President Barack Obama (left) prays with Christian leaders, including Bishop T.D. Jakes (right), at the second Easter Prayer Breakfast in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

For President Barack Obama, the resurrection of Jesus Christ keeps things in perspective. That was his Easter reflection as he addressed Christian leaders Tuesday morning at the White House.

Obama continued the tradition of hosting an Easter Prayer Breakfast – which he wants to make annual – during Holy Week, one of the most sacred times of year for Christians as they mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“I wanted to host this breakfast for a simple reason – because as busy as we are, as many tasks pile up, during this season, we are reminded that there’s something about the resurrection … of our savior, Jesus Christ, that puts everything else in perspective,” Obama said in his remarks.

Though it wasn’t exactly a worship service, the brief gathering – held a day after Obama reached out to the Jewish community with an intimate Passover Seder – proved to resonate among the more than 100 guests.

The guest list this year included some prominent megachurch pastors such as Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House, Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church, Dave Gibbons of NewSong Community Church, Mark Batterson of National Community Church, and Joel Hunter of Northland Church.

While acknowledging the busy schedules of the pastors and denominational leaders seated in the East Room, as well as his own full plate and swelling inbox, Obama offered the prayer breakfast as a time to gather and be strengthened as they reflect on what Jesus did more than 2,000 years ago.

“The triumph of Palm Sunday… The humility of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. His slow march up that hill, and the pain and the scorn and the shame of the cross. And we’re reminded that in that moment, he took on the sins of the world – past, present and future – and he extended to us that unfathomable gift of grace and salvation through his death and resurrection,” he said.

Citing the Old Testament book of Isaiah, Obama added, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Obama called it “magnificent grace,” “expansive grace,” “amazing grace.”

It’s that grace that calls him to reflect, pray, ask God for forgiveness, and praise God for “the gift of … His Son and our Savior,” he said.

“And that’s why we have this breakfast,” he pointed out. “Because in the middle of critical national debates, in the middle of our busy lives, we must always make sure that we are keeping things in perspective.”

While children and spouses also help keep things in perspective, the president noted that “nothing beats Scripture and the reminder of the eternal.” Bishop Vashti McKenzie, the first female bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, offered a powerful prayer after being introduced by Obama as the “high-tech bishop” for her iPad.

“I just have to make a quick point: you noticed that these days prayers are on an iPad,” Obama said to laughter.

Reading from her Apple tablet computer, McKenzie prayed, “We remember this morning that in the cross you have demonstrated for all time your wonderful love.

“We thank you for Easter’s reversal of Good Friday. … Christ is risen. Therefore, we know even in our confused and battered world you are bringing life out of death and hope out of despair.”

Keller and Bishop Jakes also spoke at the event.

The second Easter Prayer Breakfast was held as fewer Americans believe Obama is a Christian. An August 2010 poll by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that only 34 percent of Americans, down from 48 percent in 2009, say Obama is a Christian. Among Protestant pastors, 41 percent say they believe him to be a Christian, according to a separate December 2010 poll by LifeWay Research.

Obama’s plans for Easter weekend have not yet been released. Last Easter, Obama and his family attended Allen Chapel AME Church in Southeast Washington.
 

After several years on recording hiatus Yolanda is back with a new CD.  Yolanda’s new CD, Becoming, will be available exclusively at Walmart. The release date is May 3, 2011, but you can pre-order today at the Walmart website.

Becoming Track Listing
1. Golden
2. Rejoice
3. Be Still
4. Just When
5. Not Giving Up
6. Living Proof
7. Time
8. You Can (Taylor’s Song)
9. What Would You Do
10. Overwhelmed

WLBT News is reporting that the Malaco Records, home of gospel music artists such as Bebe & CeCe Winans, The Caravans, Mississippi Mass Choir and Dorothy Norwood, was heavily damaged after it was hit by a tornado.

One of Malaco’s founders, Wolf Stephenson, was inside with about 15 employees when the tornado powered through. Stephenson said, “We started seeing limbs and debris flying through the air and decided we better take cover.”
Luckily, says Stephenson, everywhere they took cover remained structurally intact and miraculously, no one was injured. Stephenson says the warehouse can probably be saved. As for the rest of Malaco Records: “Well, the buildings are old. It’s a real tricky question as to whether or not it’s worth rebuilding,” said Stephenson.

Here is a look at the actual tornado that ripped through the building.  Watch the official news report by clicking here.

Michael Vick knows a little bit about life after a major public relations fail, so he’s taking his experience and offering up words of advice to Chris Brown, who has had a few P.R. mishaps as of late.

Vick recently sat down with the Wall Street Journal to talk about how he was able to rebuild his image after his dogfighting scandal, and the advice that he would give celebs like Brown and Charlie Sheen.

“The advice that I would give to Chris Brown is to put your faith in God. Don’t worry about what people say about you. Words will never hurt you.”

The Word Network, which builds itself as the largest African American religious network, announces the arrival of Bishop George Bloomer as the NEW host for “Rejoice in The Word”.  The new host replaces Bishop Greg Davis who moves to the new Impact network which recently debuted it’s new network on Dish Satellite.

The Word Network had this to say about Bloomer, “We welcome Bishop George Bloomer to The Word Network family as the new host for “Rejoice in The Word”, which is an original produced program which showcases some of the greatest leaders in ministry.”  “We are excited about this new direction and will continue to bring you the best in urban ministries and Gospel music.”

Rev. Dr. Bishop George Bloomer is recognized as 2005 CNN’s faces of faith, bestselling author of “Witchcraft in the Pews” and international conference speaker, Founder and Sr. Pastor of Bethel Family Worship Center in Durham, N.C.

The non-profit network airs national and international ministries, gospel music, interview shows, religious conventions, special events and now produces a new show ‘Rejoice in the Word’ aired LIVE every Friday at 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST. Based in Southfield, Michigan, The Word Network offers family-friendly programming that touches the heart and soul of African Americans in urban and rural markets. The Word Network is available in 80 million homes in the United States through DirecTV, Comcast, AT&T U-verse, Time Warner Cable, Bright House, Cox, and a host of other cable operators and is available in over 200 countries around the world including 9 million homes in the United Kingdom through Sky TV and 4 million homes through Sky Italia in Italy.

When melody and lyrics co-exist as equals, we welcome a song. When verse dominates, and melody is paired with photography and video you have the Spoken Word Biblical Song ministry of Pastor/Dr. Larry B. Patrick.

Charis Chapel Bible Church and its senior pastor-teacher, Dr. Larry Patrick, recently introduced a new poem in Christian lyricism via YouTube and the ministry’s web site. It is available in both audio and video formats. Written in free verse, Pastor Patrick reads his poetry in a baritone voice to easy listening music, interspersed with still images of nature. The first video of a three-part series, “Walking By Faith,” presents to the believer an end goal for all of life’s problems.

“It is designed to inspire believers everywhere to recognize that there is no situation in life for which God has not provided a solution,” Patrick explained.

The idea to pair inspirational Christian poetry, some of which was written decades ago, with easy listening sounds and still photography was the brainchild of Quinton Boutte’, a deacon at Charis Chapel, who having read much of his pastor’s poetry, conceived of the idea.

Patrick said the idea for the poem “Walking By Faith,” first composed in 1996, gave him much comfort during his 39 years of ministry. “Because it kept me focused on the real goal of being a Christian — to one day see the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Patrick founded Charis Seminary in 1986 and has served as President and professor of theology since the seminary’s inception. He subsequently started Charis Chapel in 2000 where he has served as senior pastor-teacher ever since. Download FREE audio or video versions of Walking by Faith by clicking here.

With the release of his first book, “How to Get out of Your Own Way”, Tyrese is doing a book tour for his fans, stopping in different cities across the country to promote the book and do a little press.  He stopped in Arkansas a few weeks ago and spoke with the folks over at Wild Moguls Network to talk about some of the advice he has for youth who wish to follow in his footsteps, giving motivational tips for success and empowerment.

Tyrese humbly says, “Whoever doesn’t have enough money to buy the book, I’ll buy it for you, I just want the message out there so bad.”

Tyrese goes on to explain God’s influence on his everyday activities.

“God has all these blessings in mind for all of us, but it’s us talking ourselves out of it.”  “When ideas and visions and concepts are formed I think that’s some of the closest experiences to God.” I can relate to this, as Tyrese mentions that a lot of people fail because of self doubt and self defeat.” 

“Tyrese says I’m a man of God, I love God.” “God is my source, and I’m not afraid to announce that to the world.” “If you look up to me and you idolize me you’re idolizing a man of God.”

Tyrese gives CEOs advice reminding them, “That if you ever want to invent something pay attention to what people complain about, and there in lies your idea.” 

Take a listen to Tyrese in the interview below and check out his book. He is really a humble individual who is using his platform to push for the Kingdom of God.

The Global Holy Hip Hop and Gospel community sadly announced today that Christian DeeJay, Pioneer, Family man and Entrepreneur: Lawrence Anthony Stroman a/k/a “DJ Lace” (pictured in article), CEO and Founder of New World Music and one of the Founders of the Higher Ground Record Pool, went home to be with the LORD. Although Atlanta was his home, DJ Lace’s roots can be traced back to Bronx, New York where he spun in the 70’s under the name DJ Larry D.

“DJ Lace operated 24/7 as a Five (5) Star General and one of the most prolific, insightful, passionate, dedicated and focused leaders of the Holy Hip Hop movement for over a decade. DJ Lace, an Eternal Slave of Jesus Christ, was a friend to all and a soldier for the cause to: (1) proliferate the Gospel to the Streets and to the ends of the earth; (2) uplift and edify the community, youth and adults with powerful music ministry and media that made a positive difference; (3) defeat and destroy legions of evil and; (4) to save souls and win the lost for Christ by any means necessary. The Christian Holy Hip Hop and Gospel community has suffered a tremendous and staggering loss with the passing of DJ Lace. DJ Lace was and will forever be known and remembered as a respected and world-renowned Champion for each and every Deejay and all Ministers of the Gospel. Although there will never be one day that goes by that DJ Lace will not be missed, his spirit will forever endure and his Legacy of Sacrifice and Tireless Commitment to Spread the Good News will resonate in hearts, minds, bodies and souls for eternity,” said Minister eDDie Velez.

DJ Lace is survived by wife, 3 kids, mom and dad. Official cause of death has not been released. Let’s please pray for his family during this time of loss. The Stroman family has asked at this time not to be contacted but to keep them in your prayers. For more details on future arrangements and condolences, Please contact Edward Watson, DJ E Double U within the next few days @ (djedub@Djedoubleu.com) or Yohance Mitchell, DJ Radikal @ (info@radikal.com). Thank you. On Sunday, April 10th DJ Lace did his last performance with Gospel rapper Lecrae as he performed on 11Alive News Metromix Sound Check.

Here is a video of that last performance recorded just a week ago.

Hello Fear, the brand new release from Kirk Franklin, celebrates its third week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts, selling over 33,000 units in its third week. The album also sits at #3 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #10 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts, with over 166,000 units sold in its first three week. Mary Mary‘s latest release Something Big holds to the #2 position this week. The album also sits at #7 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #22 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. The WOW Gospel 2011 compilation holds to the #3 spot, while Church on the Moon from Deitrick Haddon moves up to #4.  Smokie Norful‘s latest How I Got Over…Songs That Carried Usrounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, I Believe: Live from James Fortune & FIYA jumps five spots to #8, while Twinkie Clark‘s latest With Humility debuts at #14. 

In the world of radio, “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin celebrates its first week at the top of the radio charts. Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” moves to the #2 spot while “I Give Myself Away” from William McDowell comes in at the #3 position. “Walking” from Mary Mary takes the #4 spot while “My Heart Says Yes” from Troy Sneed rounds out the week’s top five songs.