Posted on Sunday, February 28, 2016

Bible Gateway Launches Banner Ad-Free Experience in Bible Gateway Plus!

Hello World,

I’m always looking for fresh ways to read the Bible, the ultimate wellspring of inspiration and comfort, and I’ve found a new one through Bible Gateway, which is already my favorite online Bible resource! Do you want to read Scripture without distracting banner ads? Do you want an expanded digital Bible study library?

Bible Gateway Plus is a new subscription program that allows members—for a nominal monthly fee following a 30-day free trial—to read, search, and study the Bible with no distractions from banner advertisements. Subscribers also have 24/7 online access from any Web-friendly computer or device to Bible Gateway’s valuable library of bestselling and critically-acclaimed digital Bible study resources that complement the study of any Bible translation.

“We’re excited to launch Bible Gateway Plus as an additional way you can personalize your experience with Bible Gateway, deepen your understanding of Scripture, and support Bible Gateway’s global mission of equipping people to read and understand the Bible wherever they are,” says Rachel Barach, Bible Gateway general manager. “We’re inviting you to try Bible Gateway Plus for the first time by offering a 30-day free trial so you can easily see for yourself how this will enrich your ongoing spiritual development. And at only $3.99 per month following the free trial, we know Bible Gateway Plus will be an easy choice for you to invest in your spiritual growth and biblical understanding.”

Included in the membership subscription are some of the most popular study Bibles in the world, such as:

NIV Study Bible Notes: More than 20,000 study notes from the world’s most popular study Bible, written by the best evangelical scholars and covering archaeology, character insights, personal application, and more.
NIV Once-a-Day Easter Readings: Especially appropriate during Lent, this book features 40 daily readings with NIV Scripture passages, meditations, and prayer prompts examining the Passion narratives in the Gospels. Achieve a greater understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus during this glorious season of the year.
King James Study Bible Notes: A comprehensive collection of digital notes and study material by respected scholars, from archaeology notes to personality profiles to doctrinal annotations.
How to Read the Bible Book by Book: Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be a haphazard journey through strange and bewildering territory. Like an experienced tour guide, this digital resource takes you by the hand and walks you through the Scriptures.
NKJV MacArthur Study Bible Notes: The perfect companion to serious online Bible study, drawing on decades of pastoral and scholarly work by respected scholar Dr. John MacArthur.
NIV Quest Study Bible Notes: Top scholars offer insightful answers to more than 7,000 common questions, clarifying the Bible’s most puzzling and challenging passages.
Case for Christianity Answer Book: Posing the most-asked questions about Christianity, investigative journalist and former atheist Lee Strobel digs deep into Scripture to offer compelling answers. A handy reference of devotional reading that will help you defend your faith! (I’ve heard Lee Strobel speak about how he became a Christian in person, and as a fellow journalist, I was truly inspired!)

Other works accessible with Bible Gateway Plus include but are not limited to:

Case for Christ Study Bible Notes
Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible Notes (NASB and NKJV) (He’s my favorite pastor next to my father!)
Couples’ Devotional Bible (NIV) Notes
Dad’s Devotional Bible
Fulfilled: The Bible for Single Women (Notes Only)
Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (NKJV) (Have you read Max Lucado’s recent Washington Post article ‘Trump Doesn’t Pass the Decency Test?’)
NIV Once a Day Easter Devotions
NIV Student Bible Notes
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Old Testament)
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (New Testament)

All the Bible resources that have been freely available on Bible Gateway will always remain so. But Bible Gateway Plus provides a way to greatly expand the study and devotional resources available to me and you. And by removing banner ads, it diminishes distractions to our Scripture reading and study.

Bible Gateway is ranked number one on global search engines and is the most visited Christian website in the world by users in more than 200 countries.

Any thoughts?

Posted on Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Veteran Author Tiffany L. Warren Releases Latest Novel – ‘The Pastor’s Husband!’

Hello World,

When I heard that novelist Tiffany L. Warren had another novel entitled The Pastor’s Husband coming out, I knew I had to get the details behind this juicy title and premise! Below is a description of The Pastor’s Husband followed by my interview with Tiffany, who has written several juicy novels including Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay, The Bishop’s Daughter and Don’t Tell a Soul.

This is a story about how one propheLIE unravels. It’s about how one woman, Felicia, is so desperate for a breakthrough that she falls at a prophetess’ feet, begging for a word from God. It’s about how Nya, desperate for acceptance, misuses her God-given gift. And it’s about the power of the praying husband who helps Nya find her way back to her real purpose.

But not before all hell breaks loose.

1.When you think of a pastor’s spouse, most people would think of a pastor’s wife. What inspired you to write “The Pastor’s Husband?”

The main character’s story didn’t have to be a pastor. She could’ve been an evangelist. I think there is more conflict with a co-pastor couple though. Is it ever really equal, or does one spouse have the upper hand? I love conflict in a story! Do you think you will have any pushback about featuring a female pastor considering that female pastors are not accepted in every church and denomination? And what do you think about 1 Timothy 2:12 and female pastors? I honestly didn’t think of the theology on female pastors when writing this. I write a reflection of life, and there are female pastors all over the country. I don’t have an opinion on whether or not they should be. I just know they exist, and a fictional one whispered her story in my ear.

2.For those who may not know, what is propheLIEing?

When you go up for prayer and a fake prophet says your husband is coming, and you’re already married.

3.Have you had experiences with propheLIEing? Please explain.

Yes! See above 🙂

4.In the first chapter, Nya feels pressure to prophesy to a distressed woman and comes up with something to soothe the woman even though she did not hear from God abut the woman. Do you think many pastors, evangelists, speakers, etc. are tempted and do come up with something to soothe people who are looking from a word from God even when they haven’t heard of from God about these particular people? Why or why not?

Yes, because preaching, these days, can be big money. If you get on the right preacher circuit, it could mean millions.

5. Is “The Pastor’s Husband” the first in a series?

I never say never.

6. How long did it take to write this novel, and tell me a little bit about the writing process for this novel?

About six months. I wrote this one to my outline, because I was multitasking! I need snacks when I write, and white noise. Like reruns of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

7. What do you hope readers will ultimately get from this story?

I think there is a huge message about having a personal relationship with God. And always there is the overarching theme of forgiveness in all of my books.

Read an excerpt here – www.tiffanylwarren.com/pastorshusbandsneakpeek.html

Tiffany L. Warren is an author, playwright, songwriter, mother and wife. Her debut novel, What a Sista Should Do, was released in June of 2005. Her second book, Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay, was a national bestseller. She is also the author of The Bishop’s Daughter, In The Midst of It All, Don’t Tell a Soul and The Replacement Wife. In 2006, Tiffany and her husband, Brent, founded Warren Productions and released gospel musicals, What a Sista Should Do and The Replacement Wife. Tiffany is the visionary behind the Faith and Fiction Retreat. Tiffany resides in northern Texas with her husband, Brent, and their five children. Visit her online at www.TiffanyLWarren.com.

Any thoughts?

Posted on Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Check Out Pics from the 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards!!!

See the Full List of Winners Too...

Tina Campbell & Hillary Clinton, presidential candidate

Hello World,

The 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, “biggest night in gospel music,” was held at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena on Saturday. The telecast will premiere on TV One during the week of March 6, as well as in broadcast syndication on 150 stations in over 125 markets around the country from March 12 – April 10. But you don’t have to wait to see pics from 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which were hosted by Sherri Shepherd, an ABC’s “The View” contributor and syndicated radio and TV personality Rickey Smiley.

Sherri Shepherd & Rickey Smiley

Anthony Brown with his Stellars

Jawn Murray & Sherri Shepherd

Tina Campbell & Erica Campbell

Tasha Cobbs

Dorothy Norwood

Dr. Bobby Jones

Dorinda Clark Cole

Byron Cage

Donnie McClurkin

Yolanda Adams

Rickey Smiley, Tammy Franklin & Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin

Tammy Franklin

Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago

James Wright Chanel (Yes, the Patti’s Pies’ James Wrights Channel 🙂 )

The Walls Group

Tim Bowman Jr.

Wendy Raquel Robinson

DeWayne Woods

*** THE 2016 AWARD WINNERS ***

CATEGORY #1

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY, EVERYDAY JESUS,

KEY OF A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #2

SONG OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN, WORTH – EVERYDAY JESUS (ANTHONY

BROWN & GROUP THERAPY), KEY OF A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #3

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN, EVERYDAY JESUS, KEY OF A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #4

ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

TASHA COBBS, ONE PLACE LIVE, MOTOWN GOSPEL

CATEGORY #5

GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY, EVERYDAY JESUS,

KEY OF A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #6

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

CASEY J., THE TRUTH, MARQUIS BOONE/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #7

CD OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY, EVERYDAY JESUS,

KEY OF A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #8

CHOIR OF THE YEAR

CHARLES JENKINS & FELLOWSHIP CHICAGO, ANY GIVEN

SUNDAY, INSPIRED PEOPLE LLC/MOTOWN GOSPEL

CATEGORY #9

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN & JUSTIN SAVAGE, EVERYDAY JESUS

(ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY), KEY OF

A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #10

CONTEMPORARY GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY, EVERYDAY JESUS,

KEY OF A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #11

TRADITIONAL GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, CELEBRATE, TYSCOT

CATEGORY #12

CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN, EVERYDAY JESUS, KEY OF A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #13

TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

CHARLES JENKINS, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, INSPIRED PEOPLE

LLC/MOTOWN GOSPEL

CATEGORY #14

CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

TASHA COBBS, ONE PLACE LIVE, MOTOWN GOSPEL

CATEGORY #15

TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

TINA CAMPBELL, IT’S PERSONAL, GEE TREE CREATIVE

CATEGORY #16

CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY, EVERYDAY JESUS,

KEY OF A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #17

TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR

TINA CAMPBELL, IT’S PERSONAL, GEE TREE CREATIVE

CATEGORY #18

URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

KIRK FRANKLIN, WANNA BE HAPPY? (SINGLE), FO YO SOUL

RECORDINGS/RCA RECORDS

CATEGORY #19

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

CHARLES JENKINS & THE SPIN SINGERS, #WAR – ANY

GIVEN SUNDAY (CHARLES JENKINS & FELLOWSHIP

CHICAGO), INSPIRED PEOPLE LLC/MOTOWN GOSPEL

CATEGORY #20

TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR

CHARLES JENKINS & FELLOWSHIP CHICAGO, ANY GIVEN

SUNDAY, INSPIRED PEOPLE LLC/MOTOWN GOSPEL

CATEGORY #21

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR

J.J. HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE, I SEE VICTORY, LIGHT

RECORDS/EONE MUSIC

CATEGORY #22

INSTRUMENTAL CD OF THE YEAR

BEN TANKARD, FULL TANK 2.0, BENJAMIN UNIVERSAL

MUSIC

CATEGORY #23

SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR

VARIOUS ARTISTS, WOW GOSPEL 2015, RCA INSPIRATION

CATEGORY #24

RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR

DEREK MINOR, EMPIRE, REFLECTION MUSIC GROUP/EONE

MUSIC

CATEGORY #25

YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR

GOD’S GIFT AND SOLDIERS YOUTH CHOIR, THROUGH THE

FIRE AND FLOOD, DIR/MOTOR CITY PRAISE RECORDS

CATEGORY #26

QUARTET OF THE YEAR

THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, CELEBRATE, TYSCOT

CATEGORY #27

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR

DENISE TROTMAN & CONNI TREANTEFELES, EVERYDAY

JESUS (ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY), KEY OF

A/TYSCOT

CATEGORY #28

PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE YEAR

TASHA COBBS, ONE PLACE LIVE, MOTOWN GOSPEL

JAMES CLEVELAND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

O’LANDA DRAPER (POSTHUMOUSLY)

AMBASSADOR DR. BOBBY JONES LEGEND AWARD

WILLIE JOE LIGON

THOMAS A. DORSEY MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

MARABETH GENTRY & THE THOMAS A. DORSEY

FOUNDATION

STELLAR HONORS

TRAMAINE HAWKINS
YOLANDA ADAMS
MARVIN SAPP
JONATHAN SLOCUMB

GOSPEL RADIO OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

MAJOR MARKET OF THE YEAR

PRAISE 104.1 WPRS, WASHINGTON, DC, RON THOMPSON

LARGE MARKET OF THE YEAR

HEAVEN 600 – WCAO – AM, BALTIMORE, LEE MICHAELS

MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR

PRAISE 104.7 FM WPZZ 104.7, RICHMOND, REGINALD

BAKER

SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR

WIMG 1300 AM, TRENTON, NJ, ED LONG

INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR

ALL NATIONS RADIO, ALLNATIONSRADIO.NET,

BISHOP SAMUEL MCGILL III

GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR

TRACY BETHEA BODIE, WHAL – MEMPHIS, TN

Any thoughts?