34th Annual Stellar Awards Premieres on BET Easter Sunday, April 21st

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Mar 26, 2019

2019 STELLAR AWARDS HOSTED BY KIRK FRANKLIN PREMIERES ON BET EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 AT 7 P.M. ET/6 P.M. CT

Appearances by Shirley Caesar, Sonya Blakey, VaShawn Mitchell, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, Katlyn Nichol, Jelani Winston, Hezekiah Walker, Phil Thompson, and more for Gospel Music’s Biggest Night!

The BET Networks broadcast premiere date of The 34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards presented by AT&T has been updated to Easter Sunday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. CT. The biggest night in gospel music returns to BET after a 15-year hiatus with gospel legend Shirley Caesar, Sonya Blakey, VaShawn Mitchell, Jelani Winston, Katlyn Nichol and Sandra “Pepa” Denton just added to the list of presenters scheduled to appear. Presenters previously announced include Anthony Brown, Yolanda Adams, Dr. Bobby Jones, DeVon Franklin, Janice Gaines and JJ Hairston. Hezekiah Walker and Phil Thompson have now joined the thrilling list of performers set to hit the stage including Brian Courtney Wilson, Charles Jenkins, Jekalyn Carr, Jonathan McReynolds, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Maranda Curtis, and Todd Dulaney.

As previously announced, the show will feature a moving posthumous tribute to the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin by Kelly Price, Regina Belle and Erica Campbell. The performance will be followed by a presentation of the Aretha Franklin ICON Award to the family of the late legend. Gospel prince, Kirk Franklin, returns to host the live show taping at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena on Friday, March 29, 2019.

Also being honored this year is legendary gospel singer Delores Washington Green of The Caravans, receiving The Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award. Stellar Honors Hall of Fame Inductees include Jackie Patillo (Dove Awards), James Robinson, Jr. (Malaco Gospel) and Phil Thornton (RCA Inspiration).

The Stellar Awards show taping is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $50 – $200 at www.ticketmaster.com. The show’s star-studded red-carpet Live Stream Show sponsored by AARP and CLIMB.ORG will be hosted by Jason Nelson and Goo Goo Atkins, and the newly popular Emerging Artist stage will showcase performances by DOE, Jabari Johnson, and Will McMillan.

FOLLOW STELLAR AWARDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES AND MORE!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StellarAwards

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thestellars

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestellars

And, keep it locked on Team Jesus Magazine as we bring you highlights from Stellar Awards Week 2019, including red carpet interviews and behind the scene looks!

Call Jesus: Your Best Move When You’re Done Doing It Your Way

By

Alecia M. White

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Mar 26, 2019

On a Mission

I went to five… yes… 5 stores looking for one item. Two Target stores, 2 different CVS locations, and a Meijer, and nobody had it. I got tired of looking and became upset because these stores were supposed to have what I needed, at least one of them.

I was about to give up when I had two thoughts: 1. Uuhhh… I need this item. And 2. Check Amazon! Sure enough, Amazon had what I was looking for and it took a lot less energy to just order it than to drive around checking another store.

With the click of a couple of buttons, I had what I needed, and it would arrive in just a couple days. Simple enough, right? I mean, I saved gas by not driving around to more stores. I also saved myself some time and extended frustration as well.

Acknowledge Jesus

Okay. No, I am not telling you to go on an Amazon shopping spree in the name of saving gas and time (although you’ll probably do it anyway). And, this is not a promotion for Amazon… they don’t pay me, I pay them (vicious cycle). What I am saying is that we often miss the simplest route because we are too busy searching out our own way.

What could be simpler than what we’ve thought up? Well, God’s way, of course! The success and fulfillment that we take so much time searching for can often only be found in Him.

Now, I’m not telling you to stop the hustle and quit working toward goals and such… nope. What I am telling you is maybe, just maybe, you’re going about it all wrong.

If you’ve spent endless nights searching for the answer, let me remind you that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Most things that you seek are only found in Him. The process may not be simple, but choosing the source is a no-brainer.

See, I still had to pay for what I ordered, and I have to wait for it to arrive, but it was a painless choice to choose to shop through Amazon.

So, What’s the Play Call?

The process to get your final product won’t always be easy, and that can be frustrating. But, if you just trust God with your order, He will always deliver. Here are a few things to remember as you wait for your “delivery”:

God can handle it. Just like I chose to trust Amazon with my order, God is waiting for you to trust Him with yours. He is fully capable and trustworthy. “Didn’t my hands make both heaven and earth?” Acts 7:50 NLT
There is no request too big or small for God. Nothing that you need or can ask for will ever take Him by surprise. “Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” Jeremiah 32:17
Just ask. If you’re anything like me, you have had a time or twelve where you decided to try to figure things out because, well, it seemed more practical than asking God for it. Well, I have the verdict: It’s not! Just ask Him. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” Matthew 7:7
Believe that God will deliver. Have more faith in God than you have in the FedEx guy. “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” James 1:6

Life can get rough and we get tired of looking for relief and we get upset because it doesn’t come from the places we think to look. Even if you don’t start where you should, just when you think to give up, look to Jesus.

Team Jesus Locker Room Chat with Joshua DuBois on “Jesus: His Life”

By

Kim Brightness

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Mar 20, 2019

The Life of Jesus Through the Eyes of Others

The greatest story ever told is coming to HISTORY – “Jesus: His Life” premieres Monday, March 25th, and we have in the Team Jesus Locker Room one of the expert contributors to the miniseries, Joshua Dubois.

Teammate Joshua DuBois is CEO of the leading consulting company, Values Partnerships. He led the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships under President Obama and was called the President’s “Pastor-in-Chief” by TIME Magazine. He is the author of the bestselling book The President’s Devotional (2013), and a frequent media commentator featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, ABC News’ This Week, PBS Newshour and CNN.

Hear his perspective on this docudrama about the life of Jesus through the eyes of those who knew Jesus best.

God Trains Up Fathers in the Way They Should Go

By

Chet Bergeron

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Mar 20, 2019

Father to be in Training

Men, dads, dads to be. I want to start this article out by stating that – I have messed up being a father more times than I can count.

I thought that parenting would be easy. Not easy in the way you are thinking, but in a way that I would learn and grow quickly while being a father.

I learned more about myself these past 4 years than I would like to admit. Whew, I learned how desperately I need my Savior.

Sometimes I see myself acting in ways that I always said I wouldn’t. It’s in those moments that God opens my eyes to the real issues going on inside of me.

It’s not pretty.

Neither is it fun.

I read this Scripture over and over again before I was blessed to be a dad. My perspective is different now:

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;” (Psalm 103:13)

Compassion – a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

A father should show sorrow for their children’s sad or depressed state. Yes, even the screaming toddler or the cursing teenager.

But. This. Is. Hard.

To sit here and think of God’s compassion towards me and trying to put that into practice for my children is like attempting to not eat good food. I love to eat.

Being a Father is a Calling from God

Not all callings from God will be easy. I haven’t had one great blessing in my life that hasn’t been difficult at times.

The point is this: I learned that I needed to put their well-being before my anger. It’s imperative that I am consistent with their training, however, that doesn’t mean that I stir up anger within them.

By raising my voice or threatening them with punishments, it just stirs up anger and resentment inside of them. This is the way to destruction, not peace.

I want to train them with compassion so that they will experience Jesus’ compassion in their lives, and hopefully, one day decide to follow Him.

I’m getting better, but it is the hardest thing I ever had to do. I love my boys and actually would love to be blessed with more!

This doesn’t mean blessings are easy, it means that God uses the blessings in our lives to mold us and make us more like Jesus who is perfect and holy.

If you are a dad, of course, you would want your son or daughter to succeed and live for Jesus. The way that we bring them to Jesus is showing them the way Jesus treats us.

Jesus treats us with overwhelming compassion.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Know your weakness and confess it to God and your child.
You are not alone. Compassionate parenting is hard, especially for dads. God wired us to work, play, and be rough. That means keep getting up and moving forward.
Finally, don’t be afraid to really take advantage of the sweet moments with your kids. If you and your child are connecting well, ride that out and use it as an opportunity to grow closer!

I pray you experience God’s grace in your life today. I am here alongside you experiencing the same things, and I am so excited to share this message with you, Teammate.

Learn more about sustaining your marriage and relationship with your kids. You can listen here to me and my wife’s podcast about this topic.

Doulos,
Chet

College Admissions Scandal and the Modern Day Eli: What’s Really Best for Your Child?

By

Kristina Bolton

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Mar 18, 2019

Before You Throw Stones, Don’t.

Sure, most of the world looks on in amazement at the college admissions scandal as the privileged used their wealth and power as a way to advance their children’s education. But, how does this same concept of “whatever it takes for my child” apply to the Body of Christ and Christian parents?

While these wealthy people have broken the law of the land in an attempt do what is “best” for their children, do many Christian parents break the law of God in an attempt to do what is “best” for their children?

The Bible says that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). However, many Christian parents disobey God every day by making sacrifices for their children. They support them in spiritually illegal acts like homosexuality, lying, blasphemy against Jesus, idolatry, fornication, and so much more.

So, would it be fair to scrutinize these well-known parents for breaking man’s law if we violate God’s? Honestly, given the same opportunity, would you have done as these celebrities? Or, do you support your children in their sin or tell them the truth?

Understand this, I am in no wise condoning the actions of these people. God’s Word is true – each man must reap what he has sown (Galatians 6:7). As for what should happen with them, I leave the scandals of this world to the judges of this world. But, I do think that this is an important issue that can be used to shed light on a reality that’s evident within the Body of Christ.

Valuing Your Children Above God: The Modern Day Eli

Eli was a priest in the house of God who refused to correct his children’s wicked works against the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12). These celebrities are what I call “Modern Day Elis.” They used their position as a means to cover their children’s lack. Similarly, Eli understood that his sons were sinning against God, but he made no steps to correct them. While many of these celebrities may not be believers, the principle is still the same.

Look at today’s church. You can see the Eli effect throughout. Known sins are being condoned instead of refuted and corrected. It’s a destructive practice with a destructive end. As for Eli, in the end, it was his failure to correct his children that caused his judgment and the judgment of his family (1 Samuel 2:29).

Job: The Righteous Dad

Job was an example of a man of God that also had wicked children. Contrary to Eli, Job “eschewed evil” (Job 1). Even when his children feasted, which means partied, the Bible says that Job went up and sacrificed on their behalf. He cried out to the Lord for the sins of his children. Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned…” (Job 1:5). That statement indicates to me that Job was not present for the party, but only assumed based on the nature of his children.

Train up a child.

As a mother of five, I would be crazy to think that my children will do everything right. They are human just as I am. My intention is to walk by faith in everything that I do, including parenting. By faith, I stand on the Word that says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).

Training means to teach. To teach something, you must first know it. Therefore, training a child is more than verbal instruction, but a holy lifestyle example on the part of the parent. Many Christian parents are causing their children to error when they preach a gospel that they are not living.

We Don’t Condone Our Children’s Sins

Understand teammate, you can love your child and reject their sin. Ephesians 5:11 says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” There is no clause in that scripture that says, “except for your children.”

The Father loves through His chastisement. So, we must follow our Heavenly Father who corrects us. Parenting is not easy. All parents face making decisions that will not please their children. My parents had to correct me on many occasions. Before I accepted Christ, there were some lifestyle choices I made that they refused to support. Nonetheless, they kept loving me just the same.

It wasn’t until I got older that I was able to honor them for their stances. I even applied some of that same training to my children. Truth is: “God is love” (1 John 4:8), so that means if God is not in it, neither is love.

SO, WHATS THE PLAY CALL?

Teammate, God gives us children so that we will provide Him with a “godly seed” (Malachi 2:15). God would not give you children to pull you away from Him. He gives anyone children to dedicate them to Him.

Every good parent wants the best for their children. But, giving them “the best” should not require compromising your relationship with God. We cannot disobey God for our children. Understand that as believers who know the truth of salvation, we must not only oversee our child’s natural life but also their soul which is eternal.

So, don’t be a Modern Day Eli and sit back and let your children walk into a path of destruction. Be a Job and eschew evil and then go to God on behalf of your child.

I pray this helps moms and dads.

Be blessed.

Spiritual Fitness Tip: Pray Against Yourself

By

Kristina Bolton

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Mar 14, 2019

Iron Sharpens Iron

Greetings, Teammates!

As a new contributor to Team Jesus Magazine, I feel the need to introduce myself a little. As you know, there are people who are a part of this team that we have never met. Players all over the globe who are making advances for the Kingdom of God. So, I take joy in this opportunity to not only share Good News – but my journey as well.

My name is Kristina Bolton. I am the wife of Caleb, and together we have five beautiful children. I am a founding member of Carriers of the Glory International Ministries in Tallahassee, Florida under Apostle Sharon D. Walker. I accepted Christ in 2006, and since then the Lord has transformed my life tremendously. Now, 13 years later, I am what you may consider a semi-seasoned player. Not as seasoned as grandma, but not a newborn Christian either.

As I meet other believers, many ask me how I got to the place where I am now. The person I am today is by the grace and glory of God. The Lord used my Pastor, who I call my Elijah, to train me and help me mature in the things of God. Maturity is a process every team member has to go through. It takes time to come into the understanding of the things of God. More importantly, it takes time to come into a place where you can truly live for God.

Living for God is not an easy thing to do. It requires coming face-to-face with our imperfections and repenting from a life that will not please God. The Bible calls this denying yourself (Luke 9:23). It was in that place of self-denial that I learned a vital piece of information that catapulted my growth.

It was there that I learned to pray against myself.

How Do You Pray Against Yourself?

Understand, the composition of a man is soul, spirit, and flesh. Regarding the flesh, the Bible says in Romans 7:18 English Standard Version (ESV) “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Thus, the “me” I am praying against, is my flesh. Without God, it is impossible for man to do what is right. When we accept Christ and give Him our entire being, we give everything including the bad that dwells in us. As we walk on the path of salvation, we are in the process of transformation. Praying against the works of our flesh can assist that process.

Praying against yourself is not the most tasteful thing to digest. The Bible says that the carnal mind is enmity against God (Romans 8:7). Therefore, it is natural for you to find opposition within. It comes from your flesh.

Paul said something powerful when he wrote, “I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31). That death was not a natural death. He is talking about the death of his flesh. People often reference satan, but there is an enemy of man that is closer than the devil. That is the flesh.

If unconquered, it could cost anyone their place on this team, and ultimately the Kingdom. How do we conquer it? Spiritually! And one way is praying against yourself.

My Personal Testimony

When I initially accepted Christ, I did not know God or the things of God. I was straight out of the world. It didn’t take long for me to understand that I would need a lot of help. The Bible says that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4). That means there is nothing you or I can do in the natural that will prepare us for this spiritual team.

As I understood this, when conviction came from what I read or heard in the Word of God, I knew I would need more than an “Amen.” Sure, there were things that I naturally repented and turned from, but how does someone repent from ungodly desires, feelings, and inner struggles?

What I needed was more than just a turn – I needed God to go into my inner man and transform me. I was mean, unforgiving, prideful, rebellious, and angry, to name a few. I needed God’s help to submit to His will for my life because I still wanted my way. Being conscious of this, I was determined to fight for the prize and gain Christ.

So, I spent years asking God to remove ungodly things out of me. I am a fighter, no longer naturally, but spiritually. Any time I noticed something wicked rising from within, I would bind it up in the spirit. Jesus told us that whatever we bind on earth it would be bound in heaven (Matthew 16:19). I believed the Word and applied it. I bound up who I used to be before Christ and loosed submission to the work of God in my life. This made my transformation so powerful because I chose to fight in the war that happens on the inside when you decide to live for God.

SO, WHATS THE PLAY CALL?

If you’re wondering how to advance in your spiritual fitness, pray against yourself. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Essentially, you are commanding yourself to submit to Jesus (James 4:7). The reality is this – living for God is not as easy as people say. Be truthful with God and yourself. You know the secret things that rumble on the inside. Bind up that other man called your flesh.

Like bodily exercise, you have to press past the burn so that you can shed that unnecessary weight. As you continue, you will be able to look in the mirror and see a beautiful work of God in the making.

I hope this testimony and encouragement helps you.

I love you. Be blessed.

When Christians Sin: Don’t Take God’s Grace for Granted

By

Jeannette Tyson

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Mar 13, 2019

Do we take God’s grace and mercy for granted?

I have been thinking a lot about this since I recently found myself in a difficult situation. If we knew we’d instantly receive the consequences for our sin, would there be any sinners? Have we fooled ourselves into thinking that there will always be time to repent?

Putting things off is a bad habit in many of our lives, but if we put off spiritual maturity, aren’t we saying that our will trumps His? I do believe intentions play a part, that for the most part, we don’t wake up looking to commit sin. But, how long is the “I’m human” argument going to hold up?

Many debate whether or not living sin-free is even possible. The Bible says in 1 John 1:8 that, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” However, Romans 6:2 says “Certainly not, how shall we who died to sin live in it any longer?”, and verse 6 says, “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” Verse 18 says, “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness”.

Christ’s work on the cross has made us free, we have the power to defeat sin by dying to ourselves and accepting righteousness by faith. You might ask, “Well, how do we do that?” I think it can be summed up with Proverbs 3:6, “Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path”.

Why do Christians sin?

We have the Holy Spirit, His word, community (the Church), so what’s the deal? I would propose we redefine the battle with sin and start to understand that it’s actually a battle to surrender our will to His.

To look at abstaining from sin simply as self-denial is a bit short-sighted. Walking in righteousness is about more than discipline, although we need discipline. When you’re only denying yourself, it’s easy to sometimes rationalize your desires and think you’ll just repent afterward and move on – but that’s not godly. We don’t get to vacillate between His will and ours. Complete surrender means doing everything God’s way. I speak Gods way, I react Gods way, I treat people Gods way – I live Gods way!

So, is there hope for the repeat offender? As long as we live, there is an opportunity to turn things around and walk upright. But, Matthew 24:42 says, “Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” Thank God that His mercy endures forever (Psalm 136:1), but what a waste it would be to live a life in and out of bondage to sin (Romans 6:20).

Neverending cycles of freedom-sin-repentance-repeat, that’s not what He died for. We can truly have the mind of Christ if we surrender our will. We can live in peace and fullness of joy – we don’t have to just visit there. God created us for so much more than this. Think of where you might be if you had done things God’s way?

Surrender requires self-awareness.

Self-awareness and discernment is also a key in this. If you recognize and accept the truth about yourself, it makes it easier to surrender.

Maybe you’re mean because you’re scared of relationships. Maybe you’re angry and curse people out because you don’t feel heard or validated. Maybe you sleep around because you’re seeking love in the wrong places. This doesn’t mean you should play the victim – you are still more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)! I’m saying there’s a reason, a root to all our sin. We have to dig it up and give it to God.

Disobedience Costs, Jesus Paid it All

Life is full of ups and downs, but many of the downs are the consequences of our disobedience. It is a lot harder to go through rough times when you know you only have yourself to blame (1 Peter 2:20)! Most often the consequences are internal agony, feelings of guilt and shame that can follow you around like a dark cloud. This can lead to depression and cause further damage, difficulty praying or even going to church, for example.

It’s not hard for God to forgive us, but it’s often hard for us to forgive ourselves. Working through the emotional trauma of sin is often a lot more difficult than just calling on God when we’re tempted. It’s one thing to avoid a situation, but it takes a certain strength to be faced with it and say NO.

Know that we’re all in this together – we’ll fall down, but we have to get back up. We have to love and support each other and pray for one another to walk in liberty. I heard Bishop T.D. Jakes say that no matter what mistakes we make, God can and will reroute us to our expected end – and that’s good news, Team!

God is not surprised by our actions and He can still fulfill His purpose in us, so be encouraged.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Don’t focus on sin, focus on surrender to righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ. Commit to living God’s way.
Confide in your community – James 5:16 “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you might be healed. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Forgive yourself, God already has! “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ.” Romans 8:1

God Bless!

God’s Remedy for the Tired, Burned Out, and Weary

By

Alecia M. White

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Mar 12, 2019

Running Low on Fumes?

My nieces were playing games and watching YouTube on my iPad. I was in the next room and apparently the battery was super low because they went looking for the charger (or any charger, as far as they were concerned).

Anyhoo, the girls plugged it up and continued with their made-up games. One of them tried playing the iPad while it was charging and the other said, “You can’t play it while it’s charging, it won’t work right, and it’ll never charge all the way.” Such wisdom from a six-year-old… or as my mom would say, “out of the mouths of babes.”

I chuckled a little and was kind of left in awe at the fact that a child would not only understand that but care to put the theory to use. You know, because most kiddos never let anything charge completely – or even to 2% for that matter.

Recharge Your Tired Soul

That thought spoke out loud by my baby struck a chord with me. It put some things in perspective. How often do we actually “recharge”? And you know what I mean… We say we’re taking a vacation, but we take our work phone and laptop. We take a personal day from work because we are exhausted, but we spend all day cleaning.

Now, I’m not knocking your (our) approach to life, but I’m thinking that maybe… just maybe… we are constantly drained because we never fully “recharge our batteries”. We are all so on the go that we fail to heed the signs to stop.

As the hustle generation, we spend our days “chasin’ paper”, “bringin’ home the bacon”, and being superhuman. The truth is, we are not the Energizer Bunny and we do wear out.

I mean, what happens when you don’t properly care for your electronics? What occurs when the batteries are overused? They get weak and become useless. Kind of like those 12-year-old batteries in your remote that cause you to have to keep smacking the back of it just to change the channel (or is that just me? Lol).

You may not believe me, but I’m going to share this anyway: “It’s okay to rest.”

God rested and He commanded us to rest as well. And, ya know what? If you aren’t taking a rest every now and again, you are being disobedient. Yep, God never intended for us to be overworked. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and I will give you rest.” In the New Living Translation, that same passage says, “Then Jesus said, “come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” See, He was talking to you after all.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Sometimes, we refuse to rest until we’ve completed every task on our mile-long checklist. We often hold out until a certain amount of money has been made. That’s not how any of this is supposed to work. We shouldn’t need an injury, sickness, or significant loss (job, loved one) before we voluntarily/involuntarily take a break.

Here are a few tips to help you “recharge” that battery of yours:

Do only what you can at the moment. Cut that list into quarters. Believe it or not, you can’t do it all in a day. You know that saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” And neither will your empire, so take your time. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Use your “off” time wisely. It’s okay to really take that day off. You do not have to make a task list for your vacation time. “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Genesis 2:2
Plug in to the ultimate power source. In those moments when you feel drained, allow God to fill you up, connect to Him for strength. “God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” 2 Samuel 22:33

To work hard and expire before you see the blessings and benefits of your labor – due to running yourself down – is a waste. Accept the rest of God. “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9

Blooming Prayers: We Are the Harvest of God’s Glory

By

Kim Brightness

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Mar 11, 2019

“…that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3

God has the creative authority to say, “Let there be…”, and there is – and it’s good!

He doesn’t have to plant, water, and wait for a harvest.

Yet, He chooses to be the Master Gardener – with us as His vineyard and our prayers as seeds. What an honor to co-labor with God to bring Him glory (1 Corinthians 3:9).

How?

We have all experienced seasons of sowing prayers in tears (Psalm 126:5) while waiting patiently for God to answer. Sometimes our hearts are sick with unfulfilled hope (Proverbs 13:12), but we know that our God is a strong deliverer and mighty to save! As we cry out to God, planting our faith firmly in His word and His power, God is bottling up every tear (Psalm 56:8-11) to water the harvest of His glory.

We become His fruit, ripe with testimonies that feed the faith of others to know that they, too, can and will overcome (Revelation 12:11).

Consider the Blooming Prayers of Hannah

In 1 Samuel, Hannah labored in tears and prayers to God that she would conceive and bring forth a son, Samuel. Year after year, though sorely mocked by the 2^nd wife whose womb flourished with sons and daughters, Hannah refused to give up. She prayed and wept bitterly, to the point of losing her appetite, but continued to worship in the house of the Lord and make her petition to God.

One year, while weeping in the temple, she received confirmation from the priest, Eli, that God had heard her cries and would grant her petition.

God, our Promise Keeper, remembered Hannah; she conceived and brought forth Samuel, and kept her vow to dedicate him to God.

With her hope now fulfilled, she became a walking tree of righteousness, a tree of life that bears witness that God will remember our prayers and answer in due season.

Don’t Bail Before Your Prayers Bloom

Here’s what we know: God is a finisher. When He begins the good work of planting you, He is faithful to bring you, His vineyard, to a flourishing finish! God plants with the full expectation of a vibrant, glorious bloom.

Be encouraged today. Don’t give up before you see the fruit of your prayer labor.

Right now, you may be sowing seeds of tears and prayers with no sign of a bloom in sight. Trust that the Master Gardener sees your tears, He’s heard your cry, and has every intention to bring your purposed bloom to fruition for His glory.

3 Tasty Foods That Will Transform Your Health

By

Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

-

Mar 8, 2019

Just Add Healthy Food

There is an abundance of information circulating about what foods are bad for us…processed foods, sugar, bread, wheat, GMO foods, chips… I don’t believe food is good, bad or should become a moral dilemma. But, there are foods that are life-giving. Yes, there are foods that will actually add to the health and length of your life! There are foods that are healing. And, there are foods that can transform your health.

Paul makes this statement with such grace and wisdom, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NKJV)

He was so keenly aware that while not bound by strict laws, rules, and guidelines, he was able to exert the ability to choose. And, with choice, he could continue to exercise his freedom and not be bound by emotional, mental or physical chains of this world.

Later in Corinthians, he exhorts us saying, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

Believers can raise the standard of good health by accepting the call to honor our Creator with the way we nourish and fuel our bodies.

Instead of focusing on the foods that our culture currently says are unhealthy, let’s move our focus to the foods that can take our health to the next level and become a visible sign that we were “wonderfully made.”

The following are 3 foods that have the potential to transform your health, one meal at a time.

Salmon

Salmon is a rich source of a variety of nutrients, quality protein, and contains a huge dose of omega-3 fatty acids. A significant amount of research demonstrates that consistently eating salmon can transform your cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of several types of cancer, improve joint function, and more!

What is incredibly important to note is that while omega-3 fatty acids in salmon tend to get the most attention, salmon is a delicious delivery system for so many nutrients.

Nutrient Highlights

(4ounce wild-caught cooked coho salmon portion)
31 grams quality protein
Over 200% daily needs for B12
Over 100% daily needs for vitamin D
78% daily needs for selenium

Salmon and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Most health organizations recommend 250-500mg omega-3 fatty acids per day and actually 1000-2000mg per day for those with cardiovascular disease. Salmon varieties differ in quantity of omega-3 fatty acids, but most 4 ounce portions contain 1000-2000mg.

How can salmon transform your health?

Nutrients like omega-3 in salmon help reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease-related issues. Research shows they help reduce triglycerides, strokes, heart arrhythmias and the fatty buildup of plaque on the artery walls (atherosclerosis).
Consistent intake of omega-3 foods like salmon has been shown to reduce depression, improve memory function in older adults and protect the brain of a baby in the womb.
Salmon is high in selenium which has been shown to decrease the risk of joint inflammation and contribute to reduced risk of some types of cancer.
A 4-ounce portion of salmon contains about 20% of your recommended daily intake of potassium which helps control blood pressure.

Health authorities recommend at least 2, 4-ounce portions of fatty fish, like salmon, each week. Whenever able, choose “wild-caught” salmon as it is likely to have the least mercury and caught in the most sustainable ways. According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, these are some of the best choices:

Alaskan salmon
Sockeye salmon
Coho salmon
Pink salmon

Find out more about sustainable fishing, contaminants, and good choices at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

When buying salmon, use these criteria:

Consistent pink color; no dark spots or discoloration
Ocean scent (not fishy)
No slimy texture
Firm flesh that springs back

How to incorporate into your meals:

Top a salad with broiled or grilled salmon fillet
Make salmon salad to eat with whole grain crackers for lunch
Create salmon burgers or salmon croquettes
Broil with an easy glaze — try out my Maple Dijon Salmon recipe that is ready in under 20 minutes!

Brussel Sprouts

Grown on a thick stalk, brussel sprouts are delicious mini monsters exploding with nutrition! This specific family of veggies has undergone extensive research in the areas of cancer and also appears to hold the keys to anti-inflammatory support. Don’t overcook them to keep their sulfur-containing compounds in check. But definitely buy them because when prepared right, they are good eats!

Nutrient Highlights

(1 cup cooked)
4 grams of fiber
over 200% of your daily needs for vitamin K
100% of your needs for vitamin C
23% of recommended needs for folate

How can brussel sprouts transform your health?

Cooking or preparing brussel sprouts with a little bit of healthy oil will help you absorb the vitamin K, which is involved in blood clotting and healthy bones.
Brussel sprouts are a good source of folate, which can help prevent neural tube defects (like spina bifida) during pregnancy.
As part of the cruciferous vegetable family (cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc), brussel sprouts contain the recognizable sulfur compounds, but these powerful glucosinolate chemicals may help reduce the risk of some cancers.
With only 56 calories per cup, these tasty little guys will fill you up and nourish your body without spending extra calories to do so.

How to buy?

Brussel sprouts can be bought loose in a bag or still on the stalk. Simply twist these little cabbages off the stalk and they are ready to go! The head of the brussel sprout should be bright green and have tightly sealed leaves. While dirty or blemished leaves can be removed, look for those that appear to be mostly void of blemishes. Give a thorough rinse and they are ready to prepare.

How to incorporate into your meals:

Try these sweet and tangy brussel sprouts in this simple One Pan Vegetables and Chicken Sausage meal
Roast brussel sprouts with honey and parmesan cheese
Grill skewered brussel sprouts that have been lightly oiled and seasoned.
Make a quick slaw by tossing shaved brussel sprouts with olive oil, lemon juice, salt/pepper; optional: grated cheese; pomegranate seeds; cooked, chopped center cut bacon.
Saute shaved or shredded brussel sprout leaves in sesame oil; season and serve warm.

Beans

Beans, legumes, and lentils are a powerhouse of nutrients and contain the highest source of fiber available from plants per serving! There are hundreds of types of beans available, although Americans tend to eat only a handful of varieties. Unlike most animal protein, beans are saturated fat and cholesterol free but do contain beneficial minerals like iron and zinc just like meat.

They have a unique combination of complex carbohydrate and protein, becoming the perfect meat replacement on “Meatless Mondays”. And don’t get stuck eating just 1 or 2 kinds. Make sure to try different varieties as they all boast an impressive but slightly different nutrient profile while varying in texture, flavor, color and size.

Nutrient Highlights

(1/2 cup cooked black beans)
7.5 grams of fiber
10% daily requirement for iron
7.5 grams plant protein
32% daily needs for folate

How can beans transform your health:

Containing both soluble and insoluble fiber, a ½ cup serving of any type of bean will provide 5-10 grams of total fiber along with 6-9 grams of protein that will help keep you full and satisfied for hours. This makes it easier to get food off the brain and stay energized until your next meal!
Beans naturally have many types of phytonutrients, specifically flavonoids which studies have shown work to control lipid (fat) metabolism and to positively aid in cholesterol excretion.
Heart-healthy beans have been proven to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. One Canadian study showed that a daily (¾ cup) serving beans reduced LDL by 5%!
All types of beans boast a low glycemic index due to their complex carbs and protein. This means that they are slowly digested, helping to keep blood sugar in the normal range.
The fiber in beans sweeps waste through the intestines, keeping your digestive tract working swiftly and efficiently.

How to buy?

Dry or canned beans are both good options, but look out for sodium when buying canned. Choose beans low in sodium or “no salt” variety. Compare brands, choosing those with 200mg sodium or less per serving.

Ideas to incorporate beans into your meals:

Make this Hearty Beef and Bean Pumpkin Chili when you crave comfort food!
Stir in a can of black beans to cooked brown rice along with salsa for the perfect tex-mex side.
Stuff peppers with the following mixture: cooked lentils, fresh or canned tomatoes, your favorite whole grain (quinoa, barley, etc), chopped fresh or dried herbs; top with feta cheese and bake.
Add pureed beans as a thickener to soups or to add moisture to meatloaf.

So, what’s the play call?

Your health is your own and your health determines the vitality of your future. Make a decision to include at least 1 of these foods more frequently in your weekly meals. Try a new recipe or break out an old one. Toss your pre-conceived ideas to the wind and begin transforming your health today.

REFERENCES

Seafood Health Facts
Authority Nutrition
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library
American Heart Association
USDA Food Composition Databases
National Cancer Institute- Cruciferous Vegetables and Cancer Prevention
US Dry Bean Council

Ha, V., Sievenpiper, J. L., de Souza, R. J., Jayalath, V. H., Mirrahimi, A., Agarwal, A., … Jenkins, D. J. A. (2014). Effect of dietary pulse intake on established therapeutic lipid targets for cardiovascular risk reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 186(8), E252–E262. http://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.131727

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Just Add Healthy Food

Salmon

Nutrient Highlights

Salmon and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

How can salmon transform your health?

When buying salmon, use these criteria:

How to incorporate into your meals:

Brussel Sprouts

Nutrient Highlights

How can brussel sprouts transform your health?

How to buy?

How to incorporate into your meals:

Beans

Nutrient Highlights

How can beans transform your health:

How to buy?

Ideas to incorporate beans into your meals:

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