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3 Keys to the Lesson of Contentment

By
Andrea Matthews
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contentment

Contentment Class is in Session

Most days I wake up eager to achieve. I want more than what I currently have and I am determined to work as hard as I can to possess it. Those feelings are natural to me, but in recent weeks, they’ve been the cause of conflict in my heart.

In today’s play call, Paul acknowledges that contentment is something that needs to be learned. It’s not an innate characteristic or a feeling that comes naturally. Most of us have to go through some unpleasant situations to be taught contentment. These unpleasant situations are often produced by our insatiable thirst for quick success, fast wealth, and comparing our possessions and achievements to that of other people.

Contentment takes Personal Commitment

contentmentWe all know what Paul experienced during his time here on earth, and I doubt that any of us would volunteer to walk a day in his shoes. But, there is something so precious and genuine that happened in Paul’s heart throughout his journey of faith.

Here are 3 reasons Paul was able to stand firm and commit to being content:

1. Paul knew that God was sovereign and in control.

The apostle’s own conversion, documented in Acts 9, attests to his knowledge of God’s sovereignty. For God to choose Paul of all people to share His truth proved that God was indeed in control. Paul knew that despite what he might endure, all things worked together for the good of God’s kingdom.

Self-check: Do we trust the sovereignty of God today? Do we truly believe that God is in control and that He is a just and fair Father?

2. He lived his life for others.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

When we give our lives to Christ, we find new life in Him. That new life allows us to focus on God’s will for us to love others above ourselves. If we choose to put our attention on those who are hurting in this world, we forget our own struggles with contentment. Suddenly, we have enough and we find that we are equipped to do everything God has called us to do.

Self-check: Are we so focused on getting more for ourselves that we have no capacity to care for those who have little to nothing?

3. He was confident of his reward in heaven.

This life meant very little to the Apostle Paul and it is wise for us to heed his example. He had experienced every prestigious achievement possible. He was a man of knowledge and stature, but all that meant nothing without Christ. Paul was able to count it an honor to suffer with Christ because he knew that He was his exceeding great reward (Colossians 3:24).

Self-check: Is Christ truly our reward today? If we never achieve that goal, that level of achievement or success, does winning Christ mean more? Is Christ enough?

So, What’s the Play Call?

Pursue godliness with contentment – this is our greatest gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

I pray that we would all take the time to acknowledge the fulfillment we have in Christ alone. He is all we need and He has given us everything we need to live a godly life. Let’s make the conscious decision to be content in every situation we face.

When Your Sweet Tooth Aches: 6 Solutions for Afternoon Sugar Cravings

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
-
sugar cravings

Sugar is as addictive as heroin…

As some claim.

There are many theories as to the cause of sugar cravings – reward pathways, hormonal changes, adrenal fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, maybe even allergies and more.  While some of the reasons appear to be complex and unclear, I think everyone can agree – we don’t like them!

food guiltSugar cravings can make us feel weak and compel us to make food or beverage choices we might otherwise have declined in a stronger state. Time after time, people blame themselves saying, “I just need more willpower.”  But, when the moment is there, everyone feels that urge to go grab a sweet treat to satisfy the desire – it’s natural.

For many, these cravings set in mid- to late afternoon when we are trying to finish up our work and garner our last bit of energy and finish the workday strong.

So, are we completely at the mercy of these strong, impulsive cravings? Do we have to admit defeat, yet again, when they overpower our thoughts?

NO!

Because you are spirit, soul, and body, it is important to combat cravings from all angles. This doesn’t mean you need to have a prayer meeting when the thought of grabbing a doughnut occurs. But, it does mean that these moments are opportunities to execute power, become proactive, and admit weakness.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

God doesn’t “remove” the thought because we beg him to.  Nope.  Paul tells us that we take our own thoughts captive. We make them submit to Christ. You and I determine the power we hold and how we execute it.

Your Heavenly Father promises that there is always a way out. Nothing is beyond your ability to handle.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

God always keeps His end of the bargain, are we doing our part?

Having Done All to Stand Against Sugar Cravings

sugar cravings

While the war in your head and spirit cannot be neglected, there are some very practical and easy to implement strategies that can help you curb, cure, even defeat some of these sugar cravings so they don’t come back.  Not tomorrow, not next week and not next month. That might sound highly confident and maybe even unbelievable, but the truth is that you have a lot more power than you think!

Sugar cravings are often biological signs that your blood sugars have dropped and your body is in need of energy – FAST!  It often feels urgent, even if your energy is low.  There are several ways you can combat cravings through food choices so that they don’t haunt you all afternoon!

Slay the Crave

1. Eat a Piece of Fruit with Lunch

Fruit is naturally sweet.  The best meals are those that satisfy all of our taste buds- sweet, savory, salty, bitter, and sour.  When sweet fruit is included as a part of lunch, it can satisfy your desires for sweet, rather than leave you wanting that sugary treat later. Grabbing a piece of fresh fruit may be one of the easiest ways to incorporate this sweet whole food into your lunch!

But for some creative ideas, try these out:

  • Add berries, chopped apple or mandarin oranges to a fresh green salad
  • Make an almond butter sandwich (or peanut butter) with sliced banana
  • Top low-fat cottage cheese with fresh melon
  • Pack up this Citrus Asian Coleslaw with Sliced Oranges

2. Include Adequate Protein at the Mid-Day Meal

Protein requires a longer period of time to digest, making it satisfying and keeping you full for longer!  If you skip the protein at lunch, opting for a simple green salad or a plate of fruit or a “tomato sandwich,” you will likely find yourself hungry sooner as sugar cravings intensify.

There are many ways to include protein that are easy to pack up and won’t weigh you down.

  • Include grilled chicken or 2 boiled eggs on a salad or in a pita pocket.
  • Make egg or tuna salad with low-fat mayo or yogurt and seasonings.
  • Pack up ½-1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese.
  • Include a 4-8oz container of greek yogurt (regular yogurt contains about ½ the protein compared with greek).
  • Add in a low-fat cheese stick or 2.
  • Stir in chopped chicken, tofu or tempeh into leftover stir-fried or grilled veggies.
  • Top a fresh green salad with ½ cup of steamed edamame beans (find these in your freezer section!).
  • Include ½-3/4 cup black beans into a tex-mex bowl.

3. Avoid Refined Carbs at Your Lunch

Simple, refined carbs like white bread, rice and pasta and processed snack foods quickly raise blood sugars, followed by an unpleasant crash. Once that crash occurs, cravings ensue.  Not good!  By swapping out refined carbohydrate foods with whole grains, beans, and more veggies, your body responds by adjusting to a slower rise and fall in blood sugars, allowing you to stay in control!

4. DO Include Healthy Carbs

While carbohydrate foods are commonly demonized, they really aren’t the bad guys. Unfortunately, processed carbs get linked to whole food carbohydrates when people say, “carbs.”  Actually, healthy, whole food carbohydrates have fiber which slows the rise and fall in blood sugars and helps you stay full and satisfied, leaving the thought of sugary treats undetected.

Carbohydrate foods contribute to the production of serotonin, what Judith Wurtman, Ph.D. calls “nature’s own appetite suppressant.”  This powerful neurotransmitter does more than simply make you feel good, Wurtman says, “you feel emotionally stable, less anxious, more tranquil and even more focused and energetic.”

Leaving whole carbohydrate foods out of lunch may leave you feeling deprived and eager to satisfy that sweet tooth not long after.  A few creative and simple ways to add whole food carbs to your lunch include:

  • Add a spoonful of cooked quinoa to a fresh salad
  • Swap to 100% whole grain or sprouted grain bread for your sandwich
  • Make cracker sandwiches with 1 serving (per box) of 100% whole grain crackers with cheese and lean low sodium deli meat
  • Make a vegetarian Tex-Mex salad with black beans, greens, salad, low-fat yogurt/sour cream, salsa and some black olives
  • Mix 100% whole grain pasta with leftover roasted veggies and chopped chicken, tossed in a couple tablespoons of vinaigrette dressing

5. Choose Water and Unsweetened Beverages

Sugary drinks contribute almost 50% of added sugars among Americans. And according to the CDC, the prevalence of US adults reported drinking at least 1 sugar-sweetened beverage per day.  While we know they are not ideal beverage choices, the soda industry boasts $80.6 BILLION in revenues in 2016.

Choosing water over soda could dramatically reduce your afternoon sugar cravings because all that sugar – 15-18 teaspoons worth in a 20oz bottle – contributes to the rollercoaster of blood sugars.  Like stated before, those blood sugar crashes only make you want MORE!

Even 100% juice has about as much sugar as a soda.  While it is not added sugar, it will still skyrocket those blood sugars!

6. Eat a Wide Variety of Whole Foods

Including a wide variety of whole foods from each of the food groups – vegetables, fruit, lean protein, dairy, healthy fats and whole grains ensures your body digests and assimilates a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

Have you ever blamed your ice cream craving on your need for calcium or your chocolate craving on your need for magnesium?  There is no blame needed if you are providing your body with an abundance of nutrients from different foods.  You can get an excellent dose of calcium from a serving of yogurt and those dark leafy greens are rich in magnesium – so are pumpkin seeds!

So, What’s the Play Call?

Don’t allow sugar cravings to wreck your good intentions.  YOU CAN take control, submit them to Christ and take some practical actions that will help you win again and again.

It’s also important to note that sleep plays a significant role in regulating appetite and supplying your body with energy all day long.  Failure to get adequate sleep and poor stress management could literally be sabotaging your healthy eating goals, keeping you in an endless cycle.

Sugar might feel addictive.  It tastes good and our body likes it.  But you are not subject to the powers of this world.  The God of the universe lives in you and has supplied you with power and a sound mind to conquer your cravings, no matter how powerful they feel.

Take captive and stay proactive.

This article first appeared on Healthy Inspiration.


REFERENCES

Westwater, M. L., Fletcher, P. C., & Ziauddeen, H. (2016). Sugar addiction: the state of the science. European Journal of Nutrition, 55(Suppl 2), 55–69. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-016-1229-6

 

Don’t Blink: ‘1917’ Drops You on the Front Lines of World War I

By
Editorial Staff
-

1917 movieEven with the best films, you can typically gauge your best opportunity for a quick popcorn or bathroom break.

Not this time. You must enter the First World War dutifully prepared.

The war epic, 1917, a Golden Globes winner for Best Picture and Best Director (Sam Mendes), tells the story of two young British soldiers at the height of the war, Lance Corporal Schofield (George McKay) and Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) as they are given a seemingly impossible task. With communication lines down, their fellow soldiers, the 2nd Devons, are unaware that the Germans have retreated and staged a strategic trap.

Against unimaginable odds, Schofield and Blake must cross enemy territory to deliver the message to stand down, which could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.

One epic long shot

1917 movie

One of the masterful feats of this film by Mendes and Academy Award-winning cinematographer, Roger Deakins, is the illusion of the one long shot. Step-for-step for two hours, the audience never takes their eyes off of Schofield and Blake – no cuts to new scenes – just one continuous shot.

Colin Firth, who plays General Erinmore, describes the intense preparation and work required by the entire production:

“…There is nothing to cover any mistakes. Of course, one does multiple takes, but not endlessly, and one of them will have to be perfect from beginning to end, from every
point of view. You can’t edit. So, the tiniest slip means that the entire unit has to
reset and go again.”

This cinematic experience thrusts the audience into a second-by-second vantage point for the perilous journey ahead for the two heroes.

Catch your breath if you can.

1917 movie

1917 begins in a field with soldiers resting, eating, waiting. This opening scene will be as much calm as Schofield and Blake will have as they begin their journey to warn the 2nd Devons.

Both expert maps-men and agile runners, the film shifts into high gear without warning, as the two soldiers traverse elaborate enemy trenches, body-filled craters, and bombed-out, deserted towns. In a race against time and questioning ‘who can we trust’, the two soldiers are laser-focused on the task at hand, carrying a message that is at best hard to believe to at worst, unbelievable.

Keep in mind, the front lines of any war frequently receive competing orders from Command – one moment retreat, another day move forward.

So, would anyone even believe the message if Schofield and Blake are somehow able to deliver it in time?

Don’t miss 1917 in theatres nationwide on January 10, 2020.

 

Is Your Ambition Aligned with God’s Assignment for Your Life?

By
Jeannette Tyson
-
ambition

The Pursuit of Happiness

For the most part, we all go through life trying to do our best to climb the ladder of success. We have ambition and work hard to achieve our goals. And with God’s grace, we excel in what we set out to do.

God has been showing me lately that we must be very careful to guard our hearts against pride and arrogance as He blesses us. We have to constantly remind ourselves of the source of our strength, and that all good and perfect gifts come from Him (Habbukuk 3:19; James 1:9). Good living is not exclusive to believers, but we work as unto the Lord for an incorruptible crown – unlike the world’s futile striving for power, fame, and material gain (Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 9:25).

The Posture of our Heart

restoring a fallen brotherThere are so many scriptures about prosperity and abundance, for example, Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich and adds no sorrow”. However, Jesus says in Matthew 19: 23, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven”. So, here we have a conundrum. How do we receive the prosperity of the Lord and maintain our right standing and access to the Kingdom?

The rich young ruler asked Jesus what he must do to have eternal life. He’d kept the commandments since his youth and had great possessions, but he wanted to know what else he needed to do (Matthew 19:16-24). I always wondered why he would ask Jesus this knowing he’d kept the commandments and seeing that his life was blessed.

Jesus told him in order to be perfect he should sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. Then, the young man went away sorrowful. I think Jesus did this to show him his own heart and that he was perhaps too attached to his wealth.

The answer to our question is this: In order to receive the prosperity of the Lord and maintain access to the kingdom and eternal life, we must never get too attached to the blessing or become unwilling to give it up. The Bible says those who cling to their life will lose it, and those who give it up for Christ will find it (Matthew 10:39).

To Whom Much is Given

gratitude attitudeOur prayer should be that God prepares our hearts for the blessings He wants to give us, and the humility to be good stewards of it. God needs us to be mature enough to handle the responsibility that comes with prosperity because there are so many people in need.

How can we preach the good news to people who are hungry or homeless? James said, “If one of you says go in peace, keep warm and well fed but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it” (James 2:16). Money should be used as a tool – if we bless others God will take care of us (Luke 6:38). The Word says to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48), so we should always have the mindset while working towards our goals that this is also for someone else, not just ourselves.

Our Success is Ordered by God

When we are telling people about the goodness of God, there will be some natural fruit in our lives that’ll confirm our testimony. If believers are ever going to take dominion over the earth, we need to be represented in various positions of influence. We need Christian lawyers, lawmakers, educators, etc. There is nothing wrong with ambition, but the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

I believe that having a healthy balance of success and prosperity comes down to your relationship with God. If He is first in your life and leading you, then it’s unlikely that you’ll have issues with ambition.  By His Spirit, we can keep our minds on things above and everything else in perspective. When we show Him we can be trusted, we are given more! Matthew 25:29 says, “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance”.

I heard a teaching by Jackie Hill Perry where she shared that we give a lot of credit to our food for feeding us and our jobs for providing for us. It made me think that sometimes we overachieve not only for greed but sometimes fear. Fear of being poor or losing everything. We sometimes put faith in our own abilities to provide and we get attached to our possessions that way.

We need to learn to live in overflow. We are Kingdom citizens! We should excel in every area of our lives because we are connected to the King of Kings. Whether fear or idolatry, we have to destroy these harmful mindsets about money because it’s hindering the work of God.

So, What’s The Play Call?

  • Self-examine your life and ask yourself if your ambition is motivated by selfishness, fear or the will of God for your life.
  • Pray and ask the Lord to give you wisdom concerning your financial stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2).
  • Remember that we go from faith to faith and glory to glory in every way (Romans 1:17, 2 Corinthians 3:18). We should be constantly evolving and finding creative solutions to the world’s problems through our God-given purpose.
  • Money is a tool – nothing more. Make sure you are using this tool to not only build for yourself but those who are in need as well. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)

A New United Methodist Church Proposal to Split Over LGBTQ Issues

By
Editorial Staff
-
united methodist church
Members of a diverse group of bishops and other United Methodist leaders gather for a group photo in Washington after reaching agreement on a proposal that would maintain The United Methodist Church but allow traditionalist congregations to separate into a new denomination. Photo courtesy of the Mediation Team.

At the 2019 United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference, delegates met to discuss opposing views and to confirm the denomination’s church discipline with regards to same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy.

united methodist church
Protesters at the United Methodist Church’s special session of the general conference in St. Louis on Feb. 26, 2019. NBC / Sid Hastings / AP

Today, a proposal by a diverse group of representatives from United Methodist advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world, entitled “PROTOCOL OF RECONCILIATION & GRACE THROUGH SEPARATION” declares that the United Methodist Church and its members “did not resolve their differences specifically related to the full participation of LGBTQ persons in the life of the Church” and that the denomination is now at an impasse.

According to a statement being released by the Council of Bishops Office on behalf of the Mediation Team members,

“The Protocol anticipates the formation of a new traditionalist Methodist denomination. Once formed, the new church would receive $25 million over the next four years and give up further claim to the UMC’s assets. An additional $2 million would be allocated for potential additional new Methodist denominations which may emerge from the UMC.

Acknowledging the historical role of the Methodist movement in systematic racial violence, exploitation and discrimination, the Protocol would allocate $39 million to ensure there is no disruption in supporting ministries for communities historically marginalized by racism.”

The Protocol was unanimously supported and signed by the parties, with mediation efforts led by prominent attorney, Kenneth Feinberg, who served as Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and administrator of the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund.

In May, a final, church-wide vote will be held on the Protocol at the 2020 United Methodist Church General Conference in Minneapolis, MN.

The signatories to the Protocol have provided a FAQ document to provide additional information about the agreement. Comments and questions may be directed to the signatories at mediationprotocol@outlook.com.

A live stream event will take place on Monday, January 13, to provide further clarity and explanations of the plan by members of the Mediation Team.

Members of the Mediation Team

  • Bishop Christian Alsted (bishop@umc-ne.org), Nordic-Baltic Episcopal Area
  • Rev. Thomas Berlin (tberlin@florisumc.org), representing UMCNext, Mainstream UMC, Uniting Methodists
  • Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton (bishop@nyac.com), New York Episcopal Area
  • Rev. Keith Boyette (president@wesleyancovenant.org), representing The Confessing Movement, Good News, IRD/UM Action, and the Wesleyan Covenant Association
  • Bishop Kenneth H. Carter (bishop@flumc.org), Florida Episcopal Area
  • Rev. Junius Dotson (jdotson@umcdiscipleship.org), representing UMCNext, Mainstream UMC, United Methodists
  • Bishop LaTrelle Easterling (bishopeasterling@gmail.com), Washington Episcopal Area
  • Rev. Egmedio “Jun” Equila, Jr. (jun@brmc.org.sg), Philippines Central Conference
  • Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey (bishop@la-umc.org), Louisiana Episcopal Area
  • Bishop Rodolfo Rudy Juan (bishoprudyjuan@gmail.com), Davao Episcopal Area, Philippines
  • Janet Lawrence (jan@rmnetwork.org), representing Affirmation, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Reconciling Ministries Network
  • Rev. David Meredith (dmeredith@cliftonumc.com), representing Affirmation, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Reconciling Ministries Network, member of UM Queer Clergy Caucus
  • Patricia Miller (pmiller1224@gmail.com), representing The Confessing Movement, Good News, IRD/UM Action, and the Wesleyan Covenant Association
  • Dr. Randall Miller (randall4015@hotmail.com), representing Affirmation, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Reconciling Ministries Network
  • Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer (wocbishop@woc.org), Ohio West Episcopal Area
  • Bishop John K. Yambasu (bishopyambasu@gmail.com), Sierra Leone Episcopal Area

Repeat After Me: You Will Have What You Say

By
Kimberly D. Graham
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you will have what you say

We Eat What We Speak

Think about your words today, Team!

Have you ever heard the old cliché, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?”  I’ve not only heard it, but I also use to say it all the time as a child, a teenager, and an adult until I learned differently.  I was loud and wrong all those years, but thank God for His Word which corrects our wrong thinking.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”  What does that mean?  It means when you speak positive words, you will have what you say; when you speak negative words, you will have what you say.  The Bible says you will eat that fruit – you love your words so much that you will see your words manifest.

Words Have Power 

Look at your life. What have you manifested?  No matter what it is, positive or negative, please recognize your power.

Now I must ask, what have you been eating?

Have you been saying things like: Life is hard, I am broke, I cannot do this, I hate my job, I am so sick, etc.  What about in relationships – do you say things like: My spouse is no good, my children act so stupid, I will never find a good man or a good woman, my friends make me sick, etc.

Sidebar: If they are your friends and they are making you sick, why are they your friends, just asking?

Do you say things like: I cannot imagine owning that, I cannot imagine paying that much for that, I cannot imagine…

Another sidebar: If you never imagine, you will never have that experience.

If your words are full of what you do not have and what you hate, all you will see is more of what you do not have and what you hate.  You will eat that fruit and as you are eating, emotions like envy, strife, and jealousy will soon begin to creep in. You will find yourself blaming others for your negative experiences.

Words Come to Life, You Will Have What You Say 

bloom where you're plantedSeeds are constantly giving birth, and whatever is planted brings forth harvest.  So, if you are focusing on the negative, and speaking negatively – before you know it not many people will want to be around you.  You will be that person that others say, “Talking to him or her is so draining“.  You will eventually become depressed, and your extremely powerful mind and mouth will be the reason for your misery.

If your words are positive, you already know what to do – keep talking!  The goal is to speak life and not death-filled words about your life.  So, whether it’s manifest as true right now or not, try saying things like (repeat):

  • I am beautiful!
  • I am handsome.
  • Wealth and riches are in my house because I fear the Lord (Psalm 112:3).
  • I have the best husband!
  • My wife is virtuous and amazing in every way.
  • My children are awesome and will accomplish great things!
  • I have great friends!
  • I am healthy, blessed and prosperous!
  • My house is blessed!
  • Every need is met, and I lack no good thing.
  • Every bill with my name on it has a zero balance, thank you Jesus!
  • I owe no man anything but love, Romans 13:8!
  • I have title deeds in my hand.
  • I am a lender and not a borrower, and everything I put my hands to will be blessed, Deuteronomy 28:12.
  • I have my building!
  • All my relationships are healthy!
  • I am in the best shape of my life!
  • This is a great year for me and my family and every year after will be better.

I can go on and on about the power of our words and our diet because of them.  Think about your words and say something different today.

So, what’s the play call?

Examine your life and take inventory of your words and adjust where needed.

Make a bold statement of apology to YOURSELF if you have damaged yourself with your words in any way.

Pause before you speak and monitor your self-talk from this moment.

What will you do differently?

How to Stay Clocked in with God When You’re All Churched Out

By
Lisa Yvette Pearson
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prayers

When I was a kid, we used to play this game called “Shame, Shame, Shame”.

You would find a partner and clap hands to a certain rhythm while singing. The goal was to stay on beat and keep the rhythm going. The better the partner, the better you were at the game.

It went like this:

Shame, shame, shame.
I don’t want to go to Mexico no more, more, more.
There’s a big fat policeman at the door, door, door.
If you pull him by the collar, boy he’s gonna holler.
I don’t wanna go to Mexico no more, more, more.

Sometimes, church is Mexico. And, that’s how we feel about it.

The policemen are large and overbearing, and always reminding us of the law, even when they don’t follow it themselves. And, if you pull them by the collar for their own sin, oh, do they holler!

People can make church attendance difficult sometimes, where you feel you’ve had enough.

Sometimes, it’s the Pastor. His sermons are about sin and only sin and there’s no balance to the Word of God. As though the only thing God does is watch for bad behavior and send hell-fire raining down on us. (I mean, God does get mad and put us on punishment sometimes, like any good Dad, but He is also merciful, yanno?)

Sometimes, you’re sitting in the pews silently counting down until it’s time for brunch. Sometimes, you’re stretched too thin by all the ministries you’re involved in. Perhaps you’re at the wrong church. Sometimes, you simply don’t know God because your church’s teachings haven’t lead you to Him.

Before these feelings breed deep bitterness and discontent, there’s no better time to take a church timeout.

Yes, I said it. Take a timeout. Play hooky. Call out sick.

What Does a Church Timeout Look Like?

I believe in pressing forward when we get frustrated; sometimes, stepping away is necessary for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. And, while you are on this timeout, press into GOD.

You see, sometimes when we are going to church, we go out of habit. We go because it’s social. Our friends are there. We go out of responsibility. We go because we think it will get us into heaven.

But in all the time that we’re going, we are so far away from God, we wouldn’t recognize Him if He came through the doors in a lime green Now & Later suit.

Clock in with God During Your Time Out

I recommend on that day of worship, that you get dressed and get in your car and drive someplace where you can sit in a quiet place. Maybe that quiet place is in your car. Maybe you can go sit by the water.  Whatever you do, sit in His presence. You can play a song of worship while you sing your heart out to God. If you do stay home and you have a prayer closet, get in there.

Wherever you decide to go that day, share your concerns with Him. Tell Him about that person who is turning you away from church. Or, that you feel disconnected. That you’re getting nothing out of it. Or, that you feel overwhelmed. That it doesn’t feel like home anymore. Or, that you feel the pull to go somewhere else, but you’re pushing it back because your church is where you’ve always worshiped.

He is always listening. We get so consumed with all the goings-on at church that we forget that.

And, after we’ve shared our issues with Him, listen to what He has to say. He is an omniscient God. He knows what we need, but sometimes He has to get us to a place of asking so that we recognize the everlasting need for Him and the unchanging fact that He answers prayers.

The Church is Where You Are

Sometimes, we, “the church”, forget that WE ARE THE CHURCH. And if one member of the church is sick with discontent, it begins to spread. The person who may be causing you to want to leave could, in fact, be sick him or herself, suffering from the curses of their own disobedience to leave the church when the Spirit told them to. And so modern-day Jonahs infect and affect others with their mess.

And Lord knows if you’re infected, you don’t want to pass it around.

So, what’s the play call?

Pray. From the time you feel the consistent issue is not going away, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. You may be surprised by what you are directed to do.

Rest. I didn’t say quit. I said rest.  Take some time away from the house of worship. You may need a week. You may need a month. And in that time, continue to pray. Some problems resolve themselves in time.

Evaluate. Why am I feeling disconnected? What’s bothering me? Am I willing to pray? What or who do I need to confront to resolve it? Do I need to repent? To move forward to a new place? Is my ministry serving God, or my need to be seen serving God? Do I need to serve in all eight ministries? Am I here because the Holy Spirit lead me here? Or, because it’s what I’ve always done?

Ask yourselves those hard questions. The ones you won’t like the answers to.

Talk to a trusted person in the church. When I used to play the Shame Game, I used to play with someone I knew would keep up and challenge me. Sometimes, it would be with someone who I knew could beat me. But I wanted to get better.

Take action. What did the Holy Spirit reveal to you? How do you implement it? What is the first course of action? Do it!

Trust God’s guidance. He will not steer you wrong.

 

What steps did you take when you were all churched out?

Texas Church Grieves Two Leaders Shot by Visitor in Disguise

By
Editorial Staff
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Armed security guards protected the Fort Worth-area flock against “evil” in the pews.

The West Freeway Church of Christ, a close-knit congregation of about 280, didn’t get to finish its Sunday morning worship assembly.

So Monday night—roughly 30 hours after a gunman killed two beloved Christians during the Lord’s Supper before an armed member fatally shot him—the suburban Fort Worth church came together.

A standing-room-only crowd squeezed into the church fellowship hall, next door to the closed auditorium where the shooting occurred, to grieve, pray and sing “Amazing Grace,” “Precious Memories,” and “It Is Well With My Soul.”

“What happened yesterday is not something that we will ever be able to explain,” minister Britt Farmer told church members, who shared hugs and tears before the special gathering as canine officers made sure the building was secure.

“There is evil in this world, and evil took two of my dear friends yesterday,” Farmer added. “Not a bullet from a gun—evil. Not ideology—evil.”

But the preacher, occasionally overcome with emotion that made it difficult for him to speak, declared that he would not let evil win.

“The battle belongs to God!” he said to amens and applause.

Farmer praised his family—all four of his adult children traveled home after the shooting—and his spiritual family for the support they have shown him.

“You are incredible, and I love you, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

Mike Tinius, one of the church’s five elders, wrapped an arm around Farmer and led the church in prayer.

“With all of our hearts, we ache. And with all of our hearts, we love,” Tinius said to God. “What we feel as loss, we know …

Continue reading…

Behold: What’s the #1 Way to Have a Happy “Old” Year?

By
Kim Brightness
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happy new year

Hey there, Team! Happy New Year!

new yearNew, new, new. Isn’t “new” everyone’s focus right now? New year, new me, new body, new relationships, new goals?

Super. I can get with new. I’ve got some newness in motion for myself this year!

With so much newness in the air, wouldn’t it be a shame to actually have a Happy Old Year? Ugh.

Let’s face it. We are straight out of the gates preparing for Daniel Fasts, clearing out old e-mails and contacts, cleaning our houses, desks, taking clothes to Goodwill, reading our Bibles daily, and spending quality time in prayer the first week of the year – who’s got time to ring in an “old” year?

Not you, not me, nor the rest of Team Jesus! But, we do it every year, most times with the same good intentions we have in our hands now, why?

What Every New Thing and New Year Needs

The Word of God in Isaiah 43:19 NIV says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

When you read this verse, do you “see” the heavy emphasis placed on seeing, perceiving what God is doing? Seeing, beholding the works of God is the key to newness. Those who eventually find themselves having a Happy Old Year may not be far-sighted, or near-sighted – but could they possibly suffer from being SELF-sighted?

Self-sightedness occurs when we blur our sight with more of us and less of God – when our wants, needs, desires, goals, plans, strategies override what God has for us.

When we are self-sighted, we often hear loud and clear that God is up to something new, but we go looking for it in places and people that are, frankly – old, safe, and familiar.

See What God Saw

It’s a sad thing, Team, to have newness springing up all around us – and miss it because our focus is out of place. Have you slipped off God’s lenses and decided to see the world for yourself? Or worse yet, have we allowed others to put drops of doubt in our eyes, blurring God’s new thing into a masterful bokeh effect? We see the Light, but it’s out of focus.

Just as we are precious in God’s sight (Isaiah 43:4), we have to hold the sight of God (what God sees) just as precious to us!

So, What’s the Play Call?

Want to really have a happy NEW year? Blind yourself! Die to the expectations and the will of your Self. Accept and adopt the lens from which God sees and does His new thing in us so that we can actually “see” it. And, once we are able to see it, we can then participate, cooperate, and celebrate with God’s new thing as it springs forth – every day!

We love you, Team, and are praying that you SEE God’s “new things” in store for you this year and always. BEHOLD!

Why It’s Important to Support Your Faith With a Strong Work Ethic

By
Alecia M. White
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faith

Faith Must be Backed by Work

faithFor the first time ever, I shoveled my own walkway and shoveled my own steps. Yep, I got up, got dressed, was heading out to go to work when my foot slipped on the way to my car. I then looked out at the walkway and noticed the mail carrier’s footprints from the day before. I figured that maybe I should take care of it. So, I shoveled then sprinkled salt on the steps, walkway, and driveway near my car.

No, you absolutely do not care that I shoveled. In fact, unless I’m cleaning your walkway, you probably don’t want to hear or read about it. And that’s fine – but I have a good point, so keep reading.

Okay, you see, this time last year, I didn’t need to shovel or salt. The reason being, I lived in an apartment and it was someone else’s job to take care of the snow and ice.

This year, however, I live in a house, so more is required of me. I cannot expect that my walkway will be shoveled unless I do it. But you know what? I prayed for this, right?

What’s that good point I’m so sure of? Well, glad you read far enough to ask.

Honor the Work and Maintenance

We are all praying for and expecting God to upgrade us and fulfill the promises He’s made to us. Now, I am all for it, but I have come to realize that more will be required of me for every upgrade and promise I receive.

You see, with more comes greater responsibility and the need for accountability. When you get that new job and financial increase, the duties increase. Once that business is started and clients are pouring in, a standard must be set and continually met. There is so much to be done to keep it afloat and keep customers happy. And you know what? It’s gonna take more work and effort on your part. You must “shovel your own walkway”.

So, What’s the Play Call?

I am in 100% agreement that we are to expect the blessings of God in this new year. But, I also know that the magnitude of what He is about to shower down requires us to get to work without haste. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your upgrade:

  1. Your faith must be backed by your work ethic. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26
  2. You must work to have what you are requesting. Yes, faith is good, in fact, it’s impossible to please God without it (Hebrews 11:6 in our Playbook). But, working helps to keep what you’ve prayed for. “Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10, NLT
  3. The more you have, the more will be required of you. Uh-huh, more house, more to clean, more blessings, more responsibility. “But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” Luke 12:48, NLT

Nope, I am not trying to discourage you from the excitement of your upcoming blessings. I am excited with you. I just want you to be prepared to put in the work that will come with it. I want God to be pleased with how we handle what He gives us.

So, get that shovel out and handle that walkway.

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Two businessmen’s unusual conversion in 1700s South Carolina led them to liberate the people they put in bondage. At first glance, William Turpin and his business partner, Thomas Wadsworth, appeared to be like most other prestigious and powerful white men in late 18th-century South Carolina. They were successful Charleston merchants, had business interests across the state, got involved in state politics, and enslaved numerous human beings. Nothing about them seemed out of the ordinary. But, quietly, these two men changed their minds about slavery. They became committed abolitionists and worked to free dozens of enslaved people across South Carolina. When most wealthy, white Carolinians were increasingly committed to slavery and defending it as a Christian institution, Turpin and Wadsworth were compelled by their convictions to break the shackles they had placed on dozens of men and women. In an era when the Bible was edited so that enslaved people wouldn’t get the idea that God cared about their freedom, Turpin left a secret record of emancipation in a copy of the Scriptures, which is now in the South Carolina State Museum. Perhaps it’s not surprising that this story of faith and freedom is mostly unknown. The two men were, after all, working not to attract attention. Neither had deep roots in Charleston or close familial ties to its storied white “planter” dynasties. Turpin’s family was originally from Rhode Island, and Wadsworth was a native of Massachusetts who moved to South Carolina only shortly after the American Revolution. Both had public careers and served in the South Carolina Legislature, but their political profiles were not particularly high. Neither of them appeared to give any of their legislative colleagues the sense that they were developing strong, countercultural opinions on one of the most ...Continue reading...

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