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Guns in Church: Half of U.S. Churches Now Enlist Armed Security

By
Christianity Today
-
guns in church

The likelihood of guns in church grows.

In the aftermath of several high-profile church shootings, most Protestant pastors say their congregations have taken some precautions to protect those in attendance.

Since 2000, 19 fatal shootings have taken place at Christian churches, while gunmen have also taken lives at other religious sites like Jewish synagogues, a Sikh temple and an Amish school.

Around 4 in 5 Protestant pastors (80%) say their church has some type of security measure in place when they gather for worship, according to a survey from Nashville-based LifeWayResearch.

“Churches are some of the most common gatherings in any community, and that makes them targets,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. “Most churches understand this and have responded in some way.”

(Editor’s note: Last week, President Donald Trump signed new legislation authorizing $375 million in federal grants to help houses of worship and other nonprofits improve their capacities to defend against violence.)

Security specifics

The most common form of preparation is making an intentional plan. Almost 2 in 3 pastors (62%) say their church has an intentional plan for an active shooter situation.

The more people who show up to worship services each week, the more likely the church is to have made plans for a potential gunman.

Pastors of churches with 250 or more in attendance (77%) and those with 100 to 249 (74%) are more likely to have an intentional plan than those with 50 to 99 in attendance (58%) or those with less than 50 in their worship service each week (45%).

More than a quarter of churches (28%) have radio communication among security personnel.

African American pastors (47%) and pastors of other ethnicities (46%) are almost …

Continue reading…

4 Familiar Ways to Guard Your Thoughts Everyday

By
Lamica A. Burnett
-
guard your thoughts

Thought Spam

Recently, I’ve noticed that I have been bombarded with a ton of emails.  I have received numerous messages from people I don’t know with ‘trying to reach you’ in the subject line.

Other emails have been from marketers promising that I will drop 30 pounds in 30 days if I try their patented, one-of-a-kind breakthrough weight loss formula.

I can’t even count the number of emails I’ve received from the First National Bank of Scams advising me of yet another critical, time-sensitive issue with my non-existent credit account.

guard your thoughtsIt seems that everyone is battling for a coveted spot in the sacred place called My Inbox.

While they are struggling to get in, I’ve found myself fighting just as vigilantly to keep them out!

For some reason, an inbox packed with unread messages stresses me out. In the recent weeks, I’ve done my best to keep my inbox clutter-free by doing a few simple things: Filtering, blocking, deleting and unsubscribing!

Say it with me…filter, block, delete, unsubscribe!

By doing these four simple things, my inbox has been a bit lighter and I’ve noticed that my overall mood has improved.

As I thought about my inbox and how I was able to eliminate a plethora of unwanted messages, I considered my mental space and all of the messages that enter my mind on a daily basis. While you, too, have the option to filter, block, delete and unsubscribe from email, it is in this same way that you have the power to guard your thoughts (Proverbs 4:23).

Thought Protection

FILTER

While it takes work to control the thoughts that enter our minds, we do have God-given thought filters available to us.

God’s standard for what we should be thinking is found in his word in Philippians 4:8.  Turn on your thought filter by asking yourself:

  • Is it true?
  • Is it honorable and worthy of respect?
  • Is it right and confirmed by God’s word?
  • Is it pure and wholesome?
  • Does it bring peace?
  • Is it admirable?
  • Is it excellent and worthy of praise?

These are the things we should think about. If our thoughts don’t pass the test, it’s time to make a wise move! Keep reading…

BLOCK

If the thoughts that we are meditating on do not measure up to the standard of God’s word and His conditions are not met, then just like spam email – the thought should be blocked.

It will take some practice and diligence to consistently block negative thoughts.  Because we have had years of practice not guarding our minds, it does not take much effort to think wrong thoughts. It may be a bit difficult at first, but if we resist the enemy (James 4:7), he will leave. Using the Word of God as our weapon is our most powerful reinforcement.

As a practice, we need to train ourselves to replace the lie of the enemy with the truth of God’s word.

For example, if a negative thought says “I can’t make it, I’m too weak”, the truth of God’s word says His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

If a negative thought says “I’m confused, I can’t figure it out”, the truth of God’s word says He will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).

If a negative thought says “I am alone, no one understands”, the truth of God’s word says He will never leave your side, nor emotionally abandon you (Hebrews 13:5).

DELETE

Once we have successfully blocked the thought, we have the option to delete it from our minds. We can literally make a decision to not think about it.

What we starve eventually dies. If we redirect our attention to thinking the way God wants us to think, that damaging thought will wither away.

The Word of the Lord reminds us in Deuteronomy 30:19 that we have a choice, and He urges us to make the right decision, and that is to choose life.

God gives us the free will to pick whatever it is that we want. It is imperative that we continually renew our minds in the word of God (Romans 12:2).

It is in this refreshing of the mind that we can gain the victory we need in our thought lives.

UNSUBSCRIBE

Like an unwanted email from a professional spammer, we have the option to unsubscribe from whatever it is in our lives that no longer serves us or our best interests.

That could be a toxic relationship that drains us emotionally, or it could be an activity or project that we should have never taken on in the first place.

It could be our own negative self-talk or our own self-doubt.

Often when we unsubscribe from an email list, the sender wants to know the reason why we have chosen to do so:

“I no longer want to receive these emails, I did not request this email, this content is not what I expected or I’m receiving more emails than I expected” are just a few of the reasons to unsubscribe.

It is in this same way that we can opt-out of negative thinking and living.  Though we don’t have to justify our desire for healthier thoughts, some reasons could include: “We no longer want to meditate on the lies of the enemy. We did not request his torment. We are getting more stress than we bargained for, and it’s dragging us down. No more!”

So, what’s the play call?

Take a good look at your thought life the same way you do your inbox and make a decision:

  • Filter
  • Block
  • Delete
  • Unsubscribe

That’s the beauty and power of choice!

Beth Moore: The Curious Thing God Does With Rotten Fruit

By
Christianity Today
-
Beth Moore

Years ago, when the number of attendees at Living Proof Live events started swelling—and, consequently, scaring me half to death—I decided that God would be most honored (and I’d be most reliant on him) if I fasted from the time each conference began until after it ended. If effectiveness increased in response to a combination of fasting and praying, as Scripture indicated it did, why wouldn’t the same formula work for fasting and speaking?

It made perfect sense to me, so I kept this up for years—not one bite on an event weekend, from Friday after lunch until Saturday afternoon. Twenty-four hours or so was plenty doable. I desperately needed God to show up. The way I saw it, if I fasted at these events, God would be more likely to demonstrate favor.

Never mind that favor can’t be earned. Never mind that there’s no formula on earth for guaranteeing the outpouring of God’s Spirit.

Sometimes we’re wheeling and dealing and calling it holy. The longer I live, the less I find God to be a hand shaker. Hand holder? Yes. Hand shaker? No.

God was faithful. He carried me through each of those events, especially in the last few hours when I felt shaky, and afterward, too, when the meet-and-greet would go on until I was nearly in tears. I’d already given everything I had.

Then I started seeing stars. Sometimes during the last session of an event, I’d have to steady myself at the podium for a moment until the lightheadedness passed. I was so depleted at the end that the aftereffects weren’t just physical. I’d immediately face spiritual attack as if a hoard of demonic spider monkeys were jumping on my back.

Wait a minute, I thought. Isn’t fasting supposed to …

Continue reading…

Trump Reveals “Deal of the Century” Peace Plan for Israel and Palestine

By
Christianity Today
-
peace plan

After three years of anticipation—and dread—President Trump announced the launch of his “Deal of the Century” to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine.

With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his side, he outlined details for a proposal that would recognize a Palestinian state following extensive land swaps and security arrangements.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was not present, having broken off communication with the White House following several US decisions deemed biased toward Israel.

Abbas immediately rejected the plan, which Palestinians had long declared “dead on arrival.”

But Netanyahu’s acceptance was enthusiastic, declaring himself willing to begin negotiations with the Palestinians on such terms. A day earlier, Netanyahu’s challenger Benny Gantz also signaled his party’s agreement with Trump’s proposal.

With three Arab states lacking a peace treaty with Israel in attendance—Oman, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates—Trump hopes there will be a regional push to implement his plan.

And with $50 billion promised as an investment for the nascent Palestinian state, the president believes all the necessary pieces are in place.

“All previous generations from Lyndon Johnson tried and bitterly failed,” Trump said. “But I was not elected to do small things, or shy away from big problems.”

It only required he approach peace in a “fundamentally different” manner.

No Arab or Israeli would be uprooted from their home. This guarantees the preservation of all existing Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.

Jerusalem would remain the undivided capital of Israel. At the same time, on the …

Continue reading…

See also “Key points in Trump’s Mideast peace plan” via AP.

Don’t Eclipse Jesus: Are Lesser Lights Obstructing the Light of Christ?

By
Kristina Bolton
-
light of christ
© solarseven/Dreamstime.com

Greetings, Teammate, and Happy New Year!

2020: God is Going to Shock the World

This is my first article of 2020 and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to share with you the things the Lord shares with me. Each time I write, I seek the Lord about what He would like me to say. I felt in my spirit that this piece would require our sober attention as God began to bring some things to my attention concerning 2019 and 2020.

As I surveyed social media during the New Year holiday, I saw the usual prophetic declarations, resolutions, reflections, determinations and the like. As for me, I felt the need to just listen. I know that God is working on some things, but He has not released all the specifics. Nonetheless, one thing God did want me to share is this – He said, “Tell the people, in this next year, do not eclipse Jesus.”

Let’s define an eclipse.

When the Lord says things like this, I do what I always do; study. I am a researcher by nature. I enjoy seeking a thorough understanding of a matter. While I know what an eclipse is, sometimes a fresh definition can illuminate a word even more.

According to Webster, an eclipse is “the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another.”  More specifically, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves in front of the sun (looking from the earth), making it darker outside.

Recall Genesis 1:14. During the fourth day, the Lord created the greater light (the sun) and the lesser light (the moon) to differentiate between day and night. Pulling this all together, an eclipse is when a lesser light moves in front of the greater light. This, in turn, makes it hard for the inhabitants on earth to receive light that comes from the greater source. We know that Jesus is that greater light (John 8:12).

So, the question is: What have we allowed to obstruct Jesus and His light in our lives?

As the Lord shared this with me, I was immediately moved with conviction. With the return of Jesus closer than we truly know, He warned us not to be distracted.

Luke 21:34  (KJV) “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”

The Lesser Lights in our Lives

Let’s determine whether we have eclipsed Jesus.

The important thing to understand is that the lesser light is not necessarily a bad thing. God created lesser lights and found that they were “good,” according to Genesis 1:14. However, if God would classify them as either greater or lesser, this means that they have a priority in the eyes of God.

What is a priority according to God? Is it that we believe in Jesus and live according to His Word through repentance so that we will be reconciled back to Him for eternity? Yes! However, the greater light is more than the person, Jesus. It’s also about the message of salvation that He carried.

Where is the Light of the Glorious Gospel?

As God unraveled this thing to me, I realized the Gospel of Jesus Christ was diminishing in the shadow of the carnal.  The “cares of this life,” (Luke 21:34), representing only one type of lesser light, is becoming the heart of the Gospel. This should not be so.

There is an increasing number of ministers and preachers who are more concerned with entrepreneurship, prosperity, physical health, and other natural matters than the Son and His light of salvation. How do we know this? Because these topics are the objective of their message.  Words like “repentance,” “salvation,” “deliverance”, or “eternity” are rarely mentioned. In turn, the souls of men are suffering because people would rather promote carnality than the Word of Truth.

As I mentioned earlier, these lesser lights are not bad if they are prioritized in the way they were created. I am not against anyone looking to advance themselves s long as it does not go against the Word of God. However, if anything obstructs the light of Jesus, it can be detrimental to mankind.

The Dangers of a Constant Eclipse

Think about this scientifically. If the earth were to experience an eclipse for a long period of time, we’d suffer widespread death. While the lesser light (the moon) is a good thing, it’s not vital to life like the sun. Obstructing the light of the sun would cause humans, plants, animals, and life as we know it to be exterminated.

Spiritually speaking, this is what is happening to many. People are dying in their spirits and souls because they are not receiving enough, or any, SON LIGHT.

SO, WHAT IS THE PLAY CALL?

Teammate, Apostle John said it best, and this is the cry of my heart: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul” (3 John 2:2 ESV). The Gospel of Jesus Christ is about soul prosperity, not about the sole prospering of our pockets, businesses, and even natural bodies. Jesus gave his body so that everyone who would accept and follow Him would be reconciled to the Father. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Indeed, our lives as humans encompass a large variety of matters that we must consider. Neither the Lord nor I am against accomplishments in this life. But they have their place of importance.

Remember, everything that we build on this side of eternity has an expiration date. Our soul is what is carried to the other side, and its condition will be the determination of where we spend eternity. I pray that you can see where to place the greater investment.

I leave you with Mark 8:36 “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Don’t let any lesser light obstruct the greatest light, which is our beloved Jesus and the Gospel of Salvation.

I love you all.

Christians’ #1 Response to Celebrity Deaths

By
Kim Brightness
-
prince death

The death of Prince in 2016 was a shocker.

I froze in my car. It was one of those moments where – you will always remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news.

And no, the experience of Michael Jackson’s and Whitney Houston’s death didn’t make it any less painful. For both Michael and Whitney, I expressed my sorrow through music; wrote a song for both of them – seemed like the best way to celebrate their lives and honor their contributions to the soundtrack of my life.

For Prince? The consummate genius musician? Sigh. Not sure if I could muster up a tune or lyrics to adequately express my feelings. With more celebrities added to the “{enter year} deaths list”, what do most of Team Jesus think about when we hear about a celeb’s death?

Eternity.

The Hope for Eternity with God

“I hope they knew Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”
“Lord, I hope they got a chance to repent and confess you as Lord.”

It’s game over. Eternity has been decided. What do most Christians ponder – “Did they make it, Jesus?”

Be honest, Team. Did your mind wander to the last moments of your favorite celeb’s death? Did you envision (or hope) that perhaps Prince “knew” he was living his final days and made “for sure” his soul was right with God?

Yep, I did.

And while we may never know, on this side, the answers to any of these questions, we still care. An understanding of the seriousness and finality of eternity invokes our hopeful response. We are aligned with God’s intent and want no one to die without accepting Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9).

Celebrity Status Is No Death Repellent

What becomes clearer with each celebrity death is – fame and fortune will never be death repellents.

Society often holds celebrities in an immortal light, where they’re entitled to live forever. They’re living legends. They’re the GOATs (greatest of all time). Death of celebs becomes mind-boggling, almost unfair for “him” or “her” to leave this world “so soon”.

The realization of a celebrity’s death is also a wake-up call – “If {insert name} can die, what about me?”

Team, we can’t allow the money, fame, and talent, nor the fear of dying to blind us from the immutable truth that we all have an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27-28).  You, me, those we hold in high esteem, those we believe are so beautiful, talented, rich, famous, genius, legendary, OR just everyday family and friends – all of us will one day take our last breath, and stand before God to give an account of the life we’ve lived (Romans 14:11-12).

Be Ready to Die, Even if You’re Not Ready to Die

What is the ultimate response to a celebrity’s death for us all?

Self-examination.

Listen, I’m not ready to die, there’s A LOT more I want to do in life, as you do too! But am I ready, even if I’m not ready?

It doesn’t matter if the death is close to us, or the death of a celeb – death is a disruption – a disruption to mediocre or fast living, a disruption to the false sense of security that we have all the time in the world to ________. Death is that deafening alarm signaling it’s time for reflection and introspection as we take inventory of our lives, and how well we’ve prepared for Eternity – or not.

As the world mourns the loss of celebrities today, take a moment for self-examination:

“If I died today, where would I spend eternity?”

If you’re not 1000% sure that you’d spend eternity with God versus eternity in hell, we aren’t too proud to beg! Please, please, please accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!

Here are a helpful resource and guidance video. You can do it right now. It’s as simple as this prayer of faith:

“Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive my sins and save me from eternal separation from God. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins, I believe that God raised You from the dead, and I confess you Jesus as Lord. Thank You for providing the way for me to know You and to have a relationship with my heavenly Father. Through faith in You, I have eternal life. Thank You also for hearing my prayers and loving me unconditionally. Please give me the strength, wisdom, and determination to live this new life according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

If you have accepted Jesus Christ, please drop us a line so we can rejoice with you and welcome you to the Team! We encourage you to find a fellowship of Bible-believing brothers and sisters in Christ to nurture and grow in your relationship with God.

THIS is the real #1 response to death for Team Jesus – leading others to eternal life in Jesus Christ!

We love you. God loves you even more!

Living Fit and Free: One Woman’s Story of Quitting Diets and Finding Health

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
-
fit and free

Cans of tuna and lettuce with salt weren’t an uncommon lunch for one little girl a few decades ago. She may have been walking the elementary school halls but weight and body image plagued her thoughts. Insecurity was her bestie. Although she was not at an unhealthy weight or size, she followed the Weight Watchers Plan, hopeful a diet could erase her negative thoughts and uncomfortable feelings.  

It didn’t.

In college, she toyed with binging and purging, both with exercise and with laxatives. She tried every diet, pill, gimmick or quick fix advertised, but nothing freed her from the thoughts that held her captive.  

This woman knew Jesus, yet she still struggled. But one day, everything changed.

Meet Teammate, Marsha Apsley.

fit and free
Marsha Apsley | Counselor, Author

Marsha knows the true freedom Jesus died to give. She knows what it’s like to give Him the struggle and then take it back from Him – over and over again. But, she also knows breakthrough.

“When I turned 40, I read ‘Made to Crave’ by Lisa Terkerst.  In it, the story of the Israelites is highlighted, and God told Moses, ‘you have circled this mountain long enough, now turn north.’ So at 40, I turned north – and that was over 7 years ago!”

“My life is not about a big transformation in my waistline, but more importantly a transformation that took place in my mind and how I learned to be fit and free – to fully live the life Christ has for me.”

Marsha knows what it feels like to be stuck, and what it is like to be alive in Christ.  She now owns her story and uses it to point people to Jesus as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and author. This is her story of living fit and free.

What was the first step you took in your transformation process?

I changed my mind. I had to quit the pursuit of weight loss. I had to replace the “how can I lose weight” thoughts with God’s Word.

What does living fit and free mean to you?

To live fit and free means living a healthy life not tied to a diet plan or a number on a scale. It means living in a way that honors this age and stage of my life. I do things that lead to health – drink plenty of water, move regularly, get rest, eat in ways that nourish my body and gives me energy – but in a way that leads to freedom, not in bondage to a plan or program.  

How would you describe the difference between a diet and a lifestyle?

A diet is something you go on and off. If you can’t see yourself living this way 5, 10, or 20 years from now, then you’re on a diet. 

A lifestyle is how you live 365 days a year. A healthy lifestyle is one that is sustainable in the long-term. 

Many women feel the need or have been instructed by a healthcare provider to lose weight.  As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, what would you challenge her to think about or pray about as she takes steps to improve her health?

Identify why weight loss or changing a habit is important.  Weight will always change, whether it’s half a pound, 5-10 pounds, this way or that.  If weight never changes here are 2 questions to ask:

  1. What can you do for the long term that you enjoy? 
  2. Are there ways that you can better honor your body?

How do you straddle the tension of setting goals to improve areas like your health and fitness without getting caught up in body dissatisfaction?

Rediscover my why. 

Stay away from the scales.  

Do things that build confidence.

What are 2 healthful patterns or rhythms you have created to help you feel confident in your body?

  1. Minimal time in front of the mirror – I just don’t have time for that. If I spend too much time in front of the mirror, I’ll go off on a tangent of what I need to change. I rely on what I know: I am consistently living a healthy life. I feel good about that.  
  2. Exercise – Regular movement boosts my mood, makes me feel strong, and releases stress. 

What do you do when you feel guilt or conviction from a food or lifestyle choice that wasn’t beneficial?  

  1. Remind myself that I can turn things around at any time. We are always one choice away.
  2. Assess how I can handle that situation differently the next time.  
  3. Recognize how it was not beneficial for me – causing fatigue, upset stomach, etc.
  4. Determine that I’d prefer not to have that feeling again. 

If you were sitting down to coffee with a friend who was utterly frustrated with her weight and how she looks, what words of encouragement would you pass along?  What practical steps would you recommend? 

I would remind her that God does not judge her by her looks.  In fact, He looks upon her as His beloved child. Just as we look at our children with complete love, He does the same at a level we can’t comprehend.  

And then I would encourage her to choose to do one thing on a path toward healthier living.  Instead of becoming overwhelmed with changes she may need to make that will lead to a healthier body, I would coach her to start with one thing. This could be as simple as an extra glass of water today or a ten-minute walk outside.

Healthy doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it’s when we make it hard that we never do anything to initiate change in our lives to be fit and free.

Small, Simple Steps + Consistency = Progress

Share a favorite easy recipe or go-to snack that keeps you energized and nourished.

I have a sweet tooth. I would never encourage anyone to give up any food or food group.  Having a little chocolate with my morning coffee is very satisfying.  

My after-dinner dessert: Place a small container of plain greek yogurt in the freezer while you’re preparing and eating dinner.  By the time you’re ready for dessert, it is frozen just enough that it’s like ice cream. Add a few chocolate chips, fruit, a little syrup, or a favorite ice cream topping for a tasty sweet treat!  

Has there been a scripture that has inspired you?

There are two scriptures that have helped me walk out my freedom:

Deuteronomy 2:3 (AMP) ‘You have circled this mountain long enough; turn northward,’ This verse changed everything. I was about to turn 40, and it finally hit me. The Israelites had wandered for 40 years. It was time for them to stop wandering and turn north. God was telling me that it was time to stop circling the mountain of diets, gimmicks, and quick fixes and turn north.  

I Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  God is interested in everything we do. What we eat and drink does matter to God. He wants to be involved in all of it, and we can do all things to bring Him glory. 

 

Want to connect with Marsha? Find her on Facebook, Instagram or at www.marshaapsley.com

5 Self-Care Tips That Will Enrich Your Marriage

By
Tamsyn Cornelius
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marriage

It takes time and planning to properly care for yourself – body, mind, and spirit. However, as adults, our days may be so filled with caring for our families and establishing careers, that we often neglect to take care of our own needs and grow our marriages.

It is important to step back every now and then to both reassess where we are in life and how we can improve our marriages. It is important to realize the value of self-care to help us lead happier, healthier lives, and maintain a thriving marriage.

So, What’s the Play Call?

marriage

If you’ve been overwhelmed by the bustle of life, perhaps it is time to refocus and try these self-care tips to regain purpose and clarity in your marriage.

1. Switch off the phone.

We are often bombarded with news, updates, and social media from every angle. Sometimes, it is good to disconnect from technology in order to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Make a point of switching your mobile phone off during dinner or time spent with your spouse in the evenings. Don’t take work calls after hours and ensure that your family time becomes a priority. Easier said than done… but start small with an hour of ‘no phone time’ and use this time to engage with your spouse in meaningful conversation.

2. It’s okay to take a break.

Rest is essential for good health and a good marriage. It’s okay to say no to some of the activities that keep you from your family and marriage. We can’t keep doing things to please others and run on empty in order to fulfill everyone’s expectations.

Take time out from the busyness of everyday life and enjoy a quiet moment alone, or with your spouse. Alone time is such a great opportunity to speak to God and unburden your heart. Time alone with your spouse is equally important. A quick coffee date or catchup may be all you need to refocus and reconnect.

You may even want to schedule these little breaks into your calendar – add a weekly couch catchup to your schedule and look forward to this time spent with your spouse. Keeping the lines of communication open is a good way to keep your marriage in full bloom!

3. Embrace Nature.

Nature has many therapeutic benefits that are essential for your health. If you feel stuck in a negative space, go for a walk around your neighborhood or simply sit outside and embrace the intricate beauty of nature as God intended. Invite your spouse on your next walk or plan a weekend hike or camping trip in nature to reboot and de-stress.

It was the Psalmist David who explained the magnificence of nature. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” (Psalm 19:1).

Plan to get outdoors with your spouse, to seek God and re-energize for the next season of your lives together.

4. Plan small gestures of affection.

You don’t always need a big, grand gesture to express your love to your spouse. There are far more opportunities for smaller gestures of affection that you can do every day.

Leave your husband a little love note in his lunchbox, or send him a random ‘thinking of you’ text during the day. Every now and then, come home with your spouse’s favorite sweet treats or a bunch of flowers to brighten her day. These simple acts of affection will have a far-reaching effect on their mood – and yours. You are both more likely to feel happier, loved, and cared for.

Start small and never take for granted that your spouse knows how you feel about them. Small gestures of affection are a great reinforcement to show that you care.

5. Make healthier choices together.

As a couple, decide to live healthier and make the choice to implement these changes in your household together. Cut out junk food, drink more water, get active and enjoy the simple pleasures of a healthy lifestyle as a family. Soon enough, you may find that you both feel and look better and have more energy to focus on yourself and invest in your marriage.

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon Mclaughlin.

 

Supreme Court Reconsiders Ban on Public Funding for Religious Schools

By
Christianity Today
-
supreme court

When a Montana tax credit program for private school scholarships was accused of being discriminatory because religious schools were not eligible, the state eliminated the program outright rather than fight the case.

But now, the state has ended up at the US Supreme Court anyway, with a legal dispute centering around whether the legal basis Montana (and dozens of other states) uses to bar public funding of religious education is constitutional.

The justices will hear arguments in Espinoza vs. Montana Department of Revenue, a case over a scholarship program for private K-12 education that makes donors eligible for up to $150 in state tax credits. Advocates on both sides say the outcome could be momentous because it could lead to efforts in other states to funnel taxpayer money to religious schools.

Montana is among 37 states that have provisions in their state constitutions that prohibit religious schools from receiving state aid, also known as Blaine amendments.

Legal advocates and Christian schools opposed to the restrictions say they discriminate against religious families by blocking them from government benefits available to others, or by favoring secular education. They also note that such prohibitions were historically designed to not to keep the government from endorsing religion—since a Protestant ethos was generally part of public education—but to deny support to Catholic (“sectarian”) schools in particular.

Like many religious freedom cases, this one floats the balance between the establishment clause—the government cannot support a particular faith over others—and the free exercise clause—it cannot prohibit citizens from exercising their religious beliefs.

In a brief …

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4 Keys to Effectively Live Out Loud in Your Faith and Business

By
Stephanie Lipsey
-
faith and business

Over the last couple of years, there has been an influx of celebrities, athletes, and businesspeople living out loud with their faith and business for Jesus Christ. Most recently, entertainers like Kanye West and Justin Bieber, athletes like Omar Odom (who was once married to Khloe Kardashian), actor Mark Wahlberg, and many more are proclaiming Jesus as the One who saves. 

Why is this significant? 

There’s a shift taking place where the business and entertainment worlds are merging more and more with faith in Jesus Christ. 

No longer do we have to keep our faith separate from our natural gifts and talents or live separate lives – actually, we never had to! Followers of Christ can own businesses, be in entertainment, play sports, or act in Hollywood – and still proudly proclaim, “Jesus is Lord!” God created each of us with a specific purpose that will ultimately bring glory to His name.

Exodus 9:16 says, “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Social media connects faith and business.

Social media is a tool used for marketing, but it also allows us to peek into the personal lives of others. Not only do we see actors, entrepreneurs, and artists in the public eye, but we also have the opportunity to witness their family life and catch a deeper glimpse of who they are.

The culture today demands that people keep it real, or in other words, “be true to themselves”, which includes spirituality. 

So, how do we merge faith and business or entertainment? 

faith and business

In this season, believers are not only called to the church but to the marketplace as well to fulfill their purpose. While you’re on display for what you do, God wants you to shine for His glory, too! But, how can you position yourself for this to happen? You can:

  1. Make the profession that God is the center of your life. Every decision made is based on the fact that you are His representation in the earth. Consult God daily in prayer and take the time to listen for His answers. They may come in the form of a thought, phone call, text, or email. (Matthew 6:33)
  2. Live a balanced life in front of others. This is very important. For example, I openly profess my Christianity in the hair salon I co-own, so I know I’m always watched and heard. I try my best not to profess one thing, and act out of character should a conflict or issue arise. Over the years, I have learned not to use my business platform for “preaching” to employees or customers. But when led by the Spirit, I share God’s wisdom on a topic. The key is following His lead. (Colossians 4:6)
  3. Build your business or career to uphold your core Christian values. Without showing partiality, treat everyone with love. This can be a hard one at times! But, I have learned over the years that every thought doesn’t have to be spoken. Disagreements can lead to arguments and sometimes even worse! For the sake of not offending a brother or sister, sometimes it’s best to remain silent and just pray. Regardless of any outcome, treat everyone the same regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. (James 2:1)
  4. If you have a business, create a Mission Statement that sums up your vision and morals. Recently, I saw a picture of Chick-fil-A’s Corporate Purpose and it made me consider what my business’ mission should reflect. Here’s their Corporate Purpose:

faith and business

“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Let’s get busy! Re-evaluate your passions, your purpose, and PRAY! Ask God how you can be an example of His glory in the earth. If you’re just starting a business, a career in entertainment, or have a goal to start this year, use these four steps at the beginning and watch God prosper the vision!

Proverbs 19:21– “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

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