this what you really want me to do?”

The answer was soft. Like a message placed in her heart for only her to hear. “I’ve put dreams and hopes in your soul before you were a born, visions you had as a child. Have faith.”

“But Lord, I don’t know if I can do this? What if people don’t understand? What if they-”

“Where is your faith? Who is your master?”

“Lord can’t you fix me first? Make me better, make me worthy, take away my weakness, so that others can be receptive, so that others can be moved, so they can understand. So they won’t reject me – uh, um, I mean You.”

“My child, you must decrease for Me to increase. Have the faith that I can work through you as you are completing the work I have placed in your heart. Have faith that I will put the words in you, that I will be with you as I was with Moses. My power is made strong in your weakness. I give you the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and of power. My grace is sufficient.”

“But God, I am so not cut out for this. No one really does this. Shouldn’t I try to be more like -”

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, for I will be with you wherever you go! You are as I made you, I made you for this purpose. No one has done this because you were made to.”

Silence. She breathed in heavily, her heart pounding with the intensity of His words, His assurance. She was in the pressing place, but the only one pressing was herself, her own lack of abandonment for His ability. His presence was silken, soothing, and slowly she let Him take her guard and give her His. She let her breath out, slowly.

“I’ll try to do it God, though I’m not sure where to start or go.”

“At the beginning. Follow Me, I am the Way.”

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Read More In Context

Season 2 of Sunday Best premiered on BET on March 7th, and we got to see who was in and who was just plain turned down for the first round. Kirk Franklin recently posted a video blog about the first episode. He also talks about artist PJ Morton and gives a deep word about the Book of Daniel (preach preacha’!). Check it out below:

Soul Food Sound Bytes – Kirk talking about not speaking negatively of people who’ve done us wrong:

“Daniel said ‘Even when you put me in the lion’s den I didn’t sin against you’. How many people can say that the people that did us wrong we never said anything… So when we’re going through [the lion’s den] God is even watching how we respond to the people who were even part of us going through… if God is sovereign then all those people are, those people are just pawns… it couldn’t have happened unless God willed it to happen… God has allowed it for His glory.

“Daniel’s commitment now made Daniel’s God big in the land. Could it be that the reason why our God is not big in the land is because people are watching God’s people respond to the lion’s den…”

Whoa. Don’t just take his word for it, read it for yourself.

For me, devotionals are like spices of flavor that add to, but don’t make up, the meal of one’s spiritual learning – the main course being the Bible. I enjoy finding new devotionals that, along with journaling, help me really take the time to focus on God.

One devotional that is truly inspiring and spiritually convicting is “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. I recently picked up this book from the bookstore, and every day’s reading gives something new and probing to think about. The title of book is about giving our best for God’s glory, and though it was written years ago, it is so relevant for people of all ages. I want to share some of my “ah ha”; moments from reading this book later. Thankfully they also have this wonderful resource online for you to read daily, which you can visit it on the RBC Ministries website.

I’m also subscribed to the email devotionals from Streaming Faith, which you can also find on their website. Each devotional is written by a pastor or ministry leader, and they are really practical to everyday living. Many times the themes of the devotionals are inter-woven each day and relate to current happenings in the world. Recently some of the devotionals have been about having quiet time with God and resting on His word. Check them out by clicking here, and be sure to subscribe.

If you have print or online devotional resources that you use, feel free to share them.