Sleepless Nights? Find Peaceful Rest Through Jesus Christ

By

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Sep 26, 2019

Tossing and Turning at Night? Peaceful Rest Awaits.

peaceful rest A few nights ago, I found myself lying restlessly awake in bed. I was thinking about all of the “what ifs” and “buts” that I made about my life’s decisions. Of course, this is nothing strange or different, we all tend to do this from time to time, but for some reason, I could not find peace to rest.

Perhaps it was because I was replaying that new jam by Kierra Sheard, Repin’ my Jesus Christ, in my head. The beat and words, “I’m in my gold chain, repin’, repin’ my Jesus Christ, Rockin’ pumps and J’s, repin’, repin’ my Jesus Christ, Fresh new swag repin’, repin’ my Jesus Christ, Who said I couldn’t be fly, repin’, repin’ my Jesus Christ…” It was my new anthem. But, there was a problem. Between my “what ifs” and “buts”, and the beat to Kierra’s song, I was wide awake.

Around 5 a.m., I began to pray over my thoughts, heart, mind, and body and somewhere before 6:30 a.m., sleep found its way to me.

Have You Ever Had a Restless Night?

Too often people search for comfort and peaceful rest in the form of unhealthy relationships, alcohol, drugs, and other vices to escape their “running mind”. This only creates a pause or a temporary sense of relief from the anxieties in the real world.

We, however, must remember that permanent, peaceful rest can only be found through Jesus Christ.

Rest is interconnected with Jesus Christ. Without rest, we cannot maintain a healthy, abundant life. Why? Because, it rejuvenates us and provides us with the energy we need to honor Jesus Christ and to love our family, friends, and those around us.

Rest is a spiritual discipline that helps us relish in the presence of Jesus Christ while realigning our primacies. Our Bible tells us, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:2-3). Therefore, it is important that we clear our minds, relax our spirits, and rest in knowing that Jesus Christ will take care of our worries.

Sounds simple enough, right? Let’s give it a try.

Keys to Peaceful Rest Through Jesus Christ

Here are 3 steps that we can take to obtain and maintain peaceful rest:

1. Be Mindful.

Think about Paul in Romans 12. He encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Through mindfulness, we can redirect and realign our minds, spirits, hearts, and souls allowing our Jesus Christ to do His thing! We have a promise of perfect peace when our minds are steadfast on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Now think about the question: Where do you find yourself most comfortable? Perhaps, it is sitting in a quiet space just above your stairway, where you can catch the sun descending along the horizon. Maybe it is while you are at the gym listening to a Word from Sarah Jakes, Joyce Meyer, or Joel Osteen. Or, do you find your peace while listening to a spiritual jam by Martha Munizzi, Tasha Cobb, or your favorite artist. Wherever and whatever brings you peace and allows you to feel the closeness of Jesus Christ, go there and find your rest in Him. Allow Jesus Christ to have His way with you and receive the peace that He offers.

2. Read the Word.

All Scripture is inspired by Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:16). When you read or listen to Jesus Christ’s Word, and you reflect on what it says, you learn to recognize Jesus Christ’s voice. Focused time in the Bible involves making it a precedence to concentrate on just being in the presence of Jesus Christ and His powerful word.

3. Surrender your will, release the ego.

Resting in the Lord requires that we give up on our own self-importance and self-reliance (ego). Surrender allows Him to bring rest and repair so that you can thrive. Surrendering to Jesus Christ also means that we are opening ourselves to Him, and in doing so, we are finding our place of serenity in Him. We are trusting Him and saying “Jesus, come in and take care of me, the way that only you can.”

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Be mindful, read the Word, surrender and allow Jesus Christ to take care of you. Give full responsibility for peace in your life to the Prince of Peace. Allow your heart, body, mind, and soul to rest in Jesus, He’s waiting (Matthew 11:28).

The Marriage Play House: We Fall Down When We Shack Up

By

Lisa Yvette Pearson

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Sep 25, 2019

We fall down, when we shack up
We fall down, when we shack up
We fall down, when we shack up
Oh yeah
Cause a saint is just a sinner
who played house
with no vows.

This We Fall Down Remix is brought to you by the Let’s Get Married Fellowship Choir of the Bridegroom and the Bride Church of the Latter Day Aints.

“Where in the Bible does it say that a man and a woman should not live together (i.e. shack up) before getting married?”

Nowhere.

Don’t get excited.

Any time I hear someone say that it’s because they are already in the situation, been single for a really long time, or they want an escape clause because marriage is for-eh-vaaaaa!

Some time ago, I saw a minister ask this question on a nationally televised show. Needless to say, he had a baby out of wedlock with the woman he was “shacking up” with.

And, therein lies the problem.

I’m not saying a man and woman who are interested in one another can’t live together and not sleep together. But, why would you want to?

I’m not talking about two regular friends living together, though that’s been known to bring about some messy morning-afters as well. But, this is you and your man. Your guy. Your schnookums. Your boo. Who smells really good, has a smile that melts your heart, and has quite the athletic physique (or not). Either way, you just love everything about him.

How would you manage that? I’m asking for a friend :).

I Got This

We saints like to play this pretend game that we can be strong, we can hold out. We quote a scripture, we say ten Our Fathers, we bathe in anointed oil, but we are lying – mostly to ourselves – definitely to God!

God gave us a sex drive. And, He made sex to be gooodt, because if not? World population = zero.

We want marriage. But, somehow we think that we have to do whatever it takes to engineer and manipulate the circumstances.

All while ignoring the truth that – anything done out of order brings chaos.

See, when we go off and shack up, we are out of order.

God is a God of decency and order.

There is a process and a protocol for everything. Even the way the temple was built was measured out in specific cubits (1 Kings 6:2-7). There is a specific way to bring offerings. The Feasts and Festivals occurred on specific days in specific seasons in a specific manner. There was heaven, earth, daytime, nighttime, birds in the sky, animals on land, separation of land and sea, and then man. And then woman. And then haywire. Adam and Eve – out of order.

Dating, courtship, engagement, and marriage follow protocol as well. And, nowhere in there is shacking up option.

God’s Protection Trumps Trojan

It’s all for your protection. Listen to me y’all, hear me good: God’s order is for your protection!

Some people really don’t want love, they want help! They can’t afford a nice place on their own, but if they manage to convince you to settle for this arrangement, they have a nice place and a roommate who also gives it up without a real commitment.

There is a value that women (and men) have that we don’t realize is there. So, we often lower our worth and values when we’re presented with the chance to have “something real.” But it’s not real. It’s a cheap imitation of real that offers temporary circumstances. It’s an imitation that can leave you disappointed or hurt – without legal protection should that person leave or die.

Typically, no one plans to be in a position where they have to take legal action – but why would a man want everything else with a woman except a legal contract that binds the two of you together in the eyes of God and the law?

Authenticity or Nothing

There comes a time when we as adults should be done with imitation relationships, imitation friendships, and imitation crab meat (even though that last one may have to wait until I get my money right). But, we cannot settle for less than what God has for us or requires of us anymore. We cannot play house – play being the operative word.

Are you or your significant other gun-shy about commitment? Then neither of you are ready for any commitment whatsoever.

If you’re agreeing to live together before marriage because you think it will keep him/her, how else will you compromise your values to keep him/her? If you think you aren’t worthy of marriage just because you haven’t seen it in your family, how then will you break the generational chains that hold you there?

Let’s get whole in Christ. Let’s honor Him with order.

We fall down, but (when) we get up…

Let’s be saints who understand God’s order… of those vows.

So, what’s the play call?

Wait.

And, while you wait, find your identity, purpose, and worth in Christ. Ask Him to show you the areas where you need His healing, guidance, and love – first.

While you’re healing, make a list of the character traits (the inner things that reflect godliness) you want in your husband (or wife).

Seasons Change: Don’t Die as a Caterpillar

By

Lamica A. Burnett

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Sep 23, 2019

It’s a New Season!

Though September 23rd marks the official first day of fall, I did not need a calendar to recognize the changing of the seasons. Everything in creation gloriously points to this transition! From the crisp coolness of the early morning air to the return of pumpkin spice lattes, it is with open arms I welcome my absolute favorite season of the year!

Seasons change and the signs of fall are all around. On Instagram, my sister posted a picture of a caterpillar on a leaf. The leaf was dark brown and drying around its edges. Veins of the leaf that were once vibrant green had turned dull. Traces of yellow and hints of muted red indicated the change within the fallen foliage. The transformation was noticeable in the leaf, but when I saw the caterpillar it made me ask the question:

Did this caterpillar miss his season?

In a strange way, I found myself feeling sorry for the tiny creature. Here it is almost October and he’s still inching along on the sidewalk with no wings.

As the day wore on, I found myself thinking about the caption she wrote under the photo:

Don’t die as a caterpillar; don’t give up before you experience those beautiful wings inside of you.

Being the nosey person I am, I had to do some research! My questions did not stop.

Why exactly are there still caterpillars on the ground this late in the year?

Why didn’t this one, like the others I’d seen months earlier, fly during the warm days of summer?

God’s Personal Development Plans Are Unique to You

In my research, I discovered that there are literally thousands of different species of caterpillars in the world. There are caterpillars of all colors ranging from blue to yellow, red to gray, and all hues in between. Their bodies can be camouflaged, spotted, or striped. Some have dense hairs to cover their bodies, others have none.

Given this vast array, the life cycle of any given caterpillar varies considerably. This means that their rates of growth, development, and maturity are not all the same. Their life expectancies and individual life courses were uniquely their own.

My investigation made clear to me that the caterpillar has to go through the natural progression of life. Its journey was unfolding daily towards his next phase of life depending on its own species. Intuitively, I knew that the caterpillar would eventually make the change, but my pity was misplaced because I did not recognize what season the caterpillar was in. I’d based my judgment on the journey of a totally different species.

It is in this same way that we can misjudge our own seasons in our walk with Christ. We see others making progress. We notice their “wings” from afar and we may look at ourselves and silently compare our journey with theirs. While we can be encouraged by their progress and can applaud their success, we should feel free to celebrate their wins knowing that our time to soar is ahead.

Every Season is Different, But Purposed

Each of our life journeys is unique. Our life process may not be the same as others. We should rejoice because God has a special path for each of us. His purpose in our lives is revealed in HIS time!

May I encourage you to not allow the enemy to steal your joy? Identifying the season you are in will encourage you to stay the course!

Perhaps you may find yourself in one of the following 3 seasons:

Waiting Season

In this season, you are praying and asking God for His guidance. While you are in this season, I’d like to encourage you to not just sit around. This wait requires that you serve! Service opens the door for you to be used in a greater capacity. Waiting on God means that you are being of service to Him and his people. You will not be weary in the time of waiting if you are in action.

While you are in this season, commit yourself to serve!

Writing Season

Habakkuk 2:2 instructs us to write the vision. This is the season to write down the things that God is speaking to your spirit. It is in the writing of the vision that we gain the clarity we need. In this season, you can ask God for direction on how to carry out what He has called you to do. Taking the idea out of your mind and putting it down on paper is an act of obedience to God’s word.

As we obey His Word, we are aligning ourselves for His best.

Working Season

In this season, you are actively walking towards what God has revealed to you in prayer. You are moving in obedience and following his direction. You are being used by God to advance His Kingdom and bring Him glory. This season gives you the opportunity to do what God has called you to do, and you are finding fulfillment in His purpose for you.

So, what’s the play call?

As you are waiting for your own wings and your season to soar, here are some things you can do:

Work out any issues of unforgiveness that may be in your heart.
Work on yourself by pursuing your own personal growth and development.
Eliminate laziness and procrastination by taking small steps of action toward your goals daily.
Wipe up the spilled milk of your disappointments and allow God to heal you.
Wipe off your missed goals and dreams and refocus on winning.
Wipeout any sins by humbling yourself and committing your heart to repentance.
Worship is always acceptable in any season; this is the key to being refueled and refreshed.

Good Health Cooking: One-Pan Fall Vegetables and Chicken Sausage

By

Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

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Sep 20, 2019

Easy Sheet Pan Meal for Busy Families

Busy weeknights call for easy sheet pan meals that can be thrown together in a flash, just like this recipe. But, we aren’t forgetting about taste. This One-Pan Fall Vegetables and Chicken Sausage boasts the perfect balance of flavors including tangy, slightly sweet, savory and salty…all in one bite! If you are looking for an easy sheet pan meal to add into your meal rotation, this one is worth giving a try.

Recipes that are flexible and allow you to swap ingredients in and out are some of the best ones! The fall vegetables used in this recipe include butternut squash and brussel sprouts, but you can mix it up depending on what is available at the grocery store or farmer’s market that week. Sweet potatoes would be a great substitute for butternut squash or add a mix of both!

As a mom with littles, I know that exposing my kids to a wide variety of foods is necessary if I have hopes of raising adventurous eaters. One strategy I have learned is to not overwhelm them with a lot of new things all at once. When choosing your veggies for this recipe, select one that is unfamiliar and one that they generally like. This means that even if they are uncertain about one food, they know that there is plenty to eat and enjoy at the meal.

When selecting chicken sausages, definitely read the ingredients and review the nutrition label (I share one of our favorite brands in the video). While our family does prefer apple chicken sausage, there is a bit of added sugar. You can choose the brand and flavor your family prefers and fits your nutrition needs. And, it is always important to keep a healthy perspective when it comes to sugar and our bodies. A tiny bit is okay and when paired with some healthy protein and fat, our blood glucose responds much better than when eaten by itself.

September is National Family Meals Month. We know that eating a meal as a family has a wealth of physical, social and emotional benefits. Sheet pan meals, like this One-Pan Fall Vegetables & Chicken Sausage, just might be the solution you are looking for to reduce mealtime stress.

One-Pan Fall Vegetables and Chicken Sausage

Ingredients

12 oz Apple Chicken Sausage (like Al Fresco or Trader Joe’s brand)

4 cups Butternut squash, peeled and cubed

16oz fresh Brussel sprouts, cleaned and halved

2 ½ TB spicy or deli mustard

1TB olive oil

1 TB pure maple syrup (or honey)

½ tsp Kosher Salt

½ tsp Black Pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare brussel sprouts by washing, chopping off ends, removing any brown leaves and cutting in half; place in a large bowl along with the cubed butternut squash. Add the olive oil, maple syrup or honey, spicy mustard, salt and pepper and combine well.

Place the vegetables on a large sheet pan, lined with a silicone mat (or lined with foil/parchment paper and sprayed with oil). Roast in the oven for 25 minutes. While vegetables are cooking, slice each link of chicken sausage into 3 pieces.

After vegetables have cooked 25 minutes, remove pan from oven and toss veggies so they can brown on both sides. Then, snuggle the pieces of chicken sausage and return pan to oven for 10-15 minutes for the veggies and sausages to lightly brown and caramelize. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Serving Size: Makes 4 servings

Tips and Suggestions

Serve with spicy mustard on the side, if desired.
Alternative vegetables could be used (if preferred), like sweet potatoes or acorn squash instead of butternut squash.
Different flavors of chicken sausage can be used. Read the ingredient list and choose one your family will love!

Nutrition per serving

Calories 314
Total Fat 11g
Saturated Fat 3g
Sodium 794mg
Carbohydrate 38g
Dietary Fiber 7g
Added Sugar 9g
Natural Sugar 6g
Protein 19g

When God Provides the Way, Will You Provide the Work?

By

Alecia M. White

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Sep 19, 2019

When God Provides, It’s Not Always an Easy Ride

I work for one of the school districts in my city and my office is in one of the high schools. Depending on the day, close parking is scarce, you know, with both staff and students needing to park.

Typically, by the time I go into work, all the building row spots (the row right near the entrance I use) are already taken by staff so I have to park in the lot. Now, again, staff and students are parking so many days, I park at the back of the lot furthest from the school. The only day I am seemingly guaranteed a building row spot is when it rains.

See, when it rains, the first spot in the row after the handicap spots kinda slants causing a puddle to form. Now, this puddle is just deep enough to submerge your entire foot in water up to your ankle. This, I am sure, is the reason that nobody ever parks there when it rains.

Not only is the puddle that deep, but it extends pretty far into the middle of the spot, so you can’t really plan to bypass it.

In order to successfully park in this first spot (yes, there’s a technique), one must get just close enough to the curb to step over the water. This will take a couple of tries since the water is so deep that you can’t even just put the tip of your foot in for leverage. I know it sounds easy enough as you are reading this to yourself, but it’s a bit tricky.

Once you get close enough, you must step onto the curb and walk into the grass. From the grass, you’ve got to hop over the small puddle that’s on the sidewalk. Okay, that may sound tedious, but once properly weighing that option against that of parking at the back of the lot across the way, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s worth it. And, if you don’t, it’s fine – I’ll still be parking in that first building row spot on every rainy day.

But, Does it Take All of That, Lord?

Alright, here we go. Yes, I know you don’t care where I park at work. You probably don’t even care that I go to work at all but you’re here again, wondering how this ties into actual Christian life situations. Don’t worry… I got you.

Mmmkay, that building row represents where you want to be in life, right up close to your blessings, your promises, your dreams – the ones that you have your sights set on from God.

That parking lot represents where you’ve been waiting because you are afraid to get your feet wet.

What I need you to understand is that promises do not come without a process. There will always be opposition, like the rain, that causes this massive puddle to form. Just when you think you’ve got the front row spot, you realize it takes extra work to get it.

The thing is, you must be willing to do what others are not willing to do and park close enough to climb over it, walk through the grass, and hop onto that sidewalk. It’s going to take work, but as the saying goes, “Anything worth having is worth working for”. Just like at that school, many are not willing to work that hard for a parking spot, no matter how close it is to the door.

But you know what? That just means that there’s more room for you!

And, you will notice that where you are truly meant to go, there probably won’t be too many people there. When you remember my little analogy, you’ll understand why. They didn’t want to climb, step, or hop. You know what else? God wants you to get there. Yeah, He does. If He didn’t, there wouldn’t be provision made for you to do so.

So, What’s the Play Call?

I need you to realize, in this moment, that provision isn’t always easy. Provision doesn’t mean simple, it just means there is a way. My fail-proof parking method isn’t the simplest of choices, but it guarantees my spot. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to give in and just take that “lot spot” in the back:

Let God take control. Sometimes, we talk ourselves out of that “first spot” because it seems too difficult to master. If you just surrender your will to His, you’ll get there. “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)
Don’t doubt. I know, for a fact, that I’ve missed some things. Not because things weren’t possible for me to achieve, but because I didn’t believe that I could. Don’t be like I was. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe all things are possible to him that beileveth.” Mark 9:23
Your faith requires movement. Yep, we can believe all we want that we’ll “get there”, but God wants us to move as well. You’ve gotta be willing to park in the puddle to get over it. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26
Talk your fears out with God. Yes, fear is real and just because we serve God, it does not mean we are exempt from feeling it. It does mean that we have the key to deliverance from it. “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4

It may be “raining” right now, but use that to your advantage. Park closer and climb over that puddle. Trust God and take that building row spot He provided just for you.

The Bible and Social Media Do’s and Don’ts

By

Ryan Churchill

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Sep 18, 2019

Social Media and Team Jesus

If you’re reading this, chances are good you came by this article in a social media post. Perhaps you check in with Team Jesus Mag regularly by going straight to the site, but if you’re like me, you probably wait for articles from sites that you follow to pop up on your social media news feed.

It seems to be the way things work nowadays. For so many of the people in our world, social media has been the place where we no longer get the news, but we interact with the news source – we “like,” “comment,” “react to,” and “share” the articles with our network.

On its surface, social media looks like a great way to connect with distant friends. It’s a place to add your two cents to the social commentary of the day.

Regardless of the social media platform you choose, even the most socially paralyzed introvert is empowered with a simple, singular click to be a catalyst for change in a world where they otherwise feel little or no control. With the world wide web at our fingertips, we no longer go to the Yellow Pages where you were once encouraged to “let your fingers do the walking.” Instead, we now go to social media where we are encouraged to let our fingers do the talking.

The creators of social media used these features as powerful selling points to bring people all over the world into a new domain. Despite the selling points, social media has a sinister dark side, which has emerged step for step with each new feature.

We all know about the predatory behavior, the slanderous rhetoric, the “fake news,” and blatantly hateful words spoken about anyone and everyone. Whether individually or corporately, we’ve all been lumped in through stereotypes. And, with every “reaction” click, every “share” click, and every “comment,” positive or negative, the darkness is advanced to our friends and followers.

Does the Bible have anything to say about the dark side or even the selling points of social media? Let’s face it, social media didn’t exist back then. So, can the Bible speak to it?

Absolutely!

The Bible and Your Social Media Profiles

Let’s look at some Scriptures which can be applied to social media by simply using a substitute word. Scripture uses the word “tongue”, but you can use “your words” to represent both your spoken words and your written words on social media.

I want to encourage you to open the Word and allow God to speak to you through James 3:5-11.

I think God’s Word speaks with enough clarity that you probably don’t need any explanation from me, so let me highlight some phrases from this passage which I find particularly noteworthy and reason for us to go to the Father in prayer:

The Tongue:
- is a fire
- is the very world of iniquity
- defiles the entire body
- sets on fire the course of our life
With it [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and we curse men:
- who have been made in the likeness [image] of God
Does a fountain pour out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?

This excerpt from James is complemented by, and perhaps inspired by Proverbs 26:20-25.

Once again, read this passage from Proverbs for yourself, but allow me to highlight some phrases which directly tie us into the passage from James, and are worthy of our prayer and consideration.

For lack of wood, the fire goes out.
Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
He who hates disguises it with his lips but lays up deceit in his heart.
When he [who hates] speaks graciously, do not believe him . . .

There may be no words of greater conviction in the entire Bible than the above passages. But, with this conviction, the Holy Spirit offers great comfort in James 4:5-10. I’d like you to read that passage in the Bible so you know how it is actually presented, but I’m going to use the same words and re-write it in a different order, and add a little commentary in the brackets.

Ready?

Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord. [Don’t you know] GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD? Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. [This isn’t the message or advice the world gives you, but there is a purpose behind it because] He gives a greater grace [a grace the world will never offer nor does it even want you to know it’s been offered.] He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us [And so] HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. [Through that grace you may] draw near to God and He will draw near to you [despite what the world teaches because He is intimate with the upright]. Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts, [even though it’s difficult to admit that you are a] double-minded sinner. [And in doing so] He will lift you up.

It’s tempting to look at these passages and give ourselves a pass, choosing to focus on the speck in our brother’s eye. But, Scripture tells us to first remove the log in our own eye.

Wisdom literature can be a blessing when applied to our own lives and when we speak its truths calibrated with grace to those of peace in our lives. But, it can be a curse when we use it to speak truth into the lives of those with whom we have no relationship. It can be made even worse when no grace is offered.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Take some time with the following questions regarding today’s Scriptures. Pray over them. Humbly go before the Lord and request of Him the words of the Psalmist: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. (Ps 139:23-24)

Have your words on or off social media started fires that you have been unable to put out?
Do your words only defile your body, or can they defile the body of Christ?
Do you believe when Scripture tells us that all of humankind was made in the image of God? Are you comfortable with and ready to stand firmly behind the words you’ve used to speak about all who have been made in His image?
Are your words trustworthy when you speak graciously?

What are some other scripture references that help
guide our behavior on social media?

Kanye Sunday Service: Foolishness or For the Glory of God?

By

Kim Brightness

-

Sep 16, 2019

Scouting Kanye West Sunday Service

By now in the body of Christ, most of us have heard of Kanye West Sunday Service, and most of us have our thoughts and opinions of Mr. West and his new, 2019 venture – including me.

Instead of sitting back reading (and believing) said thoughts and opinions of others, I decided to experience Kanye Sunday Service for myself. After receiving two “how to participate” emails from friends, I seized the opportunity to participate as choir alto, but also as one of the Kingdom’s Contenders for the Faith.

You see, I had my own thoughts and opinions of Kanye Sunday Service – having never attended – but saw the hoopla of posts, videos, and commentary for and against it. If there’s one thing you learn in media – one, two, or twenty social media posts from random people who weren’t actually there is the secret sauce for fake news.

So, as a “live and in living color” participant, earnestly seeking God’s discernment, filled with the Holy Spirit, here are my takeaways – that is, until you experience Sunday Service for yourself if interested in doing so.

Kanye West Sunday Service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta 9-15-19

After an orderly and professional choir member check-in that started promptly at 6:45 AM, as stated in the confirmation email, I watched the spirit and intention of those working on the Sunday Service team once inside New Birth.

“Are you all ready to celebrate Jesus?” “We’re all here to lift up our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

No “celebrity” push, no mention of “Mr. West” the entire rehearsal – but to identify him as the visionary or curator for Sunday Service.

After about a 1 1/2hr rehearsal, the choir and main singers prepared for regular morning service at New Birth.

The entire Sunday morning service progressed from beginning to end – praise and worship, the preached word, offering, altar call (where dozens came forward to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior…coming to see Kanye, but met The King of Kings!?) – before Kanye Sunday Service commenced. However, not without Pastor Jamal Bryant making it abundantly clear, “As we flow into the next part of the service, remember there is but one ‘star’ in the room, and that’s Jesus Christ.”

Kanye Proclaims

Aside from all of the gifted singers, the crazy dope harmony and beat arrangements, and the celebratory (“lit”) atmosphere, did Kanye West actually have something to say?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Team Jesus Magazine (@teamjesusmag) on Sep 15, 2019 at 11:02am PDT

Yes, he did. Here are a few quotes:

I’ve seen everything that the devil could’ve showed you… nothing beats God… and a sound mind.
He is the only Jesus – let’s be specific.
To be radically in service to Christ is the only culture I want to know about.
The devil had me chasing a gold statue… chasin’ numbers… The power of God cannot be calculated by numbers… by first week sales…
The road to hell is paved with ‘I’m just a good person.”
We must hold each other accountable; if you see somebody slippin’, you tell them.
Thank you for saving me, replenishing me, delivering me…

No mention of future albums. No merchandise sold. All glory was given to God.

Thoughts for Team Jesus

Teammates, I’ve seen a lot of our thoughts and opinions – many declaring Mr. West’s lack of “Kingdom” fitness due to his past behavior, lyrics, and our expert-non-expert diagnosis of his mental state and causes thereof.

Let me begin here.

Many Teammates are leery of Kanye West’s Sunday Service AND his proclamation of salvation and deliverance through Jesus Christ because:

Celebrity status typically breeds ulterior motives and agendas for profit or gain.
We are living in the last days where the enemy is turning up his deception and perversion, and he will use anyone to say anything – especially celebrities with a huge following.

I get that.

HOWEVER COMMA – Have we also considered that many Teammates:

Think they have a personal monopoly or vetting process for who can and who cannot sing praises to God – and that they’re doing God a favor by “protecting Him” from bad people’s praise.
Are still learning how to discern based on the Spirit of God – not by what they see and feel.
Have lonnnng memories for other people’s sin/past, but appreciate swift forgiveness and grace for their own sin and failings.
Are full-time Fruit Inspectors for others, work less than part-time on their own fruit, and hold themselves to a less strenuous standard of excellence, laced with excuses and justifications, e.g. “all have sinned”.
Are steeped in lonnnng traditions of men and man’s validation, where one better not even think about leading something that honors God without first crossing off ALL the items on “their” ~~haze~~ checklist.
Don’t consider that their negative, unrighteous, judgmental response to someone’s proclamation of salvation is being watched and informing “would-be” converts to our faith?
Are not patient or kind. They have fruit of the Spirit that’s in the “bud” stage – which is why love, gentleness, patience have not matured enough to be meat for anyone else yet.

Teammates, I’m calling us out and holding us accountable for how we act and react in the public square – with definitive negation to someone’s initial proclamation of salvation (updated). Yes, if Kanye West has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior – there will be fruit, evidence in his lifestyle. Remember also that we don’t know the plan or appointed time of maturity for anyone’s sanctification process – but God does. He knows the plan He has for all of us (Jeremiah 29:11). So, if God’s appointed time for Tree A to bear fruit is 5 months, don’t go and burn the “barren” tree down at month 4! Let the plan and patience of God supersede your need to instantly-right-now validate another. Stand down. Watch and pray for them and encourage other teammates to do the same. Then be about your own soul salvation. All souls belong to God – not us (Ezekiel 18:4).

Thoughts for Kanye West

Mr. West, I pray that you stay with the Lord. Keep humbling yourself before Him and grow in God.

Yessir, it’s going to take studying and rightly dividing the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of Christ. May God surround you with mature, wise counsel who will – as you said in Sunday Service – hold YOU accountable, sir, and speak the truth to you in love. You do have teammates who believe there is nothing too hard for God – all power belongs to God. We are praying for you.

So, What’s the Play Call?

We all watch and pray. The appointed time of God will reveal all and the Spirit of Truth will always prevail. Having spied out the land, here’s one report I know without a shadow of a doubt – God is WELL ABLE to overcome any issues or challenges with Mr. West, with you, and with me. May we all humble ourselves before His mighty hand.

3 Simple Ways to Submit to Authority Like Jesus

By

Kim Brightness

-

Sep 16, 2019

The “A” word: Authority

Ahh, we welcome and embrace the word “authority”, Team, in the context of “taking or take” and “walk in”, yes? Rightfully so! What an awesome privilege and honor we have to exercise the authority given to us by faith in Jesus Christ (Luke 9:1-2, Luke 10:19).

But hold on. There’s another side to authority that causes many followers of Christ to cringe, resist, and “feel some type of way”.

It’s when the “A” word meets the “S” word – Submit.

What emotional, non-verbal response did reading the word “submit” invoke in you? Did your spirit throw confetti and leap for joy? Was there a slight squirm, or an eye roll?

It’s amazing how each and every one of us on Team Jesus is given the command (play call) to submit to authority, and every one of us has at some point tried to wiggle out of doing so. God expects us all, regardless of gender, title, or status to submit ourselves to Him (1 Peter 5:6), to our supervisors and government (Romans 13), and even to graciously submit to each other (Ephesians 5:21).

But for many of us, when it comes to authority – it’s better to receive than give. We enjoy reaping the benefits when others submit to us, but when the humility ball is in our hands, we quickly toss it away.

Mike? I Wanna Be Like Jesus!

Let’s be reminded of the examples of our Coach, Jesus Christ. As our savior and teacher, Jesus practiced what he preached. He was the first partaker of humility, acting under the sole authority of our heavenly Father, in all that He said or did.

Submitting to authority, practicing humility, and dying to pride is a tall order for some of us. And, many times we don’t realize when we’re showing dishonor rather than honoring authority. But we aren’t left without actionable, practical examples in the Word of God, our playbook, to guide us in wisdom and good judgment regarding authority.

Think of these examples from Jesus’ life:

1. Don’t take your title or position too seriously.

Jesus is Savior, Divine, the Risen King, Creator… Not one thing came into existence without Him (John 1:3). He is the embodiment of “Us” in “Let us make man.” (Genesis 1:26) Yet, his every move was to glorify His Father in Heaven. Jesus was not confused by the association of authority, His place in the God-head, and knowing how to humble and honor the Supreme authority – God the Father.

He never got “pumped up” with pride that He was the Savior of the whole world, that He was the one who had to be crucified – not the Father or the Holy Spirit. Jesus never used his suffering as justification to ‘buck’ authority.

How often do we feel we have legitimate reasons to refuse to submit to authority?

So, don’t fight against authority when you feel you’ve contributed just as much as the other person. When we work as “unto the Lord” as Jesus did for the Father (Colossians 3:23-24), the credit and reward will also come from the Lord, which is far better than any accolade or acknowledgment of man.

2. Don’t put your name on someone else’s vision or idea.

Did you know that we submit to authority by giving credit where credit is due? The will of my Father. Notice how Jesus made it perfectly clear that He came to do the will of His Father who sent Him (John 6:38). The humility and submission of Jesus never allowed Him to shine the light on Himself, but always to glorify Father God – the One in authority.

Teammate, are you passing someone else’s vision off as your own? Do you manipulate the work of others to shine the light on yourself?

When we submit to the authority of those over us, God will exalt us in due season with our own vision. Just be sure, Team, that when He does, we give all glory to God, none for ourselves.

3. Know when to question, how to question, and when to do what you’re told.

Jesus gives us the example of his complete submission to God in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). There, He petitions God, “If it is possible”, to avoid the crucifixion and separation from the Father. The example here is HOW to ask questions of those in authority.

First, notice Jesus asks – not tells God what to do. Jesus does not attack God’s thought process or solution, but remains in a posture of “not my will, but yours”.

How do you handle those in authority with competing interests or strategies?

Second, Jesus accepts the Father’s decision. After receiving the final answer and peace from the Father, Jesus rises up and falls in line with God’s plan.

When exercising honor to those in authority, we have to know when we’ve done enough asking, suggesting, crying, or made enough recommendations contrary to the original marching order – and just get it done!

In our walk with Christ, God also asks us to do things that will cause us pain, suffering, and sacrifice. It is not our job to critique God or consider Him mean and unjust. God did not ask our opinion or permission for Him to be God, nor for Him to be the righteous judge.

But, trust that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and the hard tasks will not be faced alone. God helps us through every opportunity to give Him glory – both painful and pleasant.

So, what’s the play call?

Here’s to submission to authority that’s easier to manage, and do so with grace and honor. Our Coach has lead us by word and example. Let’s get it done!

Plant-Forward Thinking: What Does a Plant-Based Diet Look Like?

By

Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

-

Sep 13, 2019

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

On the third day of creation, God made every flavorful fruit, vegetable, and plant imaginable. Every color of the rainbow, every unique flavor and texture conceivable – and it was good.

In fact, only a few scriptures later He proclaims, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.”

We have scientists and researchers looking for keys to health and longevity, but I think God stated it pretty clearly. Plants.

Plant-Forward Thinking for Better Health

It’s true that we don’t live in the Garden of Eden. Maybe the soil that used to grow crops may not be as nutrient-rich as it once was. But, if we are seriously wondering about the next step to take to nourish our bodies, I think it is pretty evident.

And, it protects our God created earth, too. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee states:

“A dietary pattern that is higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and lower in animal-based foods is more health promoting and is associated with lesser environmental impact.”

Chances are you grew up in a home where you were told to ‘eat your vegetables’ – maybe even required to eat them before you left the table. Sadly, scare tactics and reprimands haven’t helped us eat more vegetables. In fact, less than 10% of adults eat the recommended 5 servings of vegetables each day.

But, it’s exciting to see in the last few years that a plant-forward diet is gaining media attention and popularity, an awakening if you will.

Does a Plant-Based Diet Mean Plants Only?

Instead of serving some boring vegetables on your plate, chefs, restaurants, recipe developers and foodies are inspiring us with a fresh take on veggies. Instead of leading with the idea that plants are nutritious, (yep, already know that!) they are telling us they can be absolutely delicious!

So, what does a plant-forward diet look like? Does it mean no more meat? Does it restrict you from enjoying a grilled steak for dinner OR some broiled salmon on your salad OR scrambling some eggs for breakfast?

On the contrary, it doesn’t restrict or limit you. It’s not really a diet. Instead, it’s a new way of looking at how we are composing our plate, what we are putting in our basket, and what we are reaching for when our stomach begins to grumble. It doesn’t make any foods ‘off limits’ and instead emphasizes the very thing God highlighted in the garden – plants.

Interestingly, a meta-analysis in the Journal of Epidemiology shows that 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and premature death by about 30%! As was discussed in this article,

“The researchers believe that it is not just about the powerful effects of specific nutrients (Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin A, etc.), but instead, the ‘complex network of nutrients’ within varieties of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin supplements just cannot duplicate the synergistic power of real plants!”

How Can I Think Plant-Forward?

Why are 90% of us having difficulty getting even 5 daily servings of vegetables? Often because making a change to eat plant-forward brings questions about the actual execution. And to be honest, sometimes there is conflict (or potential conflict) from family members who aren’t on board.

Even if your spouse isn’t thrilled about the idea of ‘meatless Monday’, you can still begin to implement this approach in your meals. While there are no hard and fast rules, these are some tips to help you think plant-forward:

Make a vegetable or veggie dish the star at the dinner table. Many of us think we don’t like veggies very much because we remember boring, dull, limp and unattractive dishes sitting in a bowl at dinner. While there is nothing wrong with some steamed broccoli with butter and salt, or some carrot sticks with dip, there are aromatic and flavorful veggie recipes just waiting for you to try. And, don’t equate flavorful with complicated. These Parmesan Carrot Fries have a robust flavor with only 4 ingredients. And, this Loaded Mashed Cauliflower gets compliments every time I make it but doesn’t require any fancy skills or special ingredients.
Load up 75% of your plate with plants. Ideally, cover 50% with colorful, non-starchy veggies and 25% of your plate with starchy vegetables or whole grains. This concept can be followed when eating out, in, at a neighbor’s or a potluck. This method is one of the easiest ways to create balanced meals no matter where you’re eating so that you are nourished, energized and satisfied.
Create your meal plan with a veggie dish first, then decide a meat ‘side’ (or opt for a plant-protein). Many individuals enjoy eating meat, poultry, fish, and seafood. All of these protein foods are rich in nutrients and don’t necessarily need to be eliminated. But, a plant-forward approach means giving veggies actual thought in the planning process instead of just filling in at the meal. Have you ever asked yourself, ‘What veggies am I craving this week?’ Did you see a recipe posted on social media or made on a cooking program that looked appetizing? Even if only for a few days of your meal plan, try planning the veggies first.
Try a new or unfamiliar vegetable. Have you ever roasted delicata squash? Can you ever recall cooking bok choy? Did your friend tell you about the amazing beets she added to a salad the other day? Whether you are browsing the produce department or scanning the farmer’s market, look for something that gets you curious. One of the best ways to get excited about eating more plants is to mix curiosity with anticipation.

Plant-forward eating isn’t about going and buying vegan entrees and products at the grocery store. It’s about appreciating and enjoying the food God created from the very beginning. Eating those foods more often will naturally reduce your intake of highly-processed foods and those that are inflammatory.

So, what’s the play call?

To be honest, we don’t need another label. Labels simply cause restrictive thoughts and snobby groups that isolate themselves, deeming their way to be the ‘right’ way to eat. Enough of that. Let’s pull from Truth the wisdom to nourish our body and let’s live based on our convictions, not anyone else’s.

How can you begin thinking and eating more plant-forward? First, get rid of the lies that you don’t like veggies or that they are boring Then, go explore the flavorful creation just waiting to be noticed.

More Recipes

plant based recipes — Lentil Marinara with Zucchini Noodles

3 Truths About the Revelation of Jesus: The Gateway to Manifestation

By

Liz Guya

-

Sep 11, 2019

The Revelation of Jesus Drives Action

Every time we encounter God’s Word, we must listen with the intent to take action. The Bible declares we should be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22). Revelation requires action after it has been received.

God wants us to live as the Bible says. It is when you act on the revelation you have received that physical manifestation of the Word takes place.

However, without revelation, it is hard to release into manifestation what the Word says into our lives.

Remember these things about revelation…

1. Revelation is first personal, then corporate.

This means that many can hear of a certain truth that is a revelation to another. But you can’t rely on another person’s revelation, unless it becomes your own, in your heart, established by the Spirit in your heart.

There’s a difference between personal revelation and corporate revelation. Personal revelation is what is revealed to you personally in your heart, from the Word of God. Corporate revelation is revelation that people believe on a massive scale, for example, salvation.

Many Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for their sins. That becomes corporate revelation, where we all believe in our hearts a certain truth about the Word of God – think unity of the faith (Ephesians 4:13).

Things like healing, faith, or giving honor due to God must first involve personal revelation. When we come to God, we must first believe that He exists and that He rewards them that (personally) seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Eventually, God grows us from personal revelation to corporate revelation. He starts with individual believers who are in different seasons of their walk with Christ. Some develop fast, some slow – depending on cooperation, willingness, and other factors.

The gifts Jesus gave to the body of Christ in Ephesians 4:11 lead us to corporate unity and equip us for ministry in the faith.

2. Revelation is our guide.

When you receive a revelation of something, you don’t wait to be told to do it or to be led to give. For example, a child growing up needs to be guided to do homework, bathe, play, and eat.

But, as an adult with understanding, we don’t need to be guided and told repeatedly to do what we know is right. Understanding guides us.

When you understand the revelation of what God has for you and what you are to do, you apply it no matter where you are. This does not mean that the Holy Spirit stops being your guide. In fact, the Holy Spirit is the One giving or revealing to you the revelation that you walk in.

Revelation is the Holy Spirit breathing life to the Word in your heart.

The Word alone is not enough. We need the Holy Spirit to give life to it.

“..the letter Killeth but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

The Spirit came to reveal all of Jesus, who is the Word (John 1:1).

3. Revelation is not our interpretation.

Since revelation is a product of the Holy Spirit, we can rest assured that revelation is always truth. Where there is an absence of truth, if what has been “revealed” does not align with the Word of God, we are to throw it completely away.

Let’s lay our personal interpretations and perceptions on the altar before the Lord as a sacrifice, and submit our hearing totally to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This way, we can accurately hear what the Spirit is saying to us personally and to the church corporately (Revelation 2:29).

So, what’s the play call?

Team, let us seek out the Word and trust the Holy Spirit to breath life into the Word in our hearts and make it a reality. Let us seek out the revelation of Jesus in the Word and allow God to bring His will into manifestation in our lives. Amen!

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Easy Sheet Pan Meal for Busy Families

One-Pan Fall Vegetables and Chicken Sausage

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Scouting Kanye West Sunday Service

Kanye West Sunday Service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta 9-15-19

Kanye Proclaims

Thoughts for Team Jesus

HOWEVER COMMA – Have we also considered that many Teammates:

Thoughts for Kanye West

The “A” word: Authority

Mike? I Wanna Be Like Jesus!

1. Don’t take your title or position too seriously.

2. Don’t put your name on someone else’s vision or idea.

3. Know when to question, how to question, and when to do what you’re told.

Plant-Forward Thinking for Better Health

Does a Plant-Based Diet Mean Plants Only?

How Can I Think Plant-Forward?

More Recipes

The Revelation of Jesus Drives Action

1. Revelation is first personal, then corporate.

2. Revelation is our guide.

3. Revelation is not our interpretation.

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