2014 Resolution Revolution (Tools for Renewal)

Phil. 3:13, 14
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)

2013, that rough year is in the rear view. We have a choice to look back and get stuck in the mess or look toward the horizon at a new day. Perhaps make some changes or have that new attitude. Diets, eating better or working out more. No matter what you’ve chosen… we all know that resolutions tend to fade faster then the holiday itself. Gym membership last year, for example went up 93% after New Year. Then come February, dipped by 89%. What are some things that God can tell us to keep us, not only on the right track but keep up our positive changes throughout the whole year? New Year, New Direction, New Attitude:

1) Prayer. Start off each day connected to your power source, Jesus. Matt. 21:22 “whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

2) Keep your heart happy, regardless. Pro. 17: 22 “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.”

3) Keep your mind right. Phil. 4:8 “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

4) With Jesus we can! Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

5) Do not be discouraged nor give in to anxiety. Heb. 13:6 “”So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?””

6) The Lord is there when times get hard. Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” Clearly, in case you missed it.. You’re never alone when you have a relationship with Jesus. He helps & keeps us safe.

7) Stay Connected all day ery day! Jesus will keep you on track when the lines of communication remain on. Give up the thanks to Him that gave it to you.. 1Thes. 5:17,18 “pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

When we fail or slip, it’s in our nature to complain. God’s will is for us to give thanks in that moment. Not sarcasm but genuine thanksgiving. Sounds weird doesn’t it? Try it and you’ll notice stress and negativity roll right off when we do this. This is essential in keeping up that forward momentum. Guess our creator knows what He’s doing after all. Yes, pray throughout the day makes the blues go away.

If we do the same old thing, we can expect the same results. So why not let God take the wheel of our lives and see what new places or positive changes He can take us to. God says to us right now:
Isa. 43:19 “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.”
Don’t look back. Have faith in The Lord to make that new start stick. Press on toward our prize, which is to be like Jesus, our living example. AMEN & May His grace & peace be with you in 2014 & beyond.
By Pastor Pete

Happy CHRISTmas from HeadzUp Fellowship

Ducks, Dynastys, Devil & Division

1Corinthians 1:10-13 (ESV)
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

Beware of the devil and his schemes. I’ve noticed a very disturbing trend worldwide and most notably on social network. People taking sides and quick to jump into an argument. Now, I’m not going to act like I’ve seen Duck Dynasty ..or any other reality show. Like most disease or stinky trash heaps I avoid it. Exploiting people, putting societies worst characters before the masses.. Satan knows well that ‘by beholding we become.’ Flipping channels however, media has been working overtime to put out an ‘us vs. them’ mentality. Choose a topic, get two or more folk with an opposing viewpoint, pit them against each other & then watch them go at it! Reminiscent of the Roman arena.

With that said, have we been duped into going backwards in our development? Sadly even Christ followers are in the fray of these controversies.. Is this God’s plan? Did He intend to have us fight? Oh.. Maybe He made an exception in the Bible for politics, Hollywood actors, reality TV, wayward preachers from L.A., ghost hunters and cussing moon shiners who claim to somehow represent Jesus? Not the word of God. Not for today nor any day. Unity and love …even a rebuke is to be done in love.

God’s word says clearly that “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 ESV
When we have fellowship, including social networks we need to “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” Romans 16:17-18 ESV

I could hardly believe there is a show on TV called CHRISTmas Light Fight.. Really folks?! Tis’ the season to covet thy neighbor with how many lights go up & then fight for the title of what?!? Did Hollyweird learn nothing from that flick “Deck the Halls” with Danny Devito & Matthew Broderick? We got to ask ourselves… where is the focus? Sure ain’t on God where it belongs…

The Facts: We have three enemies as I.D.’d in God’s word; (1) the world, (2) the flesh & (3) the devil. If the world says ‘fight amongst yourselves over needless things’ by order of Satan & the flesh complies.. Can we honestly say we are doing God’s will?

Who seeks to gain by dividing, not only Christians but the entire human race? Think & pray about it. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1Peter 5:8 ESV

Satan seeks to sift us like wheat (see Luke 22:31). Meaning, as farmers have to separate the wheat from the worthless chaff during threshing so does the devil desire to fool us into trivial arguments in an effect to divide us and thereby taking the light we are commissioned to shine away from people who desperately need The Lord. Furthermore, if God’s people are willing participants, to divide God’s warriors & faithful servants so the Gospel commission can be slowed and/or stopped, just what the heck we doin’?

Meditate on His word to direct your life actions from here forward is my prayer…
Galatians 3:28 ESV. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:11 ESV “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”

Jesus’ prayer as recorded the book of John 17:21-23: “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

Avoid the dynasty ducks in life.. It is only Christ’s love that creates unity in the midst of diversity. So please miss the argument and instead focus on God and look to embracing the Savior in relationship and simply behold Jesus. It’s OK to agree to disagree… from there it’s Gospel forward. Now that you’ve been Phil’d in… Unify. ~by Pastor Pete

Blue Christmas, Depression and Overcoming that mess!

1Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

The holiday season has many positive aspects such as getting together with family, friends and celebrating our Saviors birth as well as the coming year. It also can hit our emotions hard so today we looking at dealing with one of the Devil’s “D’s”. Depression is a common, serious illness and does’nt indicate a person is weak. Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group. Depression can come from many factors including chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes, medications or things going on in your life.

Depression, by definition is described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps for a short period of time. Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for a longer period of time. It can include thoughts of suicide, feeling inadequate and/or being withdrawn from social interaction with others. Depression is so serious it requires medical, psychological assistance as well as Holy Ghost tactics! Today we are going to turn back to our creator’s official handbook on how to not only deal with this issue but also give you the tools to fix and get victory over them blues (regardless what time of year it is)!

* Bible heroes like David had discouragements like us. Check it:

Psalm 6:6 & 7 “I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim;
I drench my couch with my tears.”

Psalm 40:12 “For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me.” (Also read Psalm 88)

In overcoming his depression David left us these gems:

a) God does not abandon us when times are rough (see Psalm 16:8 and Psalm 139:7-17)
b) Trust and Faith in God leads us to actually celebrate when down (see Psalm Psalm 5:11 and Psalm 28:7,8)
c) While He is not the always the source of our trials and trouble, God uses our drama to bring us closer to Him and to connect in prayer (see Psalm 119:67, 71 and Psalm 62:8)
d) Life can be crazy and wild however, God is still the king of the Jungle (see Psalm 118:6-17)

* Praise and giving Thanks is vital to victory over depression (see Psalm 118:1 and 113:3 and 71:1-24)
Psalm 59:16,17
“But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense,
My God of mercy.”

* The great God of the universe waits on our call to Him in prayer. He looks forward to delivering us from our depression (see Psalm 61:2 and Psalm 60:4) it’s what He does…
Psalm 56:3,8,11
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?”

* Personal dirt leads to feelings of guilt. If sin has you there God’s word tells us to:
1) Confess your guilt to God
Psalm 38:17,18
“For I am ready to fall,
And my sorrow is continually before me.
For I will declare my iniquity;
I will be in anguish over my sin.”

2) Accept His forgiveness
1John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Come on now…we all got dirt. If we say we have no sin then we so full of it (see 1John 1:10)!

* No, really.. God forgives you. No business! Sometimes in our low moments we don’t truly accept or believe it. Read Psalm 51 and then meditate or think on you being a warmly loved child of God. By faith make it real… because it is.

1Timothy 2:3-6
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time”

* Bible hero Elijah, after the victory at Mt. Carmel was so bummed out that he wanted to die. Exhausted from the days stress, threats from Jezebel and starving he gave into thoughts of doom and gloom (see 1Kings 19:1-4). God’s prescription was a hot meal, a good nights sleep and encouraging words (see 1Kings 19:5-13).

* Bible hero Paul, while in Roman jail used the following tactics to overcome depression:
1) Recognize that ultimately God is in charge (see Phil. 1:12)
2) Magnify Jesus (see Phil. 1:20) in all you do
3) Give thanks and praise throughout the trial (see Phil. 4:6)
4) Rejoice in your trial in direct defiance of the enemy (see Phil. 4:4)
5) Recognize God is bigger than our drama & He will supply all our needs (Phil. 4:13,19)

Whatever it is that Satan has thrown your way.. God is bigger! If we use His tools we shall overcome. New thought, new approach, new direction will yield a new day. Give Jesus a chance and then sit back and watch the stormy clouds part and His glorious light shine upon you.
Merry CHRISTmas to you and may you have a joy filled, depression free and prosperous 2014!
~Pastor Pete (connect by email: HeadzUpFellowship@Gmail.com)

Christian Communication

Ecc. 3:1, 7 “There is a time for everything, & a season for every activity under heaven: a time to tear & a time to mend, a time to be silent & a time to speak”

It’s on us when prayer, heaping hot coals & turning the other cheek has yielded no results. Sounds wrong to some.. please let me explain. There is a biblical balance so hang in there all the way through.

In life, sometimes we must pick our poison when caught between two undesired choices. On one hand we want to step back, pray & let Jesus do His thing. And we don’t want to ever step on the Holy Spirit’s toes when it comes to that. On the other hand we want to take care of it ourselves however, we really don’t like confrontation, Amen? So, put simply it’s ‘let go’ or ‘hold on to it.’ Remember, all things are about balance in our walk as Christians. The answer to the equation: Both are correct.. self agenda must be subtracted.

Example: Let’s say a friend is doing something that hurts you everytime you see them. You choose to pray & give it to God but it’s been a long while … no change. Prayers begin responsibilities. Speak up in love & at a normal tone of voice & state what’s in-between you & him/her (Mat. 18:15). Does it mean God ignored your request? No. Clearly life is meant to be lived. God doesn’t want you to go on being hurt but to live by way of speaking up. In a world of impersonal social media things like phone calls & face time are almost unheard of. Don’t you think this gives place for the devil?  
Lack of or no communication is Satan’s playground. His specialty. Opening & keeping open the lines of communication is what we are supposed to be doing to derail the enemy. It’s so much easier to let go ..but how will that offending brother or sister ever grow if they don’t know? As humans we tend to avoid drama & confronting things. Be tactful. Be gentle.. but out with it.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Col. 4:6

Consider you keep it to yourself & let that person keep on hurting you. We are mankind & not god. After a while we get feelings & if feelings go unchecked.. like a volcano it builds up until it explodes. May turn into harsh words or violence. Self control is a fruit of the spirit therefore we must keep it in check to insure self control is the end result. Faith without works is dead. Pray the Holy Spirit speak right through you when you speak to your offender.. Don’t let the day end before you confront in love because as it is written..

Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”

Jesus died so that we could live. He surely didn’t do so for us to remain silent thereby giving place for fights. Pray about it. ~Pastor Pete

Press Release: HeadzUp FM presents: ‘Christian Hip Hop 2014’ CD on Capitol Records

Update January 5, 2014: All winning tracks have been selected. No more entries will be accepted at this time. Thank you to all that graciously contributed jams & supported this music ministry venture. Stay Tuned to HeadzUp FM .. Winners, Track List & Cover Art will be out/announced very soon…

XL NEWS: Los Angeles/Nashville/Atlanta–(September 17, 2013) – HeadzUp FM announced today that it will release, market and promote worldwide in Spring 2014 a powerful and innovative music project entitled: “Christian Hip Hop 2014”. Powered by HeadzUpFM, its promotional partners and network of affiliates worldwide, Christian Hip Hop 2014 will feature blazin tracks and mixes from up and coming and renowned emcees and deejays focused on spreading the Gospel through hip hop. Christian Hip Hop 2014 will be distributed worldwide via Capitol Christian Music Group, a Universal Music Group company on March 18, 2014. Additionally, Christian Hip Hop 2014 will be supported by leading indie inspirational hip hop urban music portal ChristianHipHop.com. To submit music for consideration, please send (a) track(s), (b) bio and (c) lyrics to (.wav files preferred) to: headzupcomp2014@yahoo.com …  For more information, please visit: www.HeadzUpFM.com.

HeadzUp FM

About HeadzUp FM: Our Mission at HeadzUp FM is simply to bring our listening audience, the planet Earth only the finest in Gospel /Holy Hip-Hop, underground (Unsigned artists), old school and Urban Gospel R&B in the mix 24/7. We will not yield to negative outside influences such as radio payola. We are truly down for our listeners. We offer the hip-hop & urban R&B fan a positive Christian alternative. We do this to the glory of God and to help fulfill the Great Commission given to us by His Son Jesus just before he returned up to Heaven, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20 (NIV) No need to cover the kids ears. Best of all NO wackness guaranteed. For more information, please visit: www.HeadzUpFM.com

About ChristianHipHop.com: Christian Hip Hop is a global portal dedicated to the advancement and proliferation of the gospel through hip hop worldwide. At ChristianHipHop.com, artists, djs, labels and producers can upload music, create free profiles, share video, music, sell mp3s and more. Visitors can listen, watch and read about the latest happenings in the global holy hip hop movement. For more information, please visit: www.ChristianHipHop.com

About Capitol Christian Music Group: An unwavering vision combined with a commitment to excellence and an arsenal of exceptional talent continues to make Capitol Christian Music Group the leader in the Christian/Gospel music industry. Representing such iconic artists as Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Amy Grant and CeCe Winans, Capitol CMG is a multi-faceted company whose assets include such legendary labels as Sparrow and ForeFront Records as well as the industry’s top distribution company and an award-winning, global leading publishing company.

Formerly known as EMI Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG is a division of Capitol Music Group, a Universal Music Group company. Over the years, the venture has grown from a scrappy family-owned independent music label to a multi-faceted business that includes Capitol CMG Label Group (Sparrow Records, ForeFront Records, sixstepsrecords, Hillsong and Credential Recordings), Capitol CMG Publishing, Motown Gospel and Capitol Christian Distribution. The company’s roster features top names in the Christian and gospel communities, among them Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, Hillsong United, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Britt Nicole, David Crowder, Newsboys, Matt Redman, Tasha Cobbs, Colton Dixon, Mandisa, Matthew West, and VaShawn Mitchell. For more information, please visit: www.CapitolChristianMusicGroup.com.

ALL GLORY TO GOD!!!   *** for details stay tuned to: http://www.HeadzUpFM.com

Thankful Attitude = Thankful Altitude

Ephesians 5:20-21 NKJV

“Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

I Have A Dream (50 Years Later) ‘Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr’s I Have A Dream Speech 8/28/1963.  Still Inspiring us these many years later.  Please listen with your hearts:

 

Unity or that ol’ Dark Hole?

1 3 Unity: “Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies – or else? The chain reaction of evil – hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars – must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation”
~Martin Luther King Jr on unity.

That Old Mud Fight & the Garden Hose!

Colossians 3:13 “Make allowance for each other’s faults, & forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” NLT

Many years back, when I was a new believer & hit the ground running with Gospel missionary work.  My wife & I were a package deal so she was by my side throughout.  The hardest part, for myself was leaving behind my precious brothers & sisters at church.  After a long deployment in God’s army I came back to church, just myself due to my wife was feeling ill that morning. I was greeted warmly & everyone asked, “So where is your wife today?” I replied with the simple ‘oh, not feeling 100% today so she’s home & healing.’ Bible study & worship with familiar faces was so refreshing.

Uneventful right? Just wait..  The following week I returned for services solo (my wife was helping her mother who was having health issues) however, this time I was met by angry faces. Even the elderly ladies were mad dogging me.  No one would speak to me. Every once in a while someone would pass by & whisper ‘I feel so bad for you.’ Or, ‘I’m praying for your situation.’ Or ‘You should be ashamed.’ I was perplexed. What’s going on?

I pulled a good friend outside & quizzed him on ‘what I was going through..’ because I had not a flippin’ clue.  Everyone has my number. No calls from church folk all week..so what was up to cause such a negative response?

He angrily exclaimed, “You lied to everybody about your divorce when you were here last week. I can’t believe you would cheat on, mistreat her & then throw her out of your house like that.”

I was taken back. Scratched my head.
“Come ..come again?” Was my reply.

Yes, the old gossips were at it.  They had run a week long campaign on why my wife was ‘really not there.’ In addition to that they added some juicy details as special effects to make this epic sci-fi tale drama a sure hit. Worthy of a Soap Opera award.  Funny thing was, my wife & I were happy together & had a, rare great & peaceful week.

You see friends, because of tolerance for gossip the church can never experience the joy of a surprise party.. Joking aside, it is hurtful to engage in this activity. Not only for the hearer but it causes division within the body of Christ.  The bible warns us to turn off the flow (see Proverbs 10:19).  Don’t fall into the trap of listening. When the slimy story starts, change the subject or point them in the direction of the person they’re speaking about. 

*What if you’re the victim? Jesus is our best example. Oh, them gossip folk spoke on Him too. Our Lord was accused of being illegitimate, a drunk, a glutton & even an agent of satan.  He usually ignored the ridiculous accusations, lived life & pressed on in kingdom work in such a way that no one would listen to that mess.  If anyone throws mud at you, it will look a lot worse if you try to wipe it off. Just keep on living in the light of God’s glory & it will dry & fall off without stain. 

Back in the old testament, Nehemiah was a victim of a smear campaign as well.  Sanballat & his homies tried to use a gossip letter to discourage Nehemiah from doing God’s work.  Nehemiah gave them the vapors. He didn’t even give them the time of day.  He just pressed forward in doing what the Lord wanted him to do.

He said this to the gossip folk’s tabloid spin, “I am doing a great work, so I cannot come down. Why should the work cease, while I leave it & go down to you?” Neh. 6:3

Participating in gossip makes you come down to the gossip folk’s low level when you think about it.  Tabloid theology only serves to aid the enemy & divide God’s forces. Bringing a virus of mean spiritedness, division & confusion only seeks to derail what God has commissioned each & everyone of us to do. It’s forgiveness, coming from all parties effected that is the key to healing once the damage is done. None of us are perfect, God’s got that alone.

*Don’t feel you need to be the one to apologize?  It’s contrary to our sinful nature & our flesh crawls at the thought of giving up an apology. But Jesus says to love on our enemy.. we tend to forget that. Also, if we want His forgiveness we must forgive others.  Yes, all need to make nice & reconcile both to each other and ultimately God for the offense.  There is a world out there that needs Jesus. They need to hope and heal. No angel was given this duty. No, not even one. It’s on us!  If we are distracted with fights & licking our own wounds just how are we suppose to do that kingdom work exactly? Don’t fall in the pit of backbitting, rumors & slander my brothers & sisters. Get your great commission on instead. In John 17, Jesus prayed that this not be so. He basically said if the believers are fighting the world won’t believe the Father sent Jesus. Perhaps that is why unbelief is on a roll in this generation. Just maybe overcoming this error will be the aid or solution to that ill. If you are a third party to an issue between two brothers and/or sisters.. please steer them into one another so it does not escalate & have it’s destruction. 3 or more is a crowd. If you are offended or hurt, don’t assume, call that person or better yet go out for coffee & have it out until the issue is squashed.  God don’t like ugly. Therefore be about unity. There is a special blessing that comes from brothers & sisters that unify. See Psalm 133. If I offend anyone at anytime, I’m sorry. I have an opinion, yes & I try to tread lite but my mouth gets the better of me on occasion. Lord help us all to be what You made us to be & be more like Christ. Amen! »Pastor Pete