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6 Strategies to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
-
holiday weight gain

Beat the Holiday Weight Gain Woes

Holiday weight gain is dreaded by all.  No one likes feeling their pants get snugger.  While it does appear that holiday weight gain is common among Americans, research conflicts with exactly how much (likely 1-5 pounds).  However, it does appear to show that even if only 1 pound is gained, it isn’t lost in the spring and summer months, leading to a steady weight incline.  Those who are overweight or obese may have an even greater propensity for weight gain during the holidays according to some research.

The holidays are a season where we enjoy family, traditions, community, giving and celebrating life.  They don’t need to be a reminder of the dreaded holiday pounds.  But, weight gain is not a result of 1 big family meal, it accrues over weeks as small choices and little decisions add up.  

By creating a plan early in the season, you can decide how you want to respond, choices you will make, and strategies you will implement so that you don’t have any lingering pounds following you into the New Year.

These are 6 strategies that will help you avoid the holiday weight gain…

Decide What You Are Bringing to the Party

Celebrations, gatherings, parties, meetups, gift exchanges- the calendar fills up fast as the holiday season approaches.  One clever way to stay in control of your food choices and always have a healthy option available is to bring it.  

No one can make you bring the triple chocolate pie or the buttery rich potato casserole or the decadent cheese dip with bread.  You can always choose.  The key is to make the decision in advance before you are asked so that you have a response ready.  If invited to a party, it is likely you will be asked to bring 1 of 3 items: an appetizer, side dish, or dessert.  

ACTION STEP: BEFORE the holidays sneak up behind you, decide on a healthy, but delicious dish that will fit each category that you are willing to make.  Here are some ideas:

Appetizer

Broccoli Hummus Snack Bites

Cheesecake Dip with fruit

Side Dish

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Epic Kale Salad with Grapes, Blue Cheese & Walnuts

Cheesy Loaded Mashed Cauliflower

Dessert

No-Bake Carrot Cake Snack Balls

Plan Out Exercise at the Beginning of the Week

…and seriously consider early morning workouts.  

Exercise tends to get neglected during the holidays because everyone is busier than ever. It feels difficult to squeeze it in, especially if you are an evening or after-work exerciser. Evening parties, shopping, and preparations suck up your time and energy.  Don’t discount your available time or effort.  If all you have is 15 minutes, then dedicate those minutes to a great, high-intensity workout.  Even if you are out of town, you can get creative with these ideas and don’t negate the power of a short walk.  Give what you have to give!  

ACTION STEP: At the beginning of each week, view your calendar and determine…

  • What days you will exercise
  • How long you will exercise on each day
  • Exactly what you are doing during your exercise session

Pray Before You Eat

The presence of God changes everything.  Many of us pray before we eat a family dinner as a ritual or routine.  It doesn’t mean we don’t mean what we say, but habits like these can often lose a little bit of their meaning.  

Consider how nourishing your body gives glory to God!  Think about how community meals, similar to the early church in Acts, are an act of worship.  Your Heavenly Father wants to be involved in every part of your life – invite Him and thank Him!  Ask Him for discernment, the spirit of self-control, and the ability to enjoy all the wonderful and diverse flavors of food!

ACTION STEP: Decide to pray before every eating experience.  If you are driving to the office holiday party, pray in the car.  If you are about to walk down the church hallway to the cookie exchange, pray.  Make an effort to pray over your food even when it is in a secular environment or not a part of the formal meal.  

Decide What to Do With Food Gifts

holiday weight gainGrowing up, my mom would receive dozens of treats – cookies, cakes, candies, pies, chocolates – during the holidays.  As a teacher, her kids would lavish her with food gifts. The kitchen bar would become the “treat counter.”  The heart behind the gifts was sweet and pure, but no one can or should attempt to eat all the treats that arrive on the doorstep every holiday season.  

The key is to decide now, what to do with all of it.  If you create your own method of disposal before the decadent treats arrive, it will be easier to handle them without feeling emotionally obligated to eat them.  The goal is to get them “out of sight” and even better, out of the house.

A few solutions:

  • Freeze a few treats and toss the rest.
  • Create a goodie bags and keep in the backseat of your car when you drive past those in need on the side of the road.
  • Move all treats to a difficult to reach place in the cabinet or pantry.

A few more thoughts… Consider what food gifts you intend on giving to others and accept that someone might toss your frosted cookies or family recipe fudge.  Instead, give a healthy food gift OR non-food gift to be respectful of other people’s health during the holidays.

ACTION STEP: Decide what is and is not acceptable in your home.  Create your plan now. How much will you allow in?  Are you okay with throwing food away?  If not, how will you dispose of it?

Make Half Your Plate Fruit and Veggies

weight gainThis strategy works.  It still leaves room for some higher calorie, rich or decadent foods, but sets a precedence and a focus.  No matter what party you’re attending, whether you meal-planned or not for the week or whether you are getting a quick bite to eat while you are out Christmas shopping, the goal is simple: half a plate of veggies and fruit.  

These foods are nutrient rich and have a great boost of fiber to help you get full and satisfied.  Of course, a healthy meal would ideally have some lean protein for satiety and possibly some whole grains or complex carbohydrate as well.  This also requires us to first scout out the food that is available so that we can find the veggies that aren’t covered in heavy toppings, breading and cream sauces.

ACTION STEP: Step up to the plate and make the decision that fruits and veggies are a priority during the holidays.  No matter where you are, aim to fill half your plate with colorful produce.

Keep Drinking Water

drinking waterAccording to the CDC, more than 50% of individuals drink at least 1 sugar-sweetened beverage per day, but during the holidays, I expect that number to increase.  Eggnog, apple cider, punch, coffee beverages and cocktails in addition to soda, sweet tea and juice are quite common at parties and gatherings and these numbers might surprise you.  But, it is also common to get busy and simply forget to drink during the day.

Dehydration can often be disguised as hunger.  This might encourage us to eat more or snack when our body really isn’t hungry but instead is thirsty.  Keeping a water beverage in your hand at a gathering may also help you eat less.  This strategy isn’t hard but does require intentionality.   

ACTION STEP: Set a daily water goal.  Keep a water bottle with you at all times.  Use an app or an alarm if you need a reminder to take a sip.  Try some of these hydrating beverages that are low in calories and big on flavor!  When at parties, intermingle water or sparkling water with “party” or high-calorie beverages.

So, what’s the play call?

Celebrate!  Have fun!  Enjoy the season!  There is no guilt or shame in enjoying some treats and pleasures throughout the holidays.  

Keep those dreaded holiday pounds away from your waistline by implementing 1 or 2 strategies that will help you stay focused on your health values through this hectic and fast-paced season.  That’s how you live with awe-inspiring joy and freedom.

Team, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is (3 John 1:2, TLB).

Strength From Our Sisters: Hannah’s Prayer Journal

By
Andrea Matthews
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prayer journal

This letter is inspired by the story of Hannah found in 1 Samuel 1 and 2.

Dear sisters,

“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord, my strength is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies; for I delight in your deliverance.” (1 Samuel 2:1, NIV)

I found these words in my prayer journal this morning, and I remember the day that praise took root in my heart. I assure you, sisters, I haven’t always been this bold.

I held my son closer than usual that day, my arms further securing his place near my heart with each breath. His latch onto my breast seemed tighter as well. Did he know what had been planned for him before his birth?

I closed my eyes and remembered the morning when he first came into this world. I remembered the days when he was in my womb. And, I remembered the night of his conception. That was the night the Lord remembered me.

I was barren for years. The ridicule I suffered merely served as an echo of the shame that strangled my soul. I was showered with love from my husband; his adoration for me excelled that of my rival. But, societal facts spoke louder: a woman who cannot reproduce is worthless.

Though in despair, my heart never grew cold. I wept in the dark at the failure of my flesh, knowing in the morning, my hope would rise once again. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to bear this cycle. On our yearly trip to the Lord’s house in Shiloh, I broke down. In deep anguish, I cried out to the Lord, unabashed by the dignity of the scene before me.

“Lord Almighty, if You will remember me and give me a son, I will give him to You for all the days of his life.” (1 Samuel 1:11, paraphrased)

I didn’t care that everyone heard. I didn’t care that they saw my pain, that the hurt they spoke over me accomplished its work. All that mattered was that God heard my cry.

He remembered me.

And now I sit, caressing my treasure, confident in the God who sees, knows, and cares. I give this child, Samuel, to the Lord, honoring His faithfulness toward me by keeping my promise.

Almighty has been my strength, and sister, He’ll be yours too! Regard the truth of His Word over the jealous jargon of the unjust. Know that He is faithful and He is your exceedingly great reward.

In Our Father’s Love,

~ Hannah

Experiencing God’s Faithfulness with Faith and Belief

By
Ryan Churchill
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god's faithfulness

Today’s Scripture Lesson: Ezra Chapters 1-3, Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1-3 

In a previous Bible Study To Go article, we took a look at Ezra and the story of the exiles returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Today, let’s continue looking at this story, but we’ll also include Ezra’s contemporaries, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.

When we left off, the people were rejoicing after having just completed the foundation of the temple. While most were shouting for joy, Ezra 3:12 tells us, “Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes . . .” I don’t mean to leave you hanging, but we’ll come back to that in good time.

Ezra, like Nehemiah, Ester, and Ruth, is void of one significant aspect – God never speaks in any one of these books. We never read words spoken by God to the people or to a prophet as part of the storyline.

Keep in mind, however, the simple fact that God isn’t speaking doesn’t mean He isn’t moving.

We see in the opening phrases from the book of Ezra, “. . .the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom . . .” (Ezra 1:1). A little later in the same chapter, we read, “Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites arose, even everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:9)

The Bible leaves no doubt; God was on the move. Yet, while Ezra doesn’t record God’s spoken word, the books of Haggai and Zechariah reveal what God was telling His prophets and His people during this time of rebuilding.

Stop and Go Progress

After laying the new foundation, work on the temple continued for only a brief time. Men who were enemies of Judah and Benjamin, from the region of Samaria, wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes which convinced the king to send out a decree that temple building should cease. The work stoppage continued until the reign of King Darius.

So, what happened that the building of the temple resumed?

Ezra tells us, “When the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them, then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them.” (Ezra 5:1-2)

It should be noted at this time that Darius had not issued a decree stating that building of the temple should resume. That didn’t happen until after the Jews resumed their efforts.

So, what changed? What did the prophets offer to the leaders of the Jews, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, that would cause them to make such a bold move?

Over the course of roughly 4 months, Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to Zerubbabel and Jeshua (whose name is spelled, Joshua, in Zechariah). It was Haggai’s initial prophecy which got the ball rolling again.

He went to these two leaders and told them, “Thus says the LORD of hosts . . . “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?” (Haggai 1:2,4) Haggai continued, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways! “Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD.” (Haggai 1:7-8)

What did the prophets offer to the leaders of the Jews? Authority!

When God Gives the Green Light

Over the next several months, they offered two other crucial components in the rebuilding of the temple. The first offering was encouragement. The second offering was vision of restoration through Christ. (It doesn’t say “Christ” but the message of Zechariah is full of Messianic symbolism.)

Read the words God spoke to the Jews through His prophets:

Encouragement

  • Haggai 1:13 – “I am with you.”
  • Haggai 2:4 – “work, for I am with you.”
  • Haggai 2:5 – “My Spirit is in your midst; do not fear!”
  • Zechariah 1:16 – “I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it, and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem.”

Vision of Restoration through Christ

  • Zechariah 2:4-5 – “Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls because of the multitude of men and cattle within it. For I will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.”
  • Zechariah 3:4 – “He (the Lord) spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying ‘Remove the filthy garments from him.’ Again He said to him, ‘See I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.’”

When Zerubbabel and Jeshua were questioned, “Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?” (Ezra 5:3), they were no longer focused on their fears of an earthly king. They were focused on God’s authority.

Is God Stirring Your Heart to Go?

I don’t believe it is too much of a stretch to equate the stirring of the Lord in the people from Ezra 1 with what many of us consider the “feeling” of the Spirit in our hearts, minds, and souls. The exiles left Babylon on a great Spiritual high. The sense of God’s presence was upon them. It must have been a wonderful sense of the mission and task before them, wrought with anticipation.

As noted last time, their focus quickly moved away from God when they encountered the desolation of the past. The feeling, the stirring, was gone. Eventually, they returned to begin the work of laying a foundation and most of them rejoiced. Once again, the feeling was back. Well, for most of them anyway. Not long afterward, they submitted to the decree of a new king who said, “Stop.”

In Haggai 2:3, God speaks to the Israelites revealing what must have been on the hearts of those who wept. “Who is left among you who saw the temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?” He follows these words with encouragement in the next two verses, saying, “work, for I am with you,” and, “My Spirit is in your midst, do not fear.”

Are You Walking by Belief or Faith?

There is very little difference between the journey of faith by the Israelites and our own personal journeys. If you recall our study of Elijah, we distinguished between belief and faith. Though they are two parts of one whole, belief focuses on power and signs while faith focuses on sovereignty and authority.

The exiles returned to Jerusalem in belief, prompted by feeling the presence of the Lord. But just like Elijah, they didn’t have any issue with belief, they had a faith issue.

It is important to understand the difference between walking in Faith and walking in Belief.

Walking in faith is what we do when the feeling is gone. We move forward in faith. While the Holy Spirit doesn’t abandon us, we don’t always feel the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit emboldens us and prompts us to move by making His presence felt.

However, the resultant belief must be accompanied by faith if we are to keep from being stopped dead in our tracks as soon as the feeling is gone. Neither Belief nor Faith is a feeling. Instead, they are two parts of one complete understanding which, together, points us towards the Truth of God’s faithfulness.

You and I may not be prophets of Biblical proportion, but in faith, we experience the beauty of God’s sovereignty, and we join Him in His work of restoration and encouraging the fellowship of believers.

God’s Invitation: Calling all Comfortable Christians

By
Jeannette Tyson
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comfortable christian

What’s Next as a Christ Follower?

Recently, I’ve been feeling like I’m at a spiritual crossroads. When you think of a crossroads you imagine the option of two routes in front of you and trying to figure out which way to go. But, this was different in my case because it seemed to be less about “which way to go” and more about “I can’t keep going in the same direction”.

I didn’t even know how I wound up stagnant and it’s frustrating me because I know that in God we’re always moving forward. At this point, I’m wondering what’s the problem because I’m doing all I know to do.

When we get saved, we immediately step into an eternal Kingdom and receive the Holy Spirit as the Guarantor of the promise. In that moment, we are reconciled to God and become eligible for all spiritual blessings.

At first, there are obvious changes we need to make. Quit smoking, end fornication, stop cursing, lying, etc. These things can take time. When you’re accustomed to doing your own thing, it’s tough to submit. But, as time goes on, these behaviors become easier to let go. The Holy Spirit’s leading becomes clearer and even when tempted, you’re able to say ‘No’.

Fast forward a few years and you think you’ve got it all down pat. You are faithful in your church, you tithe, pray, and study the Word regularly. You’re coasting through this thing called the Christian walk!

So, how far does this train go? Should I get off here at comfortable and mediocre, or take this train to the end of the line?

From Glory to Glory

christianFrom my humble observation, there seem to be 3 levels or phases of Christianity. At Level 1, you’re recently saved, a mere babe in Christ. At Level 2, you get the hang of your new life in Christ, you’ve changed your habits, and you’ve learned the “Christian way”. Then, Level 3 is the signs and wonders level where God moves mightily in you and through you.  You walk completely in faith every day.

We’ve all read the scriptures that say, “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5) or “He came that we may have life and life more abundantly” (John 10:10). Well, why are many Christians battling sickness in their bodies? Why are there so many Christians who have financial struggles? We know that God’s Word says that these conditions are not our portion, so where’s the disconnect?

I won’t make any blanket conclusions, but could it be that some of us have yet to cross over into that 3rd level, thereby choosing to live beneath our promise and privilege?

The Call to Go Higher

regretFor me, this was a big pill to swallow. I came a long way, I thought I was doing something. It’s like senior year in high school – you feel like the top dog and then you get to college and you’re back at the bottom of the totem pole.

So, I’m like okay God what are you saying to me, what do I have to do? God said,

“You’ve gone as far as you can go in your own human strength, and now it’s time to press in. Commit to fasting, there is a lot more I want to show you.”

Okay, Team, let me tell you how difficult this was for me to take in. I’m a single mom. My days are super long, I spend about 11 hours out of the house commuting and working. I have NO social life and my free time is spent doing housework and playing with my daughter.

I mean, can I just have some chocolate chip cookies and cold milk? A little pie here and there? Maybe a nice bowl of my favorite pasta. I totally self-soothe with good food. Not that I sit and stuff myself, but food is a comfort to me and God hit me where it would hurt because otherwise, it wouldn’t be a sacrifice.

I guarantee you that whatever you use to medicate yourself, that’s what God will tell you to give up in order to come in closer to Him.

Let’s Go All The Way

god's voiceI am writing this from the midst of this journey. It’s so common to hear from people after they’ve overcome, but rarely do we hear from those who are overcome-ing.  I have not “arrived” and I do not have all the answers, but I am intentional about my relationship with the Lord and I refuse to go back!

I am excited to level up in God and I can’t wait to share my experiences as I fast and zealously seek God.

We love to hear stories of people who have reached extraordinary heights in life. We’re fascinated by their determination and their accomplishments, but what do we do with that inspiration? Why aren’t there more Bill Gates in the world, more Michael Jordans, etc.

Every human being was fearfully and wonderfully made by an amazing God. We all have purpose and destinies to fulfill, but we can’t get off at the corner of Mediocre and Comfortable – we have to take this to the end of the line. We have to press in, strip ourselves, and sacrifice our comforts in order to hear what God is saying and what He wants us to do. Let’s cross over into the supernatural life God ordained for us to have, Team.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

  1. Do a self-assessment and be honest with yourself – are you moving forward? If not, ask the Lord to show you what He wants to do in your life and to reveal any hinderances.
  2. Be mindful of your relationship with God and don’t just settle for a religious regimen.
  3. If you haven’t already, make fasting a part of your walk with God. It will bring you closer to Him and strengthen your spiritual hearing.
  4. Stay tuned as I update you guys on how the Lord is preparing me for my fast (which began on Nov 1, 2017), and the good, bad and ugly things I’m going through during my journey to the supernatural – 3rd level here I come!

 

 

The Working Season: Do What God Called You to Do

By
Lamica A. Burnett
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obey

As we wrap our series on “seasons”, let’s take a minute to look back on what we’ve learned.

First, we talked about the dangers of comparing our journey with Christ with the journey of others.  This misjudgment of our season causes discouragement and can hinder our growth.

In the Waiting Season, we explored the misconception of the phrase “waiting on God”, and discovered exactly what to do while we wait.

In the Writing Season, we recognized the importance of putting pen to paper and identified how to write God’s vision for our lives.

This series concludes with a focus on the Working Season – doing what God called us to do.

Clock In

timeThe Working Season is the time when you are actively walking toward what God has revealed to you during your Writing Season in prayer.   It is in this season that you are functioning in obedience and following His direction.  In the Working Season, you are being used by God to promote His Kingdom and bring Him glory. As you do what God has called you to do, you find fulfillment in His purpose for you.

While the idea of finding fulfillment in God’s purpose sounds appealing, what do you do if you feel like the vision you’ve written for your life is beyond your reach?  If you’re not working in your Working Season, has fear stopped you? What should you do if you are already working, but feel overwhelmed and frustrated?

The Keys to Success While You Work

Fix Your Focus, Adjust Your Eyes

If you feel that the vision you’ve received from God is beyond your reach, the first thing you must do is adjust your focus. Check your eyes and renew your vision.

In order to walk in the fulfilment of God’s purpose for your life you must see yourself as God sees you.  Resist the urge to see yourself as less than. Whatever we think in our heart, that’s exactly what we are (Proverbs 23:7).  How you see yourself determines how you show up in the world.

Agree with God and look at yourself through His eyes.  Scripture says in Ephesians 2:10 that we are God’s masterpiece.  Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are created in the image of God. According to Psalm 8:5, we are crowned with glory and honor. The assurance of knowing that you are created in God’s image and are His masterpiece should cause you to fully stand up and own the greatness He has placed within you. You can do and be everything God has called you to be when your focus is right.

Stop Looking to Yourself and Look to GOD

Looking to yourself as a source of strength is a big mistake. As believers, we can do nothing without His power. The Holy Spirit empowers us to operate and be effective in what He has called us to do.  It is not in our own strength. It is God who gets the work done.

Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that great things are accomplished by the power of His Spirit, not our strength. The vision that God placed in your heart may, in fact, be far beyond what you can do in your own strength. This is precisely why you need HIM to accomplish it!

Fix Your Mouth, Adjust Your words

Take a moment to listen to the ongoing conversation you are having with yourself.  What are you saying?

Are you speaking words of life to yourself or are you speaking death? Are you encouraging yourself or are you speaking words of self-doubt and defeat?

May I encourage you to make the mental shift to replace the negative internal chatter with the Word of God?  In order to fulfill God’s purpose, you must make a conscious choice to speak words that agree with God’s Word and what He has said about you.

God, in His word, says you are holy, chosen and blameless (Ephesians 1:4), and that you have been made complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).  You must remind yourself of His thoughts about you multiple times throughout the day. Change your internal dialogue and come into agreement with God. This internal shift of positive God-energy, will empower you to do what He has called you to do.

Don’t Allow Fear to Freeze Your Feet

fearOften we stall and we miss opportunities to be used by God because we worry about making the wrong move.  Fear paralyzes us, causing us to do nothing. It is imperative that we face our fear with focused action. We must push past the fear of making a mistake.

As we follow God in faith, He fills in the gaps. He’s gracious to forgive the mistakes we may make as we pursue what we feel He called us to do.  God sees our heart to please Him, and if we stumble, He will allow mistakes to work for our good.

Once you begin to make steps, in faith, God will bring people into your life with divine alignment to your assignment.  He will strategically put people in your path to help you fulfill what He has called you to do. Please don’t dismiss these acquaintances as coincidence – see them as divine connections.

On other occasions, we allow the fear of public opinion to take precedence over the vision that God has given us.  Too many times we are looking for the approval of others, rather than walking in the vision God has for us.  We place too much value in what “they” say.  What “they” say is irrelevant when God has called you to do something. It is imperative that we all move beyond the fear of men.

What if You’re Already Working and Feel Overwhelmed?

tiredAt times we find ourselves working on projects or activities that cause us to feel weighted and stressed.  When we first started, the tasks were manageable.  In the beginning, these activities may have appeared to be good things but, in our running, we never stopped to ask if they were GOD things. It is perfectly acceptable to stop and evaluate the activity, things, and people in your life.

Re-evaluate what is important. Take a good look at what is occupying your time.  If you are exhausted, perhaps you have overextended yourself.  God specifically graces us for the assignments in our lives.

The remedy to this problem is simple.  Go to God in prayer and ask Him to move people and things off of your agenda that don’t align with His plan for your life.  Ask God for the wisdom and the clarity to see what you should let go of.

So, What’s the Play Call?

As you begin to walk in what God has called you to do, please keep in mind a few things:

God’s vision for your life may not manifest in the way you expect it. Be open to how the vision will unfold.  His plans may be birthed in a place you have not considered before.

Take time to prepare yourself for the vision by actively working on your spiritual growth and personal development.

Remember, numerical success does not equal spiritual success.  Your effectiveness will not be based on man’s measure of success, but on God’s.  When we obey His voice, we always win!

30 Days of Gratitude Challenge with Team Jesus Magazine

By
Editorial Staff
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30 Days of Gratitude

What are YOU Grateful for?

Team Jesus,

One of the best ways to view life with clarity, focus, and joy is through the lens of gratitude. Ten times out of 10, the things we are grateful for in life are things we’d love to have more of or things we’d miss dearly if they were gone.

So, why not give those things an opportunity to grow with the power of gratitude!

Join our 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge!

Every day for 30 days during the month of November, join us for a beautiful moment of personal gratitude. Each day, we’ll post a gratitude prompt on our Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter page (make sure you’re following!).

We would love for you to reply, comment, and share your gratitude reflection using the hashtag #TeamJesusGratitude.  And, for deeper personal reflection, we encourage you to use the prompt and any other feelings of thankfulness to write in your Gratitude Journal. You can write in the morning, at night – no rules, just a commitment to show gratitude for at least one thing every day.

Why Should I Participate?

Have you noticed moments of recent discontentment, frustration, or dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life? Expressing gratitude for what you do have has a way of re-adjusting your perspective for the better. No matter what we may think we lack right now, there is someone somewhere who would give the world to have what we often take for granted.

As we develop a stronger attitude of gratitude and thankfulness, expect reduced stress levels, better rest, more joy, and for sweet moments with God. You’d be surprised what God can reveal to us when our hearts are in a continuous, grateful place!

We are very grateful for everyone who will shine the light of gratitude with us this month!

Ready? Let’s GO!

 

Gratitude Prompts

11/1, Day 1: What lesson learned are you grateful for today?
11/2, Day 2: What tool, innovation, or technology are you grateful for?
11/3, Day 3: What color are you grateful for?
11/4, Day 4: What food are you grateful for?
11/5, Day 5: What sound are you grateful for today?
11/6, Day 6: What in nature are you grateful for?
11/7, Day 7: What memory are you grateful for?
11/8, Day 8: What book are you most grateful for?
11/9, Day 9: What place are you most grateful for?
11/10, Day 10: What opportunity to be forgiven are you grateful for today?
11/11, Day 11: What personal skill, talent, or ability are you grateful for?
11/13, Day 13: What relationship are you grateful for today?
11/14, Day 14: What teacher are you grateful for today?
11/15, Day 15: What season are you grateful for?
11/16, Day 16: What about your body are you grateful for?

 

Share your thoughts of gratitude at any time in the comments section below.

The Valley of the Shadow of Petty: Haterade is Not of God

By
Lisa Yvette Pearson
-
petty

Are You Team Petty?

There’s nothing new under the sun. Team Petty has been around since biblical times.

When David said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” he was talking about King Petty himself, King Saul, who pursued him because he knew David was the appointed and anointed King.

Team Petty knows how you are supposed to behave, how you could better use your gifts, and most likely how somebody’s sandals were leaning to the side – although it has nothing to do with them.

When Jesus went to Bethany, the woman with the expensive perfume poured it on his head as a blessing. The spectators were saying, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And then they rebuked her harshly (Mark 14:3-4).

How about when David was praising the Lord and met disdain from Saul’s daughter, Michal.

“As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal, daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.” 2 Samuel 6:16

When David returned home to bless his household, Michal came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 2 Samuel 6:20

In other petty words – “Oh, you’re supposed to be king, but look at you how you act.”

Plot twist: This is the same girl who had been madly in love with David and became his first wife, despite King Petty Saul’s shenanigans.

David’s response: “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people of Israel – I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you speak of, I will be held in honor.”

In other words…

  1. Stay in your lane. God chose me, not your father, uncles, brothers, or cousins, to be King. I do what pleases God.
  2. That thing you see me doing for the Lord when operating in the Spirit? I’ll keep on doing it. Because I do what pleases God.
  3. And the people who you think I look stupid in front of will be cheering for me; specifically, because I do what pleases God.

That’s the stance you have to take when someone ridicules you for your praise or for daring to step out on faith. We are not in the business of trying to please man – it’s our desire to please God (Galatians 1:10).

Busybodies Will Meddle

hateradeHave you noticed that if a celebrity does a “good deed” with a donation, you will often see people on Facebook or Instagram who know better than them how they could have better spent their money, or how much more they could have given, or how they are just doing it for XYZ reason?

It’s mind-boggling. Aside from not minding their own business, they have thoroughly inserted themselves in someone else’s business and formed an opinion of what they would do based on a situation they are not in.

Remember the friend that always told you to leave your guy/gal for dumb stuff, but when their boo acted up…

It’s a form of hate.

What’s In Your Cup?

Are you the one in the window pointing, laughing, and criticizing?

This is not the same as just not liking something because it doesn’t suit your taste. It’s different from not liking someone because of something they’ve done to you or others. This is similar to you like something until you find out who made it. Not because they have a blemish on their character, but just because. Sometimes, you don’t even know why.

It’s an awful trait for anyone to have, much less a follower of Jesus Christ.

And the question, I dare ask, is why?

Haterade is not of our Lord.

So why drinketh thou from that cup?

It’s a poisonous drink that eats away at you and not the person it’s aimed at. You might feel better putting the person down, but what then?

Think about it. If you’re hating on a co-worker because she received favor from your boss, it doesn’t cause her to lose favor or promotion or receive less pay. Even if you hate on your sister because, despite Krispy Kreme, childbirth, or her refusal to exercise, she doesn’t gain any weight – she still doesn’t get any heavier. But you might. Because slander and envy are a heavy burden to carry.

Envy saddles you with a lens that makes you observe life through comparative eyes. I have this, but I want that. I like this until I see that. It makes you hyper-critical so that you voice words that are not only rude, but tacky, and many times untrue.

Her bag is probably a fake. That’s his wife? How did she get him (or how did he get her)? She went to Seychelles? Probably got a sugar daddy. But look at her shoes.

Really, Team Jesus?

And then there’s this: It’s an insult to God.

It shifts your focus away from what God has given YOU. It never allows you to experience joy because you overlook it while you hate on someone else’s blessing.

So, What’s the Play Call?

  1. Be ye not haters. You can’t do it on your own. When the urge hits you, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. I’m serious.
  2. Examine why you cannot be happy for someone else. Why isn’t your life fulfilling enough that you have to be upset that someone else’s life is happy?
  3. Examine why you have to be the only person in a winning position. Who told you that you were the only star in the sky? Who/what makes you compete for attention?
  4. Understand that even when someone else is shining, it takes nothing away from your light.

Single and Bitter: God Told Me I Was an Idolater, Part 2

By
Jeannette Tyson
-
single and bitter

Before I got the revelation of Colossians 3:2, I would try to reason with God and tell Him why I thought I should be meeting Mr. Right – right now. I’d remind Him that I stopped fornicating, I joined an awesome ministry, I pray and read the word consistently. I’m like, “Lord I don’t cheat or steal, I’m kind, I watch my mouth, and I love my neighbors. Sooo, where is he, God? I know I’m not perfect by far, but I know a lot of hellraisers in happy relationships, what’s going on?”

Team, idolatry is like loving the creation more the creator.  In Part One, I mentioned that everything in this life is a foreshadow of things to come. That’s why the Bible tells us to set our mind on things above (Colossians 3:2). Again, in 2 Corinthians 4:18, Paul tells us that our focus should be on the “unseen” things – which are eternal, not the  “seen” things – which are temporary.

Train Yourself to See the Bigger Picture

This life is a training camp. I heard one woman of God say that it’s like a “carbon copy” of what God established Heaven. When we are in training for something, we can’t wait to get to the main event. Same as with our earthly lives.

Since we know everything is for spiritual development, we can also apply this to marriage.

christian marriageMarriage is a covenant between man and woman that mirrors the covenant between Christ and the Church (i.e. God and man). Ephesians 5:23 says, “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the savior of the body.”

If we live according to the Word, then the marriage relationship is the most intimate relationship we have on earth –  “...and the two shall become one flesh” (Mark 10:8). Looking at it that way, it makes sense that God uses this analogy to compare Christ’s love and commitment to the church. In John 15:13 it says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”.  We also find parallels in the Bible where God uses the same language for both covenants.

For instance, when the Israelites turned from the Lord to serve other gods, He called them adulterous and faithless (Jeremiah 3:8). In Matthew 25:10, Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven as a wedding banquet.

As we study the Bible and marriage, we begin to see its true beauty. Marriage is amazing, but so is being single! Yes, marriage is reflective of the Church’s union with Christ, but a reflection is not the real thing. It is merely a beautiful representation. This is good news because it means that we still have access to the real thing – which is our personal relationship with God.

Marital Blessings for a Season

Let’s think about the spiritual blessings that come along with being married. As a spouse, you may learn to be more considerate if you weren’t before. Maybe you have always been timid and indecisive, and through marriage, God shows you how to be more self-confident. Perhaps you have always been about self, very independent and self-governing, and God shows you through marriage how to serve and be humble.

There are many things we can learn from marriage, but being married is not the only way to learn. We have to remember that every circumstance in life is an opportunity to grow and improve – not simply for our pleasure, ideals, and fairytale endings.

In Luke 20:34-35, Jesus explains that in the age to come, the sons of God will not marry. News flash: In Heaven, we’re all going to be single! There is no longer any purpose for marriage there. This is something to remember when your flesh rises up and tells you that you need something temporary.

The Sweetness of Singleness

peaceIt’s possible to desire marriage without it consuming or embittering you.

So, let’s put all of this together. The Bible tells us to set our minds on things above – not on earth because everything here is temporary. On earth, marriage is symbolic of Christ’s union with the church. And, in Heaven, none of us will be married. I believe once we all get a healthy idea of marriage, we’ll be able to let go of resentment and the peace of God will sustain us until we meet our spouse or the Lord returns to bring us home.

One of my biggest mistakes while walking with God was thinking that if I did something for God – like change my life and live for Him – God had to do something for me, like bless me with the desires of my heart. Not to say that righteousness has no reward, but we need to check our heart’s motives.

Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Who can know it?” Don’t assume that “good behavior” entitles you to get whatever you want.

We have to get to a place in the Lord where we just want Him. When we realize that any desire we may have on this earth is only an indirect hunger for Him. We have to have a heart that truly says, “Lord, not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

There is so much freedom in that place, Team. There is joyful liberation that comes over you when you let go of your life and live off His supply of daily bread. Nothing is more fulfilling than God’s presence. When you come into His presence, He will envelop you in a love so precious – it’s unlike anything you could ever imagine.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Pray. Ask the Lord to give you a revelation of your single season and the blessings that come with it. Remove any lingering resentment. Pray that God opens your eyes to the beauty in union with Christ and how to become more intimate with Him.

Read the Word. After you pray, find scriptures that relate and meditate on them.

God bless you!

But I Said I’m Sorry: Words Without Works is Dead

By
Kim Brightness
-
forgive

I’m Sorry.

Some would argue that even with the heightened contention of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the beauty of forgiveness shined bright.  Okay.

Remember Donald Trump’s apology for lewd comments and actions, and more importantly, his surrogates’ forgiving response to the said apology? It prompts this question for us married folks – What if it were that easy?

“I apologize.”

That thing you did and hid from your husband or wife because you knew they wouldn’t understand, is out of the bag!  But, instead of an impending firestorm, slammed doors, tears, embarrassment, or perhaps years of counseling – all you have to do is shut it down with 2 words, “I’m sorry.”

The way Mrs. Trump, Mr. Pence, and many supporters have so graciously accepted Trump’s apology, and defend his right to swift forgiveness seemed made for reality TV.

Have you ever had an apology alone get you out of trouble with your spouse?

We have no way of knowing what goes on behind the closed doors of Trump’s marriage, or anyone else’s.  But, I’m willing to guess that there have been some offenses, hurt feelings, arguments, and discord in your own marriage that didn’t miraculously work itself out with a simple apology.

Mine either, Cleavers.

And, here’s why that’s so important…

Who Wants Sweet, Swift Forgiveness?

Would you really want an apology to be a magic eraser in your marriage?

Now, before you raise your hand with an enthusiastic, “Yes!”, check yourself:

What will I miss if “I’m sorry”
was a magic wand?

There’s a reason why the Word of God tells us that being “buffeted” for our own faults rightly requires patience. Who likes to be grieved? Not me. Human nature does not readily sign up for the hard, painful consequences for bad behavior.

So yes, the “gift of sweet and fast forgiveness” without consequences may sound appealing to our self-serving egos. However, without the remorse, contrition, and the trust-rebuilding exercise that comes with a genuine apology, a “get out of jail free” card could land your marriage back in the same dangerous predicament again.

How so?

Words Without Works are Dead

Sowing a pattern of apologies in our marriage, without work or consequences, will give us the following negative harvest:

Stunted marital growth.

Psychologists tell us that genuine apologies have characteristics like a statement of empathy (“I understand why you are hurt by my actions”), truth, remorse, and respect. When you can bring your spouse a heartfelt apology and commit to rebuilding trust, it shows strength of character and a greater understanding of how they feel. The goal of a Godly marriage is to grow from glory to glory – not to stay stuck, repeating the same lessons, pains, and frustrations over and over.

Do you want to grow gracefully with your spouse? Then you must set boundaries that cultivate knowledge (what to do, what not to do) and wisdom (how to do, how not to do) to keep you and your spouse growing, not stagnate.

Repeat offenses.

If our children are allowed to disobey, say “I’m sorry”, and life goes on, how soon do you think the same offense would happen again?  Well, the same applies to married adults. Where there are no consequences, there is no aversion to the behavior. Where there is no accountability, there will be no responsibility. What does responsibility look like?

For example, would your spouse continue to run up the credit card balances if he or she had to pay it back? If your spouse said something that caused discord in a another relationship, and instead of you cleaning up the misunderstanding, you stepped back and let them own their responsibility.  Would he or she think twice before saying it again?

Responsible work repels repeat offenses.

Unhealed wounds.

Yes, God is able to bind our wounds and heal broken hearts. But when we expect our apologies (words) to do our work for us, we’re asking our spouses to sign up as the walking wounded. It is so much harder for our spouses to heal, when he or she has to walk the healing journey alone – with God, but without you.

Join your spouse! Cleave to them! Be so close that you can feel their pain or frustration. Catch their tears on your shoulders. Don’t allow the avoidance of consequences or lazy accountability to keep your spouse wounded longer than necessary.

Ok. But How Long Does Forgiveness Take?

There are no speed limit signs in your marriage telling you how fast or how slow to forgive your spouse. God desires that husbands and wives embrace forgiving each other, just as He has forgiven us. But the “how” of your marriage’s forgiveness journey is personal and tailored to your relationship.

So, even though forgiveness is a process, it is one that we begin without hesitation or condition. Put one foot towards forgiveness, together, and watch God give you grace for the journey ahead.

So, What’s the Play Call?

The question is not how many apologies will yield forgiveness, but will your one heart decide to commit to empathy, remorse, and the work needed to effect change.

Don’t focus on the work as a chore. Prayerfully focus on the goal to emerge from the experience as a better you, and thus a better spouse. Remember, in marriage, everyone gets a chance to be the Forgiver and the Forgiven.  Everyone.

The Sound of Miracles: Da’dra Greathouse and “All of Me”

By
Kim Brightness
-

Do Miracles Have a Sound?

We see miracles all around us every day. But, if you had to close your eyes, what would a miracle sound like?

Well, Da’dra Greathouse, powerhouse vocalist and worship leader at Lakewood Chuch has a personal, heartfelt answer for you in her solo praise and worship release, All of Me.

Known for a sound that crossed cultural, generational and musical barriers, Da’dra Greathouse co-founded a group many around the world have come to love, Anointed.  Having received multiple Grammy nominations, Dove and Stellar Awards, Anointed made an indelible mark in the music industry. They garnered fans across gospel, CCM, and mainstream platforms.  And, while grateful for such honors, these achievements are not what motivated Da’dra. Her desire has always been to use her voice to lead people of every nation into God’s presence.

That desire was fulfilled even further when she received the opportunity to move to Houston, TX and join Israel Houghton,  Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff and her brother Steve Crawford to lead millions into God’s presence at Lakewood Church.  She still leads worship, co-pastors the worship background vocalist, travels with Joel and Victoria Osteen, and is the worship intern director.

After receiving many requests for a solo project, Da’dra began to feel the pull toward recording again. Reluctantly, she prayed and agreed to do it – if God sent the money to fund the project, which He did in the most unconventional way.

Take a listen above at her miraculous testimony of healing and provision – including a personal prayer for YOU!

Pick up your copy of All of Me on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, or order a physical CD at Da’dra’s website.

All Of Me Tracks

  1. Victorious
  2. Hallelujah
  3. In Jesus’ Name
  4. Free To Worship
  5. All Of Me / I Surrender All
  6. You’re Welcome / Holy Spirit
  7. Unrestrained Praise
  8. Arms Wide Open
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