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The Right Perspective of God Takes Getting to Know God For Yourself

By
Liz Guya
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know god for yourself

Why the Right Perspective of God Matters

Have you ever heard a story about a person that ended up changing the way you perceived that person from the moment you heard the story?

Someone might say, “Oh, this person is an introvert”, and you instantly begin to perceive them as an introvert. Maybe someone says, “I don’t trust him/her“, and you begin to unconsciously look at that person from a perspective of mistrust.

How we treat people many times depends on how we perceive them. And, how we perceive God will definitely determine how we relate to Him.

Know God for Yourself: He Wants a Genuine Relationship With Us

know god for yourselfGod wants a real relationship with us where we get to know Him for who He is. But, many have preconceived notions about God that are not true.

Has someone told you about a bad experience in church that left a bad taste in your mouth for God? Did someone tell you that God isn’t real, or that He doesn’t answer prayer? As a result, it can be hard for you to understand God or to know God as a Father and Friend.

There are those who believe or have been taught that God is harsh and He expects you to be perfect – this idea of God is false!

God showed His deep love for us even without us asking Him to, all while we were yet sinners and imperfect (Romans 5:8). You don’t have to be perfect to have an intimate relationship with the Father. He accepts us when we come to Him, and through His Son’s death on the cross, God works with us to bring out the best in us.

Honor God With Boldness, Not Fear

There are also those who are of the perspective that God is sovereign and He can do whatever He wants and so they have an unhealthy fear of God. Don’t get me wrong – God requires reverence – but He doesn’t want us to fear Him, but to give Him the honor that He deserves.

When you fear someone, it is difficult to be close to them or have an intimate relationship with them. God does not want us to be afraid of Him. His nature is love and He wants the best for us.

1 Corinthians 13:7 declares that love is not self-seeking. God is love. He takes pleasure in your prosperity and giving us good gifts. If you are afraid of God, it means that you have not been perfected in His love because perfect love casts out fear.

God is sovereign, yes, but He doesn’t control everything. For example, if a person rejects Christ, God will not force them to accept Him. You have free will. The Bible says in Psalms 115:16, “The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind.” 

So, what’s the play call?

Let’s get the right perspective of God through personal study of the Word of God. The Word describes who God is, how He sees us, and how He wants us to have a relationship with Him.

There is no greater authority on God than His Word – “…in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Let us allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who God is to us because The Holy Spirit reveals all truth (John 16:13).

Good Health Cooking: Citrus Asian Coleslaw Recipe

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
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Fresh and Flavorful Citrus Asian Coleslaw

This coleslaw recipe is the perfect make-ahead meal for an outdoor summer gathering. While it’s not your mama’s traditional coleslaw, it is sweet, tangy, crunchy and nutty – all the things you want in the perfect bite!

This easy Citrus Asian Coleslaw comes together quickly and the flavors get even better after it sits overnight – which means delicious food and less work the day of your BBQ.

Using fruit in recipes, like citrus, is a fantastic way to satisfy sweet cravings so they don’t pop up later on in the day. Check out the video for an easy way to slice the oranges. This Citrus Asian Coleslaw is also gluten free, dairy free and vegan, making it a great recipe to share with friends that may have some dietary restrictions.

If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to take a picture and tag me (@jennifer.hunt.nutrition on Instagram) so that I can see what you are cooking up in your very own kitchen!

Citrus Asian Coleslaw Recipe

Citrus Asian Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients

16 oz bag coleslaw mix
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, + more for garnish
2 tbsp chopped green onion
2 oranges, sliced in small wedges
6 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp 100% pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, + more for garnish
2 tbsp chopped green onion
1/4 cup sunflower seeds, raw
1/4 cup slivered almonds, raw

Directions

In a large mixing bowl with lid, add in coleslaw mix, cilantro, green onion, and orange slices. In a mason jar or container with an airtight lid, combine vinegar, oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Secure lid and shake up well. Pour over coleslaw and toss with tongs until all the cabbage is well coated. Cover slaw with a lid and store in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to allow flavors to combine.

Before serving, in a medium non-stick pan, toast sunflower seeds and almonds on medium heat until lightly brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes (shake the pan every ~20 seconds to prevent burning). Garnish coleslaw with seeds, almonds, and addition chopped cilantro.
Servings: 8, about ¾ cup

Nutrition per ¾ cup Serving

Calories 127; Total Fat 7g; Saturated Fat 1g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 139mg; Carbohydrate 11g; Dietary Fiber 4g; Added Sugar 4g; Naturally Occurring Sugar 5g; Protein 4g

New Artist Titus Showers Debuts at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Chart

By
Editorial Staff
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titus showersTitus Showers’ “WHO?” Debuts at #1

Louisiana-based new artist, Titus Showers, debuts at No.1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album Sales chart with his solo debut album “WHO?” (A&P/United Alliance Music Group/Sony/Orchard). Additionally, Titus debuted at No.4 on Billboard’s Combined Top Christian/Gospel Album Sales chart, No. 9 on Top Independent Albums Sales chart, No. 18 on the Emerging Artists chart and No. 40 on the All-Genre Top Album Sales chart.

The former lead singer and member of two-time Stellar Award nominated chart-topping sibling group, The Showers, made his debut on the Billboard chart this week displacing Kirk Franklin’s “The Essential Kirk Franklin” album.

Written by Titus Showers and produced by Lucius B. Hoskins, the album includes the uplifting lead radio single and Billboard Top 10 Gospel Digital Song Sales charting digital track “In His Name.” The seven other heartfelt songs include “Make It,” “It’s Gonna Be Alright,” and a throwback Delta Blues meets old ragtime hymnal “Amen.” Titus revisits three previous recordings – a remix version of the Billboard Top 15 radio hit, “Better” featuring Canton Jones, the Billboard Top 25 praise anthem, “Immediately” – both written and produced by Deon Kipping and “Love” featuring Keyondra Lockett.

About Titus Showers

Titus Showers gained national notoriety in 2011 as the lead singer of multiple Stellar Award nominated, chart-topping seven-member sibling group, The Showers. As leader and member, he recorded and wrote on two albums – The Showers Family Group (2015) and The Journey (2017) – on their family-owned record label, A&P Records. Both projects earned 2016 and 2018 Stellar Award nominations. In February 2019, he released his debut radio single, “In His Name”, to Gospel radio and debuted at #7 on Billboard Digital Gospel Song Sales chart in April 2019. His debut solo album, “WHO?” was released on May 10, 2019. To-date, he’s made high-profile appearances at The Essence Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel Show, CBN News, The 700 Club, and local affiliate news stations, to name a few.

Future Husbands: 4 Practical Ways the King Can Help Prepare the Queen

By
Kristina Bolton
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future husband

Future Husbands – Your Future Wife Needs You

You see her; she is fearfully and wonderfully made. Check.
You introduce yourself; she is single. Check.
You have a little conversation; she is a believer. Super check.
You exchange phone numbers; things are going well. Gigantic Check.
You know she is “the one”. You propose, she accepts.
The Heavens are open. Now, what do you do next?

The Word of God is Our Example

submit to authorityAnytime I find myself needing help, I always go to The Word of God. I love the counsel it brings. Even the most peculiar situations have an example to follow. Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.”

Now, does that guarantee that everything will be perfect? No, it doesn’t. But, the Bible says in Proverbs 19:8, “He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.” So looking to the Word of God for counsel is always a good thing.

No two people have identical needs. For example, many women are awaiting a husband. Some say they need a “Boaz”. That may be true. However, some women, such as a single mother may not need a “Boaz”, but a “Joseph”. “Joseph” is the man that would accept her and her child, like Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Something to Think About 

future husbandsI know you are not married yet, but I like to think of marriage as an “art” (as long as the union follows the design and laws of God in Genesis 2:24). The specifications of that marriage are catered to the individuals in it. Hence, there is no set formula that produces the perfect union. Speaking from my experience, my husband and I had a strong foundation of Jesus and godly counsel, but what followed was on us. But that preparation was made during the courtship.

I think many people overlook the critical time of courtship. While this is not an attempt to give you a guide in courtship, I am sure that what will be shared will provide you with something to consider.

Looking to The Word, think about Adam and Eve. God saw that Adam needed a “help meet” (Genesis 2:18), and from his need, Eve was created. Unlike Adam, men today aren’t as blessed to have God present them with a handcrafted Eve. Now, it is the man who “finds” the wife (Proverbs 18:22). But, once a man finds that wife, can he help prepare her for marriage?

Well, my dear brother, God has shown me something in King Ahasuerus from the book of Esther that may benefit you during your courtship. That is: The king was an intricate part in the preparation of the queen.

Yes, I am a woman. So you may ask, how could I understand this? The answer is: true wisdom and revelation come from God. It’s just like Solomon, who judged between the two women and their infant (1 Kings 3:16-28). He was neither a woman nor bearer of children. But, he had wisdom from God.

King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther: Preparation of the Bride

future husbandIn the book of Esther, we find this orphan named Hadassah (whose name was later changed to Esther), as a candidate for queen. The king has had his erroneous marriage to Queen Vashti, and so he is looking for a replacement.

While Esther is beautiful to look upon, the place of the queen requires more than vanishing beauty. Vashti was beautiful but replaced. The next queen needed something more and the king knew this. Preferring Esther, the King initiates a time of “purification” as it was a custom to do (Esther 2:9).  It was here that I began to see something. What type of purification would be necessary for Esther, who was already a virgin? This means the purification was not just natural, but spiritual.

The Lord began to show me that many men do not consider how they can be a help to women in the preparation of marriage. Esther was not expected to be queen when she first arrived. She was given time to develop. King Ahasuerus supplied what was needed to teach, groom, and prepare Esther. Although he was not physically involved, it was in his foresight, provision, and care that she was prepared.

Jesus is Also Preparing His Bride

Ephesians 5:25-27 (KJV)

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Marriage has always reflected Christ and the church. Looking at this passage of scripture, you see that Jesus will present to himself, a glorious church that He has cleaned and prepared. So, even our Savior is preparing His own Bride. Therefore, future husbands, your wife will be like your church. Understand, there is no perfect church, and every church needs work. But, just as Christ works on us, take the time to work for her so that she will become your desired bride.

SO, WHATS THE PLAY CALL?

How do I help prepare my future bride? Here are a few tips:

  1. Remember this is a new thing for you both. So don’t expect an already made bride.
  2. Pray for her. Some preparation is spiritual. Make all your requests known to God. This can also be via godly counseling and/or in private.
  3. Love her as a co-heir even before you get married (Romans 12:10). Be married in heart, spiritually, before you say “I do.”
  4. Honor her like a queen. Even if you don’t have riches, you can still honor her royally.

Proverbs 31:10-11 (ESV)

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

As you court, do it with the purpose of preparing her to be your queen. Eve was taken from the side of Adam that they would have dominion together. The king of Babylon did not prepare Esther for motherhood, cleaning the house, or the bedroom. The Queen is more than that. Likewise, Jesus is preparing His church to be His glorious bride. How much more fulfilling could your union be if you treat your soon-to-be wife with glory and royalty in mind?

In the end, my hope is that this will birth a new awareness during your time of courting. And from that awareness, a stronger foundation that will carry your marriage for a lifetime.

Blessings to your union!

A New Song: God’s Greatest Hits Will Change Your Life Forever

By
Chet Bergeron
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new song

Are You Thirsty For a New Song?

new songI believe that the Bible is all we need for inspiration and instruction. I am so relieved to know that I cannot add anything to it nor take anything away from it. The Bible is true, alive, and active. Praise God for that!

Today, let’s focus on this verse in the Psalms:

Psalm 40:3-4: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. How happy is the man who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies!”

Let’s break this down because this is so good.

1. God puts a new song in our mouths.

What exactly does this mean? This means that God is in the “refreshing” business. God knows what is best for your soul. And, any old sad, tired songs of woe or hopelessness do not bless our lives with the newness of God. 

This new song is a demonstrated hymn of praise to God. It is a testimony of all the wonderful things God has done. When God gives you a new song, you feel it, you live it, and others can “see” the song and His marvelous works in your life.

Have you ever walked through the darkest valley only to come out sensing God’s presence in such a tremendous way that it changed you forever? I believe this is the hymn of praise that David is singing. It gets better, though…

2. Others will fear and trust God because of you.

This refreshing word in song form makes others fear and trust God. Think about this for a moment. The God of the whole universe wants to use us for His purpose of reaching others.

When God’s presence abides in us, people see it. People will not only see it but experience it. This presence inside of us is the Holy Spirit. Have you seen others trust God and fear Him because of your life?

To be an instrument of God endowed with spiritual gifts means we do things differently from the world. We are the church –  “ekklesia” – meaning “the called out believers”.

3. Happy is the man who trusts in the Lord.

We all know the churchy cliches:

“When God closes a door, He opens a window.”

“You’re never more safe than when you’re in God’s will.”

“Let go and let God.”

Oh, there are so many more. But, trusting the Lord is more than lip-service and cliches. It is a life change that brings us joy as we habitually obey God.

A blessed man is one who runs after God’s will for his life and not a proud man’s treasure. To be proud is to tell the world that we are not dependent on God, but ourselves. 

So, What’s the Play Call?

  • Commit to truly believing it is God speaking to you when reading the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).
  • Commit to life according to God’s Word (Psalm 119:11).
  • Commit to run away from anything that keeps you from God’s will (Amos 5:14).
  • Finally, pursue the blessed man’s kind of life and watch others fear God because of it Matthew 5:1-12).

I am cheering for you, teammates!

Here is a helpful and relatable podcast focusing on family, faith, and culture:

Apple Podcast / Spotify / Google Play / Website

Doulos,
Chet

Make Room: When’s Your Next Opening for Time With God?

By
Alecia M. White
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time with god

There’s Always Time for Time with God

I just switched nail techs. I’d been to a few that ruined my nails and they were terrible. The young lady I go to now came highly recommended by my sister, whom I trust, so she’s been doing my nails for a couple of months now. I’ve even referred a couple of my friends to her.

She’s good… like freehand designs and she comes up with something on the spot when I’m indecisive (all the time).

The only thing is that everyone else knows she’s good. I’m always stalking her online schedule for appointment dates, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. I grab appointments just to switch them out for better ones when they come available.

And you know what? I don’t even mind. Now, that’s something when you find a nail tech, hair stylist, any service provider that makes you not mind scrambling to get on their schedule.

God Was Just Thinking About You

time with godSo, the other day, I was attempting to make my next appointment, and I was quite unsuccessful. As I was staring at my phone which showed nothing available, a thought came to me – I never need to make an appointment with Jesus.

Yep… a churchy thought indeed. But it’s true, He’s always available.

I immediately had to take an extra moment for gratitude, because no matter what my issue is or when it comes about, I can always call on Him.

This hit me especially hard because I thought about how we take the time to get frustrated with the unavailability of a nail tech, who only does nails, but we don’t always take that same time or more to get excited because God never fails to answer when we call.

Yes, there are times when it seems that He doesn’t hear me. And no, when I “sit in his service chair”, He doesn’t always give me what I want, but He does know what is best.

I know that throughout my life, I have had plenty of moments where it seemed that the Lord’s schedule was backed up with no room for current appointment times. Many of those times have come recently since my daddy passed. I’ve had days where it seemed that there wouldn’t be any openings for a while. But, God continues to remind me that He is never far away from me.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Life gets tough. Our barbers, stylists, and nail techs all may have full schedules, but God is never too busy for you. Here are some things to remember when it seems you can’t get on His schedule:

  1. God grants us new mercies every day. He knew that what we had yesterday wore off hours ago and that we need to start off fresh. Proof that He always has time for us. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
  2. God won’t ever leave you. If that doesn’t let you know that He has time for you, I don’t know what will. Think about it, He is always where we are. Geez, that’s amazing! “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
  3. God wants to be on your schedule. So often, we walk around confessing that we are waiting on the Lord when the truth is – He’s probably waiting on us. Have you really made time for Him? “O God, thou art my God: early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” Psalms 63:1

Be sure you are spending time with God as much as you expect to be on His schedule. And, be sure you rejoice that He makes time for you as much, if not more than you complain about someone else not offering that same time.

When we do, we make room to use the three steps that God gave us in His word: Ask, Seek, Knock. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7

4 Little Lessons from the Rain

By
Lamica A. Burnett
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rain

Rain, Come Again Another Day?

rainRecently, I’ve noticed that it has been raining almost every day this month so far. The days have been cloudy, soggy, humid and rather gray. Normally by now, we would’ve been enjoying the sunny 80 degree days of spring.

But from the grocery store clerk to the lady behind me in line at the post office – everyone seemed to have something negative to say about the rainy weather. I will be the first to admit that I do not enjoy damp clothes, wrestling with an umbrella, or wet shoes.  If you saw my hair today, you’d clearly see why humidity is not my friend!

The thought of having to redo my hair drained me. Right at the moment when I wanted to complain, the scripture from Romans 8:28 came to mind… “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

As I began to think about that verse, I considered how even the rain was working for my good.

rainThe most obvious good was right in front of me as I took my groceries out of the car. My front yard was glorious, yet I had not lifted a finger or even picked up the garden hose! The flowers were vibrant and the grass was lush and green. As I looked at my yard, I had to thank God – where else could I get my lawn watered for free?

Here are some of the lessons that rain is teaching me right now. Thank you, Lord, for the rain!

No Rain, No Gain

How often do we want to escape the difficult seasons in our lives?

We run from the storms because they make us uncomfortable, and the difficult times challenge our faith.

They make us question God and His presence in our lives.

But many times we want to avoid the rain, while still expecting the blessings of the rain.  The rainy seasons in life will produce the beauty we desire – if we will let it and trust God.

Rain Exposes Our Hearts

Oftentimes storms come into our lives and reveal areas in our hearts where we desperately need God’s help.

For example, the rain reveals our tendency to complain.

The rain clearly showed me that I was focused on the wrong thing. It revealed pride in me – always wanting my outward appearance to look good, when deep down what matters most is how I look inside. Man sees how we look on the outside, but God sees our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).

God knows just the right amount of rain to make our hearts and our character bloom.

The Sunny Side of Rain

As I shifted my thoughts from complaining to gratitude, I began to reflect on my own life and how God had brought me through some tough life storms.

Like the flowers in my yard, the rain in my life had also caused me to grow.

Being in the rainy seasons caused me to run towards God. I wanted the difficulty to be over, not realizing that it was working for my good.  If I had not gone through the rain, I would not have experienced or even recognized the faithfulness of God in my life.

The rainy days caused me to take shelter in the Word of God. In spending time in the Word, I gained the strength I needed to endure the storm.

So, What’s the Play Call?

As you go through your seasons of rain, look for God.  He reveals himself in small ways if we quiet ourselves long enough.  He works through every situation, no matter how small – even through tiny drops of rain.

I encourage you to let your umbrella down and recognize the blessings in the rain.

Fueled by Faith or Fear: What’s Driving Your Motivation?

By
Jeannette Tyson
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faith or fear

Is Faith or Fear in the Driver’s Seat?

I realized a disturbing truth recently when it hit me that some of our positive attributes are rooted in negative ones. Some of our good habits are actually motivated by fears, pain, and anxieties –  not the grace of God. While these behaviors and patterns can be beneficial to our lives, if the root of the matter goes unchecked, we won’t get the proper healing. If we’re going to live full lives and reach our potential, we need to be whole.

faith or fearThink about all the life-changing or traumatic events in your life and how they have shaped you. For example, some people are very independent and self-sufficient because they have abandonment issues or because they were neglected as a child. Being independent and hardworking is a great character trait, however, if the root of it is pain – is it authentic?

Whether we realize it or not, those traumas we fail to address will manifest in some way or another. The personas we take on as adaptations to unpleasant circumstances are not our true identities – even when they bring good results.

Is Our Character on Shaky Ground?

Proverbs 17:20 (MSG) says, “A bad motive can’t achieve a good end…”

This is not to say that we shouldn’t learn from our past and make positive or necessary changes, but we can’t build on top of bitterness or resentment. We have to acknowledge our hurt, forgive, and then move forward peaceably. The Lord wants us to be pure and blameless – that’s why He says, “bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). We all need deliverance and forgiveness; we all need grace. God doesn’t want people or circumstances to harden our hearts.

I believe that motivation reveals what has our heart – what controls us. This is why we have to be internally led by the Spirit.

If I hoard money because my mother had an issue with gambling, it means that fear has me bound and I have allowed it to dictate the way I live. How does that then affect my giving? Will I worship my job? Will it be hard for me to accept Jesus as my provider or trust Him to give me the wisdom to steward over my finances?

When we are motivated by negative experiences, we subconsciously forsake the Word of Truth in that area. A lot of what becoming Christ-like means is unlearning our ways and adopting His way – even when it’s uncomfortable.

The Word of God Over Our Experiences

identity in christGod’s Word is loaded with truth about who He created us to be and how he wants us to live and prosper. We have to study and meditate on those truths in order to be moved by them.

We have to take responsibility and cooperate with Him to be made whole. The identity He has given us in Christ will bring about long-lasting change and peace.

I was praying the other day about consistency and work ethic. I was troubled by my fickle work habits and (to be frank) a bit embarrassed by my apathy. My job is such a blessing, I prayed for it – so what was the problem? God began to reveal that I will continue to burn out because I am motivated by the wrong things. The Bible says, “do everything as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). I realized I was looking at my job as a means to an end, constantly burdening myself with worry about things I need to get or do, and it was wearing me down. I wasn’t working as unto the Lord, focused and diligent to each task – I was completely consumed by my “needs” that He promised to supply.

Psalm 23:1 (NLT) “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

When we meditate on scriptures like this, it takes root in our heart and changes us. If I fully understand that God is my shepherd and I have all I need, then I am no longer bound by that need. I am no longer burdened or fearful of lack or loss.

How do people who don’t need to work show up to work? Joyfully! At this point, our work is now simply another vehicle we use to worship and bring Him glory. It’s another opportunity to grow and perhaps even share Him with others. Security in Christ changes our perspectives and we are no longer motivated by things we already have in Him.

Internal motivation is vital to our success. Success is more than the lifestyle we’ve always dreamed of. It’s about peace and freedom, joy and passion. Loving and being loved.

When we know who we are and accept our God-given identities, we experience true success. Team, if you’re struggling with motivation, I would challenge you to ask yourself what is driving you. Pray for the Lord to reveal areas where you have been bound or moving out of fear.

God wants you to be whole, He wants your heart. Freedom is available to us when we accept His truth.

So, What’s the play call?

  1. Ask the Lord for revelation on your drives and motives; make sure they’re rooted in Christ (James 4:3).
  2. Remember that the pain you suffered should not be the basis for your character. Forgive and move forward.
  3. The key to real change is feeding on the Word daily. Feast on the bread of life!

Be blessed.

 

Staying True to the Call as a Single Christian

By
Sonya McKinzie
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single christian

regretSingle Christian, You’re Not Alone

When I sat down to write this week’s messages, I did so with Christian Singleness, God, and faith in mind.

At the age of forty-three, I would have to say, I have been single for the majority of my life. And in those moments when I was not, I made poor choices in the men I allowed to take up space in the comfort of my home – better known as my heart. Further, I did not allow God to move in my life. Instead, I allowed my mind to make choices that weren’t mine to make.

Who’s Leading Your Life?

As humans, we sometimes hide behind what we think is best for us versus what God has planned for us. So quick to judge, we allow our minds to lead us versus our spirit which is divinely and intimately connected to God. When we do, we find ourselves unequally yoked in seasons of companionship.

“Sure, he might not believe in Jesus, but he believes in “a god” and that is enough, right?” “Maybe she lies sometimes, but they are only small lies, so that is acceptable since God forgives us, right?

These things are contradictions to who we are “Christians” – so why do we compromise on the men or women we allow in our lives?

Our Father tells us we should not be equally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-15) and we forsake His exact directions by accepting less than He has for us.

When Lust Conceives

god's call on your lifeWhen we are single, loneliness tends to darken our doorsteps. In the darkness comes sin – sexual immorality, lust, greed, and faithlessness.

The truth of the matter is, if we do not pray, talk to God with a humble heart, and ask for His guidance, we will make the wrong choices over, over, and over again.

Look through the looking glass of the Israelites and the hardships they endured in the desert. As a Christian single, your life might feel like a journey of bondage filled with loneliness, pain, and perhaps even brokenness.

Have you ever thought that maybe God has not blessed you with your divine mate because you aren’t ready for him or her? Or perhaps maybe the responsibility of a relationship calls for more strength and character than you have within your grasp today?

God’s Way Always Works

As a woman who has been single and abstinent for a little more than three years, there are some very simple things that have kept me strong in this single season.

I acknowledge and embrace the fact that I am not ready for a companion. It’s better to invest and focus time on my relationship with Jesus. Then, I combat lust and rebuke it in Jesus’ name. As Christians, we are already at war with those who are against our faith in God and His Word – this makes us even more susceptible to lust. In 1 John 2:16, the scripture tells us “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”. This passage explicitly encourages us to stay away from the temptation to sin.

My way did not work. God’s way is best. Love is indeed patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). When we choose our way, we are inevitable to fail, however, when we allow God to direct our paths, the outcome will be greater. Yes, it can be difficult watching couples all around you sharing love and life – but think deeper. Perhaps they are compromising their Godly plans for their fleshly desires. Or, maybe they have already endured their journey in the desert and have reached their area of grace. These reasons are what has kept me and will continue to until our Father God has molded me to be His single, equally yoked woman of truth and gracefulness.

So, what is the play call?

Be silent. Be patient. Be faithful. Let’s be true to God and His plans for our lives – not just in love, but as a whole.

Remember that God will certainly bless you in His time. He will also direct you towards your path which is beyond the valleys and shadows of darkness (Psalm 23:4). God is always with you and He will not lead you astray.

Stay strong in your single season and know that your prayers do not fall on deaf ears. God answers all prayers of faith. Take heart and be filled with love.

10 Healing Balms to Soothe Grieving Hearts

By
Brandi Hawthorne
-
grief

It’s Okay Not to Feel Okay

“As soon as the baby goes down for her nap, I’m going to nap with her,” I said aloud to myself.

I’m no stranger to a 30-minute impromptu snooze on the couch, pen slipping from my hand, laptop burning my thighs. However, I’m not into the habit of planning my naps. I got ample rest the night before; yet, I didn’t feel much like blogging, planning, brainstorming, or being social.

I called my husband to chide him for working through lunch the day before. I knew he didn’t have a lot of time to talk, but for some reason, I craved conversation and closeness.

“You have to take care of yourself,” I insisted, feeling protective and emotional.

It took me a while to realize I was sad and even longer to realize I was grieving.

Later that day, I headed to the grocery store, again, unaware of myself.

Numb.

Just like hand sanitizer makes you painfully aware of a cut you didn’t know existed, all the faces and random conversations rubbed the raw places I hadn’t been aware of until now.

Hard to smile. Wondering how we were all shopping like today was an ordinary day. I knew that this would soon scab over and heal and that I would be ok again. But, some people live in this unexplainable, undeniable, ever-present grief. And, I wondered, what can ease this heartache?

I’ve always been an advocate of prayer, and still am; however, I realize that saying, “Pray about it,” and walking away is callous and only pours salt in the wound (Proverbs 25:20, James 2:14-16). So, I’d like to share with you the spiritual balms I’ve been using to soothe my raw areas in hopes that it’ll help your raw areas begin to heal as well:

When Grieving, Do Your Best to…

  1. Take a time-out. Our TV’s, radios, timelines, and news feeds have been inundated with videos of murder, tear-jerking interviews, memes, photos, and pleas for justice and equality. It’s too much for us to digest mentally and emotionally. Give yourself a time out. If your business requires you to be on social media, schedule some posts via Hootsuite for the next couple of days and log off. (Philippians 4:8)
  1. Go back to the old school. What did we ever do before Facebook, Candy Crush, and Snapchat? Does anyone remember? When’s the last time you enjoyed watching the sun rise and set? (Psalm 19:1) Go walk in your yard barefoot. Read a book. Watch a funny movie. Remodel a room in your home. Write a letter.
  1. Guard your gates. What we see, hear, and speak takes root in our hearts (Luke 11:34, Proverbs 4:20-22, Matthew 15:17-19). The ground doesn’t care what kind of seed it is. If it’s deeply planted, watered, and the conditions are right, that seed will grow (Mark 4:1-20). Ingesting all of this hate can cause bitterness, hopelessness, and retaliation to take root in our hearts. More videos and racists comments will water those seeds. And, before long, you won’t recognize yourself. In her book, Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer says, “You can’t have a negative mind and a positive life.”
  1. Don’t engage until you’re ready. Just because someone approaches you with conversation or specifically asks your opinion doesn’t mean you have to speak on a subject you’re not prepared to speak on. We will give an account for every word we speak. Our words have life. So, while you’re still hurting and processing everything, avoid sin with silence. (Matthew 12:36)
  1. Realize everybody gets a pass. When I went all Momma Bear on my husband, it wasn’t about lunch. It was about his being black, male, and a target. But, due to him being at work and my ignorance that I was grieving, I chose to ride him about lunch instead.When he came home, not really in the mood to socialize, it wasn’t about work, the kids, or all the laundry I hadn’t folded. (I get a pass, too, right?) It was about him trying to get a mental grasp on what was going on around him.

    We’re all just trying to survive. If people are extra goofy (because some people grieve that way), or stand-offish, moody, or just not quite themselves, give them a pass. We all grieve differently. And, whether we know it or not, we’re ALL grieving. (Ephesians 4:2)

  1. Get WISDOM. Many of us are at a loss. We seem to be in this never-ending cycle. And, we’re fresh out of solutions, if we had any to begin with. God says that He will give us wisdom if we ask (James 1:5-7). Let’s take a moment to clear our heads of what we think should happen (Proverbs 3:5-6) and ask the One who knows all.
  1. Bang down the door. Jesus shared a parable on being persistent (Luke 18:1-8). Sometimes we go hard at something for a few days, and then we quit. Jesus tells us to have more faith than that and keep knocking! We have to let our problems know that we’re not fighting just for a little while, walking away, and then getting riled up when it happens again. No! We’re not going away until we get what we’re after. Capisce?
  1. Fast. When the disciples couldn’t cast out a demon, Jesus told them some things won’t happen unless they fast and pray (Matthew 17:21). Have you fasted and prayed about the situation you’re facing?
  1. Speak the Word. We are not alone. Angels are protecting us (Psalm 34:7). However, idle words don’t move them to action; they move when we speak the Word of God. Open up your Bible and speak the Word over your life so your angels will go and do what you have proclaimed (Psalm 103:20).
  1. Pray all the time. Don’t just pray before meals and when you go to bed at night. Don’t just pray when someone’s sick or your car won’t start. Pray. All. The. Time. God moves when we pray. Angels move when we pray (See #9). Since we know this, it only makes sense to clothe ourselves, our spouses, and our children in prayer. Keep scripture posted in your car, office, as your phone’s screen saver, in the kitchen, on the bathroom mirror, everywhere you go. (Phillippians 4:6-7)

So, what’s the play call?

Make sure that in the midst of the madness, your #1 priority is your relationship with God. Don’t go to bed and wake up with your problems sitting in God’s seat [tweet this]. Only He can give peace, wisdom, and comfort. Take care of yourself, being careful what you allow to penetrate your heart and occupy your mind.

Teammates, will you pray this prayer with us (Matthew 6:9-13)?

Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.

Amen.

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