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Our Pain is Not in Vain

By
Sonya McKinzie
-
pain is not in vain

“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58   

With all the pandemonium going on around and within us, this environment can stimulate ill-feelings such as discouragement, faithlessness, and weariness in our spiritual lives. After all, we are “only human” as the old saying goes, right?

Is Pain a Gift?

Let’s take a moment to ponder Romans 8:28 (KJV), “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

As you read the verse, you are likely thinking about how it applies or has applied to a season in your life. Personally speaking, I can bear witness that this verse is intimately and intricately connected to many, many areas of my life. For instance, I can still remember the steady pounding in my chest at the young age of 8 years old, when I witnessed my mother’s emotional, physical, and verbal abuse – and later became a victim of domestic abuse myself.

These experiences are now what I consider bittersweet gifts that allow me to carry out God’s plan for my life.

It was through that season of abuse that I am able to be one of many voices for the voiceless and able to use my life as an example of life after abuse. Through personal experience, I am able to attest to God’s power to spin haystacks into mountains of gold. Look at Jesus Christ and how He suffered unfathomable pain and then died for a greater purpose, our sins (Galatians 4:17).

Our trials and tribulations exist for a reason.

pain is not in vainWhether your pain consists of grieving the death of a loved one, losing a job, a medical condition, or other traumatic experiences, be encouraged and know that your pain is not fruitless. You have to go through trials and tribulations for a purpose, and while doing so, remember to praise God as He comforts you in all your troubles.

This allows us, in turn, to comfort others in trouble with the comfort we have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). This is such an explosive passage of truth. How compassionate is our God, who comforts us when we are going through seasons of darkness and despair! Our trials and tribulations equip us to help others who are going through similar circumstances – even though we might think that our hardships, brokenness, and painful circumstances disqualify us from being able to minister to others.

Scripture tells us that the very things that break us can be the catalyst that adds fuel to our fire to minister to others.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Package your faith in God and your testimony together and pour it into others. Be the light and uplift and equip others to weather their storm as God does for us.

Then, remind yourself and others that while we may view our hardships as shortcomings and failures, God uses those very things as tools to guide us towards pouring, uplifting, and speaking life into others.

Encourage others to love one another through their pain. Breathe life into others so that they will see God’s mercy through our pain.

Freedom From Addiction and the Sweet Aroma of Darkness

By
Chet Bergeron
-
freedom from addiction

Addicted to Darkness

There are times I look back on my life and experience deep guilt and regret. Then, there are times I think about how blessed I am. What is the reason for these multi-faceted emotions you ask?

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Chet Bergeron and I have used almost every drug and have been to some very dark places physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I know what it is like to sleep on floors and stay up for 4-5 nights a week. I know what it is like to loathe the thought of birds chirping at 4am. I hated birds because it meant that the sun was coming out.

I was addicted to darkness (Act 26:18). I was passionate about evil. Some may say I sold my soul to satan. Well, I may have.

I sought everything imaginable to fill the massive hole in my heart. I spent money and stole property to accomplish this task.

The sweet aroma of darkness – how luring it was! How enticing it can be. There is a problem with the darkness though: It never worked for me.

The further I went into darkness, the more I craved it. Living in darkness felt like I was stuck in quicksand.

I thought darkness was the answer because I would experience temporary satisfaction.

I thought that I would die seeking and searching for peace.

The Sweetness of Jesus Christ is Greater

You see, teammate, I thought I found the answer. The reality is this: The answer found me. His name is Jesus. Jesus rocked my world and made me into a new creation.

I remember the night I accepted Jesus. I called out to Him and asked His forgiveness – immediately He told me I would preach His Gospel to the world.

I barely graduated high school and couldn’t type up an essay without getting red marks all over the sheet. Nor could I speak in front of people without crippling fear and doubt.

Something happened to me that day. Grace was freely given to me. Have you accepted that same grace in your life?

Life can be trying. This is why we need a firm foundation in our life to stay strong in the storms.

Rest, rest, rest, in God’s grace and mercy (Psalm 23:6). Yes, you mess up. Yes, you will mess up again; however, allow God’s grace to pull you out of darkness. Allow God’s grace to give you a fresh perspective and a new inner being!

So, What’s the Play Call?

  1. Confess the darkness to God and a trusted mentor.
  2. Trust in Jesus for all your fears and doubts.
  3. Follow Jesus, don’t just believe.
  4. Tell someone else how Jesus saved you!

I pray you, too, 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.

Doulos,
Chet

5 Ways to Become A Better Spouse

By
Tamsyn Cornelius
-
marriage

Growing Better in Marriage

submissionWith committed marriages under fire and national divorce statistics soaring, it’s important to cement your relationship in the ways of the Lord. Here are five simple biblical principles to help you become a better spouse.

1. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Sometimes, in our marriages, all we need is an ear to listen. No advice. No debate. Just someone to listen to what’s happening in our day and be there – fully present – with us in the moment. Are you a present spouse? Take some time to really listen to what your partner has to say today. You may have a burning response, but instead of chiming in, just be there as a sounding board and a safe space for your spouse to vent and share about the details of their lives.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19).

2. Honor your spouse in public.

When you’re out with friends and complaining about your spouse’s annoying little habits, perhaps it is time to redirect the conversation and boast about their positive traits instead. How about the way your husband goes the extra mile to make you happy, or how your wife unselfishly takes care of the kids? Better yet, brag about your partner in their presence! Tell the world about the wonderful things your spouse does and watch them blossom.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,” (Ephesians 4:29).

3. It’s the little things that count.

If you’re like me, you’re well beyond the honeymoon phase of big romantic gestures. It’s time to acknowledge that the small things do count. You don’t need to splurge on a limo and a bouquet of roses daily – although such grand gestures do have a place and may help you win the heart of your spouse. Small gestures of appreciation and love can also have a big impact.

Take some time to help your partner in the kitchen, cook their favorite meal, or offer to do the dishes or bathe the kids. Learn to share the load and allow the little acts of appreciation to speak out of the depths of your heart.

“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will lack nothing of value. She will bring him good and not harm all the days of her life,” (Proverbs 31:11-12).

4. Don’t give up.

Marriage is a work in progress. It requires constant attention and hard work in order to stay committed as a team of two. Do not give up. When things seem difficult and beyond your control, present it to the Father, and present your concerns to your spouse also. Together, you form a strand of three that cannot be broken. Hold on and allow God to direct your path.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

5. Stay committed and love unconditionally.

According to a national US survey, 73% of divorced couples stated that a lack of commitment was the number one reason for their divorce. When the wedding glow loses its shine, do you walk away, or do you stay committed and remind yourself that you’ve chosen to love and accept your spouse for better or for worse? It is important to honor the vows we make.

Love is not simply a feeling or mood. In a committed marriage, love is the daily choice we make in order to honor, respect and cherish our partners.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs,” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-5).

So, What’s the Play Call?

When our love tank seems to be running empty, let’s remember those things that made us fall in love with our spouse in the first place. Let the unconditional love of God direct our hearts and keep us committed in our marriages.

 

Foul on the Play: Is Offense Keeping You from Being a Champion?

By
Lisa Yvette Pearson
-
offense

Oh, No They Didn’t!

Hypersensitive. Hyper-vigilant. Ready to “pop-off”.

We are raised to be on the lookout for someone trying to take advantage. We’re on the lookout for racism. We’re on the lookout for sexism. We’re on the lookout for classism and homophobia and xenophobia and, in a nutshell, trying not to be overlooked or disregarded. We are sensitive to our rights being violated.

But, there are some moments that
don’t require a fight.

When did we become people who could not be corrected at all – like ever, ever, ever in life? There are, indeed, people who come to criticize. But, criticism and correction are two different things.

Criticism is meant to deflate you, take your confidence.

Correction is meant to bring you out of error into right standing. It is meant to divert you from wasted time and effort to focus.

Bottom line, it is meant to make you great, Boo.

But no. The first thing we do is deflect with an evaluation of the person’s errors. Who she think she is? I know she not talking about my crooked wig when she has ashy elbows.

Okay. Maybe she has ashy elbows. But, is your wig crooked, though? And, would you rather she not say anything and talk about you while you walk around with a crooked wig, or with your lace front lifted up? And, if all the while you saw her with ashy elbows, did you ever offer her lotion? Did you, sis? No. Because you liked her ashy elbows. They made you feel superior, didn’t they? Except, your wig is crooked.

Fools and Correction

offenseI know a lot of people are turned off when people tell them what to do or not do. I was one of them. But, I learned that being offended by every little thing keeps us distracted.

For instance, you don’t like how your supervisor said something, and you feel s/he might need a little training on how to address others. OK. But, is she giving you insight on how to be better at your job? Instead of receiving the lesson, you miss it because you’re so offended.

Often offense leads to paranoia. Because you’ve decided that your boss has it out for you, you miss the opportunity for growth by rejecting her words. You continue doing the job in a way that is not producing the results needed. You won’t grow as a person or as an employee, but you may very well grow frustrated – which brings me to stagnation and victimhood.

Send in the Medic

The more you believe everyone is out to get you or trying to come for you, the more you remain a victim – often injured by your own perceptions. And, the more you remain a victim, the longer you remain stagnant and unproductive.

As a victim, you are constantly giving your “attacker” an opening to wound you. Stop it! The longer you remain a victim, your wounds can become infected and kill your purpose – which is exactly what the enemy wants (John 10:10).

The Bible says that a fool hates correction (Proverbs 12:1). And, you are no one’s fool.

But you are being a baby. Yes, you’re being a baby. I said it. Instead of tears, you throw a verbal (or ‘text’ual or twittery) tantrum to get your way, throwing shade and subliminal comments.

So, what’s the play call?

– Listen to the critique. Decide whether or not there is some truth to it. Own it if it’s the truth. Reject it if it’s not.

– Stop taking every single thing as a personal affront.

– In the words of Auntie Vivica Fox, “Put that (victimhood and crybaby mentality) where? Back there.”

And, the next time your friend or co-worker has ashy elbows, tell her. The Bible says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) Telling someone that they’re ashy when you’re properly moisturized? That’s love.

God bless.

When Your Ex Mate is Your Church-Mate

By
Alexis Hunter
-
breakup

Coping With a Break Up at Church

evangelicals“I just can’t go back“, my friend cried. “I can never show my face again.”

I looked at her, “You’re both adults, it will be fine.” She glared at me with the same look my Mom gave me when I was in trouble as a kid. It sent chills down my back. “Ok, wrong answer”, I thought.

My sweet friend was brokenhearted after the breakup an 18-month relationship with the person everyone thought she was going to marry. They were both well known at our church and whether people knew they were dating because they saw her social media posts, or because they saw them holding hands at church, the expectation was that a ring would be on her finger sometime soon. She had chosen not to attend church in the weeks that followed the breakup. Although it was a mutual parting, it was still a difficult choice for her to walk away. She was embarrassed, disappointed, and she dreaded having to see him week after week.

Now, she was looking for a new church home.

As her friend, I was concerned. I’ve seen so many people leave their home church after a breakup. The person’s intentions are normally to remove themselves from distractions and protect their hearts. Instead, I’ve seen people fall further away from God, lose their support system, and choose the things of this world to fill voids.

Sometimes you need a fresh start, maybe just a break, but remember our options need to be given to God in prayer before we make a final decision. If my friend decided to leave our church, I wanted to make sure she felt it was God’s will for her life.  Depending on the severity of the situation, you should seek counsel from church leadership before you decide to leave. I’ve put together a few tips should you find yourself in this predicament.

Survival Tips After a Public Breakup at Church

1. Understand that people sometimes say dumb stuff (there’s no other way to say it).

There is so much power in the tongue; words can actually kill and destroy. Church families want to encourage, but sometimes their words end up hurting us.

Some people just don’t know what to say. It’s awkward, they think your life is over, that you cry yourself to sleep, and they want to help. Church moms think you’re dying on the inside and believe their “words of wisdom” will make it all better. In the past, strangers have approached me with crazy theories on why things didn’t work out, which has only made me feel worse. Until you can let certain things go in one ear and out the other, you have to learn how to politely excuse yourself when people are threatening your spirit. Don’t forget the enemy is still at work – even when you feel there isn’t any reason to lurk.

With that said, use discernment when people approach you. You never know who God has sent to give you just the word you need to hear.

2. Keep your distance and have boundaries.

If you’ve been dating someone for months, the thought of detangling your lives can be overwhelming. When you and your ex share the same friends, it’s difficult to decline invitations to events that he/she may be at.

You have to take some responsibility for protecting your heart. You have to say no sometimes, and that’s ok. Make space for a new beginning, no matter how scary. If you continue to fill the empty spots with old things you won’t have room for the new.

3. Everyone doesn’t need to know every thought you’re thinking.

It’s simple. Stay away from social media. No one needs to know your ex’s skeletons. You will look foolish when you make private business, public knowledge. I say journal those feelings in your notes app and if you feel the same way in 12 hours go ahead and post it. Ask yourself if God would be pleased with your words.

4. Don’t Compete.

After a breakup, someone once told me I should lose a ton of weight and get a new wardrobe so he would regret breaking up with me. I just don’t get this way of thinking. I am who I am, take the good with the bad. Is this a good time to ask God to reveal certain issues you can’t see? Yes, take care of yourself. You should do whatever you want that helps you feel your best, but don’t do it for others.

Also, competing with your ex’s new “friend” will only make you look silly. Be who God created you to be. There’s no reason to make it known that you feel you have more to offer. Let God write the story. Don’t try to manipulate circumstances to meet your expectations.

5. Choose a friend you can be honest with and accept their feedback. 

This person should be a mature friend, who isn’t dramatic and has a proven track record of being level-headed. Make sure this is someone you trust. If they offer feedback about your behavior, let it sink in for a moment, consider it, and put effort into making necessary changes.

We all have friends that aren’t saved that give sound advice. However, be sure to find someone that can also offer a biblical perspective on the situation as well.

6. Stay in Pursuit of God – not in pursuit of the rebound.

The world tells us to fill the void with something or someone to forget about our ex. The truth is there’s no cure for a broken heart – except Jesus. Don’t waste your time searching to find who’s next, Jesus is waiting for you. The Bible says you can cast your cares at His feet. So leave your broken heart, your fears, and your bitterness with Him. He can handle it all.

7. Embrace Your Church Family.

I know this may seem contradictory to a few of the tips mentioned above, but believe that there’s a reason why you’re still attending your church. I know it’s hard, but let your guard down when someone wants to love on you or hear about your rough day. Delve deeper into ministry, get to know new people, share your testimony and exemplify love on a new level. There are so many people who are hurting and they need you.

So, what’s the play call?

Be available to God, the Creator of even greater things to come. He will heal you, and use you in ways you can’t even imagine.

How do/did you cope with attending the same church as your ex?

Testimony: Tedashii Releases New Single “God Flex”, feat. Trip Lee

By
Editorial Staff
-

Flex, God!

Watch Tedashii’s powerful testimony behind “God Flex”.

tedashii god flexRapper Tedashii releases “God Flex”, a new single available now for purchase and streaming across all DSPs via Reach Records. Explaining the meaning behind the song, Tedashii says, “It’s about a time in my life when it felt like I wanted to give up. But the sun came out and it made everything new. God flexed in my moment and he can flex in your moment.”

Stream/Purchase “God Flex”: http://smarturl.it/TedashiiNeverFold

“God Flex” is the focus single for Tedashii’s upcoming album Never Fold, which he also announces today. The song features Trip Lee, his Reach Records label mate, who delivers his signature southern flow over this explosive track, filled with distorted guitars and blaring horns. The raw energy of the song is sure to encourage fans to trust in God’s ability to show up in their trials. “God Flex” follows his latest single “Gotta Live” which spent two weeks at #1 on the Billboard CHR chart.

Tedashii’s album announcement comes with much anticipation as the rapper went on a spree releasing five singles under the mantra “Never Fold”, inspired by Luke 9:61which states, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and turns back is fit for the Kingdom of God,” Never Fold has been both parts personal and communal as Tedashii has rallied his fans around him while we worked away on the much-anticipated project. Never Fold the album is set to release on March 8th via DSPs everywhere.

About Tedashii

Tedashii is proudly Texas-born and bred. You may recognize his music from being placed on ESPN’s SportsCenter and FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance”.

For more information on Tedashii, be sure to follow @Tedashii on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Blocks and Delays: The Tools of God’s Protection

By
Alecia M. White
-
god's protection

All Things Work Together

The other day, I got in my car after coming out of my work site. I sat in my car a couple of minutes to gather myself before pulling off. As I was driving home, there were people driving as if they’d never taken a driver’s test… the norm.

Shortly, a pick-up truck pulls out in front of me and speeds up. Of course, I was irritated because… well, I was driving there. Anyhoo, for some reason, I felt the need to slow down and back off the truck a little, so I did. I heard a scraping noise and saw the truck slow all the way down. Apparently, the driver had run right into a plush, recliner-like chair that had fallen off of the vehicle in front of him. I instantly became grateful for the few extra minutes I took before pulling off and for the truck that pulled out in front of me.

See, both of those factors caused me to get to my destination a little later than planned, but they also helped to ensure my safety. And you know what? There wasn’t a consequence for my arriving past my scheduled time.

God’s Protection Includes Delays.

wait on the lordWhat’s my point? Well, I’m glad you asked. Sometimes, it feels like it takes us longer to get started than it should. We take a few extra minutes before we “pull off” and we may get frustrated because our start time didn’t match everyone else’s.

And, just when we think we’ve caught up, it seems that someone else jumps out in front of us. I know the feeling. There have been times when nothing seemed worse than to “miss” my time because somebody got ahead of me.

But, you wanna know something else? Nobody can take what’s yours. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it’s true. That “truck” in front of you may seem to be going faster toward your prize than you are, but they don’t have what it takes to claim it. And, if it looks like what should be yours is in somebody else’s hands, then that one, my dear, does not belong to you.

Often, God will allow something or someone to pull out in front of you in order to block what may be falling that you cannot catch. My Chrysler couldn’t have handled hitting that falling chair the way the pick-up did. It may have damaged my bumper, hood, or worse. So for the many blows that come our way that we aren’t equipped or prepared to handle, God puts up a barricade of protection, whether we recognize it as such.

What God Has for You Cannot be Blocked.

It is so easy to get frustrated and lose focus because of what or who we see in front of us. But sometimes, we must learn to just back off and keep our eyes on the road ahead. Know that God will not allow what’s yours to be placed in the hands of someone else. I made it to my house right on time, I didn’t miss anything and the same will be for you when it is your time to arrive at your destination in life. Here are a few things to remember when we get “cut off” by life’s pick-up trucks:

  1. No matter what route you have planned, God’s plan is better. Trust that He won’t allow you to arrive one second past your appointed time. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
  2. Know that God is protecting you. So often, we fail to look at what God may be keeping us from by not allowing things to happen as we wished they would. We always pray for Him to keep us from dangers seen and unseen… don’t forget the unseen things we are protected from. “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Psalms 27:5
  3. God is always there to help you, even if you don’t recognize it. As I was driving, I didn’t realize that the urge I felt to slow down was God helping me. Sometimes, our lag is Him… not us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1
  4. Remember that you are not in a race against time. God created time, and if you are in His will, He will not let you miss any moments. “….. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” Isaiah 60:22

So, What’s the Play Call?

Focus on obeying God and staying in His will. He will be sure that you get to your destination on time and receive everything destined for you.

Father May I: Why Permission-based Christian Living is Dangerous

By
Kim Brightness
-
child-like faith

Team,

Do you know the safest place in the whole world?

Yes, it’s in the will of God. And frankly, none of us want to operate outside of God’s perfect and protective will.

I sure don’t.

But, sometimes the desire to only operate in God’s perfect will leads many of us to fearfully over-analyze how we live and when we should move. Our Christian walk becomes adversely dependent on God giving us signals or permission – the way we want it – or else we’re stuck, arms folded, refusing to move one inch.

Have you ever said or thought the following?

  1. “I’m going to wait on a word from the Lord.”
  2. “God, I’ll know this is You or Your will, if You {do, say, show, appear, send…}”
  3. “God wouldn’t ask me to do XYZ; He knows I don’t have {resources, support, money…}”

Since when is the ease of an effort a sign of God’s will? Does God really have to jump through our hoops FIRST before we obey? It’s a dangerous place to be stuck in fear and doubt when it’s time to move for God.

Here are some of the dangers of being overly permissive with God vs. moving toward good works in faith:

1. Windows of Opportunity Close

christian livingTo everything there is a season, a window. There’s a time to wait and a time go. There’s a time to ask, and a time to command.

While “living in the last days” has become cliche’ throughout generations, I believe the phrase has never been more real than today. As we clearly see the acceleration of the enemy’s efforts to disrupt and counterfeit the plans, intent, and message of God, be keenly aware, Team, that time is at a premium, in limited supply.

God owns time; we do not. As such, when we are compelled to move, do, or go after something, and it aligns with the Spirit of the Word of God, angels are already either in motion or standing by to support our obedience to go.

Know that every endeavor has a shelf life, a window of divine effectiveness in which God’s intended results will be fulfilled.

2. Silence Interpreted as “No” vs. “Go”

christian livingAs a child, my mother rarely had to say a ton of words to get her point across. With a mere look, nod, or raised eyebrow, I knew exactly when to move, and when to be still. I had a clear understanding of when to speak, and when to keep my mouth closed – including when and when not to ask questions.

You too? So, how was this possible?

Through relationship.

See, Team, when you spend time with God in prayer and meditate on His words in scripture, you get to know what He likes and dislikes, what His will is and is not.

With relationship comes trust, trust that flows both ways between you and God.

And, with a trusting relationship, one that matures with time and consistency, you depend on the permission of God less and confidently move in works that honor the will and intent of God as you know Him.

The silence of God will never trip you up because you have spent time communicating with God, seeking His face – and you know that your actions will make Him smile, even if He doesn’t say a word.

3. Undeveloped or Under-Developed Power

Where would you be if your Mommy still fed you? Or, if your Daddy still carried you around on his neck, everywhere…and you’re an adult?

The only way for us to exercise our power is for US to exercise OUR power. God can’t and won’t do everything for us when He desires to do good works through us (Phil 4:13).

Like our parents, the one thing God is very clear on is that we cannot remain babes in Christ forever, and expect to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12, 1 Cor 13:11). Yes, Christ has overcome the world, our fight is fixed, and we are already winners. But, the fight is still in progress and we are expected to show up fully dressed in our armour (1 Peter 5:8).

The ‘whole armour of God’ does not come in infant or toddler sizes! {Click to tweet}

We are endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of our Savior and do greater works than Jesus. We have the power of life in the words we speak to create successful endeavors that progress the Kingdom of God.

Where is the demonstration of our greater works, Team?

Perhaps it’s buried in fearfully waiting on God’s permission when He’s already given us authority, the play calls, and blown the whistle…

So, what’s the play call?

Go…with faith in God!

Exercise your faith. Make it strong by putting it to God’s (good) use with good works. James 2:26

Go…scared and without knowing how!

Trust that God has richly provided every resource you need to accomplish the goal and dream He planted in your heart – wherever it takes you. Joshua 1:9

Begin the shift today from permission-based Christian living to using the power of the Holy Spirit and the life in your words to command your destiny.

You already have permission to be more than a conqueror.

Good Health Cooking: Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
-

Give Your Breakfast a Protein Boost

chocolate banana oatmeal pancakesPancakes ring in as the 3rd most preferred breakfast food among Americans, followed by eggs and hash browns. But, a big traditional stack of pancakes drizzled with sticky syrup doesn’t boast a lot of nutritional benefits. In fact, this beloved breakfast food will give most people an energy spike, quickly followed by an energy crash. And, the sugar and refined carbs do the opposite of nourish your body.

These Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Pancakes got a nutrition upgrade, making them not only a fun treat but one that is good for you too! The refined flour has been replaced with oats that have been ground into flour. Banana adds a touch of sweetness and eggs boost the protein so that these flapjacks will keep you full longer.  These real food chocolate banana oatmeal pancakes feel a little bit decadent but have a great balance of fiber, protein, and fat.

Peruse your pantry and grab your griddle because this recipe will satisfy your hunger and your sweet tooth!

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients

1 large very ripe banana
¼ cup old fashioned oats
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
½ tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Directions

In a blender or spice grinder, blend the chia seeds and oats until finely ground (*see recipe notes).

In a medium bowl, mash banana. Then add the rest of the ingredients and stir until combined.

Preheat pan or griddle to medium/medium-high heat. Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour pancake batter into the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side.  The pancakes are ready to flip when the edges begin to look cooked and small bubbles form.

Serve warm with butter or a drizzle of almond or peanut butter.

Serving Size: Makes 2 servings (3 pancakes each)

Recipe Notes

  • Double, triple or even quadruple this recipe to make enough to refrigerate or freeze for a weekday morning breakfast.
  • Purchase pre-ground oat flour if you are unable to grind yourself.
  • Chia seeds can be added to the batter without blending up, but you may notice tiny seeds in the pancakes. Both are delicious!
  • If desired, there are two ways to reduce added sugar although this recipe is pretty amazing as written! A) use dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chips; B) eliminate or reduce chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Calories 274; Fat 12g; Saturated Fat 4.8g; Sodium 73mg; Carbohydrate 36g; Fiber 6g; Added Sugar 8g; Natural Sugars 8g; Protein 10g

 

Becoming a Good Friend of God

By
Liz Guya
-
friend of god

God is a Friend Like No Other

friendEvery person in this earth desires companionship and to be loved. The Word of God declares in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us that we would believe in Him and have a relationship with Him.

Religion tells you that there are certain things you need to do in order to reach God or to even come close to God. However, Christianity is not a religion per se – as a follower of Christ, we are in a relationship with the Most High God. God wants to walk and fellowship with each and every believer – just like He did in the garden of Eden in the cool of the day.

God is not just our Father, but also a friend.

Our Friend Created the Universe.

universeJust thinking about God’s love is so overwhelming. The God of the universe wants to be our friend! The Word of God describes Abraham as being a friend of God, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend” (James 2:23). God and Abraham had a relationship where God would converse with Him and even involve him in a decision He was going to make concerning Sodom and Gomorrah. God wants to converse with all of us and guide us in our everyday life just like a friend would advise you in the things about your life.

You may be asking, “So how do I become a friend of God?” A great example to look at is Abraham. We can learn so much from His relationship with God. Here are two main things that I believe made Him a friend of God.

Abraham was a man of faith.

Abraham is declared in scripture to be the father of faith. In Romans 4:16 it says, “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring–not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.”

When God told him that he would have a son, even though he was old in age and Sarah was barren, he believed God and it came to pass. The Bible says as we believe in Christ, we become descendants of Abraham as the father of us all. He was a man of faith and it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). We please God when we walk in faith, fully trusting that He will come through for us.

Abraham was obedient.

God told Abraham to leave his parents’ home and go to a place where He would show him and Abraham, without hesitation, packed all his things and left. He left not even knowing where he was going but trusting God to lead him.

Another instruction God gave him would have made almost any parent question God, but Abraham didn’t. God asked him to sacrifice the son he loved, Isaac, the son God promised him. He took Isaac the next day early in the morning and did as he was asked, though he believed God that through Isaac he would be the father of many nations. Abraham believed that God would provide a lamb for himself or resurrect Isaac after he obeyed – either way,  God would keep his promise and God did.

The Word of God declares in Genesis 22:8, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son. And the two of them went on together.” He obeyed God and, “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.” Genesis 22:13

So, what’s the play call?

“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:14.

There are so many ways to become a friend of God though we can learn these two things from Abraham that will boost our relationship with God. We must have faith in God that whatever He says He will do. We can trust Him – God only wants the best for us.

Someone who loves you wants the best for you and God loves us dearly. We should also be obedient for He is the God of the universe and He knows what will bless us even when we don’t. He’s pretty smart and has all the wisdom we need for every situation in life. As we do these things, we become friends of God and our lives will never be the same because of it.

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