Month: June 2016

Q & A with JayEss

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Gospel Hip Hop Artist JayEss brings a message of hope and inspiration through rapping about everyday issues. JayEss is signed to independent  record label company, Zoe Records. The rapper has been working on his upcoming project titled ‘7even’ that is soon to be released.

I’ve had the opportunity to interview JayEss and here’s what he had to say about his music and faith.

 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: For those who don’t know me, my name is  JayEss, I’m a hip hop artist from East London and my message is speaking to everyday life issues.

Q: What inspired you to record these tracks?

A: As the days went by I started writing down things I saw on a daily basis and as time went on I had a body of work that could be moulded into a project.

Q: What inspires you to sing/rap?  

A: Everyday life and hearing dope rappers.

Who are your musical inspirations?

A: Notorious B.I.G. is my number one, he’s the one that made me even attempt this art form for myself. I’m inspired by good music in general.

Q: Have you always enjoyed the art of music?

A: I only started appreciating it when I started rapping in 1999.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future?

A: I’m venturing into acting so you will see me in a few acting roles. I have my own film company so the majority of my music videos and short films are filmed in-house. Shout out to Billicity Media who have been great in creating visuals for my 7even project.

Q: What words of encouragement would you tell the aspiring singer/rapper that desires to begin a music career/ministry?

A: Believe in yourself and be yourself.

Q: If you could spend time with someone who you admire, who would that be? Why?

A: Sean Puffy Combs and Curtis Jackson and I’d pick their brains on business and how to stay consistent.

When did you start your faith journey?

A: My faith journey began in 2005  when I started following Christ off the back of a conversation with my friends for seven hours straight. My journey has had its ups and downs but that’s life. I prefer to follow the teachings of Christ than anyone else’s.  His way of thinking, his morality and the love he showed for his fellow-man was beyond comprehension.

Q: Did you have any challenges that you personally overcame? How did you overcome those challenges?

A: I overcame getting over my ex that was a nightmare lol.

Q: Any additional comments that you would like to add?

A: If you’re following Christ then study him.

 

To stay connected with JayEss,connect with him on Facebook by clicking here http://bit.ly/28YKA7J and/or through following him on Twitter @JayEssonline .

 

 

 

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8 Lessons Through Evangelism

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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As believers and disciples of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to evangelize the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are effective ways to share the good news of the Gospel with other unbelievers. The bible is our tool when we go out fishing for the lost and love is our bait in drawing people to Christ. Below are some highlighted lessons through evangelism.

 

1) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. According to Mark 16: 15 we are to preach the gospel to everyone that we have an opportunity to do so. It doesn’t have to be fancy or huge in any way. It could be the simplest statement of words that causes someone to consider and/or question what you said that could potentially have impact that leads them to Jesus.

 

2) Compassion towards unbelievers is vital to reach them. It is important that we allow people to share with us what’s on their heart. We don’t always have to reply to everything, but sometimes just listening with compassion and care makes much of a difference. As we listen God will allow opportunities for us to plant a seed in them in whatever way He directs us.

 

3) There is plenty of work to do for the Kingdom of God, but few workers who have a willing heart to do the work. (Matthew 9: 37 – 38) Do we have a willing heart that will go out and win souls for Jesus Christ? A willing heart will do just that.

 

4) Through the power of God we must become set apart and dedicate our lives for serving. (1 Peter 3: 15) Disciples are to walk in the way of Jesus Christ and holy living. They must become a servant.

 

5) We need the power of the Holy Ghost when going out to evangelize. The power of the Holy Ghost moves differently in each believer. There can be many blockages in someone that can quench or hinder the power of the Holy Ghost from operating in their life. Every Christ follower can boldly ask to be filled and refilled with the Holy Ghost. Don’t be discouraged if you have not yet seen the manifestation. Keep asking and seeking the Lord.

 

6) Every believer must stay watchful and don’t give in when we face afflictions.(2 Timothy 4: 5) The devil doesn’t stop his work of wickedness and evil so we must always keep watch and stay faithful to God even when we go through.

 

7) Keep praying and always give thanks.(Colossians 4: 2 -6) We must never stop praying in our service and must always have thanks in our hearts.

 

8) In order to effectively share the good news we must be students of God’s Word.(2 Timothy 2: 15) Studying the bible is extremely important as disciples. Sometimes tiredness, busyness and other distractions will try to creep in, but we have to learn to refocus as students. We don’t have to be the smartest, be the best verbal speaker or have the highest intellect in order to work for the Lord. Remember God can use that which seems foolish!

 

5 Lessons From Prayer

/ Crystal Holdipp / 2 Comments

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Prayer is a spiritual discipline that all believers and Christ followers must exercise and operate in. There are many kinds of prayers including  warfare, declaration, intercession, confession, and thanksgiving. There are various lessons and instructions in the bible teaching us how to pray.

We must keep our connection with God and one of the most effective ways of doing so is through talking with Him and sitting to listen to what He is saying to us. Interceding on behalf of others is something that needs to be a priority in our lives and it must become a godly habit to look out for the next person. Below are some highlighted lessons from prayer to consider.

 

1) Passionate prayers from the righteous are of great advantage(James 5:16). Do you take pleasure in talking to the Lord? Are you enthusiastic about coming before the Lord in prayer? It’s not about what we show outwardly, but more with what’s truly taking place inwardly.

2) To obtain the mercy and grace we need, we must come boldly before God(Hebrews 4:16). Boldness displays our courage and confidence in God. When we come boldly before God we step up in the midst of whatever is going on and believe in God to do what He promised He will do.

3) We must make every effort to get our heart right with God. There are hindrances that become road blocks  in our prayer life and become barriers from us seeing the manifestation of what God desires to manifest amongst His creation. Any sin, holding on to offense, disobedience and nursing of wounds(instead of allowing God’s healing to flow) can cause delays and interruptions along the way.

4) Praying God’s will which is in His word will accomplish much(Isaiah 55: 11). Nothing beats praying the will of God. During our prayer time we must get rid of or throw out  any unscriptural opinions or ungodly requests.

5) Be specific in your requests, expressions and petitions. It’s ok to tell God exactly what’s on your heart and mind. Yes, He already knows, but He wants us to give Him our all and that includes our cares and concerns.

 

How has the power of prayer impacted your life? What are some lessons that you have learned through praying?