Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Dear Sisters in Faith,

As you gather in spirit this beautiful Wednesday,  embrace the strength that your faith in Christ bestows upon you. In a world that often challenges our values and tests our resolve, remember that you are not alone. your journey is shared with the Almighty, who guides and fortifies you.

Reflect on His Word:

Take a moment to reflect on the scripture from Philippians. It reminds you that your capabilities are not limited by your own strength but are amplified by the power of Christ within you.

Embrace Your Role:

You are a daughter of the King, fashioned with purpose and grace. Whether you are a mother, a sister, a friend, or a leader, your influence shapes the world. Stand firm in your convictions and let your light shine.

Pray for Guidance:

In quiet prayer, seek the Lord's wisdom. Ask Him to direct your path and to use your talents for His glory. Pray for the courage to face challenges with a heart full of faith.

Act with Love:

Let your actions be a testament to your faith. Extend kindness, practice patience, and offer forgiveness. In doing so, you become a beacon of His love.

Celebrate Sisterhood:

Today, and every day, celebrate the sisterhood we share in Christ. Reach out to the women in your life, encourage them, and build them up. Together, you are a formidable force of faith.

May this devotional uplift and inspire you. Walk boldly in the assurance that you are cherished, empowered, and never alone.

In His Love,

Prince Malachi

In the face of life's inevitable challenges, it's not uncommon to feel the urge to throw in the towel. However, there's a powerful source of motivation that has been inspiring men for centuries: Christian faith. The message is clear and resonant: Don't Quit!

Christianity offers a wellspring of strength through its teachings, encouraging believers to persevere through tough times with the help of scripture and faith in God's plan. It's about trusting that, even in the darkest of times, there's a guiding light that leads to growth and renewal.

The Bible itself is replete with verses that serve as a reminder of God's unwavering support. For instance, 1 Corinthians 10:13 offers comfort by affirming that no challenge is insurmountable with God's help, and Psalm 31:24 calls on the faithful to be strong and courageous, placing their hope in the Lord.

Moreover, the Christian community provides a network of support, where stories of perseverance and faith are shared. Inspirational videos and motivational speeches often draw upon biblical examples and personal testimonies to reinforce the message that with trust in God, one can overcome any obstacle.

The journey of faith is not promised to be easy, but it is assured to be worthwhile. It's a path marked by trials that test one's spirit, but also by triumphs that uplift it. So, to all the men out there facing hardships, remember the powerful Christian motivation: Don't Quit! Your faith is a testament to your resilience, and with each step, you're not alone. God is with you, every step of the way. Keep pushing forward, keep striving, and let your faith be the armor that shields you in the battle of life.

Eddy Puyol keeps music on mission with Nothing Changed But My Stage Name

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – When a recording artist switches up his public persona and presentation, it's certainly reasonable for fans to inquire about the reason behind the decision. This is especially true for musicians with brands built on their faith.

With his new album, Eddy Puyol, formerly known as Christian rapper Rawsrvnt, wants to assure listeners Nothing Changed But My Stage Name.

It's not the first project since the modified moniker (see 2022's Pronounced Pooh-Yole), but it's still a question posed to Puyol from time to time. The project's title also reminds him to align the purpose of both his life and music.

"Over the years it just felt natural to adapt my performance identity from Rawsrvnt to the name I was given at birth. But best believe I'm still on the same mission to honor God and love people through my art," Puyol said.

This current collection of songs proves to be quite the self-portrait for Puyol. Several, "Like a Cadillac" and "Bang Bang Baby," sample his previous work. Others, such as "Everything I Got," "Good Time," and "You Gotta Vibe," all draw inspiration from various members of his family. Eddy also had a large hand in producing each track with longtime collaborator Chuck Hemann.

"It's quite fulfilling to design and build a work like this," Puyol said. "The name on the album cover might be a bit different than you're used to, but the message in the music will always be the same."

Both the Nothing Changed But My Stage Name album and the visual for the "Like a Cadillac" single (filmed by Will Thomas with Miami's Magic City Classic Car Club) are now available.

Written by: Sketch the Journalist

Track list
1. Trust God
2. Bang Bang Baby
3. Club Five Twelve
4. Like a Cadillac
5. Good Time
6. Everything I Got
7. You Gotta Vibe
8. Blessings

Stream or download at your favorite digital platform.
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/eddypuyol/nothing-changed-but-my-stage-name

Watch "Like a Cadillac" music video

In the journey of life, there are moments that test our strength and shake our foundations. It is in these times that we can turn to our faith for guidance and support. As men, we often feel the pressure to be strong and unyielding, but it's important to remember that true strength comes from within, and often, from a higher power.

Consider the story of David, a young shepherd who faced the giant Goliath not with overwhelming force, but with unwavering faith and a single stone. His victory was not just a triumph of skill, but a testament to the power of belief and trust in God's plan.

So, let us take a moment to reflect on our own giants, the challenges we face in our daily lives. May we find the courage to confront them not with fear, but with the confidence that comes from our faith. Let us pray for wisdom to choose our battles, and for the serenity to accept the things we cannot change.

Remember, you are not alone in your struggles. Lean on your brothers in faith, share your burdens, and find solace in the word of God. For it is written, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

May this devotion serve as a reminder that our greatest ally is the love and grace of God. Stand firm in your faith, and let it be the source of your strength, today and every day. Amen.

"This song, Could've Been, is the most heart felt and honest track I have ever written. It is about how the Lord guided me down a path in life that brought me to where I am right now when I could've been.........."

 

No Chorus
No Fluff
Straight to the heart
A message to feed the soul

*short story on the track*
I was home going through a depressive state when I felt a tug on my heart and emotions of gratefulness come over me. I immediately grabbed the pen and began writing as tears flowed onto the paper.
I was unable to get into the studio that same day but I was in the booth the following day at 12pm.
The main vocals of the track were done on a 1 take as the tears began to once again flow while in the booth.
Every word stated on the track is  truth. I left it all, every drop of emotion, in the recording for everyone to hear in hopes that it will help at least 1 person realize that they too Could’ve Been……..but by the Glory of God, they are not.
We all have a purpose and reason of being here and until we are made known to what that is, only God knows why!

'Show Up' is a song that has us calling out to God for his help and to show up on our behalf as we go through life's troubles and struggles."

Winston Churchill once said, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” 

The problem is, enthusiasm can be hard to come by, especially when yours has taken a beating. Setbacks and disappointments have a way of knocking it down. We start doubting ourselves and lose sight of who we really are. Without confidence, it becomes impossible to try, guaranteeing failure. 

Thankfully, we know one thing for certain: confidence can be reclaimed, as every successful person knows. Read on to discover 7 things successful people know about reclaiming confidence.

They Remind Themselves They Can Do It

Successful people recognize failure is normal. Getting there won’t be without bumps. The important thing when trying to regain confidence is to realize success is still a possibility…or even a probability. This is where you remind yourself of your goal and visualize success all over again.

They Walk Away

There comes a time where a break is the best thing you can give yourself. Confidence wavers when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Doing a hobby you love, or even just taking a walk, or spending time with friends, does a lot toward regaining a positive mindset when you’re feeling frustrated.

They Revisit the Past

Where have you succeeded before? Where have you failed? Everything that’s come before is a teaching moment. What do you know about yourself already from these events? Understanding the “you of yesterday” is where your insights today come from. Confidence comes from using this knowledge well. 

They Forgive

Hating yourself for some mistake you made isn’t going to get you anywhere and only destroys your confidence. Being able to let go and forgive the past is crucial to future success.

They Keep a Handle on What They’re Saying

Self-talk can be particularly destructive to confidence. How do you talk to yourself? Are you patient and understanding, or do you tend toward negativity? Grabbing hold of those mental put-downs will preserve self-confidence. Using more positive statements will build it up.

They Start Over

The only sure way to fail is to do the same thing, in exactly the same way, when you’ve already failed the first time. Rather than force failure onto yourself and eradicate confidence, revamp the strategy. Ask yourself how you can do things differently this time.

They Keep Trying

Persistence pays off. If you fail and stop, you’ll always think of yourself as a failure. It’s the person who gets up and tries again who builds confidence as they go. 

In the end, the only way to reclaim your confidence is to put intentional work into recovering it. By using these tips, you’ll get there. Recognize the process can sometimes be slow, but success truly does still lie within your grasp, even after a setback.

"Good Morning I pray you are well on this lovely Friday. It's House Friday on the Morning Coffee Mix and my brother, Chef Rahsaan, and I will provide two hours of pure house music for your listening pleasure. We hope you thoroughly enjoy our playlist!" 

- DJ I Rock Jesus

The resurrection of Jesus Christ as chronicled in the gospels stands as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering believers a glimpse into the promise of eternal life. At the heart of this event lies a foundational verse from the Gospel of John, chapter 11, verse 25: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die."

This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus. It speaks to the power and authority inherent in Christ, who not only conquered death but also promises life beyond the physical realm for those who place their trust in Him. To fully appreciate the significance of this declaration, one must look into the context in which it was spoken.

In John 11, we find the account of Jesus' encounter with Martha and Mary following the death of their brother, Lazarus. Despite their grief and despair, Jesus arrives with a message of hope and assurance. When Martha expresses her belief in the resurrection at the last day, Jesus responds with a profound revelation of His identity: "I am the resurrection and the life." With these words, He declares Himself as the source and embodiment of life eternal.

The events unfold with breathtaking clarity as Jesus stands before the tomb of Lazarus, commanding him to come forth. In a miraculous display of power, Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, emerges from the grave, bound in burial cloths. This miraculous resurrection serves as a foreshadowing of the greater resurrection yet to come – the resurrection of Jesus Hi

mself.

This is an insert from my new book. Email me at theoraclemag@gmail.com for a copy 

On #MotivationMonday, many of us consider our goals and ambitions. But can ambition coexist with Christian faith? Absolutely!

The Bible urges us to use our gifts and talents for God's glory (Matthew 25:14-30).

Here's how ambition can fuel your faith:

• Set ambitious goals that challenge you to grow spiritually. This could involve diving deeper into scripture, committing to daily prayer, or serving others in a bigger way.
• View your talents and resources as blessings to be stewarded. Whether it's your leadership skills, creativity, or financial resources, use them to honor God.
• Let ambition inspire you to make a positive impact on the world. This could be mentoring younger men, serving in your community, or even pursuing a career that allows you to spread God's message.

Remember, true fulfillment comes from serving God. Let your ambition be guided by your faith, and use your drive to glorify Him in all you do.

"Old Me" talks about us being vulnerable and sharing our personal struggles and us working on being the best version of ourselves, striving not to return to the old person we once were.

Have you ever felt like you had no power over your circumstances? Like everything was going wrong and you couldn't do anything about it? Maybe you've experienced a literal power failure, when the electricity went out and you were left in the dark. Or maybe you've faced a spiritual power failure, when you felt distant from God and His promises. How do you survive these moments of powerlessness?

In this blog post, I want to share with you some insights from the Bible on how to survive a power failure. Whether it's physical or spiritual, there are some keys to receiving God's power and overcoming life's challenges.

🟣 The first key is to acknowledge your need for God. Sometimes we think we can handle everything on our own, but the truth is we can't. We need God's grace, wisdom, strength and guidance. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." When we admit our weakness and dependence on Him, He becomes our source of power.

🟣 The second key is to pray and praise. Prayer is our lifeline to God, and praise is our weapon against the enemy. When we pray, we connect with God and express our needs, desires, fears and hopes. When we praise, we declare God's goodness, faithfulness, sovereignty and love. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we pray and praise, we receive God's peace and power.

🟣 The third key is to trust and obey. Trusting God means believing that He is in control and that He has a good plan for our lives. Obeying God means following His commands and His leading. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." When we trust and obey God, we align ourselves with His will and His ways.

These are some of the keys to surviving a power failure. They are not easy or automatic, but they are possible and rewarding. By acknowledging our need for God, praying and praising Him, trusting and obeying Him, we can experience His power in our lives. We can survive any power failure with His help.

Village KNG, the brainchild of seasoned emcees Pettidee and KnowdaVerbs, announces the upcoming release of their sophomore EP project, "Village KNG: Side B." This musical venture continues to merge the distinct styles of both artists, promising a fresh blend of gritty lyricism and soulful beats.

The inception of Village KNG arose from the shared history between Pettidee and KnowdaVerbs within community, fostered through their collaborations with rap duo GRITS.  "Village KNG: Side A"  marked their official introduction as a cohesive group, uniting their talents and experiences in a musical narrative.

Pettidee reflects, "About a year ago, Verbs and I linked up to reconnect. During the process, we reminisced about the rich creativity that comes from being in the studio with other hip hop heads who follow Jesus. We ended up pulling up some beats and began to catch a vibe with a few of the tracks. We ended up with a handful of songs that ushered in a new sound outside of both of our comfort zones. We felt these are definitely worth sharing with the world."

KnowdaVerbs adds, "Witnessing artists of our generation continue to push boundaries and release music that resonates inspired us. It shows that age should never limit the expression of our gifts."

As Village KNG, the duo aims to make a global impact while staying true to their faith, symbolized by their commitment to serving the “King of Kings.” Their debut project, "We Are Village KNG (Side A)," featured tracks like "Afro Frontier," "Forward Motion," "Harriet Tubman," and "King," produced by the Grammy award winning producer Tone Jonez. This project fuses futuristic sounds with cultural influences, reflecting the artists' deep roots in their faith and  hip hop culture.

Continuing their creative journey, Village KNG announces the forthcoming release of "Village KNG Side B," the follow-up to their debut offering. The project kicks off with the track "Kriss Cross" and will begin releasing in early April, accompanied by a short form documentary that unveils the story and creative process behind Village KNG. The documentary will drop new episodes throughout the Spring and Summer, offering fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the making of the project.

In addition to their upcoming releases, Village KNG is actively booking tour dates for 2024, including performances at festivals and conferences both domestically and internationally. For booking inquiries, please contact events@bookchh.com.

Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate the strength, achievements, and resilience of women around the world. This day serves as a reminder of the progress women have made towards gender equality, while also acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead.

Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to society in every field imaginable. From science and technology to politics and the arts, women have demonstrated their capabilities and broken down barriers. Yet, despite these advancements, gender inequality persists in many areas of the world.

On this day, we take the opportunity to reflect on the struggles women face and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all. We must work together to challenge stereotypes, promote equal opportunities, and empower women to reach their full potential.

Here are some ways we can all contribute to gender equality:

• Educate ourselves and others about gender issues: It is important to understand the root causes of gender inequality and the ways in which it manifests in our societies. By educating ourselves and others, we can raise awareness and challenge harmful stereotypes.
• Support women-led initiatives and organizations: There are many organizations working to advance gender equality. By supporting these organizations, we can contribute to their efforts and make a positive impact.
• Promote equal opportunities in the workplace: Employers should ensure that women have equal access to job opportunities, fair pay, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Speak up against gender-based violence: Gender-based violence is a serious issue that affects women disproportionately. It is important to speak up against all forms of violence and support survivors.
• Be a role model for girls and boys: We can all be role models for girls and boys by demonstrating eqality  and respect in our words and actions.

On this International Women's Day, let us all recommit to creating a world where women are treated with dignity and respect, and where they have equal opportunities to succeed. Together, we can build a better future for all.

Brothers, as Christian men, we're called to be pillars of strength in our families, churches, and communities. But let's be honest, there are days when we feel like anything but giants. We face challenges, doubts, and pressures that can leave us feeling weary.

That's where our faith comes in. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul uses the metaphor of a spiritual armor to remind us that we're not alone in this fight. We have God on our side, and He equips us with everything we need to stand strong.

Here's a breakdown of this armor and how it applies to our lives as Christian men:

• Belt of Truth: Ground yourself in God's word. Let it be the foundation of your decisions and actions.
• Breastplate of Righteousness: Live a life of integrity and purity, reflecting Christ's character.
• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Share the message of hope and peace with those around you.
• Shield of Faith: Trust in God's promises and unwavering love, even in difficult times.
• Helmet of Salvation: Remember the hope of eternal life that awaits us in Christ.
• Sword of the Spirit: Wield the word of God with courage and conviction.

By putting on this armor each day, we step into the strength God provides. We become better husbands, fathers, brothers, and friends. We become the men God created us to be.

Challenge: Spend some quiet time reflecting on a specific area in your life where you need to step up. Pray and ask God for the wisdom and courage to face it. Remember, you are not alone in this fight. You are a brother in arms with Christ by your side.

INTRODUCING MY NEW STREETWEAR BRAND, Y.A.H. APPAREL 

CHECK ME OUT AT yahapparel.net/

Explore the life of Joseph, the carpenter, and his son, Jesus. Along the journey, encounter three practical rules for men to live by.

1. Be a Man of Integrity: Joseph was a righteous man who lived in accordance with God's commands. He exemplified integrity and faithfulness, teaching us the importance of aligning our actions with our values.
2. Embrace Your Role as a Father: Joseph played a pivotal role in Jesus' life, providing guidance, protection, and support. His example reminds men of the crucial responsibility of fatherhood and the need to be present and engaged in their children's lives.
3. Live a Life of Service: Joseph's work as a carpenter was not merely a means of earning a living but also a way of serving others. His dedication to his craft and willingness to use his skills for the benefit of others teach us the importance of living a life of service and contributing to our communities.

Peep the new track by an artist named Delivered called "Why". Let me know what you think in the comments. 

CLICK TO PLAY THE TRACK: Why Master Final