The Music ,the Minister and the Ministry

Many gospel singers are known now and many are upcoming and more are yet to start! We should constantly remind ourselves of why we are doing the Music Ministry in the first place so we don't lose focus.  Constant evaluation of myself as a music minister, my ministry and the music I produce or the songs I write is very important. Am I doing it the right way God called me to do it?
 Am I following the blue print God gave me when He called me into this Ministry. I think this is very important so that we as music ministers can fulfill the real purpose of God's calling upon our lives. Have you been called to write songs to encourage, teach ,lead others to praise and worship God through songs, reproof ,win souls, don't loose your focus. Whatever it is you are doing for Him, don't lose your focus and do it well. Our works will be tried by fire!! may God have mercy on us ...Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is
 I Cor 3:13 (KJV)......
their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work (NIV).

The One who gave you the gifts and the calling is watching..... what are you doing with those gifts and callings?

Towards Stardom Concert @ Sugarland Texas

Living your Best Life with Tomika Webb...

Hope Davies Live in Maryland..Date to be announced later

This event will be coming up later, new date will be announced.

Intense Worship Training & Impartation by Ron Kenoly

If you are in Ohio or close by this is an opportunity to be imparted by Dr. Ron Kenoly.

31 Oct - 2 Nov 2013

The Academy of Praise & Worship in Columbus, OH

Additional Sessions added for Sat, Nov 2, 2013 at 10:00AM —

Dieko live in Concert @ Lagos,Nigeria!

Every year International gospel music diva, DIEKO, will stage an event tagged ‘DIEKO LIVE IN CONCERT’ Lagos.
The concert brings together 200 of Nigeria's biggest acts, and is dubbed by the media as the BIGGEST CONNECT CONCERT.
The concert is geared towards using the power of music, arts and creativity to Redeem love as positive values in the achievement of societal growth and progress.
The concert, which will feature performances by A-list artistes, comedians and dance team takes place on Sunday 3rd of November, 2013 at Lagos. Red carpet opens at 4pm and the main event commences at 5pm.

  

Beyond Infinity ( Olori oko ) Album Launch

Infinity's Sophomore Album Launch will be taking place at Lagos this weekend. Be there!!

Dannetta Lynn Rivers -excerpts from W4

The Relevant Music Minister: Busy but Worshiping.

    In my years of music ministry and worship arts, and my more recent experience as an artist in the music industry, there are a few simple; yet profound lessons that God has allowed me to learn. Some of these lessons have been learned by hardship, and others through more positive experiences, and the privilege of being exposed to other people who are not only EXCELLENT at what they do, but they have HEARTS THAT SEARCH AFTER GOD!!

   As I share these basic "points to ponder" please feel free to comment with your experiences and how you've learned/ or are learning these lessons as well. The Holy Spirit is the expert, so we ALL benefit when we share what God is teaching us by His spirit!

"Point to Ponder" #1
How can a musician/artist/church/worship leader remain relevant in an ever changing world and culture?

Let's remember 2 Corinthians 4:7
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."

This is my life scripture as as a woman, a minister, an artist, and most importantly A PERSON!

Often, once God reveals some of His plans for our lives, we begin to add the work to our faith by doing various things to sharpen our skills and learn how to reach not only our individual cultures, but also other cultures. THAT'S A LOT for a human being to figure out how to do!!!

Many times, we begin with good intentions, but end up lost and confused, not knowing where to go next. STICK WITH the CREATOR. Our FIRST priority should be cultivating our relationship with the ONE who gave us the gifts and the desire to use them in the first place.

Let's ask ourselves this:

1. Before stepping out into ministry; how much time do I REALLY spend communing with God and getting his specific instruction?

2. Do I really believe that God can give me an effective plan to win souls for HIM that is relevant to those He has sent me to reach? Or do I think I have all the answers?

In short, my first point is, GOD has the answers to what we need to do to reach HIS people with our gifts, How much time are we REALLY spending seeking His face so that we remain close to his heart and do His work with integrity and POWER?.......

"Point to Ponder" #2

Has my ministry/music career/project/church become and IDOL in my life?..............

I was recently challenged when reading "God's at War" by Kyle Idleman. This book speaks about how we often have idols in our lives that we don't even realize have taken the place of God. Your career/ministry/church can become on Idol in your life!!!

Yes I said it!!

It is SO EASY to lose focus and begin to worship the Work we are doing for God and totally loose track of the GOD we are doing the work for!!!

HOW does this happen!!!??? EASILY! If we all examine our lives we could surely find many examples of how we have neglected our most important relationship because we are SO BUSY. I will be the first to cry out GUILTY!!

The solution:

We must ask God to help us to DISCIPLINE our minds first, and then our behaviors and time management will come into alignment. So today I pray for myself and each one that reads this that we will learn to PAUSE, PRAY, and PLAN properly so that we won't be guilty of doing a whole lot of working that ends up fruitless compared to the harvest that could be reaped when we are properly connected to our SOURCE and aligned with HIS WILL!! We can do this!!!

Take a minute and ask God, what does this mean for me? How can I get my schedule right and spend more time with you?

the third and final "Point to Ponder" is this.......

"Dream with Heaven"

During a recent conversation with a fellow music minister, he reminded me of this simple statement. Dream with Heaven!

God loves His people WAY more than any of us EVER could. HE loved us and He chooses to use us for His glory! He is the one that can give us the strength, the resources, and the organization to carry out our lives in a way that will please HIM. Many of you; like me, are juggling multiple things. And some of you EVEN more because you have families to manage.

GOD KNOWS THIS! This is not to difficult for Him to show us how to navigate through. He DOES NOT intend for us to neglect ourselves, or our families!!

If will will really get step one down, and that's seeking Him daily in an honest, simple, and transparent way; He will SURELY show us how to navigate through even the most difficult schedules, and situations,

See, God doesn't just want our ministries and businesses to "look" goo and polished; He wants them to be pure, focused, and POWERFUL from the inside out!

I could try to give you 10 steps to a powerful ministry on here today, but the reality is; The HOLY SPIRIT IS THE EXPERT for YOUR life. He knows the details of your family dynamic, past experiences, present challenges, brokenness, strengths, weaknesses. You name it HE KNOWS it.

Let's spend time with HIM. He will show us how to be Relevant: meaning effective and powerful for change in this world. And he will show us how to MANAGE our busy lives BY HIS SPIRIT.

My CHALLENGE to ALL OF US:

1. Sometime TODAY; spend a few moments talking with our God SPECIFICALLY about our ministries. Ask HIM the questions that are tugging your heart. Be on the lookout for a powerful answer!

2. Within the next 3 days, spend some time really examining your daily, weekly, monthly routine as it relates to how you schedule and spend your time. I believe God has some life changing and season shifting insight to share with you that will yield GLORIOUS harvest in the days to come, not just for you, but for your loved ones, and your circle of influence.

3. Last; examine your circle of influence. Who has God blessed you to have an impact on RIGHT NOW? These people are an absolute gift to you. And God loves them WAY MORE than you do! Isn't that awesome!? How much more could you be a blessing to them if you were really tuned in.....to Heaven?


You can find my music page on www.facebook.com/officialdlynn or www.dannettalynn.com

 

 

LARA GEORGE DANSAKI (OFFICIAL VIDEO) ENJOY!!!

Dr. Panam Percy Paul ...Oct 20 @ Lagos, Nigeria.

LAGOS CITY ARE YOU READY !!!

Watch out for more information on the tour !

What are your Motives?

We should be careful about the way we do things as believers. God is watching our hearts, He sees every thought before they become actions....When you stand before people leading praise and worship songs, when you  serve in that ministry what is going on in your mind? What are your thoughts? Do you do what you do to show off your voice or skill, dress, shoes , fashion trends, etc ...God is watching. Our motives in doing whatever God has called us to do should remain right and flawless so we don't end up offering strange sacrifices on our altars to God. May God help us all.
"I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve."
 Jeremiah 17:10 (NIV)
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (King James).
What are your motives, what are your intentions.... Search within so you don't loose your reward!

  

Video Clip -Sinach Live Concert @ Houston.

 All things are Possible with You!

Enjoy video Clips from Sinach Live in Houston
http://www.sinach.org/index.php/liveinhouston

Johnny Praise

John Francis Olajide also known as Johny Praise is a dynamic and anointed praise and worship leader. Born in the United States but raised in Ibadan, Nigeria. Connect  via Facebook : John Francis Olajide.

God is raising one of the end time army - ZERA!!

Are you a young music minister in Lagos, this may be one of the opportunities you have been waiting for . ZERA! 

 Zera Mass Choir is a non-denominational international mass choir based in Lagos, Nigeria. Powered and fully endorsed by Midnight Crew Music Ministries and E.M.I., this choir is set to take the world by surprise. With the goal of taking God’s redemption message to the ends of the earth through music, Zera’s target is to be the pride of Africa and an internationally recognized gospel mass choir within 5 years of its creation.   This is an audition in which the successful applicants will be trained and prepared to become seasoned music ministers to be released as seeds  into the world for God's end time agenda. To recreate the atmosphere of praise and worship so God’s presence can continually dwell on earth until the day He chooses to take the saints away. Hence the name Zera, the Hebrew word for seed.

(Why Zera? : The word Zera (2233) is the Hebrew word for seed – used many times in the Old testament for offspring, descendants, posterity, children of moral quality or practitioner(s) of righteousness.(same as the Greek word for seed – Sperma (4690) in the new testament)
For more : http://emi.com.ng/index.php/zera-mass-choir 

    

The Act and Art of Worship 2 - Minister Motara (Excerpts from W4)

Just like this video, we heard them singing something else, and meaning something else and still flowing with the emotions. Like, saying "I EXALT THEE" and meaning "I EXALT ME"

As a worshiper/minister, Worshiping God in Spirit and in truth means that I have to seek out God's heart. I need to know what He is saying, what He wants to do in and through me. I need to be broken so I can deliver His total counsel. I can't continue to live in sin. I can't go contrary to His own guidelines. I need to stay constantly in the place of  His presence. Above all, I need to carry His presence everywhere I go because, Hey, I cant take anyone to somewhere I have never been!

On the other hand, as an ARTIST, or say, "Worship Artist", my priority is to be skillful. I need to apply my skill generously. At the end of each performance, my works must be appreciated. I want to entertain, be my best. I want to flow with the emotions. I want to focus on my package, my brand, everything that just would portray me as beautiful, great, awesome. I want to focus on MY song, NY voice, MY audience, MY pedigree, MY personality, MY market, blah, bluh, blah

I will NEVER underestimate the place of Skill, because of course, God deserves our very best. He is a God of Excellence. He Himself gives us skills, talents , abilities and all that have.

However, we need to be sure to strike the right balance. None of this should ever take the place of worshiping in Spirit and in truth, because by God's standard, that is who a worshiper is. Not the best singer, not the best soloist, not the best soprano, not the best alto or tenor, but the best of the best who would ultimately give Him the best with a broken and contrite heart. The one who would give Him His place, acknowledge Him, glorify HIM and HIM ALONE.

Needless to say is the fact that, as humans, we could easily slip into the art and dwell there, especially when the accolades are pouring in, and be like, oh my God..."Nobody hits them notes like I do". And then, we begin to take His glory. And then we can wake up from the bed of adultery, or steal, or tell lies or not just bother to RELY ON GRACE anymore because, "Once I show, I will scatter the place". Hmmm, that's dangerous.

That's why some worship and there is healing, deliverance, words of prophecy, chains are broken, signs and wonders take place. However, some worship and all we can take a way is, "wow, what a singer/dancer/entertainer and everyone leaves empty.
You know why? God will not share His glory with anyone...not even the best singers. 

Today, I encourage us to be steadfast, continually rely on His Grace at every point in time. Let's strike the right balance, give God His place. Worship Him in Spirit. Worship in Truth.
Trust me, The ANOINTING will always make the difference.

Finally, I love the way The Message translation expresses John 4:23-24. It says "It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”

I guess that says it all. Do not let us get it twisted friends! God is not mocked. You can deceive us with the ART, but God will only acknowledge the true ACT OF WORSHIP.

Connect via Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/motaradiva?fref=ts

The Act and Art of Worship 1- Minister Motara (Excerpts from W4)

Let's define the word ACT. An act, when used as a verb, means to take action; do something, behave in the way specified.

Relating this to worship, I'd say that the true act of worship is worshiping in the specified way. This brings me to the question....what is the specified way?

Our answer is in John 4:24. It says "God is Spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

The true genuine act of worship is one that flows from the Spirit, and that is also done in truth

I can also say that true worship is NOT worship in Flesh and falsehood.

An art is the EXPRESSION or APPLICATION of HUMAN creative SKILL and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

So, I can say that the Art of worship is the application of human creative skills/understanding,/knowledge/ability and imagination to produce "Music/worship/songs to be appreciated primarily for the beauty/emotions/acceptance/fame/popularity and what have you.

So, simplifying both, let's just say that The true ACT of worship is rooted in "SPIRIT and in TRUTH". However, the true art of worship is rooted in human reasoning (flesh), skills, abilities, wanting to be appreciated, wanting to be celebrated, and all of that.

I could also say that the ART of worship is rooted in emotions too. That's why we have so many "EMOTIONS ON DISPLAY" during worship, instead of true brokenness, transformation, connection with the Spirit of God.

Honoring God in Worship- Save the date!!

Sounds of Overflow !

One Audience WORSHIP!

One God One Sound ....October 6!!

Unveiled Worship

   

Unveiled worship is simply a new experience by revelation and understanding that translates you to the next level. You are never the same. Imagine for a moment that Jesus arrived at a Sunday morning service in a visible, human form. What impact would His presence have on your singing, worship, praying, giving, focus, exploits, attentiveness, relationship, seriousness, evangelism, live style and general attitude? Think of Jacob when in his dream, he saw the ladder, angels and the Lord for the first time in Gen.28:12. God even spoke to Him. It was mind blowing. When He woke up, he said “...Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not... in verse 16. He ended up raising an altar unto God early in the morning unsupervised. The mount of transfiguration experience changed Peter's life forever based on what he saw. In Mark 9:3 the bible speaks of our Lord Jesus...And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. In verse 4, there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. How did Peter recognize Moses and Elijah? Men he only heard about from the scribes and the scroll. Amazing! The incarnate word revealed the fullness of Himself as the law and prophet, which is the old covenant of Moses and Elijah were interacting with the new covenant, full of grace and truth. In this apocalypse, the confused and overwhelmed Peter suggested three tabernacles. He didn't know it is just one God the blessed Trinity- the undivided unity in rainbow colors. Whao!

 

A PICTURE OF THE UNVEILED WORSHIP

Isaiah 6 is a classic experience of worship- a great transformation that changed Isaiah's life and ministry especially his status from a minor prophet to a major prophet. His prophetic insight, content and relevance to our redemption is phenomenal. He had prophesied in five chapters before his encounter in chapter 6, which opened up 60 more powerful chapters. What would bible be without ...unto us a child is born and unto us a son is given...? And may many more...Arise, shine for your light has come... The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me...

Isaiah 6:1 begins by “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple”

Under King Uzziah, Judah experienced prosperity second only to Solomon's reign. But there is something greater than prosperity. As for me, my focus is not to survive or even succeed but to be significant in the agenda of God for my generation. My mission and ministry is to “keep God's fame alive forever, and make everyone praise Him for all time to come.”

Although, everybody in the time of King Uzziah including the prophet was distracted from what God actually had in mind, God was determined to reveal His agenda anyway not minding the king's death. God can never crucify His purpose for any man. He will rather crucify man for His purpose. It is noteworthy to know that in the very year that the king died, the prophet saw the Lord.

Just like immediately Lot left Abraham, God appeared to him. I have a strong witness that some people are to leave or die for you to see the Lord. Get ready and watch out!

The prophet had just learned of the death of their earthly king and as he enters the temple his eyes are lifted away suddenly from the earthly situation to eternal realities. He sees God, enthroned in holiness, and the excellence of his glory fills the whole earth. As Isaiah set his focus on God, there he received a visual experience of God's glory, ushered in by the presence of the Seraphim. Isaiah suddenly becomes conscious that he is not able to stand in the presence of this holy God. The response of confession from his heart to the holiness of God was met with the inflow of cleansing and renewing power and the result is a new commission to service. This experience of  Isaiah gives us a pattern for our encounter with God.

A. Revelation (v 1) - God reveals himself to his people.

It is God's prerogative to choose to reveal HIMSELF to anyone He wills at whatever cost. He always wants to get our attention.

 

B. Adoration (v 2) - God's people respond in awe of God's character.

If you truly see Him you can't be the same. There is an instant change of attitude when you become aware of God. The influence of His manifest presence is magical.

 

C. Confession (v 5) - God's people confess their sin before a Holy God.

At the sight of His glory there is fear and trembling...Every darkness disappears, every devil flees, every filthiness purged and every feebleness is strengthened. It is only in His presence we are naked and not ashamed,

 

D. Forgiveness (v 6,7) - God forgives his people their sin.

God particularly deals with sin severely taking away every guilt and sin consciousness to bring us near with boldness to stand as His witness and be used for His glory. Hallelujah!!!

 

E. Proclamation (8a) - God proclaims a message to the cleansed audience “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? God reveals His mind and mandate. His ways and thoughts are never our ways and thoughts. They are heaven and earth apart.

 

F. Dedication (v 8b) - God's people express a desire to be used by God with a humble response “...Then said I, Here am I; send me”

 

G. Commission (v 9a) - God commissions his people to service. “And he said, Go...”

 

How good it is to experience the difference God's presence make in our lives at every point in time. Whenever we miss it, we miss Him and always miss a lot. If you think you are there you are not there yet... All of us are still very far from reach.

Our greatness, promotion, healing, blessing, progress, living and fulfilment are all tied to His presence. In Him we live, move and have our being. Outside of Him, we are broke, battered, confused, lost, helpless, defenseless and ashamed. His PRESENCE is my PULSE!!!

      

                                                       

 Pastor Yomi Ajayi

  Wordpraise International©2013
Connect on Facebook : Yomi Ajayi

Awesome God!

The Awesome God has done it again!! we are in the last quarter of 2013. God has kept us alive and well. Isn't He worthy of praise? Give Him praise for everything He has done for you, you are all that you are today by His grace and remember, He is working everything out together for your good. He created the world in six days, we still have 3 months left in this year and God can do exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or imagine. Keep hope alive!! He has not forgotten you. Praise Him in advance too.
Have a fulfilling month of October.