Learning Patience: God’s Timing is Perfect

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Mar 1, 2018

Is it Time, God?

I’m no baker. I love to cook, but baking seems to be a challenge for me – unless it comes from a box with the instructions to add 3 eggs, 1/3 cup of oil, and some water. But, making something from “scratch” has just never been my thing.

Well, recently, I’ve decided that I’m going to teach myself to bake, from scratch (pray for me LOL). I’ve started with cookies, because, well, I don’t think you can really go wrong with cookies.

My first attempt was a caramel pecan cookie that I made using a bake mix I’d been wanting to try. I mixed all the ingredients, added my own flair, and popped them in the oven. Now, the box said to bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes – so I did that. I set the timer on my oven and waited until it beeped… after 12 minutes… I’m a middle ground kinda girl.

Once the baking sheet was out of the oven, I set it on a cooling mat for my masterpiece to cool. After about 5 minutes, I decided that they’d cooled long enough and I wanted to try one.

I took a cookie off the sheet, bit into it, and spit that piece right back out! It was too gooey – they weren’t done!

I’d followed directions to a tee and they weren’t done cooking yet. What to do? I stuck them back in the oven for a few more minutes and tried again. This time they were perfect.

Perfect Plans Produce Patience

In life, we often feel we have the perfect recipe for success. We put in all of our “ingredients” and place our masterpiece in the “oven” to cook.

There are very significant times when we step out, thinking that it’s “our time” and, unfortunately, things don’t turn out as planned. Stuff is still gooey in the middle and falling apart. Easily, without another attempt, and without question, we can give up or we can keep working so that things can keep baking.

What often happens is that we grow impatient when our self-made timer goes off and things aren’t done yet.

We must realize that God’s timing is much more accurate than our own. We must realize that man-made recipes don’t always line up with God’s will for our lives. See, those directions instructed me to leave the cookies in the oven for a set amount of time that wasn’t nearly enough for them to cook thoroughly.

Sometimes, we put a timer on things that actually need more time than we allot in life. There are times when we need to bake longer.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Patience is a task and often, as the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait.”

Yes, we must work because, as our Playbook says in James 2:26, “For as the body without spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” But what I mean is, when God promises us something, waiting is often involved, whether He tells us to continue with our works or if He instructs us to be still and wait until He delivers.

Here are a few things to remember while your masterpiece bakes:

God always has the upper hand; His plans will always trump our own. Trust the Lord’s timing more than you trust your own. “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
Seek God. It is important to seek God for what He would have you to do while you wait. Often, what we do leading up to our end results affects the result itself. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Make preparations. Even in baking, preparation must be made for the end result. If I had no place to put the cookies when they came out of the oven, they would not have cooled properly. And, if I didn’t have that place prepared in time, they would have burned in the oven. Be ready for what you are praying and working for. “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. “ Proverbs 24:27

Be patient, the timer will go off at just the right time for you!

When the Good You Know to Do Falls Short

By

Jeannette Tyson

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Feb 27, 2018

What Happened to the Good I Would Do?

Have you ever noticed that your heart and your mind don’t always connect?

There are a lot of things I know, yet these things are somewhat difficult for me to live by. It is so frustrating to know that I know something, but that knowledge has yet to come alive in me.

For example, I know that I need to eat right to be healthy and energized. I know that if I prepare ahead in the evenings, I will have better mornings. Yet and still, I have a tough time doing what I know is right or doing things I know I should do. You, too?

It’s really upsetting because I feel as though I am always starting over. Always coming up with new resolutions and making plans to live more efficiently, and then lacking the discipline to follow through – what’s the deal with that?

Connect the Dots Between Your Heart and Mind

The way to become the best versions of ourselves is to connect the dots between our heart and our mind.

I think back on childhood memories, the awkward teens, rebellious years and I can find a common theme: I typically have more in my mind than in my heart.

The Apostle Paul was right. Your mind can think – I know I can do this, I’m smart, I can get this – and your heart can be in complete opposition to what you know (Romans 7:19). The way we know that the heart is more powerful is that even a slight doubt in your heart will stop you regardless of all your head knowledge that says – “No Brainer!”

Our inner struggle between what God says and what we do is a recurring battle for many Christians. When I see well-known Christians thriving in their work or ministry, I think, “Wow, this person is really amazing; they’ve won the internal battle.”

But, in actuality, even the best teammates struggle to do better and be better on a daily basis.

Press Through for the Win

Spiritual growth takes determination and a tenacious attitude.

I believe one of the main reasons we don’t reach our growth goals is because we are too hard on ourselves when we fall short.

There are times when I know that I could have performed better or worked harder. And, when that happens, the fact that I knew better eats me up inside.

But, it’s impossible for us to change our bad habits when the entire time we’re beating ourselves up. We make mistakes, we fall short, and we disappoint ourselves. But, if we are speaking negativity and death in our mind and spirit, that is not going to help!

It is a trick of the enemy to make you feel discouraged. Proverbs 17:22 says “a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

So, no matter how many wise counselors you have, how much you read, or how often you pray – at some point, you’re going to have to start loving yourself, forgive yourself, and be patient with yourself.

If you are constantly thinking about your struggle to get it together and how “it’s always something”, you will never get anywhere. Our entire walk with God is built on our beliefs. How can you believe Jesus is the Son of God and yet not believe that you can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)?

Let’s monitor our inner dialogue and cancel any negativity that tries to condemn us.

God wants us to know in our hearts that even when we feel like we’re only taking a small step, everything is working together for our good. If we maintain a peaceful reliance on God, it will sustain us as we push ourselves towards greatness.

No excuses, no “I can’t help it“, no “my thoughts are automatic and reactionary.” You are who God says you are! Allow the mind of Christ to come alive in you (Philippians 2:5).

Consistency is the key to transforming our minds; it will not happen unless you actively pursue it.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

First, stop being so hard on yourself when you fall short – It’s OKAY. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

Let’s be more intentional about our development so we can bear every fruit of the Spirit.

When your flesh feels discouraged, practice edifying yourself and feed yourself the Word of God. “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” (Psalm 19:7).

Meditate on these scriptures:

God is working in you giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13).
Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you (Ezekiel 36:26).

Be encouraged, Team.

5 Tricks to Burn Belly Fat and More – What the Research Really Shows

By

Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

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Feb 23, 2018

Is Your Temple Fit for the Master’s Use?

Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, TLB)

In the last decade, here are a few things that have been established in the food and nutrition world:

The scale doesn’t show an accurate picture of your health.
Fat cells are metabolically active.
Chronic inflammation creates an environment for disease to thrive.
Belly fat produces inflammation and reduces insulin sensitivity.

Taking care of our bodies is not about reaching a certain weight, BMI or size. That’s not what God has called us to do when he charges us to take care of our temples. Healthy bodies are a result of choices we make to eat well, move daily, play, rest and speak words of life.

But research continues to show that extra fat, specifically fat in the abdominal cavity, puts us at a bigger risk for some diseases and cancers. This particular type of fat, also called visceral fat, hugs organs and has been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In women, visceral fat has also been linked to breast cancer.

So, how can we effectively burn belly fat and more? Here is what some of the research shows and simple actions you can take to make these a part of your lifestyle:

1. Boost Your Daily Fiber

It’s well known that fiber has a huge impact on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, but its resume is even more impressive. A certain type of fiber called soluble fiber binds with water molecules and creates a gel that promotes a feeling of fullness. This helps you naturally eat less because you feel satisfied. But, it gets even better…

In one observational study of over 1100 African and Hispanic American adults, an increase of 10 grams of soluble fiber/day reduced the amount of visceral (belly) fat gain by 3.7%. To put this into perspective, the average American consumes 16 grams of total fiber per day. BUT, fiber recommendations are 25-38 grams per day.

Essentially, if we aim to eat enough fiber each day, we can take one step to halt belly fat. The foundation of a healthy diet includes real food, so choose food first to meet all your fiber needs.

Real food sources high in soluble fiber include:

Whole Grains– notably oats and barley
Vegetables– brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and sweet potatoes to name a few
Beans & Lentils– all varieties
Fruit– apples, pears, citrus, figs and dates
Nuts & Seeds– especially ground flax and chia seeds

ACTION:
Aim for 5-8 grams fiber per meal & 3-5 grams per snack. Here are some ideas:

Chocolate Banana Breakfast Quinoa– 5 grams fiber
Hearty Beef & Bean Pumpkin Chili– 13 grams fiber
Quinoa Edamame Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette– 5 grams fiber
Honey Parmesan-Roasted Acorn Squash– 4 grams fiber
Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats Recipe Blueprint– 4 grams fiber (oats only)

2. Include Protein at Every Meal & Snack

Protein is known to boost your feeling of fullness which helps reduce your appetite. Remember that every time you eat extra calories, regardless of what type they are, your body stores excess as fat. Controlling your appetite by including protein at your meals and snacks will help you manage portions and avoid munching when it’s not mealtime.

But, research also shows that individuals who are eating more quality protein at meals tend to have less abdominal fat. One recommendation that emerged from a study promotes consuming 20-30 grams of quality protein per meal, including breakfast. Our first meal of the day, if consumed, tends to be the lowest in quality protein. Don’t forget about breakfast!

It’s also important to note that protein comes from a variety of sources including dairy, fish, seafood, eggs, tofu, tempeh, and beans – not just meat and poultry.

ACTION

Ensure your breakfast includes a good source of quality protein. Here are a few ideas:

High Protein Chocolate Banana Breakfast Quinoa– 18 grams protein
Protein Packed Oatmeal– 10-20 grams protein
Easy Egg Muffins– 10 grams per 2 muffins

3. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT, high-intensity interval training, is a way of exercising that includes a sequence of intense exercise bursts followed by recovery. The idea is to give your best effort for a period of time and then slow down and allow your body to recover.

These workouts have gained popularity and for good reason! Research shows that HIIT:

burns more calories for the 2 hours post-exercise than traditional endurance exercise
burns abdominal fat while maintaining muscle

There are several other benefits of HIIT noted here.

The best part is that these workouts can be completed in as little as 20 minutes! For those short on time (i.e. everyone!), this is a great workout to burn fat fast!

The American College of Sports Medicine does recommend beginning with only 1 HIIT workout per week and eventually increasing to 2 times per week as fitness and endurance improve. It is an exhaustive type of workout, but definitely effective. However, it is not for everyone. Read this article to find out more and whether it is a tool you can use to burn fat.

Of course, check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your fitness routine. You can read more from the American College of Sports Medicine to learn about some of the basics and to find a 7-minute HIIT routine to try out.

ACTION

Read this article on HIIT and determine if this is a workout for you. Many gyms have classes that include a HIIT class, and you can also find online programs that use this training method.

4. Include Strength Training Several Times Per Week

Resistance training (aka strength training or weight lifting) helps maintain and/or build lean body mass-muscle. At rest, muscle burns more calories than fat. So, the more muscle you have, the more potential you have to burn calories. Period.

A common saying is “muscle weighs less than fat.” That’s not exactly true. One pound of muscle weighs the same as 1 pound of fat. However, 1 pound of muscle looks much leaner than 1 pound of fat. Your body will look more “lean” if you have more muscle.

While aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, and cycling are excellent for your heart health, strength training may slow the increase in belly fat better than cardiovascular exercise, according to some research.

And, if you think weight training is just for young people, think again. In fact, strength training is quite beneficial for an aging population, especially because women and men tend to lose muscle as they age. If you want to keep your metabolism working for you, stay strong and fit, strength training is a must!

ACTION

Include at least 2 strength training sessions per week, working all major muscle groups – per recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine.

5. Make Rest A Priority

Although it may feel counterintuitive, rest is essential to burn fat and get lean. Stress is a natural result of our busy lives. It increases hormones that trigger hunger and abdominal fat accumulation like cortisol. When cortisol is chronically high, it works against our efforts to burn fat.

Rest is the answer. Not just your nightly 8 hours, but a day of rest – Sabbath. Thousands of years ago, God gave us the solution to prevent our lives (and waistlines) from getting out of control. This command is actually a gift. Sabbath is totally devoted to mental and physical rest. It allows you to begin your workweek with a smile instead of a frown. Who knew that this ancient Jewish commandment could actually be a key to help us normalize our hormones and burn fat? God did.

ACTION

Choose 1 practical way you can slow down and practice rest this week. A few ideas:

Put your phone up (out of sight) once you walk in the door at night – don’t look back!
Take a short 20-minute nap after lunch and before your afternoon work
Take a leisure walk after dinner listening to worship music.
Decide to practice the Sabbath. Read more about it in Exodus 20:8-11.

So, what’s the play call?

Your beautiful body doesn’t need to fit into any sized jeans, but it does need to be fit and energized to live your purpose today. If you have been frustrated and struggling with your self-esteem around the way your body looks, know that your Creator calls you beautiful, amazing, a work of art – just as you are right now.

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.
Song of Songs 4:7, ESV

He has also given you tools and wisdom so that you are not enslaved to anyone’s expectations, including your own. Today, you can choose to live well and love your body.

Choose one action step – just 1- and truly commit to it this week. Submit this area to God every morning. Choose to be fit and free – free of expectations, definitions, and frustrations.

You can be “free to be me.”

References

Hamdy O, Porramatikul S, Al-Ozairi E. Metabolic obesity: the paradox between visceral and subcutaneous fat.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2006 Nov;2(4):367-73.

United States Department of Agriculture

The Food Supply & Dietary Fiber: Its Availability & Effect on Health
Fiber Intake of the US Population

Loenneke, J. P., Wilson, J. M., Manninen, A. H., Wray, M. E., Barnes, J. T., & Pujol, T. J. (2012). Quality protein intake is inversely related with abdominal fat. Nutrition & Metabolism, 9, 5. http://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-9-5

Donald K Layman, Tracy G Anthony, Blake B Rasmussen, Sean H Adams, Christopher J Lynch, Grant D Brinkworth, Teresa A Davis; Defining meal requirements for protein to optimize metabolic roles of amino acids, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 101, Issue 6, 1 June 2015, Pages 1330S–1338S, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084053

Hairston, K. G., Vitolins, M. Z., Norris, J. M., Anderson, A. M., Hanley, A. J., & Wagenknecht, L. E. (2012). Lifestyle Factors and 5-Year Abdominal Fat Accumulation in a Minority Cohort: The IRAS Family Study. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 20(2), http://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2011.171

American College of Sports Medicine

Resistance Training for Health & Fitness
The Basics of High Intensity Interval Training

4 Lessons on Personal Growth We Can Learn From Saul

By

Brandi Hawthorne

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Feb 22, 2018

My daily Bible reading has me in 1 Samuel where I’m learning about the beginning of Saul’s kingship. I have to admit, I’m tripping a little bit because although these stories are familiar, I never realized that this was the Saul – David & Goliath’s Saul. Don’t mind me. I’m just over here learning new things!

Speaking of learning new things…there are a few lessons on personal growth from Saul that I’d like to share with you (reference 1 Samuel 10):

1. “At that very moment, God transformed him – made him a new person!”

The older we get, the more panicked we can become when we think about how many years we have left and how many years we’ve wasted. Don’t become so logical that you forget who your God is. He is able to change our lives in a moment. And, more times than not, we have been equipped to change our lives in 6 months to a year if we live as He has instructed. To become a new person, you have to do new things.

2. “Saul among the prophets! Who would have guessed?!”

So, people doubted Saul. What’s new? The people you’ve known the longest will always have the hardest time accepting the “new” you. It’s not something we should harp on. It’s just human nature. But, people who live according to the Word should know that God is always doing a new thing and rejoice when someone is transformed and begins walking out their calling.

Don’t find yourself on the wrong side of things because you can’t get over how the girl who kissed your 7th grade boyfriend is now a marriage counselor. Jesus couldn’t do any miracles in Nazareth because the people couldn’t get over who they knew Him as. If God sent your 5th-grade enemy to bless you, would you miss it?

3. But Saul didn’t breathe a word to his uncle of what Samuel said about this king business.

If I was anointed queen, my very first order of business is to do a photoshoot for FB! Just kidding. But, seriously, sometimes we just have to keep our great news to ourselves. Sometimes we feel we can’t share our triumphs because someone is plotting to hate on us. But, since the Bible didn’t say anything about why Saul kept the news to himself, let’s look at what we do know.

We know that Saul was found hiding when Samuel announced him as King. We also know that Saul didn’t scoff at the notion of being King. So, maybe not sharing with his uncle said more about Saul than it did his uncle.

Saul seemed to live by the principles of humility found in Luke 14:7-11.

4. Saul also went home to Gibeah, and with him some true and brave men whom God moved to join him.

I shared in my last article that God will send you help. So many people are tapping into their calling and it’s beautiful! But, I see a lot of people becoming burnt out and contemplating giving up because they feel defeated and in over their heads going at it alone.

Keep going. Just like God has called you to this grand vision, He has called others to help you grow it! God will move people to join you.

So, what’s the play call?

The Bible is a book of instruction. Don’t just read it to check it off your to-do list. Read it with curiosity and wonder. Insert yourself into the main character’s shoes or pretend you’re in the audience watching it all play out.

When you read a story, pause when things don’t make sense. Laugh when it all seems a bit ridiculous. Shudder at God’s wrath. He is sharing a piece of Himself with you that can help you right where you are. Look deeper and still, deeper. Then, adjust your life accordingly. When we begin to operate as God has instructed us, our lives can change in an instant.

Yes! I need prayer to help me with this play call.

Well Done, Rev. Billy Graham: America’s Most Influential Preacher Dies at 99

By

Editorial Staff

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Feb 21, 2018

The Rev. Billy Graham, who transformed American religious life through his preaching and activism, becoming a counselor to presidents and the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, died …

Continue

‘Black Panther’ Actress Letitia Wright Discovers True Happiness in God

By

Editorial Staff

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Feb 20, 2018

A Relationship with God Makes the Difference

Her character has been described as every little girl’s (and boy’s) dream – to be the smartest person in the world.

But, if actress Letitia Wright, who plays the technologically savvy Shuri in “Black Panther“, is not the smartest person in the world, she’s definitely wise beyond her years – discovering the true meaning of happiness: her relationship with God.

At a difficult point in her life, the Guyana-born actress contemplated giving up acting. Wright revealed to Vanity Fair how those 7-months away from idolizing the acting business revealed how she could receive so much more from God.

“I just needed to take a break from acting… I went on a journey to discover God and my relationship with God and I became a Christian. It gave me so much love and light within myself… I felt secure, I didn’t need validation from anyone else or from getting a part. My happiness wasn’t dependent on that, it was dependent on God“, Wright shares with UK morning show, This Morning. Watch the complete interview above.

We pray for continued success for teammate Letitia Wright! May she fulfill every plan that God has for her life and bloom wherever God plants her.

Why We Must Study God’s Word with a Lifelong Learner’s Mentality

By

Andrea Matthews

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Feb 20, 2018

Enlighten Me Again, Lord

I love to study God’s Word. It’s alive, it’s active, and it speaks to my specific situation without fail.

I’ve found that even when I know a scripture like the back of my hand, God’s Spirit has the power to reveal a new mystery to me each time.

This happened a few months ago while I was making daily confessions. I remember proclaiming, “My life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3, NLT). I’d been speaking this scripture over my life for years, but I felt a nudge to open up my Bible and read it again.

Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, God showered incredible revelation to me in the verse. Now I read it, and many other scriptures, in a completely new light.

I think about my eagerness to learn the scriptures with overwhelming gratefulness as I realize it hasn’t always been there. I used to teach the youth at my church growing up, and although I never took a class in theology, I considered myself an educator of the Word. I knew what the scriptures meant and would relay that meaning to the kids in my class.

I had the best of intentions, but in hindsight, I see the limitations I placed in those studies and am reminded of another set of educators mentioned in the Bible, the Pharisees.

The Best Teachers Live What They Learn

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we find Him constantly butting heads with the Pharisees, who were teachers of the law. Jesus is so kind and loving to the sick and hurting, those living in sin, but when it comes to interacting with the religious elite, His words are harsh and His actions aggressive.

“You’re hopeless, you religion scholars! You took the key of knowledge, but instead of unlocking doors, you locked them. You won’t go in yourself, and won’t let anyone else in either.” (Luke 11:52, MSG)

The Son of God proclaims this woe amongst many others directed toward the Pharisees. These men were experts of the law – they knew all the memory verses and taught the scriptures in the temple.

How could Jesus be upset at the guys who knew the most about God?

Perhaps, in their pursuit of knowledge, these men began to glorify their position as educators and stopped becoming learners of the Word of God.

Maybe He was so angry because the Pharisees were in serious danger; they held a form of godliness but lacked the power of His Spirit. In doing so, these guys were leading themselves and others astray.

It’s crazy to think, that in such a small congregation and at such a young age, I was able to participate in this same struggle. As humans, we cannot assume to know any more than a mere glimpse of God’s character, no matter how many degrees we’ve earned or years we’ve spent pursuing Him.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Aim for the knowledge of God with the pure intent of intimacy – not education. With humbled hearts, let us always approach His Word with a learner’s mentality.

A Dear John Letter to Former Me: Old Things are Passed Away

By

Monique C. Baisden

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Feb 16, 2018

Dear Former Me,

I think you know why I’m writing this letter to you today.

It’s time.

It’s time for us to break-up and go our separate ways. I’m breaking up with you because Future Me depends on it. Future Me deserves my best self…the “Me” who God created and purposed me to be. I can’t hold on to you and become Future Me, too.

However, before you leave, I want to thank you for the lessons you’ve taught me.

You taught me that God is my only Creator and the only one who can tell me what I was created to do and what I am capable of doing. Therefore, the voices of the naysayers, doubters, and dream killers in my life needed to be silenced and never considered.

You taught me that shrinking behind insecurities and playing small is not what God intended for my life, as God did not intend for me to live that way. I am not mediocre. I am not average. I am destined for greatness.

You taught me that when I embrace fear and choose to stay in the boat, I will become stagnant and stunt my spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental growth. God is encouraging me to leave fear behind and walk on water. I will not fulfill my God-given purpose and calling within the constraints of my comfort zone.

You taught me that delayed obedience is still disobedience. I need to do what God is telling me to do the first time He tells me to do it.

Most importantly, you taught me to trust God – no matter what it looks like, no matter what it feels like, and no matter what I think I know or believe to be true.

I have learned that my feelings and emotions lie, but God does not. If God said it, it shall be so. His promises to me shall come to pass (Isaiah 55:11).

I have to admit to you – I don’t know what my future or Future Me looks like. But, I do know that God has told me, “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

God also promised me that I should “…remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13 NIV). Therefore, I am now excited and determined to follow God’s leading, escape the fear zone, and take a leap into my ordained destiny.

So, today, I release you and say farewell. This is not a temporary break in our relationship – this break-up is permanent! I have no intentions of keeping in touch.

Goodbye…for good.

With Deepest Sincerity,

Monique

So, What’s the Play Call?

If you are ready for things to be different in any area of your life, you can’t keep doing the same things and expecting different results. You cannot let fear or insecurity hold you back from receiving all that God has for you – from being who God purposed you to be.

There may be some old behaviors, mindsets, perspectives, and maybe some people that you need release in order to receive all that God has for you.

Pray and ask God to reveal if there is something or someone you need to release, and then ask God to give you a willing and obedient spirit to let go. Let God be God so He can do what He needs to do in your life to glorify His tailor-made plan for you.

You’re Not Your New Self When Your Spirit is Hungry

By

Alecia M. White

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Feb 15, 2018

You’re Not Yourself When You’re Hungry

Okay so, I love to eat.

I don’t skip meals, not on purpose anyway, and I eat every few hours like clockwork. If I am voluntarily not eating, it’s probably because I’m fasting. If you catch me and I am absolutely not hungry, I may not be feeling well and in that case, you should check on me to find out what the problem is.

Well, one day, I’d been at my computer working, and all of a sudden, everything seemed to get on my last nerve. My boss gave me a list of to-dos and left the office, and I just didn’t want to work anymore.

I was irritated and I had no idea why. I mean, I’d prayed that morning – a good prayer, too. And, I’d read my Playbook (Bible) and took some notes on what God was speaking to me. I’d even had a scripture that I’d been reciting all that day.

What was it? Why was I ready to be done with the day and everything in it?

Then, I glanced down at the clock on my computer screen and realized that I hadn’t eaten since around ten that morning and it was almost 3 o’clock. There was the problem, I was hangry (hungry + angry). I had to hurry and get some lunch before it got any worse.

Is Your Spirit Starving?

See, our spirits can be likened to our natural bodies in that, they must be fed, like clockwork, multiple times a day.

You ever tried starting your day and feeling a little groggy or weak because you didn’t eat breakfast? Well, your spirit is groggy when you do not begin your day by feeding it with the Word of God. It is the same situation when you skip lunch and make it to that three o’clock hour and you haven’t eaten since breakfast, or not at all, and you try functioning at full capacity to push through that last email or pile of paperwork.

Not happening, not without a struggle anyway.

Can’t relate? Well, try starting your car with no gas in the tank – you probably won’t be going anywhere. You must continue feeding your spirit throughout the day, or filling up your spiritual tank. Even if you are not physically reading at all times, you must continue reminding yourself of what God’s word says.

This helps to increase your faith. Romans 10:17 says “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Be sure that you are exercising proper “nutrition” when growing your spiritual man, just as you do your natural body:

“Feed” your spirit daily. Just as you do not want to physically starve, you must be careful not to spiritually starve. Our Playbook says, in Luke 4:4, “And Jesus answered him, saying, it is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Feed your spirit often.
Be careful what you feed your spirit. Just as it is unhealthy to feed your body junk foods, we must be aware of what we are feeding our spirits. What enters your spirit fills your heart and our Playbook says, in Proverbs 4:23, to “Guard your heart…”
Pray for an understanding of God’s word. If you’re like me, you hate being confused or lost in any situation. Since we are relating to foods, if I don’t know what it is, I’m not eating it. That is why I find it so important for us to pray for clarity so that we understand what God is instructing us to do. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Be sure to apply God’s word to your life. Food does you no good if you don’t actually eat it. The word of God does you no good if you don’t actually live by it. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

We must eat to live – both spiritually and naturally.

The Loving Father, the Righteous Judge

By

Ryan Churchill

-

Feb 14, 2018

Today’s Scripture Lesson: Psalms 50

As always, I encourage you to open your Bible and read the passage on your own.

In our last study, we talked about how the Psalms are a mirror for the soul. The mirror is dull, but through His psalmists, God reveals the souls of His people – not only the salt and light He desires in us, but also the darkness He desires to remove.

To receive the light, we must have the Light truly revealed. And so, through the Psalms, not only does God reveal His people, He reveals Himself.

Thus, when I encourage you to read on your own, I humbly do so with the hope and knowledge that God’s Word will minister to you on a level upon which I will always be incapable.

A Psalm of Instruction and Warning

The 50th Psalm is attributed to a man named Asaph. This is the first of twelve psalms attributed to him. We first learn about Asaph in the book of 1 Chronicles 6:39, and we learn of his duties in the 16th chapter of the same book.

1 Chronicles 16:4-5 tells us Asaph was a Levite appointed by David to be the chief minister before the ark of the Lord. He was instructed to celebrate, offer thanks, and praise the Lord God of Israel. Furthermore, in verse 37 of that chapter, we learn Asaph and his relatives were to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required. You need only to read the first six chapters of Leviticus to see that the work of Asaph, and any priest, before the ark was incredibly laborious work indeed.

In other words, Asaph wasn’t simply the equivalent of a worship pastor at your local church.

As I look at this Psalm, my mind breaks it into 3 sections, so let’s approach it section by section.

Section 1: Honor the Creator

The first section is comprised of the first 6 verses. As you read these verses ask yourself, “What is Asaph, the psalmist, doing here?”

Scripture highlight: Psalms 50:1-6

In 5 of these 6 verses, Asaph is praising his Creator. It is interesting to look at the language and the word pictures being painted here. “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth.” It must be remembered that the temple in Jerusalem (Zion), which Solomon built, had not been constructed at the writing of this psalm.

This isn’t about the spectacular physical temple. This is about God’s glory. Look at verse 1. This isn’t just colorful language, this is a statement of what God had already revealed about Himself in Scripture. “…the Lord…. summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.”

Verse 3 states, “fire devours before Him” and it may be tempting to write it off as more colorful language, but we know from the book of Leviticus that this is exactly what happened to Aaron’s sons who offered strange fire in the holy of holies (Leviticus 10). As stated earlier, God reveals Himself through the Psalms.

When the Holy Spirit breathes the Word into the writers of Scripture, He speaks truth, and the truth always reveals God’s glory.

In the 5th verse, Asaph writes down a command, which is the spoken Word of God. The command paired with the words of verses 4 and 6 reveal God’s sovereignty as not only mighty but as a judge.

Section 2: Listen to the Father’s Words

The next two sections bring to light the reason God summoned His people in verse 5. God speaks to His covenant people – first to those who are godly and then to those who are wicked. Section 2 is directed to the godly.

Scripture highlight: Psalms 50:7-15

Isn’t it interesting to compare God’s role in verse 6 with verse 7? Not only is He judge in verse 6, He’s a witness giving testimony in verse 7.

Do you wonder what God’s testimony would be in regards to you?

He tells His godly ones, “I will testify”…how? “Against you.” If that isn’t an eye-opening, ear-turning, earth-shaking call to repentance, I don’t know what one is!

Then, God enters His testimony, and He does so in the most loving way. “I do not reprove (reprimand) you for your sacrifices and your burnt offerings are continually before Me.” His godly ones were focused on the obligation of sacrifice and offering. In other words, they were focused on appeasement.

They were sacrificing and offering because they were operating with a serious misunderstanding. They thought God needed their bulls and goats. God essentially says, “No, no, no. I am everything I need. I am complete. Everything you see is Mine. I want for nothing. I don’t go to you for food. Everything flows from Me. And you’re mistaken to view this any other way.”

Was there anyone better to receive this revelation than Asaph? As the chief minister before the ark, he dealt with all of these animals being delivered to the tabernacle for sacrifice and offering. He heard the people as they brought in their sacrifices and offerings. He heard their grumblings as they left their best animals in the hands of the priests. Asaph heard their ungrateful words, but more importantly, God could see and hear the unspoken grumblings of their ungrateful hearts.

While God offers reproof, He also communicates His expectations to His people. In verses 14 and 15 God instructs them:

Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving (be grateful)
Pay your vows to the Most High
Call upon Me

The last half of 15 tells us why they should do this. Notice, God doesn’t use the word “then”. He doesn’t say, “then I shall rescue you.” God says, “I shall rescue you.” His rescue isn’t contingent on their sacrifice. Instead, His rescue is a promise of His lovingkindness. Their thanksgiving, their vows, and their call to the Lord simply serve to honor Him.

Section 3: Turn from Wicked Ways

Then God addresses the wicked in the final section.

Scripture highlight: Psalms 50:16-23

I can only infer that these are covenant people who have forsaken not only the possibility of relationship, but the obligations of the law entirely. These people weren’t bothering to sacrifice or bring a burnt offering. Instead, they lived in doubt, rejecting God’s sovereignty in their hearts, but also with their mouths.

God questions them, “What right have you to tell of My statutes and take My covenant in your mouth?” (v. 16) This reminds me of God speaking to Job, “…I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:3-4)

Going forward, God lays out the main points of His case against the wicked:

You hate discipline
You cast My words behind you
You are pleased by thieves
You associate with adulterers
You’re deceitful
You slander your brother

As a quick side note: I submit there is a difference between associating with adulterers and ministering to adulterers. In association, we become indistinguishable from that with which we are associated. We take on the same character and behaviors. Jesus certainly didn’t avoid adulterers or sinners of any sort. They were His field of ministry and He gave them the Words of life.

After God testifies His case, He says something that rings true not only for the wicked, but the godly ones as well:

“You thought that I
was just like you.”

God is more or less stating in these verses to the godly and wicked alike, “I’m not like you. I don’t need what you need. My mercy and compassion are not to be equated with my approval. And, you’re not going to like what happens if you continue to test Me.”

As God continues speaking, He echoes to the wicked the offer He gave to the godly, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me, and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” The call to repentance is always accompanied by the promise of salvation.

So, What’s the Play Call?

You might have noticed that I used the word “doubt” when talking about the wicked. We often equate questioning with doubt. These are not the same. Doubt is a much darker state and it leads you away from God. Questions are different. Questions are asked in faith and with the purpose of desiring to go deeper into relationship with the Father.

Ask God some questions. And don’t be afraid to ask Him the big questions in reverence. Ask Him to reveal the areas in your life where you are living out of obligation instead of gratefulness and thanksgiving. Ask Him to reveal any areas of doubt which are leading you away from Him. Spend time in His Word and allow it to work in you, transforming your heart, mind, and soul.

God bless!

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References

1. “At that very moment, God transformed him – made him a new person!”

2. “Saul among the prophets! Who would have guessed?!”

3. But Saul didn’t breathe a word to his uncle of what Samuel said about this king business.

4. Saul also went home to Gibeah, and with him some true and brave men whom God moved to join him.

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Enlighten Me Again, Lord

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Dear Former Me,

You’re Not Yourself When You’re Hungry

Is Your Spirit Starving?

Today’s Scripture Lesson: Psalms 50

A Psalm of Instruction and Warning

Section 1: Honor the Creator

Section 2: Listen to the Father’s Words

Section 3: Turn from Wicked Ways

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