Author: Texas Gospel

Gospel Singer/Preacher Sonny Clardy shares about the importance of Prayer

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Amy Turner

Audio: Sonny Clardy shares about the importance of prayer

Prayer is a fundamental part of a Christian’s life, connecting us with God and allowing us to seek His guidance, forgiveness, and peace. The Bible stresses the significance of prayer, encouraging believers to “bring everything to God in prayer” (Philippians 4:6). This act of communication not only builds a relationship with Him but also aligns our hearts with His will. Jesus Himself emphasized the need for persistent prayer in Luke 18:1, underscoring that we should never give up praying. Whether it’s confessing sins (1 John 1:9) or praying for others (1 Timothy 2:1), prayer is a gift from God that brings spiritual strength and comfort.

Sonny Clardy, a long-time advocate for the importance of prayer, reflects on how it has shaped his Christian journey: “There’s so many songs that you hear today on gospel radio about prayer, so many groups and solo artists are singing songs about the power of prayer and how important prayer is in our lives.” For Clardy, prayer has been a cornerstone since he was 13 years old, and his favorite verse, 2 Chronicles 7:14, continues to resonate deeply. “I’ve always loved that scripture…if my people that are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

This verse serves as a reminder that prayer is not just about personal needs but is a collective call for healing, especially in today’s world. Clardy emphasizes that “in today’s society, it is so important—we need that healing of our land from the Lord Jesus.” His plea is for all of us to unite in prayer, not only for our country but also for the people we love. “Therefore it be important for me and for you, for all of us to join together…to pray for one another and the ones that we love.”

Ultimately, prayer draws us closer to God, and as Clardy concludes, “Be close to Him by praying as much as you possibly can.” His words encourage believers to stay committed to prayer, recognizing that through it, God can bring healing, peace, and transformation to our lives and the world around us.

The Kingsmen release second treasured classic, “The Judgement”

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Amy Turner with information from Horizon & Sonlight Records

When Thomas Nalley became the tenor vocalist for The Kingsmen in October 2022, his talent for ballads was already well-known. Alan Kendall, the group’s baritone, praises Nalley’s performance, noting how he has lived up to his reputation, especially with “Unstoppable God” hitting #1 in May. Kendall was confident that “The Judgement” would be a perfect fit for Nalley, and his nightly performances have proven him right.

“The Judgement,” like their previous single “Saints Will Rise,” is a reimagined classic from The Kingsmen’s repertoire. This track is part of their upcoming Decades compilation and has been released early on streaming platforms due to its strong reception.

The song begins with foreboding piano chords that set the stage for its narrative about the judgment of sinners and Satan, culminating in a powerful orchestration that highlights God’s omnipotence. This new version not only evokes the grandeur of the original but also showcases The Kingsmen’s enduring talent and spirit, appealing to both long-time and new fans.

Kendall expresses excitement about the re-release of “The Judgement,” a song that hasn’t been fully available for nearly 25 years. He is thrilled that the current lineup of The Kingsmen has brought this cherished song back to life for everyone to enjoy.

“The Judgement” is now available for streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and TIDAL. You may also hear “The Judgement” on Texas Gospel Canada!

Understanding the Promise of Prayer in John 14:13–14

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FLOYD ROGERS

In John 14:13–14, Jesus says, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” At first glance, this verse might seem like a blank check to ask for anything we want. But understanding the context reveals a deeper meaning.

Jesus spoke these words to Philip in the Upper Room, just before His crucifixion. Philip was struggling to grasp that in seeing Jesus, he was also seeing God the Father. Jesus explained that He and the Father are one, and everything He has done is by the Father’s authority (John 14:8–11).

The promise Jesus makes is about aligning our prayers with God’s will and seeking to glorify Him. It’s not about asking for an easy or prosperous life as if Jesus were a genie granting wishes. In fact, Jesus warned that persecution would come to those who follow Him, and they would be blessed because of it (Matthew 5:11).

Understanding this context helps us see that Jesus’ promise is about praying with a heart that desires God’s glory above all else.

Thought for today: Practical Remembrance of Christ

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JEFF TURNER

To remember Christ effectively, we must focus on His person and His work. The Bible encourages us to keep Christ at the center of our thoughts and actions. This involves more than just recalling historical facts; it means engaging deeply with the significance of who He is and what He has done.

One way to do this is by reflecting on key moments in Christ’s life and ministry. Consider His baptism, where He received divine affirmation, or His trials in the wilderness, where He overcame temptation. These events are not just historical; they are significant spiritual touchpoints that help us connect with Christ.

Remembering Christ involves more than just mental acknowledgment; it requires heartfelt reflection and response. Engage with His teachings, His sufferings, and His victories over temptation. This deep engagement helps to embed His significance into our daily lives.

Ultimately, remembering Christ is about maintaining a living relationship with Him. It’s about allowing His example and His sacrifice to influence our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. By doing this, we keep Him at the forefront of our minds and ensure that our spiritual focus remains steadfast.

As we strive to keep Christ at the center of our thoughts, let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us maintain this focus. Through consistent reflection and spiritual engagement, we can overcome the distractions of daily life and keep Christ central in our hearts.

Meet The Griffins’ New Vocalists and Sound Engineer: A Fresh Start for Southern Gospel Sensation

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AMY TURNER

The Griffins are thrilled to announce the addition of three remarkable individuals to their team. This expansion marks a significant chapter in the group’s journey, as these new members bring a blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the ministry.

First up is Brian Scott from Johnson City, TN, who steps into the crucial role of lead/baritone vocalist for The Griffins. Brian, who also excels as a pianist, comes with a multifaceted background. Beyond his musical skills, he is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Service Provider, operating a private practice that integrates Christian values with a focus on comprehensive healing.

Tim Griffin shares, “Angela and I have been on a year-long search for the perfect lead vocalist to join The Griffins. During a recent conversation with an industry friend, Brian’s name came up, and it struck a chord with us. We knew immediately that Brian was the right fit, and we were pleasantly surprised to discover that our search would also introduce us to Theresa and Josh.”

Joining the team as the fourth vocalist is Theresa Bellamy from Kingsport, TN. With her extensive background in vocal performance, Theresa is the owner and operator of “Theresa’s Studio for Vocal Performance.” Her expertise in mentoring budding artists and refining vocal techniques promises to elevate The Griffins’ sound and captivate their audiences.

Josh Smith, hailing from Elizabethton, TN, takes on dual responsibilities within the group. As the sound engineer, Josh ensures top-notch audio quality during performances—a crucial role that greatly enhances the audience’s experience. Additionally, he will be handling the group’s bus driving duties, showcasing his dedication and versatility. Josh’s strong work ethic and team spirit make him an invaluable addition.

Tim and Angela Griffin, alongside Teresa Woodrum, express their deep appreciation for the growth that these new additions bring to The Griffins. The unexpected yet perfect alignment of talents in Brian, Theresa, and Josh highlights the divine timing and guidance at play in the ministry’s journey.

To stay updated on The Griffins’ latest news, tour dates, and more, follow them on social media or visit their website at thegriffinsonline.com.