...self-control campaign...

So, for some time now (and some time into the future) I have decided to work on my self-control. Now, some would ask what about self are you controlling? Well, im glad you asked, lol! In the past few weeks a spirit that was put to rest a while ago in my life, tried to resurrect its ugly head in my life, and I had to cast it down. The spirit of peversion and lust tried to uproot itself in my life. Knowing the authority I have, I casted it down and prayed to set things straight. I decided then that I needed to start a self-control campaign for myself.

In my decision to do so, i realized that this spirit didn't just come up from nothing, but it was trigered by something. So I sat back and I thought.."what is it that is in my life that is allowing this spirit to creep back in?"

Well, I went over my daily routine and found a couple ways in which the enemy tried to creep in.

Firstly, i love hulu.com! lol! That is like the only thing I do during my breaks while snacking. I watch the tv shows that I missed and cruise the past shows that I have not seen before. But there were some shows that God convicted me on. Now these shows didn't have nudity or much bad language, however some episodes I saw had mentions of sexual acts, therefore quietly entering my mind and making room there.

Secondly, Ash and I like seeing movies. We make it our business not to see movies that are unGodly, or movies that are demonic or have demonic relevance. We pick our movies carefully. With our strict criteria we dont have much to choose from. As a matter of fact, we only see 'love' movies or as I call them 'chic flicks' lol! However, even with those movies...there were certain love scenes and mentions of sexual acts that a christian should not partake in. Geez!

Thirdly, I work in an office with 2 men and a woman. I love my co-workers. They literally help me through the day. They know my faith, and I have even invited them to my christian events. As a matter of fact they do come. However, they are not saved yet, and sometimes there conversation can be raunchy. Not too much. They do respect me and keep things low, but I can still hear them, and those words become thoughts in my mind.

All these things partnered together, can make for a creeping in (unaware) of the spirit of perversion in the mind. So....

Here I am...free from those thoughts and desires...because I know the freedom of Christ, and the authority I have in me from salvation and having the light of Christ within my life. However, I do not trust my flesh. As a matter of fact, my spirit man fights against it daily. So, with this self-control campaign I'm on, I am monitoring all I watch and listen to. My association and my conversation around me. Daily, I will mortify this flesh, in order to deter (not stop) the enemy's plans to destroy me. Believe me, the enemy would love it best to kill me, however even when stopped for this season, I know he will be back. So I keep my defences up and strong. I'll be stronger when he gets back.

Even with this self-control campaign, I am controlling other areas of my life.

1)My Finances- Monitoring my spending, creating a budget. Buying only things that I need, and not want. Saving properly. Continuing to tithe and sew into the local ministries. Giving abundantly and cheerfully.

2)My Idol Time- Controlling my down time. Binding up procrastination and slowfullness. Making every moment count. Eliminating time not doing anything.

3)My Prayer Time and Worship- Usually I pray in the morning and do my daily devotions in the evening. But my days are longer now a days, and it makes me tired to stay up and worship. I don't want to short change my Lord, so I decided to do the my prayer time and worship at the same time. That means waking up early and sacrificing my being comforatble for the worship of the Lord

Controlling my flesh, will allow me to control other areas of my life, therefore allowing me to be a better Christian. Doing this will allow me to prosper. As a matter of fact God said in His word that He wants us to prosper (3 John 1:2)...SO LIVE THE LIFE GOD WANTS YOU TO LIVE. Live Free and control your flesh. Mortify your flesh...DAILY! (Romans 8:13)

Remember Jesus Loves You!...and nothing can take that away!

=DG

...Set Apart...

Devin Gray and Set Apart

'...restoring the integrity back in to Praise and Worship...'

Check us out on:

Twitter - @setapart4lyfe

Facebook - devin gray and set apart

Myspace - setapart4lyfe

ReverbNation - devin gray and set apart

Spiritual Covering - Pastor A.L. Harris, New Life Christian Center

Represented by:

Peculiarity Music Group - peculiaritymusicgroup@gmail.com

For Booking Please Contact:

Tina Summerville @ 443.802.5232

or email us at

setapartbooking@gmail.com

We pray that we will be able to worship with you soon! God Bless!

~SA

...awesome worship!...

Whoever posted this was pretty mean by putting 'Worse Worship...' but I do think this is quite funny! Check this out!

~~ZAP~~

=DG

Sponsor a Child - Compassion

Sponsor a Child - Compassion

...what for...

This is a new segment of my blog where I wanted to show you guys some of my favorite songs, and showcase to you guys, the reason why these artists said what they said...wrote what the wrote...just what for... Enjoy!

Leeland

Israel Houghton

Jars of Clay

Click on the names of the artists to learn more about them on their websites.

=DG

...A Sweet Sound...2/2010

Oh, how sweet the sound! **long exhale** for a moment I was starting to believe that music was being truncated by a mass movement of auto-tuned cliches and copy-and-paste lyrics. Christian music was starting to sadden me, because of some artists wanting to be pop stars instead of worship leaders; to be rockstars instead of making Jesus famous; to be popular instead of being peculiar. Our message for a short while was tainted by our outloud lifestyles and our lack of difference. As a writer myself, I promised myself and the Lord, that my music and lyrical content would reflect the culture of the kingdom. I resolved to be a writer that infuses the word of God with good music. Knowing that without the word of God present in song, its just inspiritation. Inspiration in itself is not full truth, however the word of God is...and thats what makes it the gospel. The good news. The news that people want to hear. The world is bombarded with bad news every day of their lives, don't you think that the world is in need of some 'good news'...some news that brings hope...reminds people of love...convits the stony heart to a heart of repentance, a heart of flesh...gives direction...brings forth understanding...shows the love of God. Thats what the world needs people! not cliches...not borrowed phrases or sermon titles. This world needs Jesus, and as writers and ministers of the gospel, we are charged to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so God help us.
I want to personally charge all writers, singers, producers, ministers of the gospel...make your music different. Produce good music and use that music to promote the word of God. Let your music be inspired by God, and rooted in the truth; the word of God. For it is the word of God that makes us free...for the word of God is truth, and the truth shall...'make us free' Selah...

I thank God for these 2 Christian Artists who have made it their business to use their music to bless the king, and enhance the kingdom of God, and they have not lacked on creating good music. Still being young, these worship leaders are well on their way to becoming everyday household names. They are effectively creating change in their generation and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ wherever they go.

Kari Jobe

I first heard about Kari Jobe when getting my weekly dose of youtube clips. I literally stumbled upon Kari, singing a song called 'Healer'. I was thoroughly impressed with her voice. Such a very humbling and modest voice. As a lover of good music I became intrigued. So i looked up Kari Jobe and fell in love with her voice. Soon after, her album (self titled) was released and after I while I picked it up. An awesome worship album. This Integrity Music artist is probably one of the most soft spoken powerhouses in ministry this country has seen. The self titled album includes awesome remakes of Hillsong's Healer and the modern day hymn Revelation Song. She also did an awesome job of singing Beautiful. That has become my morning of meditation song. I often fall asleep listening to the album, because it literally takes me to another place in worship. Her hit single off of the album is 'I'm Singing' a song that gives hope in Jesus Christ; and sends the message that through it all, with Jesus there is no need to lose your song. That song, along with this entire album helps me throughout my day. A Great worship leader and artist. Kari Jobe's career is far from over, and I cannot wait until I hear the next installment in this artists finished works. As a matter of fact, check out my favorite song that she ministers...Beautiful...

Leeland

Love is on the Move

Ok, so this Leeland guy is not even 21 yet and already he is being called one of the greatest christian writers of all time. WOW! Thats a hefty calling to be so young. His band, Leeland, is a group of four young men who are all about spreading the love of Jesus Christ to all who listen. Musically put in the company of pop greats as well as long standing christian artists, Leeland Mooring is totally sold out for Christ. Formed in 2004, Leeland has played all across the world including w/ the World Renowned Hillsong United Conference. So how does a young man and his band remain so focused. Well its Jesus. Their foundation is Jesus Christ, and while being rooted in Jesus Christ they cannot be moved. Their new album Love is on the Move is probably one of the most beautiful christian albums I have heard in a long time. Its just simply beautiful music. Like really, its good feeling, great sounding, life convicting, world changing music. It has been called by some, their best album to date. I concur...it is great! My personal favorite right now is, um...lets see...ima say...mmmmmmmmm Follow You! Yeah I love it! That is the single right now, featuring another one of my favorite love artists Brandon Heath. Ironically, Leeland and Brandon have very similar voices and at times during the song, it was hard to tell who was which. Not a bad thing, its not like any of them sounded bad, lol! I also love Pure Bride! Such a great song of conviction, infused with an awesome track. This album is full of awesome music that is sure to help the believer, both young and old, get a grips on hope and never let it go. Love is on the move, and Leeland is at the forefront of the movement.

Awesome music guys! You must go and support these christian artists. Go get the albums, and go support. More info on Leeland and Kari can be found by clicking on their pics. Also follow them on twitter by clicking on their names. Hey, do you want me to do my review on a release? Let me know! Email me at DGray03@gmail.com and send your requests. Next time, Israel Houghton and Micah Smith. Love you guys!

As always, you can poke me, invade myspace, follow me (and SA) and email me at DGray03@gmail.com and to book Set Apart hit us up at setapartbooking@gmail.com (yup new email, save it!)

Luv you guys, but remember God is love; so who better to love you best...but God!

=DG

Free Indeed! ...embracing the past as we Move Forward!

Free Indeed!...embracing the past as we Move Forward!

By: Ken Reynolds

I grew up in Church, immersed in Gospel music. My father was the choir director at New Hope Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan for over 20 years. So my childhood years consisted of playing a lot of drums, piano and bass and listening to Gospel music. You could say I was baptized in James Cleveland, Andrae’ Crouch and Walter Hawkins!
I remember sitting on the floor in the living room, listening (over and over again) to records that dated back to the 60s. I also remember one of our church organ players, Jimmy Carr, who played for Mahalia Jackson. He had a real traditional organ style and even though I didn’t really appreciate it back then, I realize now how important that music era was to our heritage.
My parents and their brothers and sisters all grew up in Mississippi where they had a quartet-style group called “The Heavenly Travelers” that went from town to town, singing Gospel music during the 50s and 60s. And, believe it or not, they still sing with us, their children, now serving as the musicians and writers. Guess you could say that our musical roots go pretty deep.
There are many events of the past that we as a nation shouldn’t repeat. But the past also includes important nuggets that we, not only as a nation, but also as a generation, should embrace. Music is a way of expressing my feelings about my own African-American heritage.
I recall an experience I had when I made my first trip to Africa. As I was in the plane looking out of the window approaching the coast, I found myself contemplating our nation’s history. An even though, there are parts of early history that are dark and painful, this scripture came to me from John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
At that moment, a song was birthed in the style of a spiritual. I had never written anything like that before. It was accapella with only drums as instruments. Before I landed, the song was completely written. The verses came when I reflected on slavery and freedom, not only from the bondage of man, but also from the bondage of sin. The verse of the song reads:

Free Indeed!.

verse: Heal the wounds, that continue to torment us,De oh, de oh, Lord we love You Mend the scars, we reopen with our impure hearts, De oh, de oh, Lord we love You

chorus: We are free, free indeed! Whom the son sets free, we are free indeed! We are free, oh so free! Where the spirit of the Lord is, there’s liberty!

I went on to explain that songwriting experience to the workshop choir in Liberia, West Africa and taught it to them. I also taught it to the choir here in the States, which happened to be a racially diverse choir. I explained that it was a song of unity, remembering the past, but not being held captive by it. It acknowledges that God has freed us from the bondage of all sin through His son Jesus!
When I think about how far we’ve come as a nation, I can’t help but think about the transformation that music has made over the years right alongside our progress as a country. It has had a very powerful affect on my life. I’m extremely grateful for my musical heritage. It has helped me embrace the calling that God has on my life, which includes unifying the races, denominations, and cultures. And music definitely has a way of breaking down those barriers. That calling is partially reflected in my latest CD project, One World One God.As a nation, we still have many areas in which to grow, but we as the Body of Christ can help be the bridge as we continue to be the hands of feet of Jesus and spread God’s love throughout the world.

Hey, check out the full article at Integrity Direct , and get to Ken Reynolds better.

As usual, keep in touch! Poke Me, invade myspace, follow me (and SA) and email me at DGray03@gmail.com and to book SA, email us at setapartbooking@gmail.com (Yup, new email address)

Love you guys, and remember Jesus Loves you Too!

=DG