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Toxic People

2010-03-12T20:27:00Z

As you clean out your closets exchanging the bulky sweaters of winter for the short sleeves of spring and summer, clean out your telephone. As you throw out old papers and spring clean through the house, throw out old numbers and clean out email addresses. Toxins are poisonous to your body. Whether from the food we eat, the pollutants we breathe, or the people we let speak over us; toxins kills. They are poisonous to the individual body which infects the overall body of Christ. We become deceased, disabled, and ineffective all because of toxins. When it comes to the people in our lives we tend to surrender our power behaving as though we have no control over whose words, whose actions, whose drama we let into our life and spirit. We do have power. We have choices. We can say when someone is allowed to dump on us and when we don’t. We can, in love, ask someone to only share positive thoughts and words with them. It is time to re-evaluate the time we share with that person who always complains. If you are not assigned to counsel them then pass them to who is. Please know, I am not advising you begin to turn your back on folks. Toxins are specifically designed to destroy. That is their make-up, their focus, and their purpose. There are times when a friend may have a bad day and need your encouragement. That is completely different than the friend who can only complain about your strides forward, never supports, and only tell you to not even try. That is a toxic person you may need a cleansing from. As the seasons change and you are in the cleaning mood, consider cleaning your relationships as well. Get rid of the toxins.

Support Missions Work

2010-01-14T19:23:00Z

Every time I look at the coverage of the earthquake devastation in Haiti my heart drops. I don't just ache at the loss of life or the loss of material possessions or the broken bodies still waiting for enough medical supplies to treat their wounds. I also ache every time a broadcaster says, "to this already devastated country." Yes, Haiti had 80% unemployment before the earthquake. Almost 10% of the population tested HIV positive before the quake. Hunger and poverty was a reality before the quake. There was a degree of loss of life, loss of material possessions, and broken bodies waiting for enough medical supplies to treat their wounds before the earthquake. Before the quake the degree of pain was massive compared to what we consider pain and trials in this country. There are a few called to understand and attempt to meet the needs of those hurting in what we describe as Third World countries. We call them Missionaries. Perhaps you heard that term as the focus was to make sure all American missionaries were accounted for, treated, and returned to the states immediately following the earthquake. Missionaries gather whatever they can through different means to feed, clothe, medically treat, and spread the love and word of Christ to these impoverished communities and countries that don't receive attention and barely receive aid until it is a catastrophe such as we are seeing in Haiti. While we must do what we can to help our Haitian brothers and sisters, please remember to support the missions ministry at your church, in your community, or individual missionaries such as myself and my daughter in their efforts. There are still more that need us to be a blessing. Some live on the other side of the 10 foot concrete wall of the plush island resort you may have vacationed at recently. Support with donations. Help collect KJV bibles. Transfer your bonus frequent flier miles to someone going on a missions trip. Everything helps. Please support missions work throughout the world and throughout the year. To support my efforts feel free to go to the Products page at www.DeniseHill.com and click Donate. I also support and have worked with Glory Unlimited Ministries. Learn about and support them through http://www.gloryunlimitedministries.org/. Thank you and stay blessed.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T19:04:00Z

I know the New Year began midnight January 1st but it just didn't feel like it until it was time to head back to work and school from the holiday break. Well...we are back. Happy New Year!! Perhaps some thing wanted to hold on to last year a little longer. My intellect says, "Why?" Last year was challenging to say the least. Right up until the ball dropped there were financial struggles, loss of loved ones, stress, and health problems. Why linger until January 4th? That is my intellect. My soul says, "convert all the challenges into energy to worship and show intimate appreciation for making it in spite of." As bad as it got, reality is it could have been worse. Never in my life has the protective and providing hand of God been so visible than in 2009. Yes, it could have been worse. Many people, family and friends, assumed it was worse...but to the glory of God it wasn't. 2009 was the best and safest place for me to be. I was in His perfect will. How about you?

What Can My Child Watch?

2009-11-25T20:29:00Z

My daughter is 10 going on 21. She has been raised to have a relationship with God and to hold and display Godly values through her life. As each day passes it becomes harder and harder and even harder to release her to express what she has learned through positive choices without leaving her vulnerable to other doors that are not so positive. Case in point: television. What, oh what, can my daughter watch? Since she was young she has learned about witchcraft and magic and demons and usually comes to me when she stumbles on it in a movie, tv show or even a story book. But things have become both so hidden until she can't distinguish its witchcraft and overt until it seems normal that I hesitate letting her just go watch tv. I find myself checking in with her regularly to see what is on or even if she has caved to the pressure of watching what she knows she shouldn't. And I find its not just a kids thing. I can look up and find myself getting sucked in to Ghost Whisperer or the like. GREAT DAY!!! Disney magic, vampires everywhere, witches and on and on. What to do? The 7th Heavens, Touched by an Angel, and Dawson's Creek shows are gone. Please tell me, what can my daughter watch? Can you identify?

Believe

2009-10-19T09:52:00Z

When we look on a paper and see the positive results of a hospital test, we believe we have whatever disease the tests proclaimed. Should we receive a financial statement from our bank stating we have or do not have a certain amount in our account, we believe that amount of money is available ours. Even if our children say they will do better in school or our spouse says they love us we believe because of their actions. We believe because we see...but that is not faith. The very basis of faith centers on what we can not see but accept as truth. Far too often our humanity takes over and what we see becomes what we believe rather than what we believe given legs and becoming what we see. We become even more challenged when what we see and what we believe do not line up. We know God's promises and His word but we see the hell tearing our lives apart. The instinct is to lean to what we see before we lean toward what we believe. Consider this a reminder that truly hit this messenger first. Remember what you believe. If you are seriously a visual person who needs to see it, then open your word. You will see the instant miracles, the everlasting grace and protection, the many promises, and more that if were performed once, can indeed be performed again for you. Ask enough saints to testify and you will see the present day results. You will see an unemployed person that should have been evicted by now but God has continually provided. If you take the time to look you will see someone leaving a doctor's office who once saw the positive test results themselves but stand completely and unexplainably healed. If you open your eyes and perhaps even look in the mirror, you will see the living testimony of the one who was tore up and whose life was hopeless but while knowing others who lost it, overdosed, and gave up, their mind is still intact, their strength renewed, and their hope restored. Believe again. Remember what you profess to believe under the banner of "Christian" and choose to speak, walk, and live that so others can see and believe too.

The Vacation is Over

2009-09-08T19:08:00Z

I am back. I feel like I have gone everywhere without going anywhere. I feel like I have seen everyone without seeing anyone. I feel completely exhausted while having renewed energy and a "ready to take on the world" spirit. Do you know what I mean. There is something about August. It is that whole "new beginnings" thing I guess. By the time we are on the other side of Labor Day it is just a matter of walking out whatever God has been setting up for you and setting you up for since the beginning of the year...or at least the beginning of the last bit of drama. How has your August been? Do you feel like God is working and soon to give you a big box covered in beautiful wrapping paper just for you to open? Are you focused and ready to press toward your purpose? Let a sista know if I can help. Stay blessed.

The Late Fight for MJ's Soul

2009-07-20T17:14:00Z

Since the passing of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009 everyone has taken stock in their personal connection to him. Those who were fans remembered the music that helped bind them. Those with a heart of a humanitarian admired him for what he so willingly gave to the hurting and impoverished. The artistic honored him for the paths he blazed in video, music, dance, and fashion. Even advocates for our most innocent, our children, weighed in on the injustice they believed his freedom from prosecution meant. With all the banter about how this larger than life figure affected the entire world and forever changed popular culture, the religious community was determined to find their place in the conversation. To say “the religious community” would be an over-statement. The church sought to find their place in the MJ dialogue. Blogs emerged, news items surfaced, and rumors swirled about the salvation of Michael Jackson. Christians wanted to say emphatically “God called him home” and claim the soul of the King of Pop for the King of Kings. In the end, Michael Jackson’s acceptance of Jesus as his Lord and Savior was never confirmed. While it has been public knowledge his mother raised the Jacksons as Jehovah Witnesses, recent facts point to his conversion to Islam. After his acquittal in 2005, Michael himself gave praise to Allah. Whatever was offered publicly by Michael or his family concerning his relationship with God, I am reminded of the numerous times I stood in acceptance of Jesus as my Savior, asking Him to wash me… AGAIN. In the end we know it to be a heart matter that none of us are qualified to judge. My question is why do we, as the body of Christ desire to find an answer? He is gone and no amount of tracts, sermons, or witnessing will save his soul now. Is it that we are interested in securing the world’s top names for the promotion of the kingdom? Do we need a poster child for Christianity to appease our idol desires? Perhaps the extreme energy given towards this late fight for Michael’s soul can be re-directed toward compelling those who may die tomorrow never knowing Christ.

Racial Make-Up of Our Churches

2009-06-30T00:56:00Z

Why is there a disproportionate number of African American churches led by white Pastors compared to white churches led by African American Pastors? Is there a comfort of something African American congregations feel when led by a white Pastor that white congregation do not feel when led by an African American Pastor? Why are there not as many truly multicultural churches that representing a kingdom perspective? What is up with the racial make up of our churches? What are your thoughts and the make-up of your church leadership? Leave your comments.

The Wearer or the Watcher?

2009-06-22T15:32:00Z

As the weather heats up the skirts get shorter and the tops smaller. Most wear tanks and shorts as the temperature rises and not necessarily to draw attention to their body. However, the looks and glares, particularly from within the church, inevitably begin. I will never forget hosting a concert at a church where the female group Virtue was the headliner. These ladies are young and attractive. As performers they work hard to maintain their appearance. To add more to this picture, the concert was for the youth and was in the middle of a very hot summer. The ladies took the stage in colorful tank tops and jeans. There was a brother who made a comment, "How is a brother supposed to stay saved looking at that?" A conversation ensued and seems to continue every time we hit 80 and up degree temps. Does the responsibility lie with the one that has the fleshly desire to look or in the one who wears the tanks and shorts? Whether heat induced, fashion inspired, or attention seeking, who bears the burden? Is it one or the other or does both? Is the action of either person solely representative of the God in them or do other factors play a role? Weigh in.

The Use of Gospel Rap

2009-06-16T00:44:00Z

Many concerts I host I like to hand out CDs of Holy Hip Hop artists with the understanding by that youth that they are getting this music in exchange for one of their parental advisory secular rap CDs. I would like to think that I am not that far removed from young and I remember what I was really seeking when listening to secular music. That same rhythmic desire can be achieved through gospel rap but with words that can change lives rather than destroy them or reinforce negative worldly trends. However, there are many that do not agree with me and solely view gospel rap as rap and just as detrimental to our saved youth as any secular rap could be. What do you think? Should gospel rap be used as a tool to reach our youth or is it just an extension or secular rap?

When to Sit Down

2009-05-18T12:04:00Z

In a previous blog I asked what you would do if you found out something unholy about your favorite gospel artist. Now I am asking what you feel a ministry or Christian business should do if they discovered something unholy about one of their ministers or employees? In an unprecedented move, Cross Movement Records chose to seize promotion and distribution of the new CD by popular gospel rapper The Ambassador because of a "moral failure in his marriage." It is common practice for a minister who has "fallen" to be sat down by their covering. While it is reported that his church has also taken action, this is the first I know of that a record label or business has taken such an action. What do you think? Should we expect a Christian business to take a stand similar to a church? Is there a certain sin that warrants this action over another sin? Is such an action reserved solely for those who perform "public" ministry or should anyone who professes to be a Christian be subject to such discipline if they are caught in unholy behavior? What do you think?

Hurt in the Church

2009-04-20T19:26:00Z

What do you do when you are hurt in the church? Take the time to offer some real advice here. We know the church is made of people and people, as long as they are in flesh, will have issues. We also know that if one or two folks are mean or hurtful to you, those one or two people do not make up the entire church. But when you are in the midst of the pain none of that matters. When you have been torn down by the world and devastated by people on your job and your home life is a wreck then you go to the church for healing and shelter from the drama, only to find it there too...what do you do? What do you say to that young person that wants to go and wants to believe but they see their missionary mother and deacon father living all kinds of hell at home while showing something different at church? What do you say to them? Please do not over analyze and try to figure out if this is about me. The truth is, at one time or another this has been all of us. But did you ever stop to think what you would say to a person in this situation that would be powerful enough to change their life, change their mind, and return them to the body? What would you say to someone hurt in the church?

106 & Gospel Cancelled

2009-04-06T19:23:00Z

"For real?' That was my reaction when told BET's 106 & Gospel was cancelled. It wasn't surprising as I understand the nature of this industry. But I was pulling for the shows success. Both hosts are cool fam and the show had some good elements to it including the guest choir each week and Tye Tribbett's tidbits. Personally I do not think BET gave it enough time to develop. The least they could have done was try it in a different time slot. I was hoping they would until I begin getting reports from artists that they were not coming to the NY area because their appearance was cancelled. That was a clear sign they must be done with the show. What do you think? Was the show cancelled because of lack of viewers or do you sense there another motive? Why do you think BET has not issued an official statement explaining their programming decision? Does it even matter to you that the show has been cancelled or were you never a fan to begin with? What are your thoughts? Click comment.

Our artists

2009-03-17T17:02:00Z

What is you found your favorite gospel artist was a drug user? What if you found the song that blesses your day was sung by a frequent fornicator? What if the artist you believe was the most anointed was fact never read their word, never prayed, and barely believed what they sang? Would you still listen? Would you continue to support their music? If not what would you need to hear or see from them to begin supporting them or being encouraged by their music again?

New Season Sunday Best

2009-03-09T18:42:00Z

What did you think about the premier of this years season of Sunday Best? I thought they should have let the sister from Chicago who stuttered through not just because of her testimony but she sang well. There were a few who were okay that they let through and others who had no business auditioning. We set up a lot of folks in churches throughout the country by encouraging them to pursue a professional singing career simply because they lead a song on Sunday. I was really turned off by the end credit footage. What started as a nice rendition of Clay Evan's "I've Got a Testimony" turned into a scream and sing all over each other fest. It lost its complete anointing but was interesting to watch during the credits. Next week they hit my stomping ground and Obama's new home, Washington DC. Check it out and leave your comments.

PTL Coming Back?

2009-03-02T16:32:00Z

Let me first say it breaks my heart to see the PTL broadcasts on the auction block. Regardless of "the fall," PTL was a pioneer when it comes to Christian media. That was a lot of work and a lot of ministry. To simply minimize it to just a product for sale really saddens me. Nevertheless, it is happening. So do you feel the PTL broadcasts of the past can be a blessing to a new generation? The classic Billy Graham broadcasts are interesting to watch now and the messages are still strong. That should also be true for PTL, right? Give your testimonies about how PTL blessed you so many years ago.

What's in it for you?

2009-02-16T16:01:00Z

With as many cliques in church now a days as in your typical American high school I began to wonder what you as an individual look for from a church. As you a praise and worshipper looking for some good music? Are you strictly a word person and only the message matters? Do you look for a strong youth ministry or children's church for the kids? What do you look for in a church?

What are we?

2009-02-09T13:19:00Z

Black? African American? People of Color? You know, in writing this I am prompted to ask who is qualified to determine for an entire people what they are to call themselves? Is it a social movement or politically pushed or is it whoever has the floor and ear of the media to push a particular title? I try very hard to identify as a child of God and further the cause of one body that happens to be comprised of many cultures, races, and people. That is just me but what do you think? I understand the argument by those who say we are not Black because we are made of many shades and the argument that says we are not African American because we are not from Africa but American citizens. What do you think? Where do you stand?

Secular Artists Doing Gospel

2009-02-02T12:42:00Z

I am usually open to anyone expressing their relationship with Christ believing that God can use anything and anybody for His purpose. But this last round of secular artists like Michelle Williams and Kelly Price going back to secular kinda took the wind out my sail. At some point we in entertainment have to be responsible for the perceptions we give and the assumptions others can make from them. Both Kelly and Michelle exposed the message of Christ to folks the church couldn't reach. When they went back, what did that tell them about how steadfast you have to be in your relationship with Christ? I have no answer for that and don't expect you to either. I am just concerned. This has been building with a while. There was the Mase (Pastor Mason Betha) situation, Tonex was naked on myspace for a minute, Michelle, Kelly, don't think Heather is staying, Yolanda talking about doing a "love" CD, and on a on. I am just concerned and am praying. I still believe God can use anything and anybody and with that I am not in any position to judge or criticize.....but I am concerned.

Celebration of Gospel

2009-01-26T14:18:00Z

Wow.....what can I say.....ummmmmmm.......wow. It was interesting. Let me first give kudos to BET. They are a major network owned by a major corporation that does not have to give air space to anything non-mainstream, not mention anything religious. They are not obligated. There is certainly a case for the money and the audience being there but at the end of the day it is not a guarantee. Much love to the execs that continue to keep the message of Christ on the air.

I was able to see the Stellar Awards earlier in the day. For those who have yet to see it, you will enjoy it. You could feel the love, fellowship, and anointing through the screen. There was space given for the Spirit to take hold of a song and let some ad libs flow through and some liberties given to artists during their acceptance speeches that are not normally seen in time sensitive presentation like that. I absolutely enjoyed the tribute to Rev. Wright. It was good to see Myrna Summers on stage again and Milton Biggham doing his thing. Kirk Franklin did a great job on that. It was also wonderful seeing Daryl Coley. Considering all his recent health challenges he looked very, very well. Go Pastor. Marvin Sapp shared the love with everyone. He had plenty of opportunities and plenty of wins to do it in.

I just did not get the same feeling from Celebration of Gospel. The family was in the house and there was an energy and celebration going on...but there was also (in my opinion) clear times when whatever flow was moving was halted. One such moment for me was Tina Marie. She did a rendition of I Won't Complain/His Eye is One the Sparrow that just was not connecting. It was a great gathering but if it were a DVD this would be there year I would save my money.

What are your thoughts? Click and comment.