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The Art of Perseverance Makes Victory Beautiful

By
Jeannette Tyson
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Perseverance

Let’s Talk About Perseverance

Perseverance means to persist especially in spite of the difficulties. James 1:12 says,

“Blessed is the man that perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.“

James is telling God’s people not to give up. Seems lately there has been a spirit of hopelessness everywhere you turn. Mass shootings and suicides, for example, committed by people who decided to give up. People looking for a way out of their misery. I want to encourage anyone feeling hopeless or struggling to walk in faith. God formed you in His image and likeness and you have the power through Christ to not only endure – but also to overcome.

When God created us, He spoke blessings over us. Genesis Chapter 1:28 says,

“Then God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Did you know that the fact that God said subdue the earth indicates that there would be some perseverance required? Perseverance takes intentionality and determination – it’s a choice. We have to decide that no matter what we will persist, we will push through!

Situations calling for perseverance test us all the time – it could be a relationship, a business venture, even our diet and exercise. Sometimes, I imagine God just shaking His head at us as we give up on ourselves and others knowing that He gave us everything we could possibly need for success. It’s like when you’re watching a movie and one of the characters makes a huge and obvious mistake that causes some kind of catastrophe. You sit there watching and thinking “Really?? All you had to do was…”

I’m grateful that nothing surprises God and He knew our end before our beginning (Isaiah 46:10).

Building Character that Perseveres

speed of godI think the first thing we need to do is change our perspective on the way we look at challenges. Some of us get so deep and say things like, “The Lord said His yolk would be easy and His burden would be light (Matthew 11:30)” Then, we give up at the first sign of opposition. Let’s not take the Word out of context.

There is peace, assurance, and joy that comes with a life lived in Christ, contrary to the heaviness of sin. That scripture was not meant for us to always take the easy way out or lie to ourselves about the reality of hard work and sacrifice. We are victorious, yes, but we live in a fallen world and we have to overcome some things in order to get what the Lord has for us.

Most times it’s just our flesh, but nonetheless, we are going to face some real challenges. James 1:4 says “the testing of our faith produces patience and if we let patience have its perfect work, we will be complete.”

When our faith is tested, e.g., you lose your job and you’re dealing with extreme financial issues, at that point you have to decide whether or not you believe God. We have to look at these trials as exercise training. We should get excited when we face trials because we know God cannot lie – He has to provide all your needs according to His riches and glory (Philippians 4:19).

God can handle everything, but He needs to use your faith as a vehicle to get you what you need. When people go on a diet or begin a new exercise regimen, they don’t necessarily enjoy the change, but they know that the result will be the body they want or the blood test results, etc.

So, focus on the outcome. Whatever situation you go through, find it in the scriptures, meditate on the promise attached to it, and worship Him for that – because it’s yours!

Be Like Jesus, He Persevered

It’s easier to change your perspective on the trials you face when you get a revelation of your identity in Christ. When you spend time with Him – through reading, prayer, and fasting, you gain understanding and wisdom to the mysteries of God. Then, the power of the Holy Spirit rises up inside of you on the tough days when you’re ready to throw in the towel.

God tells us in the Word that we were created to have dominion and predestined to sonship (Genesis 1:28; Ephesians 1:4). When Adam, the first man fell, sin entered the earth, making all flesh subject to death (Romans 5:12; 8:10). Now, in Christ, we have redemption through His blood and righteousness through the Spirit (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 8:10). Jesus reconciled us back to our original state of dominion, but we have an enemy, who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). The Word says we need to be sober-minded because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). If we don’t know who we are, and whose we are, we will fall for his lies.

After getting a revelation of who you are in Christ, you begin to call things that be not as though they were. Anything you see in life that doesn’t align with what the Word says can be canceled in Jesus’ name. The Bible says the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). We need to speak the Word in faith to destroy the works of our enemy.

My pastor said on Sunday, “Sometimes God hinders your prayer life because it’s time to make decrees! It’s time to take authority”.

So, What’s The Play Call?

  • If you are feeling guilty because you’ve given up on something you know you need to do, start again! If you needed a sign this is it (lol)! If God has given you the ability to take on whatever He put in your heart to accomplish – you’ve got this!
  • Decree and Declare! No matter what it looks like, there is life and death in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).
  • Church support and life groups can help you push through when you want to give up. Talk to people, get a mentor, share what’s on your heart and the Lord will minister to you through the words of another teammate’s testimony.

Be Blessed and Persevere!

Christian Genocide in Nigeria: Over 6,000 Killed, Maimed in the Middle Belt

By
Editorial Staff
-

Our Brothers and Sisters in Nigeria Need Us

Team, we must sound the alarm on the atrocities currently taking place in Nigeria against followers of Christ. In a statement by the Chairman Denominational Heads Plateau and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State, a renewed attack on Christians has left over 6,000 – mainly women, children, and elderly – maimed or dead in raids by armed Muslim Fulani herdsman in the Middle Belt of the country.

Mainstream media/news outlets have given sparse coverage of the bloodshed; we ask that you prayerfully educate yourself on these events – watch the video interview above with Human rights lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, and CBN’s Nigerian director, Felix Oisamoje.

For further context, read a portion of the transcript from BreakPoint: “Pure Genocide” in Nigeria.

Get involved, support organizations on the front line, and war in the Spirit through prayer for Team Jesus everywhere!

——-

Nigeria, by most estimates, is almost evenly divided between Muslims and Christians. That religious split largely follows geographic lines: The northern part of the country is predominantly Muslim, the eastern and southern parts of the country heavily Christian. The middle, sometimes called the “Middle Belt,” is ethnically and religiously diverse.

Not surprisingly, what makes Nigeria so dangerous for Christians originates in the Islamic north. There, Christians have been on the receiving end of a campaign Open Doors calls “religious cleansing,” that is, an attempt “to eradicate Christianity” from the region.

One of the most notorious Islamist terrorist groups in the world, Boko Haram, is responsible for killing thousands of Christians and displacing countless more in northern Nigeria. But Boko Haram isn’t the only group targeting Christians there.

In a statement released in late June, Christian leaders claimed that “over 6,000 persons—mostly children, women and the aged—have been maimed and killed in night raids by armed Fulani herdsmen.”

The Fulani are an ethnic group who are overwhelmingly Muslim, and their raids are not always at night. In April, Fulani herdsman attacked a group of Christians during Sunday mass, killing two priests and seventeen parishioners.  The same attackers then razed fifty homes belonging to Christians. In fact, earlier in the year, on New Year’s Day, 72 people died at the hands of a Fulani attack.

In their statement, Nigerian Christian leaders also complained about the “continuous abduction of under-aged Christian girls by Muslim youths…” These girls “are forcefully converted to Islam and taken in for marriage without the consent of their parents.”

The language used by Christian leaders in Nigeria in their statement to describe what is happening, “pure genocide,” is hard to disagree with. As was the call, directed toward the national government to “stop this senseless … blood shedding… and avoid a state of complete anarchy where the people are forced to defend themselves.”

Unfortunately, Nigerian officials are downplaying, if not outright denying, the religious dimension of what’s happening. Instead, they’re calling this a conflict over resources, in this case, over land.

Don’t believe it. For starters, the security forces are, in the words of the statement, “skewed to one religion and one region of the country,” that is, Islam and the Islamic north.

What’s more, this idea conveniently glosses over the one-sided nature of the violence in the region: The Fulani are the hammer and the Christians are the nails.

Finally, any student of the history of genocide or ethnic cleansing knows that conflicts over resources are often just the trigger that unleashes the sort of mass violence we’re currently seeing in the nation of Nigeria.

So, what can we do about this? First, we must pray, continually, for our brothers and sisters there. Second, we have to encourage the White House to continue pressing Nigeria about what’s happening in its Middle Belt, as it did during an April meeting with the Nigerian president.

President Trump called what’s happening then a “serious problem.” That’s an understatement. It’s past time to make sure that the response to the problem is equally as serious and not understated at all.

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Surviving or Thriving: How to Escape the Comfort Zone in Marriage

By
Cortne Smith
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marriage

Have you ever woken up one morning and just stared at your mate while they slept, thinking, “Who is this stranger next to me?” Or, in the heat of the moment actually spoke out loud, “You aren’t the person I married!”

If either of these statements has ever crossed your mind or made it pass the threshold of your lips, there’s a good chance you’re living in a “comfort zone” or state of complacency in your relationship. It is very likely that your mate is evolving and growing, and you have stood still in the relationship.

Have you ever been so blinded by the state of the world that you are unaware of the state of your union?

Hopefully, your goal is to do more than simply grow old together “till death do us part”, but to actually grow stronger together and cheat death by living each day to its fullest.

Living a Death-defying Life with Your Mate

Here are a few tips on how you and your spouse can cheat death by living an abundant life together:

  1. Get out of the COMFORT ZONE.

“I know everything about you and can read you like an open book” is a relationship-killing perspective to have about your mate. Every day, life creates a new page for your spouse, and over time, you are blessed to read the many new chapters.

If you’re just sitting in the comfort zone and not being an active participant in your mate’s new story, you will not recognize who your mate is becoming or has become.  Stay actively involved in your relationship to continue as the main character in their relationship story.

  1. Don’t allow COMPLACENCY to be your friend.

Do you answer “we’re good” when asked about the state of your marriage? This response can be a sign that complacency has begun to creep in.  There is always an area in the marriage that could use some maintenance, attention, and sprucing up.

Seize the opportunity to communicate the desired next level for your relationship. Also, open and transparent conversations about the issues can free you to get beyond good and achieve great.

  1. Continue to SOW new seeds into your relationship.

“I don’t like that.” Is your mind closed to new things that could promote healthy growth in your relationship? Has mediocrity smothered the fun and excitement of marriage? Take a trip, try a new adventure, plan an activity with your spouse that you’ve never done before.

Escape the Comfort Zone

If you feel your relationship has already slipped into a zone of just time together with no quality, it’s not too late! Today is the day you can pick up the relationship and create a fresh start.

  • Get to know your spouse again! Date, play and escape from those things that have distracted you.
  • Be intentional about creating quality time together to ensure the union is growing stronger, and you are not the weak link in the union.
  • Surround yourself with real, thriving couples – not just surviving ones – in order to receive and experience fresh ideas for your marriage that are working for others.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Growth and change are inevitable… Go with it! Your marriage can go from ordinary to extraordinary (Job 8:7)!

You must decide to be an active part of growth and change, or either be left out or left behind.

Evaluate whether you’re in the same place you were when you first met your mate.

If so, have a sit down with your spouse for a serious discussion about the things you have allowed to go on around you.  Then, find or create your space in the new relationship that’s active in keeping it productive.

Assess whether you have reached any of the desired destinations for your relationship. If not, what’s holding you back? Develop a Relationship Map that will get you on course to reach your relationship goals and keep you from wasting any more time.

Extreme Makeover: Lord, Make Your Home in Me

By
Andrea Matthews
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extreme makeover

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” – Romans 8:11

DIY Won’t Work for Our Temples

I’m a stay-at-home mom and, true to the stereotype, I love watching HGTV. Home makeovers, design tips, DIY tutorials – that’s all me!

My current favorite is Fixer Upper, a show about a couple who is literally transforming their town one house at a time. The entire process is fascinating to me, how someone can put money down on a dump trusting the vision of the designer. They knock down walls, take up flooring, redo the entire layout. In the end, it’s a completely different home, one whose value has increased exponentially.

I’m sure you know where I’m going with this now…

Lord, Make Me Over?

When we accept the price our Heavenly Father paid for us, we accept His purpose for our lives. From the foundation to the pipe and wire work to the tile on the roof – He has full reign to form and process us (Jeremiah 1:5).

What a privilege, yes? Our Maker takes complete ownership of us and promises to renew our lives. That’s an honor…right?

As good Christians reading a Jesus-centered online magazine, we’d all answer yes!

But, what happens when uprooting our previous foundation gets uncomfortable, the breaking of windows shatters all we’ve ever known, and the tumbling of our walls hurts like the hell we’ve been saved from?

It’s possible we lose sight of the blueprint He’s written out for us (Jeremiah 29:11). The process takes too long. Without the picture of His promise directly before our eyes, we often give up. We chose to limit His say on the project of our lives.

“You can have that room over there, but that’s it. I’ve got the rest.”

But, it doesn’t work that way. This Contractor needs all or nothing. Why? Because He knows that if an inch of the property is not submitted to His perfect will, the entire home will crumble to destruction (Proverbs 14:12).

So, What’s the Play Call?

Ephesians 4:27 advises us to “give no opportunity to the devil…And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Allow God’s Spirit to complete the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:2). He is faithful to do it. Be encouraged and encourage the Body of Christ to stand firm on the promise He provided when you first said “yes” to His plan.

Pursuing Purpose: Phil Thornton, Senior VP and General Manager at RCA Inspiration

By
Monique C. Baisden
-
Phil Thornton

Pursuing Purpose Interview Series

Special Guest: Phil Thornton, Senior VP and General Manager at RCA Inspiration

“Pursuing Purpose” is a new interview series with people who are walking in purpose and destined for greatness. These persons come from all backgrounds of life; many are well-known and well-respected professionals in their respective industries. Some are household names, and others are not. But, what they all have in common is their faith in God. They are all Team Jesus! As Christ Followers, they have endured and overcome challenges and have made the commitment to dedicate their lives to walking in and living out their God-given purpose, no matter what.

_____

Monique Baisden (MB): Phil, thank you so much for taking time out of your very busy schedule to do this interview with me today.

Phil Thornton (PT): Thank you so much for inviting me to do this. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be asked.

MB: Where are you originally from?

PT: Norfolk, Virginia is where I was born and raised.

MB: Tell us more about your Christian upbringing and who first introduced you to God? 

PT: My Mother is the one who introduced me to God and the Christian lifestyle by attending church. My Mom went to church pretty much every Sunday, and I was there most Sundays with her or other relatives.

MB: What is your educational and professional background? How did your career in entertainment get started?

PT: I went to Catholic school from kindergarten to 8th grade, and then I went to a public high school. After graduating from high school, I went to Norfolk State University where I graduated with a degree in Marketing in 2003.

My professional career actually started in middle school. My very first internship (which was my introduction to the entertainment industry) was at a hometown radio station in Norfolk –  WOWI 103 Jams. I started that internship when I was 12 years old. Kandi Eastman was the one who gave me my start in radio. I am very thankful to her for giving me that opportunity at such a young age. I learned so much about radio and its different departments and how they function, their relationships with different record companies, and the artists.

When I turned 15, I was still interning at the radio station and began meeting a lot of cool people on the label side. So this really prompted me to explore getting an internship at a record company. So, I reached out to Arista Records, which was a very prominent label during that time. They had a wide range of top-notch artists who were popping in urban music (Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Monica, etc.) I kept calling this one particular executive in the New York offices and practically begged him for an opportunity. He decided to give me a project to prove myself. From there I interned for Arista for a few years and I established so many great connections during that chapter of my life.

Afterward, I went to college, still knowing that I wanted to have a career in the entertainment industry. Upon graduating in 2003, I started my management company in New York (Brightstar Entertainment) and I started managing R&B singer Lil Mo and a few other music producers. In 2006, I decided to move out West as I had a desire to not only do music but to work in the television and film space as well. I landed my first reality show, “I Married A Baller”, that featured Taj George (1/3 of the group SWV) and her husband, retired NFL player and Hall of Famer Eddie George. It was one of TVOne’s first reality shows and my first TV show that I sold to a network. I also partnered with David and Tamela Mann to produce their show, “It’s a Mann’s World”, which we did for two seasons at BET, and then we did the show, “The Manns”, for one season at TVONE.

In 2012, I accepted the VP of Marketing and Business Development position at Entertainment One (eOne) in Nashville. A couple of years later, I was promoted to General Manager, and then in 2016, the wonderful people at Sony reached out and told me that they were going to be moving the RCA Inspiration division to Nashville and asked me to manage it and I accepted it.

In recent years, I have been producing more films and content for television, including a film for Lifetime, “Surviving Compton”, which was based on the life of R&B singer Michel’le. I recently produced and sold a film entitled “A Boy. A Girl. A Dream” which will be starring Omari Hardwick (from Starz’ TV show, “Power”) and actress Meagan Good, and that movie hits theaters in the fall.

When I look at my journey, it’s been a pleasure to cross paths and work with so many amazing people.

MB: When and how did you first realize your God-given purpose? 

PT: A very defining moment for me was when I interned at WOWI 103 Jams and I first heard Kirk Franklin’s “Why We Sing”. It was during this time that I started truly cultivating my relationship with God and getting to know Him for myself. This opened my mind to gospel music and deepened my faith to the point where going to church and praying had a different meaning. Things started to change within me. However, it really hit me in 2011 while managing Jessica Reedy and Dorinda Clark-Cole that I was called to work in gospel music.  This was my purpose and God put me in this space for a reason.

Further confirmation came in 2012 when I had an encounter with Le’Andria Johnson while I was living in Atlanta. She prophesied to me and said that God had something big in store for me – a senior level/executive position – and to be patient, trust Him and believe that it was going to happen. Not too long after that, I received a call for the VP of Marketing and Business Development position at Entertainment One Nashville, and I have been working in the gospel music industry ever since.

MB: Outside of your faith in God, who or what inspires you?

PT: My Pastor, Bishop Joseph Walker, III of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, is a big inspiration. My Mom as well. I was raised in a single parent household and she is an amazing and supportive woman of God. She is a great source of inspiration for me, both personally and professionally, and she is a phenomenal example of having strong faith in God.

MB: What is your favorite play call (scripture) and why?

PT: During this season of my life, a scripture that strongly resonates with me is Roman 1:16 (NIV):

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

It’s such a bold declaration that describes where I am both personally and professionally. My mindset is: It’s okay to be a Christian and a believer, and I am not ashamed of being a believer in any way.

MB: So you have been the Senior VP and General Manager at RCA Inspiration for 2 years now. How does your faith in God and Christian background influence you and guide you as you fulfill your responsibilities in this role on a day-to-day basis?

PT: My faith is always with me. It’s always in the front of my mind. You have to have faith in this business because it’s not easy working in this business. Despite working in the inspirational or faith-based space within the entertainment industry, it still has its challenges, politics, and personalities.

To me, you have to have your faith, a spiritual foundation, and a church home. My Pastor and I have a great relationship and I speak to him frequently. Your faith, coupled with the right surroundings and the right circle of people – that’s super important in doing what we do in this industry. People say “stay prayed up”, which is true, but you also need people around you who are positive and encouraging to build you up, give you Godly wisdom, and an inspirational word or a scripture when you need it.

At RCA Inspiration, I feel that we are a part of making some of the best music with some amazing artists, such as Koryn Hawthorne, Travis Greene, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Bishop Marvin Sapp. However, I realize that we have the responsibility to properly execute and carry out God’s vision, because it’s not about me, my marketing team, or my promo team. We’re simply vessels! To me, in order to properly do our job and honor what God has called us to do, we have to walk the walk and talk the talk. Faith has to be in you and it has to be a priority for you. It’s not just a job. It’s bigger than that – it’s a calling. This is ministry, and it’s about touching the hearts of the people and getting God’s message out there. Without faith, there is simply no other way to survive and navigate in this business.

MB: Tell me about the origination of the “Bible of Love” project and how you became involved.

PT: I’ve actually known Calvin Broadus (also known as Snoop Dogg) for several years. However, one of our former Marketing Coordinators for RCA Inspiration, Justin Tomlinson, who now works for Sony, sent me a direct message a year ago and alluded to the fact that Snoop might be working on a gospel record. I reached out to Snoop’s manager, Russell Redeaux, and asked him if Snoop was looking to do a gospel record, and he said that he would get back to me. A week later, I was sitting in a chair at the barbershop and I received a call from an unknown number, and it turned out to be Snoop. He asked me to listen to these gospel records that he had been working on, and about two weeks later, I met with him in LA and he played the records for me in a 3-hour listening session where he shared his vision and inspiration for “Bible of Love”.

He shared that he wanted to make his grandmother proud of making music that she could listen to. In addition, Snoop had the desire to be a vessel and provide a platform for gospel music artists to share the message of God and spread the good news of the gospel to the world. This is one of the reasons why I partnered with Snoop – to expand the message of gospel music and reach the younger generation and the masses of people who are outside of the church.

Gospel music is for everybody, especially those who are struggling with life issues, and who don’t know God. So, I prayed about it and consulted my Pastor to make sure I was doing this for the right reasons, and after doing so, I decided to do this because I felt this was a part of my calling and my assignment. Also, I wanted to make God proud by reaching people who may know Snoop, but don’t know God. That’s why we decided to do this. It wasn’t for the celebrity factor. It was all about ministry and spreading the gospel.

MB: What advice or words of encouragement would you give to our readers, especially those who have aspirations of getting into the entertainment industry?

PT: Faith without works is dead. You have to do the work. You have to be informed. You have to study. However, you must keep God first and trust Him. Don’t settle and don’t compromise. Also, be confident and know that this is what you are really called to do.

MB: Phil, thank you so much for your time. It has been a pleasure speaking with you today.

PT: I appreciate your consideration. Thank you for your time. This was great.

 

Team! Be sure to connect with RCA Inspiration and support their work and artists:

All social media handles
@RCAInspiration

RCA Inspiration Website:
www.rcainspiration.com

5 Myths About Weight Loss

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
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weight loss

Weight Loss Truth or Myth

Walk through the doors of your local bookstore, scan the magazines as you stand in line at the grocery store, or drive down the road with blinking signs begging for your attention and you will be bombarded with 527 ways (give or take a few) to lose weight.  Everyone “claims” to have the solutions.  But which way is the “right way?” Or better yet, which solution is the one that will work for you?  

Millions of people are dieting or have been on a diet – more than once – without any long-term success.  These frustrating failures create mental fatigue, steal our motivation, and stimulate the growth of untrue beliefs.  We begin to believe lies about our body and what it can or can’t do.  We begin to focus on what is not working, what is broken, and what is flawed.  These thoughts hold us captive.  

Wait! We are supposed to hold them captive… “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)

Truth sets you free.  It’s that simple and that complicated because there are a lot of myths posing as truth out there.  Today, let’s clear up 5 myths about weight loss, all using the only standard of truth there is – our playbook, the Word of God.

Myth #1: My metabolism is ‘messed up.’ I just can’t lose weight.

Wrong.  Your body is beautifully and wonderfully made!  It is complex.  It is intricate.  You can’t even imagine every detail that allows you to breathe, communicate, live life, walk, solve problems, or make decisions.  If you play this card, you show your disbelief that you can walk in supernatural power.

God doesn’t create brokenness.  He creates beautiful things.  However, the presence of sin did invite brokenness into the world. We aren’t promised a “trial-free” life, but we are promised that He has already overcome all of our challenges and problems. (John 16:33)

So, how can you choose truth?

  1. Ask God to reveal to you 1 non-weight related behavior you can change that will honor your body – just one – and then give your full attention to this action.
  2. Metabolism is a very general term for dozens of pathways and activities occurring in the body. Make an appointment with a quality healthcare practitioner for an exam to look at labs, nutrition, exercise, stress and a variety of components that all synergistically affect your metabolism.
  3. Set up an appointment with a counselor to help you identify untrue beliefs you have about yourself and your body.  Replace these with scriptures that speak life into your heart and mind.

Myth #2: I have failed at weight loss so many times I can’t even count them all. Trying again is useless.  

Paul explicitly tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus in order to run with perseverance.  He reminds us to “throw off everything that hinders us,” to run with abandon.  If you haven’t made it where you want to go with your health, that’s okay.  Re-focus and get back up. Only you can take the steps to get there, but you have to be focused on the right point – Jesus.  

When we focus our attention on spiritual gifts and His supernatural power, our eyes aren’t on Jesus.

If you aren’t pursuing relationship then it will begin to feel like an overwhelming struggle. Trying, again and again, will only wear you out.

So, how can you choose truth?

  1. Commit to a daily quiet time, even if it is only 5-10 minutes.  Make Him your only priority during those few minutes.
  2. Ask a friend for support!  Have them pray for you, encourage you and speak truth to you.

Myth #3: I just need someone to tell me what to eat.

This doesn’t work.  We hear, see, and read messages from healthcare professionals all the time, but that doesn’t lead to action for most.  At least, not long-term.  Becoming educated and increasing awareness is a proactive measure that everyone should engage in, but education and action are different.  

Individuals don’t need anyone to tell them to eat more fruits and veggies, reduce intake of processed foods and cut out sugary beverages.  We all know this.  These recommendations haven’t changed for years and more and more research reinforces the importance of following them.  

Less than 5% of adults and kids eat the recommended servings of produce.  And, more than 50% of individuals drink too many sugary beverages.  

The Truth states that all foods are lawful but not all are beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23). Manufacturers will continue to make new products. Marketing will continue to capture our attention and make our mouths water.  It’s up to you to decide what you consume and how much.

“I set before you life and death – choose life.”  That is your decision.  With each day, each meal, each food decision – you get to choose.

You have the best teacher inside of you – the Holy Spirit.  Consult Him first.

So, how can you choose truth?

  1. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become more self-aware and mindful about your dietary choices and behaviors.  Invite Him to show you where you are being deceived, apathetic, or ignorant.
  2. Talk with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is grounded in nutrition science.  She or he can help you create an effective plan, provide perspective, and offer creative and tasty ideas.

Myth #4: She is ‘naturally thin.’  It must be easy for her.  I bet she never struggles like I do.

Projecting assumptions on others is wrong. While some individuals have body chemistry and genetics that may make it easier for them to maintain a healthy weight, it is unfair to assume what they think or feel.  Unless you know someone’s story, your opinions of others’ struggles, or lack thereof, are your own biased thoughts.  

Believing this lie also indicates that you believe that being ‘naturally thin’ or a healthy weight is a sign of freedom from food, negative thoughts, and self-acceptance.  Freedom encompasses the whole person – spirit, soul, and body.  That’s what we all want, right?!

Jealousy and envy of someone else’s situation – perceived or not – only reveals the discontent in our own heart.  

So, how can you choose truth?

  1. Repent.  Ask God to help you see value in your own body and develop body kindness.
  2. Refocus. Remove your eyes from the world and fix them back on Jesus.

MYTH #5: I just need more self-control.

Self-discipline is a positive attribute.  Individuals who exert this character trait often accomplish tasks and goals efficiently.  But, wishing or hoping for more self-control with food is foolish. It won’t emerge. There are 2 keys: vision and the Spirit of God.  

Without vision, my people perish (Proverbs 29:18).  The Message version says it this way, “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”  

If you don’t have an understanding of your identity and you don’t understand purpose, you are like the children of Israel wandering around, circling your mountain over and over without knowing the power you possess to rise to a new level.  As a child of the Most High God, you must know whose you are and have a vision for where you are going as an empowered, called, and beloved son or daughter.  Your vision for the future allows you to brave the process of creating a disciplined life.  

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Knowing your identity and trusting the Author of your future produces excitement and determination to make food and lifestyle choices that will allow you to live out your passions and calling with vigor.  But, that knowledge and even belief isn’t the only answer. It requires complete surrender to the Spirit of God.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,… and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, TLB).” When Holy Spirit is in control, we have self-control.  It’s a natural result of this surrendered stance.  Then, verses 24 and 25 remind us that surrender means giving access to every part of our being.  

“Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to his cross and crucified them there.  If we are living now by the Holy Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

So, how can you choose truth?

  1. Look beyond your current weight or health-related stumbling blocks and ask God to reveal purpose, calling, and passion.  Seek out the assistance of a counselor or coach if needed.
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal 1 area that is not surrendered.  Then, ask Him to show you what it looks like when you are surrendered.

Myths and lies are all around.  They are loud.  They are bold.  They are deceptive.  Your knowledge, belief and verbal affirmation of the truth is what will break the chains.

So, what’s the playcall?

What you think about and meditate on determines your future.  So the 2 questions to ask are:

  1. What are you thinking about?
  2. What are you going to do about it?

 

Yes! I would like prayer. Please pray for me.

Can Others Around You Change Without Reminders of Their Past?

By
Alecia M. White
-
change

Letting All Things Become New

I was on my way to work and I drove past a Dollar General, nothing abnormal about that. There was just something that wasn’t quite right about this particular Dollar General; it didn’t look the way most of them do. Something changed.

I glanced again before the light turned green and realized what the issue was – it looked like a Walgreens. Yep, you could tell that the building had previously been a Walgreens and now, it was something new. Funny how recycled stuff still carries the look of what it once was.

Now, initially, I wasn’t willing to accept this Dollar General as it is (funny, I know). Nope, I was disappointed that when I saw it, I saw Walgreens and not what it had become. I had half the mind to stop, go inside, and roam the aisles to see if I got that Walgreens feel or Dollar General feel. Then, the thought hit me: this is how we, as people of God, treat people of God.

I’m Not the Same Creature

Way too often, we look at fellow teammates and all we see is who they were, what they’ve been delivered from, who we grew up with – and we never really accept them for who they’ve become or are growing into. We even go as far as to do research and “walk the aisles” of their new life to see if they are really who they appear to be. There is that nagging tendency to remind people of their former self. “Girl, I remember when you used to…” “Aye man, remember when we used to…?”

The problem with this is that our Playbook says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.” So, why do we hold on to other folk’s “old things”.

When we don’t allow others the chance to grow beyond who they were, we are keeping them in a place that God has released them from – we’re not letting those old things pass away. Who are we to hold anyone hostage to their past when we have a past of our own that we’ve stuffed in a closet? Just as we are to strive to live by Romans 12:2, we cannot forget that others are doing the same. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

So, What’s The Play Call?

Sadly, it seems tough to do the right thing sometimes. But, not because God isn’t present to help, and not because He hasn’t provided us with the grace to move beyond where we were. Often it’s because those who should be there to pray and support are continuously reminding others of how unsaved they used to be. So, how do we get past that “Walgreens Syndrome“? Here are a few reminders that will hopefully help:

  1. Allow others to do as our Playbook says, and “throw off” their old ways. We must be encouragers for one another, not discouragers. Ephesians 4:22-24 (New Living Translation) “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
  2. Help your brothers and sisters to be free of their past, not hold it over their heads. It is scary when the only thing associating a child of God to their past is another child of God. Let’s celebrate each others’ newness and help each other stay “new”. Don’t join the enemy’s club – Team Accusers of the Brethren (Revelation 12:10). “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1
  3. Be willing to uplift one another. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
  4. Remember that we have all fallen and we are not perfect. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

Tremaine Hawkins sang about the “Wonderful Change” that God brings. Don’t allow yourself to condemn others and forget that you’ve experienced that same change. Never forget that God is the Deliverer of all and no matter what someone’s past looked like, their future is bright in Him.

My Declaration of Dependence

By
Kim Brightness
-
politics

I remember it like it was yesterday.

I declared my independence.

The decision was final, and well within my power to do so, since I sat (out of place) as both judge and jury. I rejected hearing any eyewitness testimonies and overruled all presentations of evidence proving His innocence. I denied His unconditional love for me, since in my omniscience, love would not have allowed what was allowed. Not according to my definition of love, which was law.

Because God let me down, because He did not operate how and when I thought He should, I thought I could do no worse independent of Him.

And just when I thought, like Job (Job 30:20-21), that I had the right to indict God, to sit in a place of righteous indignation and bring an accusation against the Creator of the Universe (Job 40:2) – I realized that I could not answer God:

  • Where was I when God laid the foundations of the earth and its measurements (Job 38:4-5)?
  • Do the hawks take flight by my wisdom, or the eagles soar at my command (Job 39:26-27)?
  • Do I have arms like God; can my voice thunder like His (Job 40:9)?
  • Can I bring a claim against God when He owns everything in heaven and under heaven (Job 41:11)?

I Forgive You, God

Ever been in a perceived place of forgiving God? A place where you know you were (or are) mad at Him. You run to your room like a child and scream into your pillow all the things you wish you could say out loud, but can’t. And then you realize – you’ve got it all wrong.

I stand corrected, O Lord. Surely I spoke of things I didn’t understand – things too wonderful for me to know (Job 42:3).

Ever needed a change of heart, where you resolve to hold God harmless and blameless for the things that have happened?

You release the anger and make that decision to re-submit to His will. You know that no court in the heavens, on Earth, or beneath the Earth could ever find Him guilty of not loving you – guilty of not acting in your best interest – guilty of planning harm to come to you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Funny how only my Beloved Accused could free me from the thoughts that held me hostage. Only Jesus Christ could pay the high ransom on my head, and design my utterly genius escape route from myself, from my independence.

So, what’s the play call?

This month, as the United States celebrates its independence, let’s rejoice and celebrate our declaration of DEpendence on God.

Declare it! “God, I need You!” Put it out there for all to see.

I need You in my life, God! Every beat of my heart totally depends on You. You have been nothing but a consistent, loving source of everything I need, I am, and will ever be. Our freedom means nothing without Your love and sacrifice.

We appreciate You, God, and we place our trust in You. And, like a child hanging from Daddy’s neck, Your arms will never let us fall.

Team, tell us about a time YOUR independence from God shifted to dependence on God.

The Relationship Template Designed by God

By
Jeannette Tyson
-
relationships

Let’s Talk About Relationships

Ezekiel 11:19-20 says, “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people and I will be their God.”

God was talking to Ezekiel about reconciling us back to Himself through Christ and sending His Spirit to dwell inside us. He determined to redeem us and bring us into relationship with Him. We tend to make the things of God so deep, but His whole objective is relationship!

God can do all things, so I imagine He could have saved us in other ways – but He sent His only Son to die for us. Jesus spent 3 years in ministry – breaking bread with the people, teaching them, and giving them a template for all relationships.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (1 John 4:20).

In my last article about selfishness, I talked about how it’s impossible to properly relate to others when you don’t have a relationship with God. Here, John is saying the same thing. It’s so ironic that we often go to God seeking comfort or refuge from people who hurt us, and even when they are completely in the wrong, He requires us to forgive in order to heal.

We can learn so much from the lengths God went to have a relationship with us. He didn’t owe us anything and yet He gave!

Love Like Christ

loveAre we following this example in our relationships? So many of us are unwilling to be kind or giving toward people who don’t (or cant) reciprocate. Team, that is not godly. Luke 6:33 says, “If you only do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that”.  Showing people love and generosity – especially to those who haven’t been so nice to us – shows the authentic love of God. Let’s take the grace and mercy God gave us and pay it forward.

All of this is easier said than done – I understand that, so does our Lord. That’s why He sent His Spirit who is our Counselor (John 14:16-18). Having the Holy Spirit to guide you in your relationships is imperative. Here are a few ways we can be led by the Spirit in our dealings with people:

  1. “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). Oftentimes, people just want you to listen so they can hear and correct themselves while they’re talking to you. In your zeal to help, take a moment to really listen.
  2. You are not God! You cannot be all things to all people. Your efforts may be well-intended, but we need to allow God room to work on people. Discernment is key. God will give you grace, peace, and patience to be of help to those He called you to serve.
  3. Pray for the people around you. Not only for people who confide in you, but for everyone because you never know what someone’s going through. Intercession helps us to remember that all people are souls that God created and loves. It helps us to be compassionate when they are difficult to be around.
  4. Toughen up! People can at times say or do things that seem unreasonable, inconsiderate, and insensitive – many times they don’t have the foggiest idea. Learn to let things go and not take everything personal. This will bring you so much peace.

I see the lack of trust as one of the biggest barriers to healthy relationships. We hide from people because we fear judgment and ridicule. We are trying to protect ourselves from further damage.  As we grow in God, we learn to filter experiences through His Spirit and we are better able to relate. We’re able to let our guard down and connect. So, let’s remember to love each other with the love of God in sincerity and acceptance. Just as parents, we want our kids to look after one another and get along – God is our Father and He wants us to do the same.

So, What’s The Play Call?

  • No relationship is as important as the one you have with God, but don’t forsake your earthly brothers and sister. Jesus prayed that we might unify and be one (John 17:20-21)
  • “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in LOVE” (Ephesians 4:2)
  • It’s okay to be vulnerable and to trust others – it’s actually much easier to connect when we do. Connection is the foundation of relationships.

Be Blessed!

5 Sweet Treat Recipes with Good-For-You Ingredients

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
-
sweet treat recipes
Recipe photos via Healthy-Inspiration.com

No Sugar Added, No Taste Subtracted

From the very first bite, babies have an affinity for sweets. There’s no learning involved. It’s innate. It’s how God made us – to enjoy the taste of sweet.  

Because we have a culture that is inundated with the marketing of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods, these foods tend to be demonized.  Once we do this – once we label a food ‘bad’ or ‘good,’ we then begin to project this label on ourselves when we eat it. Thus, the dieting cycle continues.

If we get rid of the restrictive mentality – that sugar needs to be eliminated – then how do we create a lifestyle and eating plan that helps us manage sugar appropriately and enjoy the flavors we love?

One strategy is to begin satisfying your desire for sweets with naturally sweet foods. Before you knock this idea, insisting that a banana will never replace your favorite chocolate chip cookies, it’s possible your taste buds might be surprised.

The Sugar Shock

It’s true almost ¾ of the foods on the grocery store shelves have added sugar.  It’s true that most of us consume more sugar than is ideal.  And, it’s true that there are more than 45 different names for sugar on food labels.  But, it’s also true that there are some clever and easy ways to make sweet treats that have nourishing, good-for-you ingredients.

These are 5 sweet treats that are simple to make, include little to no added sugar and are surprisingly satisfying:

Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondie Bars

Chocolate-Chip-Chickpea-Blondie-Bar-HealthyGooey and decadent, you will never know these chocolate chip blondies are made with good-for-you ingredients! If the idea of chickpeas in your chocolate chip dessert bar sounds odd, you are not alone.  BUT, if you are willing to give this recipe a try, I bet it will become the recipe you tell your friends they need to try!

Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) replace the flour giving this dessert a boost of fiber and protein.  This swap also makes this dessert gluten free for those who cannot consume gluten.  Almond butter is subbed in for butter and adds a light nutty flavor and a nice boost of healthy monounsaturated fats. The sweetening power comes from pureed dates, and the chocolate chips, of course. This recipe couldn’t be easier as it is blended up in a food processor and then ready to go in the oven.  

This Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondie Bar is yummy warm when the chocolate is just slightly melted!  But it’s also fantastic just out of the fridge for a cookie dough texture!

Oatmeal Date Balls

Oatmeal Date Balls5 ingredients and 5 minutes – that’s all you need to whip up the perfect sweet bite.  These oatmeal date balls have absolutely no added sugar and are perfect for the after lunch treat or as a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee.  The dates and oatmeal contain a specific type of soluble fiber, beta-glucan, that research continues to affirm plays a positive role in insulin sensitivity, heart health, and immune function.

Store extra oatmeal date balls in the freezer to help with portion control.  These are also a fun treat to serve at book club, Bible study or your next party.  

Super Simple No-Guilt Blueberry Syrup

Easy-blueberry-sauce-no-added-sugarSweet and juicy, summer blueberries are cooked down with a bit of water to create a guilt-free blueberry syrup perfect to drizzle on pancakes or stir into yogurt. Once it cools and sits in the refrigerator, it becomes a preserves-like consistency and can be spread on toast, muffins, or peanut butter and blueberry jam sandwiches.  

This is one recipe you can’t mess up!  These antioxidant-packed berries are good for you and good eats! Whether you have taken the family to a blueberry patch for some weekend fun or just picked up an extra pint on sale at the grocery store, this blueberry syrup will become a new family favorite.

Carrot Cake Snack Balls

carrot-cake-protein-ballsThis sweet treat embodies everything you love about carrot cake – all in a portable bite-size package. When raisins are pureed, they add the perfect level of sweetness to these carrot cake snack balls, without having to add any extra sugar.  Unlike the Oatmeal Date Balls, these have protein powder added to give a little extra boost of protein.  

These snack balls have a nice balance of protein, fat, and complex carbohydrate to help keep blood glucose and insulin levels in check, which is important for those who do and don’t have diabetes.  Who knew that eating veggies for dessert could be so tasty!?

Flourless Blueberry Muffins

easy-blueberry-muffins-gluten-freeGrab a blueberry muffin at your favorite coffee shop and you will take a bite into 29 grams of sugar with virtually no fiber. BUT, make your own blueberry muffins at home without any added sugar by using pureed dates. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor and in less time than it takes to drive to get your java, they will be hot and ready!

All of the traditional white flour is replaced with a can of garbanzo beans making these muffins flourless and gluten-free.  You’ll be amazed at how moist, light, and fluffy they turn out. For an easy on the go breakfast, make a batch (or double) on the weekend and then rewarm and smear with almond or peanut butter for an easy weekday breakfast. No fuss and full of flavor!

So, what’s the play call?

God didn’t mess up.  He didn’t give you taste buds to enjoy sweets only to make them off-limits. He wants you to enjoy them! But, when you choose foods (and recipes) that nourish your body and give you sustainable energy, you can live your day with vitality, instead of fighting off foggy brain and lethargy, often common after a big dose of sugar.

Give 1 or 2 of these recipes a try and see what you and your family think.  It’s a lie that you have to cut out sweets entirely, but it’s also a lie that nourishing foods are dull. Remember – you are in charge of your temple and you decide what to believe.

Small but strategic substitutions are what helps you (and me!) create a sustainable healthy living plan that we love, tastes great, and allows us to eat and live well!

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