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Stop Hitting the Snooze Button

By
Lamica A. Burnett
-
time management

I overslept the other day. Not because I was exhausted from the night before, but because I was comfortable.

When the alarm clock rang, I immediately hit the snooze button and began to silently pray.  As I thanked God for a peaceful night’s rest, I became keenly aware of my plush pillow.  Yes, Lord, thank you for this bed!  I gently shifted my body beneath my fluffy bed sheets, and at that moment, I could feel the mattress caress me as I pulled the comforter over my head.

It wasn’t long before my silent prayer turned into a loud slumber!   I allowed the warmth of my bed to lull me back to sleep.  In the back of my mind, I knew I had a schedule for the day, but I allowed the coziness of my surroundings to take me off course before my feet even hit the floor.

When You Snooze, You Lose.

get your restWhen I reflected on it later in the day, I realized that I got off track when I made the decision to hit the snooze button. The snooze button made me feel like I had more time. I mistakenly thought that I could put off taking action without consequence.  How wrong was I?

The entire course of my day was thrown off because I chose to be comfortable.  I even missed the call of one of my sisters in need because I was out of place.

I learned a powerful lesson that day. In my stall, I missed an opportunity to be a blessing to someone else. I realized that when I am out of place, others are affected.

I then thought about other areas in my life where I had made excuses for not obeying the promptings for action that God had placed in my heart. For a long time, I knew that I needed to share my writings, but I made excuses. I told myself I’m not ready yet, that I was too busy with my job, that I didn’t have time to write because my family needed me.

I realized that for a long time, I was hitting the snooze button on my dreams because I was operating in fear.  I was afraid that people wouldn’t like my writings and afraid of being judged for my story.

So, What’s the Play Call?

It’s Time to Get Up and Show Up!

I now realize that answering God’s call in obedience allows me to be a blessing to others.  Using the gifts He has placed in me brings Him glory! Obedience will always allow me to position myself for God’s best.

So, Teammates, please be encouraged to move from your place of comfort to a place of action. The body of Christ desperately needs you to serve with the greatness He has already placed inside of you.

Resist the snooze button. Release the blanket of comfort and embrace your greatness!

The body of Christ is waiting (Ephesians 4:16).

 

Still Mad? 5 Ways to Heal From Hurt and Bitterness Once and For All

By
Alecia M. White
-
heal from hurt

Mmmkay, I was driving to the grocery store and as I was almost to a stoplight, a car was waiting to pull out of a McDonald’s. Now, we were in traffic and there were a lot of cars behind me, so I let the car out in front of me.

As I waited for them to wave in their rearview mirror – the universal thank you for letting me in or over sign – they never did. Nope, they sat there in front of me until the light turned green, then sped off. Was I offended? I sure was because it was as if I’d shared something with them and they didn’t say “thank you”. I caught myself though, I mean, there was no use in me driving around mad because some stranger didn’t give me a thank you wave.

Decide to Heal from Hurt and Offense

heal from hurtThis got me to thinking, I’ve been offended, hurt, and in a position where I never received apologies for some of these offenses. And, I am sure that I have been the cause of offense to others. The difference between my life situations and my driving experience is that I chose to get over that non-waving driver quickly. In life, however, I have allowed those offenses to sit so they aren’t as easy to remedy. Renouncing my pain brought about a need to heal.

I researched the definition of “heal”, and according to Webster, heal means “to make free from injury or disease and to make sound or whole”. When you are hurting, it seems you are bound by pain. That bondage keeps you chained to whatever or whoever has caused it. Though I tried during my hurting seasons to put things in the back of my mind or in that special “forget it” compartment in my heart, I was still holding onto the pain. I was bound, but at the same time desperately wanting to be free.

Healing from hurt and bitterness brings wholeness.

I also needed to be made whole. That offense had created a void where my confidence and trust used to be. I was good at covering the open wound and pretending when I was around them, but it was still there. I learned that healing takes time, faith, and trust in God.

When I think of being made whole, the woman with the issue of blood always comes to mind. She took the time to seek out Jesus, she had the faith to touch His hem, and she trusted that He would heal her infirmity. Her story is told in our Playbook in Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48. She lived with her issue for twelve years until she trusted Jesus to take care of it.

This made me consider myself and realize that I had held on to things for years before I trusted God enough to give them to Him. I didn’t treat people differently or spread gossip, but I still let it eat away at my emotions and how I felt about those people. I never showed it outwardly, but on the inside, I was suffering. It wasn’t until I chose to let God heal me (definitely a choice) that I could let those things go.

So, What’s the Play Call?

It can be a rough road to healing, but here are a few things that I hope will aid in your process:

  1. Tell the truth. No, I’m not accusing you of lying, but often, we don’t like to admit when we are hurt. There are so many reasons for this, and they vary by person. Just know that it is imperative that you are truthful about your pain, even if you’ve got to stop lying to yourself. “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
  2. Let God heal you. Sometimes, it’s hard to let go of the offense, especially depending on what we deem the severity to be. Truth is that Jesus is very capable of relieving us of all the feels that come with that harbored hurt. “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14
  3. God can heal you right here. So often, we feel as if we’ve got to be upset for a period of time, sit with our hurt throughout a certain season, or be in a specific place in life first. No matter what phase of pain you feel you’re in, God can take care of it here and now. “And great multitudes followed him: and he healed them there.” Matthew 19:2
  4. Be free. Once you allow God the space to heal that hurt, you can be free from that emotional “injury”. You no longer have to bear that weight. “If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
  5. Be made whole. Just like the woman with the issue of blood, touch Jesus so He can touch you and give you that peace you’ve been longing for. “And he said to her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith made thee whole, go in peace.” Luke 8:48

Don’t let hurt or offense cause you to live bound by pain any longer. You can take control by giving control over to God. Be free. Be whole. Be healed.

Obedience vs. Overboard: When Your Destiny is Tied to Nineveh

By
Lisa Yvette Pearson
-
obedience

We know the story of Jonah. God sent him to Nineveh to warn the people. But, Jonah didn’t want to go. Instead, he hopped a ship, the seas got stormy, and everyone on board was in danger of dying a watery death.

Until, they drew straws and realized it was Jonah who’d upset God; he was the cause of the storm.

Overboard he went.

Sometimes our disobedience is a hindrance to others. We could be the person needed to unlock someone else’s destiny. But, our fear keeps us blocking both their destiny and our own.

We could be the person that has brought trouble with us. From the day we arrived, nothing has gone right. There are quarrels, machine breakdowns, and the milk has soured. You’re like a walking curse; what they call in the world – a bad luck charm. No one wants to be you or be around you.

Can I tell y’all something?

I’ve been Jonah-ish.

But, I Don’t Want to Go to Nineveh.

There was a season in 2015 where the Lord had given me an instruction. I did this, that, and everything but what He told me. I contemplated, made reminders (like I could forget), procrastinated by busying myself with other things, and put it in the back of my mind.

Meanwhile, I was praying to God to give me the courage to do what I needed to. I didn’t like being out of order and disobedient. It caused me great anguish. The anguish would go away but pop up at the darnedest times – like first thing in the morning, when my mind would go right to the thing I DID NOT DO. *sigh*

It was an awful, anxiety-filled way to start the day.

At that time, I was writing content for a Christian organization. It was fun! And, I was excited to see my work being shared on a larger platform.

On the day that I was to be posted, nothing happened. During the day, the post didn’t pop up in my feed. No email notifications showed up. My sister sent me a text to say the link in my blog that connected to the article didn’t work.

So, I made a phone call to my editor.

“What’s happening?”

“We’re having technical problems. I don’t know what’s going on, but we are on it.”

Maybe a few days prior to that, my cousin told me about a sermon at her church that Sunday that talked about who? Jonah. Of course, this popped into my head right at that very moment.

My stomach was in an uproar. My mouth was cottony. I was scared! But you know what I did? I did what God told me to do.

Not too long afterward, I received a text that the site was up and running.

Yay.

Am I making this out to be more than just a minor technical issue? Maybe. But God is intentional. I am the type of person who ties things together. So, God will show me sometimes what He wants me to know by showing me a string of clues and bringing different parts to mind at a certain time. And sometimes, He is loud and rude. Because that’s the only way I would listen.

Are You Headed Overboard, or to Nineveh?

jonahI just hated the idea that I was being a hindrance to someone else. It’s one thing to say, “Aww man, God is causing a storm for me.” But when other people are involved, the stakes are higher. I could let them throw me overboard, or I could go to Nineveh in obedience.

Under duress, because God did what He had to do to get me to comply – I chose Nineveh.

Since then, I’ve procrastinated again – which I understand is still disobedience. But, I’ve also come to understand that God works with His children on levels. It’s currently easier to do what He’s asked or follow His direction. Now, I just ask for further clarification or for Him to tell me when.

And it’s been amazing! Maybe one day I’ll even tell y’all about how He had me pack up and leave Brooklyn to drive to the midwest (it’s not bad!) to start a new life and the crazy miracles that have taken place.

I don’t know what God has told you to do. But know this – your destiny is tied to your obedience.

Being Jonah will just get you tossed off the boat and swallowed into the belly of the whale – where you are of no use to anyone.

So, what’s the play call?

Three words for you: Just. Do. It.

Three more words: Don’t be Jonah.

God bless.

Identity Issues: Does Your Life Identify With the Mind and Will of Christ?

By
Keiston France
-
identity issues

Each individual – man, woman, child, teenager – has an identity. What’s yours?

You could be a contractual worker, a CEO, a specialist, a high school jock, or a homecoming queen. Or, on the other hand, your identity may be tied to your marital status –  married, single, separated, or widowed. Maybe you are known as a philanderer, a liar, a hard worker, or perhaps you’re known as a kind and responsible individual.

All individuals are known by something that, somehow or another, identifies who they are.

There Are No Identity Issues in God’s Plan for You

obedience is better than sacrificeGod’s Word tells us that we can take on another identity and renew our character when we are constrained by our adoration for God through Jesus Christ. In other words, when our spiritual eyes are opened and we finally see how much God loves us, we can’t help but respond to His love and give our hearts and lives to Christ in faith.

Here’s some great news. Paul, who wrote the words in 2 Corinthians 5:17, had been a strict, fear-based oppressor. He was en-route to capture, aggrieve, and slaughter Christians when he encountered the Risen Christ. He apologized – which implies he changed what he thought about Jesus – and turned into a committed follower of Christ. From a strict fear-based oppressor to a committed disciple of Jesus Christ.

How’s that for a total change in personality and identity? If that can happen to Paul, I promise it can happen to anyone reading this devotion.

Your Identity Is Who God Says You Are

Trusting Christ means believing with our minds what the Bible tells us about who Jesus is and who we are. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We are new creatures in Christ. When we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead, all past identity issues are erased and we allow the mind of Christ to reign in us (Philippians 2:5).

Know that believing with our minds alone doesn’t make us Christians. It is an essential part, but true belief is also entrusting and submitting our character and identity to Christ completely.

Follow Him. It’s a decision of the heart and of the mind that leads to our true identity.

So, What’s The Play Call?

  • Have you made that decision – to conform your personality, identity, and character to the will of God?
  • Have you taken on another way of life or a new identity as a believer of Jesus?
  • Will you trust that God will establish your identity when you are having issues?

God vows to make us new creatures, with new identities that last forever, when we surrender to Him.

White Pastors: Does Our Decision to Show Up Matter?

By
Christianity Today
-
church leaders fall

This is not the first time that Bishop Michael Cummings of Greater Love International Church has asked me to say something at an event like this. And every time, I sort of wish he wouldn’t.

The sun is just starting to go down in Founders Park in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, and people are gathered for a prayer vigil in response to the police killing of George Floyd and the racism that continues in this country. Here’s one thing I know: I am a white minister. In most of my life, I succeed by talking. In this conversation, I succeed by listening. When I talk about race and racism, there are so many ways to say something wrong. Others know more than I do. I sit here and I am afraid I will say something that will hurt or offend people. I don’t want to make a mistake and I know that I might.

But I have a rule that when Michael asks me to show up, I will show up. He asked tonight, so I am here, even though I’m nervous.

When I took the position of senior minister at First Christian Church in Johnson City in 2016, I knew I wanted to connect with a black church in town and develop a relationship with an African American minister. I asked around about a pastor who might work with me and several people pointed me to Michael. We both went to Emmanuel Christian Seminary, so while we didn’t know each other, we had friends in common.

I remember in our first conversation, I said, “I want to work against racism but I don’t know how. If I can be your ally, please let me.” We began to meet and eat and talk. As I said, I’m good at talking. But with Michael, I learned I also needed to listen. Sometimes I needed to just show up and stand in the crowd. Out of our relationship, our churches …

Continue reading…

Good Health Cooking: Fudgy Chocolate Hummus

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
-

Grab some sliced apples, strawberries, pretzels, or a spoon because this Fudgy Chocolate Hummus is the snack you didn’t know you were missing! 

Every afternoon my daughters climb down the steps when the green light on their alarm clock signals ‘rest time’ is over.  And every day, like clockwork, I hear this simple request, “Can I have a snack? With chocolate?”  

The first time I saw chocolate hummus in the refrigerated section of my grocery store I was a little bit skeptical…chocolate + hummus?  It didn’t sound like a winning combination. 

But, once I got curious enough to try it out, I was hooked. And, my family was, too!  In fact, this Fudgy Chocolate Hummus recipe is one of the most requested recipes in our house and for good reason!

Traditional hummus is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making it a great dip or spread. But a lot of dessert versions out there use excessive amounts of sugar.  This Fudgy Chocolate Hummus is perfectly sweet without overwhelming your taste buds or spiking your blood glucose.  

Softened dates are the primary sweetener, also adding some fiber and minerals for nutritional benefits. Along with the combination of chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), almond butter, cocoa powder, and a splash of almond milk, each serving of Fudgy Chocolate Hummus has 3 grams each of protein and fiber and no more than 2 grams of added sugar.

If you need a new idea for afternoon snack time, want a little ‘something’ sweet after lunch or dinner, or just love all things chocolate and never pass by a healthier chocolate recipe, give this one a try!  

Maybe Fudgy Chocolate Hummus will become a requested recipe in your home, too!  

hummus

Fudgy Chocolate Hummus (low added sugar)

Ingredients

15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

4 large Medjool dates, pits removed

1tbsp vanilla extract

⅛ tsp kosher salt

2 tbsp creamy almond butter, no salt added

5 tbsp almond milk, unsweet

½ tbsp coconut oil, unrefined

1 tbsp + 1 tsp honey (or preferred liquid sweetener)

Directions

In a small bowl, place pitted dates and cover with water. Microwave for 1 minute (or allow dates to steep in hot water for 10 minutes to soften).

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Puree for 30 seconds and then scrape down the sides. Repeat this process 2 or 3 more times or until hummus meets preferred texture.

Serve with sliced apples, strawberries, pretzels or eat by the spoonful!

Tips & Tricks

  • If chocolate hummus is too stiff, add almond milk in 1/2-1 tbsp increments until preferred texture.
  • Some dates are plump and others are smaller, choose the large ones for this recipe or add 1-2 extra if they are small.  Medjool dates work best.

Grab the printable recipe for Fudgy Chocolate Hummus here.

5 Reasons Why It’s Not Too Late to Never Be the Same Again

By
Kim Brightness
-
never be the same again

I Want Change, But…

One of the biggest “hall passes” the enemy offers us is the excuse of  “I’m too late.”

Have you ever heard that fearful, hopeless voice in your head mumble these words?:
“I’m too old.”
“If only I had started years ago.”
“Time is no longer on my side.”

Hand up, I sure have, too! How about we all quit the confusion, and correct our thinking.

god's timing is perfectSo often we think the answer is to be Time’s friend when we forget – Time has to answer to God, and we are friends of God (John 15:15)!

God, in all of His wisdom, gentleness, and beauty, is in control of the tides and seasons of your life. Many of us are overly concerned with sequential or chronos time – the timeclock of years and ages swooshing by, with our dreams and goals a mere blur now.

But God protects our divine moments, our appointed or kairos times for awakening to change that are indiscriminate of a date on the calendar, or time on the clock. Our job, teammates, is to recognize those opportune moments, and choose to resign from fear and surrender to God.

It’s never too late to change because…

1. God will never give up on you.

I admit it. I’ve worn a few people’s nerves down to the nubs. I’ve even been skillful with a knife and cut a few folks (off) myself. Good thing God is not like most of us, right?! You will never seek the Lord’s help and hear, “You’re too late, I’ve grown weary of you.” See, the first characteristic of Love is Patience. I’m talking supernatural Patience. So, just when you think Jesus is rightfully justified to have nothing more to do with you and your foolishness, His arms are open wide at that very second to give you the strength, courage and support you need.

2. You’re still here.

As long as there is breath in your body, there is the power of choice in your soul. The very beat of your heart sets the tempo for you to put one foot in front of the other, and PURSUE the abundant life you want to live. If you’re tired of “being this way” and you want to change, take a deep breath, then exhale it slowly – feel that? THIS is proof that you have the fundamentals to begin your journey to greater.

3. If you can learn, you can un-learn.

How did I get here? How did I pick up this behavior, thought pattern, or belief? It’s simple – you learned it! Our parents taught us what their parents taught them – is it still valid? We taught ourselves by standing on the outside watching others – did we get all the facts? We taught ourselves how to cope with emotionally stressful events – were those tactics helpful? Now the Lord wants to teach us who we truly are and how to live abundantly – away from the noise, distractions, and lies we’ve learned along the way. Tell Jesus, “Lord, I don’t know, would you please teach me?” and get ready for a lesson you’ll never forget.

4. “Now” is in your hands.

Don’t worry about the time that has passed. Embrace the gift that you do have – Now. Now is what you’ve got, and Now is all you need to start. Leave the future and all of the what-ifs to God, and commit to honoring the gift of Now that is in your hands.

5. Change is possible.

Let’s face it – no one wants to fight a battle they can’t win. But, your possibilities are far from impossible. You can feel the disconnect from depression, dishonesty, pride, fear, people-pleasing. You realize disobedience has never really served you, and you know you want to change. While what is possible may not necessarily be easy, with the Holy Spirit leading the way into all Truth, you have a 100% chance to change your life and never be the same again.

So, What’s the Play Call?

God – who created time – is on your side. You’re right on schedule to grow in the grace and purpose God has for your life.

In the meantime, here’s what we all have to do in our pursuit of growth and change (2 Peter 1:5-8 MSG):

5 So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding,
6 alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, 
7 warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. 
8 With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus.
THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson.

Showing Up is Our Job, the Triumph Belongs to God

By
Alecia M. White
-
showing up

Showing Up Matters

showing upI was brave and decided that I would go to CycleBar. You know, one of those places that only hosts cycling classes on stationary bikes. I say brave because, well, me and bikes don’t really get along. I’d gone a few weeks prior for a fundraiser event, but that seemed different. This time, I went because I felt it would help me boost my workout regimen.

Okay, so, there are these special shoes that click to the bike pedals, so you can pedal fast without your feet flying off the bike. Well, mine just wouldn’t snap on. Then, there was the fact that I just couldn’t seem to “catch up” to everyone else on the leaderboard. But, I’m a runner, not a bike rider, so it’s okay, right?

The instructor kept “bribing” everyone with their scores. “I’m gonna show you these stats. C’mon, you’re only in competition with yourself, but here is where you are, if you care.” I mean… I cared! Then, despite her somehow making me feel slightly defeated by showing me where I was on that board (last), she said something that struck me: “It’s your bike ride. You control your pace.” Geez!

All of a sudden, the only person I had to prove something to was myself, right? Then, God spoke to me and said, “You showed up, you have nothing left to prove.”

Showing Up is Half the Battle

showing upSee, I’d talked myself in and out of going to that class about 32 times that morning before I “showed up”. It was raining, my sinuses were acting a plum fool, and I was tired. And, not to mention, it was a workday.

But, I did it… I showed up!

So often, we may succeed in getting past other people, but if you’re anything like me, you can be your own worst enemy. Self-defeat has caused me to lose more battles than a “hater” ever could. We (I) get into competition with myself all the time.

Me: “You know you can’t do that!”
Me to Me: “Oh yes I can, and I’m gonna prove it to you!”

But God let me know that I don’t need to beat myself up over things that I cannot control. During that cycling class, my endurance was challenged, but I had to realize that there was no need to push myself beyond what I could actually handle.

Yes, in life, push yourself, but also know yourself enough to know when to slow down or stop.  I have a bad habit of that – pushing myself just to demonstrate my own ability… to me.

Our Playbook tells us in Ecclesiastes 9:11, the New Living Translation, “The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle.” I could have torn myself up, trying to prove to me that I was capable of stationary cycling past all those other folks – but what would that have proven? Going at my own pace guaranteed that I finished the class with no complications.

So, What’s The Play Call?

I know it can be difficult to encourage yourself, but most times, that’s what will help you do your absolute best – not keeping up with everyone else. It’s like my instructor said, “It’s your bike ride. You control your pace.” Only, we actually have it better – we can allow God to control our pace and leave the triumph to Him (2 Corinthians 2:14). Here are a few things that, I hope, will help you “keep your pace”:

  1. Just finish. Matthew 24:13, in our Playbook, says “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Know that all you have to do is make it to the finish.
  2. Let the Lord light that path of yours. With Him leading and lighting the way, we are sure to see where we are going with no problems. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
  3. Always be prayerful. Prayer is communication with God, and if we aren’t praying, we are not communicating with Him. He can help us in the times that we feel defeated, even if we are the cause. “Pray without Ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  4. Be strong in God. We often try to rely on our own strength by not asking for help and attempting to figure things out on our own. Our Playbook says in Ephesians 6:10 that we are to be “strong in the Lord”. That means that we cannot do this without Him.

As you continue along in this journey of life, I pray that you become more of an encouragement to yourself. There is a saying that goes, “showing up is half the battle” and I have found that to be true. Once you step into the situation with the mindset that “you can”, you have already defeated a doubt.

So, be encouraged and “Show Up!”

Business and COVID-19: Decisions Every Business Owner Will Face

By
Stephanie Lipsey
-
business and covid-19

Over the past several weeks, entrepreneurs, self-employed, and small businesses alike have had to make decisions around COVID-19. As the economy continues to reopen around the country, some business owners are trying to decide if and when they will reopen, how their business will operate, and is it worth the trouble at all?

What is the game plan?

These are the questions that my business partner and I have had to ask ourselves over the last few weeks.

Essential or non-essential business?

business and covid-19Some businesses are automatically considered essential, but as a business owner, the decision to remain open for business is a choice, rather than forced. For example, a counselor can choose to schedule sessions or not via phone or Zoom, which is definitely a benefit. However, other business owners who cater or service the public were forced to close temporarily based on State’s guidelines. And, if you’re a salon owner like me, closing your salon wasn’t a choice but rather a necessity – and no work means no pay in this field.

To open or not reopen business?

Some businesses are still making their transition back to the “open” economy. When making the decision whether we should reopen, we monitored businesses like my neighborhood grocery store. I frequently visited the store once or twice a week and have seen the same faces throughout this pandemic – and they seem fine.

However, the news continued to paint the picture of many deaths due to coronavirus, and we all know people who have reported friends and loved ones personally affected by COVID-19. So, those comparisons we prayerfully took into consideration.

What will be my new normal?

For those who have decided to reopen their public-facing business, there are guidelines to follow for optimal health, safety, and sanitation. In order to prepare and maintain a “new normal” for business operations, businesses may consider doing the following for the short- and long-term:

  • Have a hand-held thermometer to check everyone’s temperature upon entering the premises.
  • Ask every customer to wash their hands, depending on the business.
  • Continue practicing social distancing by not allowing too many people in your establishment at one time.
  • Wear face masks and gloves (if needed).

I decided that when I reopened our salon, we would do all of the above. We encouraged our clients to observe these practices via email updates on policy changes and sanitization guidelines for their visit.

So, what’s the play call?

1. Pray and ask God for wisdom on how to proceed.

Arm your business with the best business advice available. Ask the Father, our true CEO,  when/if you should re-open, and how to move forward.  “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)

2. Follow your State’s guidelines to be in compliance with health advisories.

As Christian entrepreneurs and business owners, we must operate our businesses ethically and with integrity. Honor the rules and guidelines for your business on a local, state, and federal level. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Romans 13:1 (NIV)

3. Continue to pray for protection over your business, employees, and customers.

Allow your business to be a place where all who enter can feel the favor and protection of God through your witness. Let God’s love abound to everyone associated with your business. “The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121: 7-8 (NIV) and Psalm 91 in its entirety

Remember, we are all in this together. No matter what you decide, God will be with us!

Stay safe and blessed,

Stephanie  

 

The Salty Christian: Are We Effective Athletes on Team Jesus?

By
Keiston France
-
salty christian

I love the Olympics. The last time they were on, I could not help but stay up and watch. My greatest memory of the games was the opening ceremonies. As I watched athletes from around the world stand together, I was reminded of the power of athletics to build bridges between people from very different backgrounds.

Are You a Salty Christian on Team Jesus?

successIf athletics can do such a thing, Christians should be able to do so as well. Unfortunately, many committed believers simply don’t know how to build bridges with people of different backgrounds, faiths, or no faith at all.

Yet, Jesus calls His followers to be “salt.” Salt does two things: it makes things taste better and slows down the process of decay. In both cases, it must come in contact with another object to be effective.

Christians must have interaction with people they hope to influence. Sadly, many followers of Christ have little contact with non-believers.

As athletes on Team Jesus, we come in contact with many other athletes whose lives long to be seasoned with the love of Christ. Not only do we rub shoulders with non-Christians, but we also sweat with many whose lives are quickly decaying as a consequence of sin. We must use our roles as Christian athletes to be “salt” for Christ today! Think about it.

So, What’s The Play Call?

  1. Practically, how does God want you to be “salt”?
  2. Who can you be “salt” to in a greater way?
  3. What does Matthew 5:13 say about you if you are not serious about being a salty Christian?

Our Workout

“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” – 1 Thessalonians 1-5

 “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.  

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.  

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” – 2 John 4-11

Overtime Prayer for Salty Christians

“Father, thank You for the opportunity to play in the game. I recognize that You have put me on Your team to be “salt.” Help me to season the team and the world with Your love, and slow down the decay of sin. Amen.”

 

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