@ 7:14 am
Jun 29, 2009
Freedom
Devotions / 5 comments
It is 1 o’clock in the morning here in Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s been a whirlwind since we landed last Friday and I will never forget this experience. For the past 5 days we’ve had the privilege to meet some of the most beautiful people in the world.
South Africa is a wonderful country with very hospitable people. They are easy to hang with, love their sports and are always trying to feed you. As you can imagine, we feel right at home. However, they would tell you themselves that their history has been a “struggle”. The segregation, racism, oppression and poverty have wreaked havoc for a long time in this country. It wasn’t until the early 90’s when things started to turn around. I wouldn’t give it the respect it deserves if I tried to explain the details on the changes, how they came about and how far this country has come in such a short amount of time. I would highly recommend some personal study and research on “Apartheid” and it’s destruction.
Just a few hours ago, we were blessed to be able to sing in front of thousands of young South Africans as they sang along at the top of their voices. Dancing, chanting, jumping and worshipping with hands lifted to heaven. Shouting unto God with a voice of triumph! It was a thundering sound that will forever be etched in my heart. It was a cry from deep down. No longer a desperate weeping because of anger or sorrow. But a jubilant and unmistakable celebration of “Freedom”! How sweet it is to witness a people, once bound by slavery and the darkest of times, now “Free” to “Be Free”!
The challenge for South Africa is the same challenge that people everywhere are faced with today. How will we use our freedom? In Galatians 5:13 its says- “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love”. Our Pastor Rice Broocks put it this way, “Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want to do. It the power to do what you ought to do”! What will you do with your freedom? How will you use it? Remember, it was purchased with a very high price. Don’t waste it! Don’t take it for granted. Don’t abuse it! Freedom isn’t free! Someone died so you and I could be free!
@ 7:00 am
Jun 17, 2009
Written by: TheKatinas
Remember
Devotions / 15 comments
PSALM 103:1
O MY SOUL, BLESS GOD. FROM HEAD TO TOE, I’LL BLESS HIS HOLY NAME! O MY SOUL, BLESS GOD, DON’T FORGET A SINGLE BLESSING!
Some of you may know that this week we, The Katinas are celebrating 20 years of full time ministry. Our wives are putting “something” together for us this Thursday evening. I say “something” because while they’ve been planning this for months, we’ve been totally in “the dark”. We have no idea what’s happening! It’s exciting but I must confess, my brothers and I are a bit nervous. Usually we are the ones planning and putting the “show” together. It could get interesting. We’ll keep you posted!
At times we can become so driven and focused on the future. But there are moments when it is just as important to “remember” the past. When I reflect on the countless miles we’ve traveled, the beautiful people we’ve met, the lives that have been impacted, and the journey we’ve ventured so far, I am amazed at God’s enduring love. When we were just kids on and island dreaming that some day God would use our lives and music to touch the world. Wow, time flies when you’re having fun.
I encourage you today, to “remember”! Think about how God’s mercy and provision has kept you going. Remember how and what He’s set you free from. Meditate on how much He loves you. Bless Him! Praise Him! Thank Him! Worship Him! Even if you’re facing the most difficult of challenges, it is God who is faithful and will bring you through. If you’re past is too dark and you just want to put it behind you, remember that in God the best is yet to come!
Remembering God’s grace,
Joe
@ 7:30 am
Jun 10, 2009
Written by: TheKatinas
Twenty Years In The Making
Blog / 31 comments
Greetings Katina Nation! This is not James, Jesse, Joe, John, or Sam but a “behind-the-scenes” member of Team Katina with a special request. You may or may not be aware that 2009 marks a milestone for The Katinas. While you could say that they have actually been involved in music ministry their entire lives, their journey into full time music ministry officially began 20 years ago in 1989 as the brothers hit the road with evangelist Rich Wilkerson. Since then it has been an amazing (and sometimes trying) journey as God has taken these 5 brothers from the humblest of beginnings and has since allowed them to literally minister all around the world (and in three different languages!). God has allowed the brothers to work with the best the industry has to offer as well as giving them opportunities to minister alongside some of the most incredibly anointed & godly men and women of our time. Most importantly God has given the brothers a platform to reach the world and touch the lives of countless number of people, fulfilling their early request “We Want To Be Used”!
To celebrate this milestone the Katina wives have donned their party planning hats and have put together an incredible banquet to not only honor The Katinas but also those who have contributed to their music & ministry over the last 20 years. However the celebration would not be complete with recognizing Katina Nation and the role that the Kuzins have played over the years! The brothers value your support and cherish your daily prayers that cover not only them but their families as well. Ideally each and every one of you would be in attendance with us, unfortunately that is not possible. However you can still participate in honoring the brothers by posting your comments below. If you have ever had an encounter with the brothers they would love to hear your story. Maybe you have not had a chance to see the brothers live but have been ministered to by their music. Whatever your story, testimony, or comments may be we kindly ask that you take a moment and share it with the brothers and the world. Thanks in advance for your participation, stay tuned for a recap of the event!
@ 1:17 pm
Jun 3, 2009
Written by: TheKatinas
Look Out
Devotions / 16 comments
Philippians 2: 3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In Rick Warren’s bestseller Purpose Driven Life, the very first words of the first chapter state the following, “It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.” Do you realize this simple fact? You were created for more than just to be happy or fulfill your own desires. God commands us to “look out” and to “reach out”!
Over 80% of churches in America are dying. Why? Pastor Ray Johnston of Bayside Community intelligibly explains, “Churches have become a holy huddle. For the most part it’s a place where Christians are taking care of Christians. We have lost our passion to reach out to the unbeliever and those that are in need of a Savior.” It seems as though we’ve forgotten that our churches and homes are supposed to be a hospital for the sick. A place of refuge and strength for the weak. A place where lost people can find their way home.
When is the last time you reached out to your neighbor? Do you even know your neighbor? Have you had someone over for dinner that doesn’t go to your church? Who doesn’t agree with your faith or even believe in God? Do the people that you’re in contact with on a daily basis know what you stand for? Or only what you’re against. The Bible says that it is God’s goodness that draws people to repentance. When others see you, do they encounter “God’s goodness”? If we’re going to see our lost loved ones come to know Christ in these last days, it is high time that we get our focus off of ourselves, and look out to the needs and interests of others. Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it!
Until next week,
Look Out!
Joe
@ 8:43 am
May 13, 2009
Written by: TheKatinas
Happy Birthday Jesse
Blog / 88 comments
We want to wish our brother Jesse, a Happy Birthday. He may be the youngest of the five of us, but he is truly a leader and someone that we all rely on. He’s a loving husband, an awesome Dad and a great brother and friend. Oh yeah, he’s pretty good on the basketball court too. A lot of people say that he keeps us looking young. Can you guess how old he is?
Happy Birthday, Jesse! Your Brothers
@ 8:30 am
May 11, 2009
Written by: TheKatinas
Looking In
Devotions / 16 comments
Matthew 7:1-6
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults-unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, “Let me wash your face for you, when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. (The Message Bible)
WOW! Need I say anything else? God’s word has a way of telling us exactly what we need to do. Even when it’s not exactly what we want to hear.
I was driving home with my two sons, Josh and Eli yesterday. We were enjoying a beautiful, Tennessee afternoon. School was out for the day, the house was cleaned, cars were washed, the yard was mowed and we were going home to throw the baseball and enjoy some good home-cooking. Everything was near perfect except for a little 5 o’clock traffic. We were turning onto Mack Hatcher Parkway, a busy intersection about 2 miles from our house. When all of a sudden out of no where, a big SUV pulls out right in front of us all the way from the other lane and cuts us off. He didn’t want to wait in traffic like everyone else so he decided to sneak up on the right- hand lane that was for cars turning right but at the last second jumped onto our lane so he could turn left. I was infuriated. If my boys weren’t in the car I might have said a few choice words and even given him the half-peace sign. It wasn’t pretty. As I embarked on a journey of resentful thoughts and “under-my-breath” insults, I was gently reminded by a still small voice about my own issues. I was confronted with my anger, impatience and lack of self control. I was amazed at how quickly I allowed something so minute to change my mood and outlook on life. I glanced in the rear view mirror and discovered my nine year old, Eli looking right at me. BUSTED! Embarrassed and ashamed, I apologized to my sons. As usual, they were gracious and merciful.
It’s so easy to blame others and exterior circumstances for our attitudes and moods. We spend a lot of time trying to fix people, mend relationships and bring solutions to our distressed surroundings when really what’s inside of us is what needs to be dealt with. When you’re confronted or even cut-off with the realities of life, be quick to “LOOK IN” and take inventory before you start trying to assess everyone else and how they need to be. Let us be people that are willing and honest enough to deal righteously with ourselves. Hopefully what you will find on the inside is the peace of God that transcends all understanding, guarding your heart and mind in Christ Jesus!
joe
@ 7:08 am
Apr 29, 2009
