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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.

4 Humble Ways to Quit Wrongfully Judging Others

By
Sonya McKinzie
-
judging others

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

We All Judge, We’ve All Been Judged

judging othersLet’s be real for a moment, we all judge; it is a sin that is rooted deep within. We pass unrighteous judgment on others based on our observations and interactions which creates the tone for why we place people into categories. Compartmentalizing, better known as judging, aids us in defining who and what we think people are – while sad, it is very true. God taught us that we should not judge, it is only He that has the power for final judgment (Matthew 7:1, Psalm 50:6).

Personally speaking, I have found myself guilty of judging others. Most recently, I had a powerful conversation with someone about the many echoing valleys they had been and continue to go through at the time of our chat. Curious about their situation, I began to ask questions which led to more questions. After about ten minutes of chatting, there was an awkward moment of silence. Then, they spoke and expressed how my questions made them feel.

In that very moment, they shared that they felt that I was judging them. Shocked by their suggestion, I began to take the defense, but after a few short breaths and minutes of silence – I began to question myself, “Was I really judging them” and “If I was, what right did I have to do that?”.

I immediately began to assess the conversation repeatedly in my head, then I placed myself in their shoes – and the light bulb lit up!  I had indeed judged them and my posture and communication style was presented in a way that made them feel inferior. It was not at all my intention to judge, nonetheless, I had judged someone without reason. In this situation, I had failed to follow the very necessary steps that could have eliminated my judgment and poor means of communication.

Humility Heals Those Who Judge

To circumvent and halt our judgment of others, here are four humble behaviors to help us in following Jesus’ way of expressing love and humility, while breaking the cycle of judging:

1. Instead of judging, accept that…

We are not a judge or jury. We must accept the fact that everyone has a story and has free will to decide what they want to do, how they want to live their life, and that it’s all relative to their story, values, and beliefs (Joshua 24:15).

2. Be careful and mindful of…

Thoughts that are coming to your mind and words that you speak. We should only speak good things into and about others (Ephesians 4:29). We must be careful and mindful of how we respond, represent, and react to others. When we feel the urge to judge or speak in an unloving way, we should pause for a moment, and rephrase our internal thoughts before we communicate them. The communication must be positive or at the very least not ill-spirited. Remember that once words are released, they cannot be retracted.

3. Place yourself in others’ shoes…

Realize that you are like him or her – we are all human. We must remind ourselves that we all have our own weaknesses; we all make wrong decisions.

Remember we are not different from each other. Try to remind yourself that not one of us is free from any sufferings or struggles, for we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Visualizing that we are similar in many ways will help us fight the emotion to wrongfully judge our brothers and sisters.

4. Appreciate yourself and others, and circle back to step 1…

When we show appreciation for ourselves and others, we help build on the foundation of leading lives that are Christ-like. We must not view others by their sins, but see them that has the capability to make good things from their shortcomings. We must learn to love others despite their personality, race, errors, position, or talents. No one is perfect but God (Mark 10:18), and we must remember that when we begin to steer towards judging others.

God’s desire is for us to be merciful so that we can live free from evil judgment and criticism. He expects us to be considerate of others, and ponder over our own lives as we work to live our lives as the Bible tells us.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Focus. Pray. Slay. Revisit. Speak.

Focus on living the way God has designed for us. Pray for guidance in your daily walk. Slay the negative judgment of others and continue to chase God’s purpose and plan for your life. Create a roadmap of scriptures, keep them in clear view, and revisit them daily to combat the temptation of judgment. Continue to speak life and great things over yourself and others (Colossians 4:6).

Let us work together to love, encourage, and pray for one another as God does with us!

 

Marriage: God’s Gift to Men

By
Chet Bergeron
-
marriage

Husbands, Find Your Good Thing.

christian marriageDo you wish that your wife would understand you more? The real question is: Do you understand and treat your wife the way she needs to be treated?

Getting what God purposed for us out of marriage comes when we serve our wives the way Jesus served the church.

Hey, I know it isn’t easy. I understand it gets harder after many years of being married.

I also know it wasn’t easy for Jesus to go to the cross; however, He did it for us because He so desperately loves us.

We need to desperately love our wives and go to the cross daily for them.

Marriage Benefits are Endless.

submissionDo you want to experience passion and forgiveness in ways you never thought possible? Do want loving companionship from a faithful friend and helper who supports your dreams and goals?

If you answered yes to these questions, go to the cross daily for your wife. This not only gives you what you desire, but it pleases God.

Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Let’s be reminded of what Jesus did. He didn’t just take a lowly place on earth or be born in a cave full of animal feces and urine. Jesus literally brought Himself to a torture device and bled pints of blood for His bride, the Church. What does this say about us men and our wives?

Philippians 2:4: “Everyone should look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”

The Bible says that we should die to self and place our wife’s needs above our own. Women have emotional needs, and it would do us some good to find out what those needs are and meet them daily.

What About the Husband’s Needs?

By the way, we have emotional needs too. When the wife and husband are meeting each others’ emotional needs the marriage will be vibrant and healthy. 

The point is this: Men and women have emotional needs, and when those needs are not met they may look for them elsewhere.

The evil one wants to destroy our marriages because our marriages are the undeniable display of God’s story of redemption to the world!

Maybe there are things you need to get right before fully being available to your wife. Read how to properly handle baggage here.

Brothers, would you lay down your life for your wife so the world can see Jesus?

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

  1. Read this amazing book with your wife – it will outline emotional needs and how to meet them.
  2. Meet the needs of your wife above your own.
  3. Seek the Lord daily asking for strength to pursue your wife even when you don’t feel like it.
  4. Lastly, remember you are not alone.

I am rooting for you as I navigate the same battles as you. I pray you are filled with a renewed sense of love and compassion for the beautiful gift of marriage God has given you.

—

Listen to me and my wife discuss navigating this world together as a married couple, learning from mistakes and leaning on God’s promises.

iTunes / Spotify / Website

Doulos,
Chet

7 Truths About Diet Cheat Days You Should Know

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
-
diet cheat days

Cheat Day or Nah?

food guiltSome “cheat day” advocates claim that it helps individuals stick to their eating plans and maybe even boost their metabolism.  But, others claim it can do physical and psychological harm.

Now, even if it doesn’t harm you, here is the real question: “Will cheat days help you achieve your nutrition goals?”

Here are 7 things you should know about diet cheat days AND the best solution to enjoying chocolate when you want it!

1. Cheat days are a result of restriction.  

The only reason anyone would want a cheat day is because they have been holding off on eating certain foods or eating in a certain way for a period of time.  Therefore, they feel this is a way (maybe, the only way) to indulge in foods that they can’t get out of their brain. Restriction feeds the need for “cheat days.”  End restriction, end cheat days.

2. Cheat days support the idea that certain foods are bad and that food choices are a moral issue.  

“That was a ‘bad’ day, but I am getting back on track with my diet today.”  Have you either heard this OR said this? Food isn’t bad or good. It’s just food.  

Some foods have been manipulated, processed, and modified, removing beneficial nutrients and adding ingredients that have little to no nutritional value.  Eating these foods regularly or as a lifestyle opens the door to some health disparities and challenges that can reduce the length of your years and quality of life.  But, regardless of your choices, food isn’t bad.

However, if you want energy, if you want to live a long life, and if you want quality years even when you are elderly, your food choices today contribute to the life you desire to live tomorrow.

3. Cheat days contribute to the dieting cycle.  

After someone has a cheat day, they often feel guilt or remorse.  This is often followed by restriction as a means of punishing oneself for regrettable behavior.  And, the dieting cycle continues. Restriction→ indulge→ guilt→ restriction…

4. Cheat days may harm the health of some individuals.

People with diabetes, kidney issues, gastrointestinal problems or several other types of conditions may experience negative feedback as a result of a cheat day.  These individuals cannot cast restraint to the wind. It’s important to know your body and how it may respond to certain food choices or behaviors.

5. Cheat days often cause us to ignore our body signals and forgo intuitive eating/mindfulness.  

Many individuals choose not to follow their body signals on cheat days because they have been “saving up for this all week”.  It’s this idea of go big or go home. Your body is an amazing masterpiece with signals and mechanisms that work in sync to keep you healthy. Ignore those signals and you devalue your remarkable body.

6. Cheat days contribute to a false sense of control.  

The whole purpose of a cheat day is to let go of the reigns, avoid planning and embrace pleasure.  But, once the day is over, we tighten back up. Why? Because we felt out of control. This practice will never help you acquire peace with food, your weight, or body image.  

7. Cheat days can make the idea of moderation feel unattainable.  

The continued practice of cheat days (or meals) can make the ideas of actually learning how to listen to our body, fuel it well, and respect its signals feel elusive.

While this one study says that a cheat meal might not be a bad idea to stay motivated, the only way it benefited participants was by planning for it and keeping their calories in check for the week. Unless you are up for playing games, counting, living with inner angst, and staying on the proverbial hamster wheel, cheat days may not be your thing.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Here’s a different way to go about it…

Have a treat!  This is a fun way to enjoy a food or meal in a positive light with a thankful heart (1 Corinthians 10:30).  Here are a few things to think about when adding treats to your eating plan:

  1. Be intentional about having treats.  Remember, a complete restriction may lead to resentment and/or binging when you finally do.
  2. Plan treats.  Remove guilt by planning treats in advance. This might be a special date night or birthday party or just one of those days when you want to have dessert.
  3. Enjoy treats with people.  While not mandatory, one way to maintain accountability and practice self-discipline while enjoying food that you love is to avoid secretive or solo eating.  
  4. Consider a meal.  While there may be times in our life when we want to enjoy an entire day of treats, most of the time, a meal will do.  Remember that part of this act is to enjoy a fun and satisfying moment. If you want to enjoy an entire day of treats, that’s fine, but do notice how your body responds in terms of energy and fuel when several meals in a row are full of treats.
  5. You are the only one who can define a treat.  Make sure you choose what you want instead of someone else.
  6. You can enjoy a treat AND be mindful at the same time.  It’s not either/or. Acknowledge that you notice your body’s signals, even if you decide to take another bite. Remember that your body is a complex masterpiece and has built-in signals to take care of you and make you feel amazing.
  7. Enjoy treats with pleasure.  When treats are intentional and planned, there is no room for guilt – you planned it!  Don’t allow negative emotions in. Choose to be in the moment and enjoy!

Chocolate will never manage your stress for you.
A bacon cheeseburger will never cut your to-do list in half.
Chips won’t zap your anxiety.

But treats are definitely part of the good, abundant life!

 

Jesus, Is That You? Learning to Hear God’s Voice

By
Jeannette Tyson
-
hear god's voice

I Need to Hear from the Lord

hear god's voiceWe go through so many things in life and we’re taught to pray and give it to God. But, do we have confidence in our ability to hear His response?

Team, God is ready and willing to speak to us if we allow Him to. I think that prayer has become habitual. We do it second nature, in passing, and we don’t always give Him a chance to answer us. We have the tendency to want to vent to friends and family (myself included), we read articles, we meditate – but we need to remember we have a Counselor and a Friend in God (John 14:26, John 15:15).

Sometimes when trying to hear from God, you can question whether or not you are actually hearing from the Lord, the flesh, or from a demonic source. If you’ve wondered this, good! The Bible says, “test every spirit whether it is from God” in I John 4:1. I believe God wants us to be sure we are hearing from Him.

But, don’t let the enemy tell you that you’re weak or doubtful. There is a story in Judges chapter six about Gideon who asked God to confirm what He had said, and the Lord complied with his request. I wholeheartedly believe if you earnestly seek truth and wisdom from God, He will reveal it to you.

God Speaks to Us

Let’s talk about four ways we hear from God, then we’ll get into testing the spirits:

  1. The Holy Spirit. Some may call Him the still small voice inside but nevertheless – the Spirit of God speaks to us. John 16:13 says, “but when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will lead you into all truth and speak what He hears”. The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 3-4, Genesis 1:2). Sometimes the Spirit communicates through a thought (Nehemiah 2:12), sometimes good judgment or wisdom (1 Samuel 25:17-33), and even audibly (1 Samuel 3:4-10).
  2. Through the Bible. This is perhaps the simplest way to hear from God. There is a scripture concerning all matters of life in the Word – we just need to study. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active dividing soul and spirit and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart”. The Word of God is transformative, Team! Also read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 119:105.
  3. People. God uses people around us to speak to us. God’s heart can be shared directly or indirectly. For example, someone might give you a direct word of knowledge at church. Or, you might hear a pastor preach a message that’s an indirect confirmation of something you’re currently going through.
  4. Dreams. In the Bible, we see many examples of God speaking through dreams (Genesis 20:3, Genesis 37:5-7, Daniel 2:19, Acts 18:9 to name a few). All dreams aren’t good so if the Lord shows you something unpleasant, it may be a warning for you to come against and cancel with prayer.

These are just a few examples of how God speaks to us. But again, when hearing we need to use discernment to know where the information is coming from.

Whose Word is it?

Yes, if we aren’t careful, we can be deceived. Praying for clarity in confirmation is always a great idea. Here are a few practical tips:

  • God will not advise you to do anything that is not in alignment with His Word (Psalm 89:34). Cross-reference what you hear and see if it coincides with what He has already said. If it doesn’t –  issa lie!
  • You will have peace about what you hear. Whether you’re looking forward to it or not, the Spirit will confirm it and you’ll know. He is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
  • The things God tells you should (generally) be a logical progression in the path He has you on. Knowing yourself and your purpose is imperative. If you’re a musician, it’s very unlikely that God would tell you to go be a doctor. He created you with certain natural gifts and there’s a reason for that. Remember that you can and should seek wise counsel from trusted leaders (Job 12:12, Psalm 37:30)

The more time you spend with God the easier discernment will be. All strong relationships require time. It’s a good thing to go to God when you’re hurting or need help, but make it your business to pursue Him daily because it makes the challenges of life less stressful. It builds up your faith and patience.

He said He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6) – so seek Him! God wants to commune with us more. He desires intimacy with us and that’s why He compares our relationship with Him to marriage.

So, What’s The Play Call?

  • “Call out to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things.” Jeremiah 3:33
  • Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7). I heard Benny Hinn say that God hides Himself because our seeking Him kills the flesh, so it’s for our good.
  • Read Psalm 23 – it’s all about God’s guidance, provision, and protection.
  • Remember that relationships take time and effort. Get to know God and you will get to know His voice.

Be blessed!

 

Time Management: When God Opens Heaven, Don’t Miss Your Window

By
Alecia M. White
-
time management

Time Management Matters.

time management

It’s something we always claim to need more of and never have enough of. Time. The very thing we rave about not allowing others to waste, yet we often waste for ourselves.

So, I’ve been super busy and on the go lately and haven’t felt that I have had enough time to tend to things that I routinely keep up for myself. For example, cleaning my apartment.

Now, don’t go off the deep end, I clean up, but I hadn’t been able to do that good old “blast your

music, Saturday morning” deep clean. I also wanted to sit quietly and get some reading done and a few other normal, home things. Things that I typically get done when I have no distractions.

I distinctly remember saying, “Lord, I just need a day that I don’t have to leave my house so I can get my own work done.” Fast forward to this bitter cold, frozen tundra that smacked the Midwest. I’d gone to work on a Tuesday and upon hearing what the temperature would be (or not be) the next day, I decided to stay in and work from home (I can do that from time to time). Schools were already announcing they’d be closed, mail service was to be canceled, and a number of businesses opted to close as well – so, I joined the ranks.

I woke up that next morning and thought to just turn over and sleep in. As soon as I reclosed my eyes at 8:00 am, God reminded me of my request – to have a day where I didn’t have to leave home so that I could take care of home.  It was the perfect opportunity for me to check off my list of to-dos.

Redeem the Time

time managementDid I go back to sleep? Of course, I did! It was a work from home day, but I did get up an hour later. By the end of the day, I’d cleaned my house from top to bottom and completed all the tasks on my list.

I learned a lesson that I’m sure I’d already known. It’s not always about the amount of time you have, sometimes it’s simply what you do with it.

See, I could have wasted the day away with the excuse that it was too dangerously cold to go outside. But instead, I did what I previously hadn’t had the time to do. How many times has God granted us the grace and time to complete a thing, but because it didn’t necessarily look the way we expected, we totally missed that window?

My stay at home day didn’t look like how I expected my “catch up” day to look. I actually expected to have a Saturday free where I could get up early, blast my music, and drink coffee while I cleaned, then fall out on my couch and read all afternoon. But, instead, I got a “feels like” -37-degree Wednesday to keep myself inside and get it done.

So, What’s the Play Call?

So often, we mismanage our time because it doesn’t “look like” the hour we expected. Here are a few things to help you recognize when the clock strikes “Get it done!”:

  1. Always be ready. Just as our Playbook tells us to always be prepared for the return of Christ, we must be ready to move when He gives us space and opportunity to do so. “Be ye, therefore, ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40
  2. Pay attention. Had I not been listening to the voice of the Lord, I would have still been praying for a free Saturday to clean and get my quiet reading time in. We’ve got to be alert, sober, and vigilant so that we don’t miss our time. “And, since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” Mark 13:33, NLT
  3. Use your time wisely. Sure, you hear this all the time, but I cannot stress to you enough the importance of time. Do you recall the 10 virgins in Matthew 25? Well, let me help you, five of them stayed ready at all times and the other 5 were “foolish” and waited until the last minute to get prepared. Each of the ten was given the same amount of time to spend. “They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” Matthew 25:3-4

We are all asking God for that extra few minutes in our day to complete something. Be sure you don’t miss your moment because it didn’t come at the exact hour you expected and prepared for it.

Chase Purpose, Not Money

By
Kimberly D. Graham
-
chase purpose

What Are You Chasing and What’s Chasing You?

When you chase your purpose, the right doors will open for you.  However, chasing money will lead you down a winding road.

Chasing money will cause you to do things you probably never thought you would do because the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).  Notice the scripture says the love of money and not money itself.  So, when people say, “money is the root of all evil”, it’s not true, but add the word “love” and the statement totally changes.

Remember the song, For the Love of Money, by the O’Jays? It talks about people doing all sorts of things for the mighty dollar.  Look around.  We can see and hear the lyrics of that song and the words in 1 Timothy 6:10 in action daily.  How many people are wandering around frustrated, angry, and blaming others for where they are in life because they focused on money rather than purpose?

Purpose Gives You Peace

Have you ever noticed the mannerism of those who are purpose driven?  Ever listen to them talk?  Have you seen the joy and love they exude when they’re doing what they’ve been called to do?

It’s indescribable!

If you ever get a chance to be in the presence of someone who is chasing purpose, my best advice is to listen intently and take notes!  Surely, there will be something said that will make you examine your life and seek ways to improve it.  Remember, those who seek will find (Matthew 7:7).

And, when you get in seek mode, have an expectation that accompanies your pursuit. Find out why you made it through, why you were chosen to be here.  Ask God what you should be doing in this season of your life, and when He tells you – have fun doing it!

Learn what’s being taught and teach what you learn, because purpose is never just about you.  It’s about stepping out on the measure of faith God has given (Romans 12:3) and being your authentic self according to God’s will.

You matter, Your Purpose Matters! 

chase purposeWhat God has for you to do is important, and when you place the importance of your calling, assignment, what you love doing at the top of your priority list, people will notice and will have the courage to do the same.

I believe one goal of those living purpose-driven lives is to let their light shine brightly for all to see, admire, and become inspired.  Can you imagine what this world would look like with more people becoming inspired and choosing to chase purposeful dreams instead of money?

God is so strategic.  There are no coincidences in His system, only divine connections. The moment you set your mind to follow your dream and chase purpose, you will begin to cross paths with people who can help you.  That’s what this life is all about – showing people a more excellent way of living and the most excellent way is doing the will of God.

Don’t be a slave to money. Get focused on your purpose and start doing it. Your purpose is priceless!  The enemy would want nothing more than to distract you and watch you abort your purpose and forfeit your promises.  After all, his plan is to steal, kill, and destroy us all (John 10:10).  Don’t let him win, and don’t allow yourself to be sifted like wheat.

Be a person of integrity!  Believe God and trust what He says, because when you chase your purpose, money will chase you!

So, What’s the Play Call?

Live your life on purpose!

Now that you are aware of the difference between chasing money and purpose, which will you choose to do and why?  When will you implement this change?

If you chose to chase purpose, be sure to write the vision God gives you and make it plain so you will know where you are going.  Map it out, enjoy the journey, and know we are rooting for you every step of the way!

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