Changing Times Fall 2022

of the

© Danny Hahlbohm

ON THE NORTHSHORE

The Two-Fold Deliverance

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9)

There is a better way to live than the world has yet discovered. The history of humans has been that of perpetual crime, horrible murders, cowardly suicides and constantly recurring wars. Humanity has progressively and scientifically devised better and more terrible means to obliterate the enemy. Look at the record, stones, bow and arrow, spears, swords, firearms, machine guns, increasingly large caliber guns, tanks, aircraft, rocket bombs, battleships, and finally nuclear bombs. For every offensive weapon, a new defensive implement was devised, shields, forts, heavyarmored warships, antitank guns, antiaircraft guns and radar.

The past century has witnessed

phenomenal scientific progress in the fields of mechanics, hygiene, and medicine. But little progress, if any, has been made morally and religiously. Someone has aptly suggested that we declare a scientific holiday for one hundred years until we can bring our morals abreast of our science. To retard scientific progress arbitrarily is unthinkable, but to increase moral practice and religious life is imperative if the race is to survive.

A revival of religion is not merely the cry of churchmen but should be the demand of scientists if we are to escape complete annihilation.

President Truman once said to the nation, "I do not believe there is one problem in this country, in the world today which could not be settled if approached through the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount.

If a man is drowning, I have two necessary things to do, I must get the man out of the water and then I must get the water out of the man. In bringing to man full salvation, first I must get the man out of the ocean of sin and then I must get the

From the Editor

sin out of the man. If I get the man out of the water and neglect to get the water out of the man, he will expire. If I get the man out of sin but fail to get the sin out of the man, it will not be long until he is back committing sins. John puts it thus in his First Epistle: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

There we have full, complete salvation, forgiveness and cleansing, justification before God and purification of the heart. Forgiveness of our sins, for our committed acts and thank God, He will forgive and wipe out and cast them in the sea of His forgetfulness to be remembered against us no more forever.

We then stand legally before God as though we had never committed a sinful act. But John also says that God will do more than forgive us our sins, He will also "cleanse us from all unrighteousness." So, that corrupt, depraved nature, the old

Adam that which causes us to commit sinful acts can be cleansed.

Forgiveness is a forensic, judicial, legal act changing our relationship to God from a sinner and a rebel to a son. Cleansing is a work wrought in us whereby the old Adam is crucified, killed, eradicated and our innermost nature is purified.

The Wesleys taught and spread this glorious truth resulting in a sweeping revival which saved England from a revolution.

There it is a twofold deliverance, "save from wrath" by forgiving my transgressions, and "make me pure" by cleansing my innermost nature, the double cure.

You must be a Christian before you can successfully "try Christianity." You must have Christ in your heart before you can carry out His ideals. Here is the promise made by God, "If we confess our sins, He is

Strong and Useful Christians

beautiful qualities which belong to the Christly character.

Take patience, for example. If we would grow in this grace, we must begin at once to practice patience in everything. It is a lesson, or an art, which must be learned, it is not bestowed upon us complete, as a gift.

Jesus Christ.

In our Lord's parable, it is by trading that the talents are increased. Talents are capacities. They are given to us as possibilities only, requiring to be developed. In a hand there may be the artist's or the musician's skill, but it must be brought out, and the only way to do this is by long and diligent practice. In a brain there may be the gift of the poet, the inventor, or the entrepreneur, but it must be called out, and there is no way to do this but by using the talent in its small beginnings, until it grows unto full vigor.

The same is true of spiritual talents. We are taught that we should grow in grace, that is, in all the

Take kindness. Every Christian has the capacity for kindness, but there must be long practice of this grace before it will grow into its truest and best.

Take sympathy, of which there is such need in all Christian service. There is an impression that anybody can sympathize. Almost anybody can feel sorry with one who is in distress, but this is only a small part of the sympathy which is truly helpful. To sympathize is to be able to enter deeply and intensely into the experience of others, and then to add the strength of one's own life to make them braver and stronger, to help them to be victorious. Wise sympathy is the outcome only of experience. Thus, the only way to grow in the graces and virtues of the Christian life is to exercise those graces by keeping them at work.

It is not easy at first to confess Christ before the world. The fear of ridicule is a heavy cross to bear. The atmosphere of the school or the street, or the playground, or the place of business, is so different from that of the church that what was a delight and a joy in the friendly fellowship seems almost impossible among those who are unfriendly. But here, too, the gentle grace grows strong and vigorous in patient and habitual practice, until by and by the timid young Christian is known everywhere as a quiet, but faithful, consistent friend of

In every good thing we can learn to do, we must start as a mere beginner. Everything must be learned in personal experience. We can do nothing well at first, nothing that is worthwhile. Hence it is that Christian work is the best means of grace, indeed, it is the only means of developing for much usefulness, the graces and the powers which exist in larger or smaller measure in every Christian life.

Many good people read the account of the man with the one talent, who wrapped it up in a napkin; the lesson is for everyone who does not put his talent to work so that it may grow. There are thousands of talents wrapped up and hidden away in the hearts and hands and heads of church members, gifts for usefulness and service, which never come to anything because they are never exercised.

This teaching is startling when it is remembered that we must give account of our talents and capacities, not merely returning them unused, but bringing them back developed to their full power.

We will never make anything

worthwhile of our life unless we take hold earnestly of Christian duties and activities. Devotion has its place. We are devoted to reading our Bible, we see visions of heavenly beauty, and hear promptings to services of love. We bow in prayer, and are drawn into communion with Christ, and find great joy in his love. We attend church, and our hearts are warmed into a glow as we listen to the preacher's stirring words. We sit at the Lord's Table, and as we remember the love of Christ and His devotion unto death for us.

All this is right and proper. But if we allow such feelings and emotions to fade out without ripening into action, we have received only harm and not good. For, every Christian should promptly and eagerly enter upon some line of Christian service, beginning at once to follow Christ in work for the good of others. We all owe this to our Master, and to our fellowmen, and, besides; it is in this way only that we can grow into strong and useful Christians.

Save the Nations Ministries

How To Have A Growth Mindset To Achieve Your Goals

By George Kamel

What Is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that you can learn, change, and improve with time and effort.

Men

I always tell people (and always must remind myself), “Mind your business, because your mind is your business.” Clever, I know.

What I mean by that is true success starts with your mindset. Having a growth mindset will have a positive impact on all areas of your life—finances, relationships, career, everything.

Now I know everyone is born into different levels of opportunity, and you don’t really have control over that, but I seriously believe that having a growth mindset is the real key to taking whatever situation you’ve been handed and doing something great with it. So, let’s talk about what a growth mindset is and how to develop one.

People who have a growth mindset build up the strength to overcome challenges instead of giving up because they think they just don’t have what it takes to succeed. They aren’t scared of failure because they know failure helps them get one step closer to where they want to be.

Now, the opposite of a growth mindset is something called a fixed mindset. People who have a fixed mindset believe that success (or failure) is a result of permanent qualities, circumstances, and character traits that they don’t have the power to change. And my guess is that Eeyore is their spirit animal.

Whether they realize it or not, they believe they were born with certain characteristics—like intelligence, shyness, talent, or a hot temper—with no way to improve or

adjust. They live their life making decisions based on those beliefs, which can really hold them back in the long run. With a fixed mindset, pessimism always wins.

Here are some examples of a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset:

Fixed: “I’ll never learn how to do this. I’m not smart.”

Growth: “I might not know how to do this now, but I’m going to read up on it and figure it out.”

Fixed: “I don’t have to prep for this job interview. I’m good at marketing, so they’ll give me the job.”

Growth: “I’m going to spend time preparing and give it my all, so even if I don’t get hired, I’ll know I did my best.”

Fixed: “Being in debt is just part of adulthood. Everyone has student loans and car payments.”

Growth: “If I’m disciplined and wise with my money, I don’t have to live with debt.”

Fixed: “Everyone in my family

has gotten divorced, so I’ll probably end up divorced too.”

Growth: “Nobody’s perfect, but I’m going to work hard on this relationship and do everything I can to have a healthy marriage.”

Do you guys see the difference? This mindset thing is something we all must work on—myself included. No one’s going to get it right all the time. But now that we know what it means, let’s break down some practical steps you can take to start developing a growth mindset. How to Develop a Growth Mindset

Let’s be real: The fact that you’re reading this article tells me you’re already open to growth. Heck yes! That’s the first step. If you want to pursue a growth mindset in every aspect of your life, here are a few things you can do:

Redirect unhealthy thoughts.

See GROWTH MINDSET

GROWTH MINDSET

If you notice yourself getting stuck in a fixed mindset about something, pause and take a second to reword that thought or statement. The word yet can really help with this. You could say, “I’m not married yet,” or “I’m not debt-free yet.”

There are a lot of brainy, sciencey facts that go along with this, like how taking control of your thoughts changes the cells in your brain and stuff like that. Ain’t nobody got time to go into all that, but the studies are out there if you want to read them. Basically, the most important thing to know is that you really can train your brain to think differently if you put in the effort, and it’ll get easier and easier as time goes on.

Fail more.

Yeah, I know. It sounds weird. Why the heck would you want to fail more?

For this simple reason: If you fail 10 times, you’ll get 10 times better. That’s the game. Because the ones who quit after they’ve failed aren’t around anymore to compete! Seth Godin sums it up perfectly: “The person who fails the most wins.”

It takes a whole lot of sucks to

get good at playing the guitar, designing, writing, cooking. And over time, you suck less and less and less . . . until one day you’re an overnight success. Try. Fail. Repeat.

The more you can try things and set goals that are so big they scare you, the more you’ll grow. And the more confidence you’ll build, because you’ll realize you really can fail without messing up your whole life, and you can overcome challenges. As the great philosopher Kelly Clarkson once said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Here’s some real talk: People who have a fixed mindset are afraid of failure because it makes them feel less than. But you’ll never win at anything if you keep avoiding failure like the plague—or like, I don’t know . . . a contagious pandemic-level disease. So basically, the only way to not fail is to keep embracing failure. Think about that when you’re trying to sleep tonight.

Read books.

Not only does reading help you learn more info but sitting down and reading an actual book (instead of your Instagram feed) helps keep your mind sharp. Instead of getting the instant gratification and dopa-

mine rush of social media, your brain is slowing down, learning patience, and working to imagine all kinds of things about the contents of the book. Choose topics you’re interested in and set a reading goal, even if it’s just one book every couple of months.

Listen to podcasts.

If books aren’t your thing, or you just want an extra way to learn, podcasts are dope. You can find a podcast about anything, and there are a ton of educational ones out there. If you’re looking for a totally unbiased recommendation, check out my new podcast, The Fine Print.

What I love about podcasts is that you can get interview skills, leadership inspiration, relationship tips, and plenty of other helpful life advice just by throwing on some headphones and hitting play.

Develop smarter relationships.

By smarter relationships, I don’t mean you need to find friends with a higher IQ (although that might be a good idea too). I’m talking about seriously considering the type of person you want to be, then taking a hard look at whether your relationships are helping you become that person or dragging you down.

And I mean all kinds of relationships too—not just romantic ones.

If you’ve realized that some relationships in your life aren’t healthy or helping you grow, that might mean those relationships need to end. I’m not saying you need to selfishly cut everyone out of your life who isn’t “serving” you, but it’s a good idea to establish boundaries with anyone who has a track record of making a negative impact on you. And while we’re on this topic, make sure you’re being a good friend too. Try to lift up and encourage the people in your life and stay away from gossiping and complaining.

Detox from social media.

I’m not about to bash social media, because that would make me a hypocrite. I like posting funny memes and pictures of my adorable French bulldog as much as the next guy. But we all know by now that social media has some unhealthy effects too, like comparison, jealousy and seeking affirmation from people you barely know.

That’s why occasionally, I take a break and stop posting on all my

See GROWTH MINDSET

social media accounts—and you guys, it brings so much clarity and energy back into my life.

If you’ve never done a detox, or even a one-day break from social media, try it out! Take that time to read, do something creative, connect with friends in person, pray, or anything else that helps your mind recharge. For me, that might look like playing guitar, having a game night with friends, or taking a hike with my wife. You never know what kind of good ideas you might produce while you’re taking a break from wishing you had a tropical vacation or huge biceps like that one person you met at a party one time. Stop this foolishness. Your biceps are fine, and that man lives at the gym. You don’t want to live at the gym, do you?

Find a mentor.

Looking up to and learning from someone is a key part of growth. Find someone who’s doing what you want to do and living how you want to live, and just ask if they’d be open to meeting up with you for coffee occasionally to hang out and talk. If you don’t have in-person access to types of people you want to learn from, remember you can always learn from their content online.

For instance, Dave Ramsey is my financial mentor, and I’m blessed to work at Ramsey Solutions where I have a direct connection with him. But he can be your

financial mentor too if you read his books, listen to him on the radio, or go through the Financial Peace University course in Ramsey+. Sometimes you must get creative!

Also, look for people around you who might need some guidance and want you to mentor them. It’s super rewarding to be able to pour into someone else and give them the tips you wish someone would’ve given you.

Seek therapy (even when you’re healthy).

If you need some help shifting your mindset from fixed to growth, or if you just want someone to check in and talk through things with you, therapy and counseling are great resources. I’m a huge fan of going to counseling even if you feel like life is good and you don’t have any “issues.” Mental health is important, you guys, and a good counselor will help uncover things you didn’t even realize you needed to work on.

My friend Dr. John Delony is our mental health expert here at Ramsey, and he has a ton of great tips for finding a therapist. You can also check out BetterHelp, which is a professional online counseling service that can match you with a counselor who’s right for you. Boom. Simple.

Have fun.

At the end of the day, one of the best things you can do to improve your mindset is just to lighten up and do something fun. For me, that’s going to watch some stand-up

comedy with great friends. For you, that might be playing a round of golf, watching Dateline with a glass of wine, or turning the volume all the way up and jamming to the new Taylor Swift (or old Taylor, either way, it’s all fire).

Truly successful people don’t take themselves too seriously. I mean, I sure don’t, and I’m—at the very least—mildly successful. Think about it: If you’re not taking time to kick back and have fun, all that hustle and grind you’re doing to become the best version of yourself could leave you feeling burned out. And you deserve better than that!

Listen you guys, breaking out of a fixed mindset and developing a growth mindset is a challenge, but I know you can do it. You can do hard things. You made it through middle school. You made it through your first breakup. You made it through 2021. And you made it through this article. Congratulations. You’re on your way. >

Kamel is a personal finance expert, certified financial coach through Ramsey Financial Coach Master Training, and nationally syndicated columnist. George has served at Ramsey Solutions since 2013, where he speaks, writes, and teaches on personal finance, investing, budgeting, insurance and how to avoid consumer traps. He co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk show in the nation that’s heard by 18 million weekly listeners. He also hosts The EntreLeadership Podcast and The Fine Print podcast, which has over one million downloads. You can find George’s financial expertise featured in the U.S. Sun, Daily Mail and NewsNation.

Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved. >

How To Own Your Past And Change Your Future

By Ramsey Solutions

and yet, we’re still missing real human connection. That’s why national bestselling author Dr. John Delony wrote his latest book, Own Your Past, Change Your Future

stream effect on our bodies and our relationships. Many of these bricks are trauma, either the big cinder block or the tiny pebbles that accumulated over time.” — Dr. John Delony

If you’re reading this, you’ve lived through a global pandemic. You’ve watched people become more and more divided into their own corners. You’ve found yourself living the daily grind of life and just going through the motions. And you’ve probably collected a ton of “friends” and gathered “likes” on social media (like they’re candy)— but still don’t have anyone to call during a 3 a.m. emergency. All that impacts your mental health and wellness.

Our State of Mental Health Study shows that 56% of Americans are concerned about their mental health right now. And after the last two years we’ve all had, that makes perfect sense.

It’s safe to say the normal ways of doing life these days aren’t working. In fact, they’re draining the life right out of us. We’re connected with just a swipe on our phones,

The Why Behind Own Your Past, Change Your Future

John has been there. He’s seen all the cracks. And he wants to help you find a better way to live your one and only life. You can be well, have deep and meaningful relationships, and go forward into a full life.

John says it best in Own Your Past, Change Your Future: “I want you to begin living a strong, whole, well, resilient, and connected life . . . starting now.” It’s time for you to leave the past behind and get on the path to wellness. This book will give you the tools you need to make that happen.

What to Expect in Own Your Past, Change Your Future

In Own Your Past, Change Your Future, John will walk you through his five-step path to becoming well—truly well. Not just living in slap-a-Band-Aid-on-it survival mode. We won’t give it all away, but here are a few things you can expect from John’s new book.

How to Own Your Story

There’s no way to sugarcoat it— junk happens to us in life. Sometimes it’s little setbacks, and sometimes it’s traumatic events. But the things that happened in your past don’t need to define your future. In Own Your Past, Change Your Future, you’ll learn how to unpack the bricks in your backpack (yep, that’s a Delony-ism). Bricks are all the stories we take with us throughout life.

“The bricks we carry around have a profound and lasting down-

We all have stories we carry with us from our past, and those stories can weigh us down. When we own our story (and unpack those bricks in our backpack), we can start to live a life that’s lighter in the stress and trauma department and deeper in the whole and healthy department.

How to Change Your Thoughts and Actions

In Own Your Past, Change Your Future, you’ll learn that to be well, you must change your thoughts and actions. And the great news is— you don’t have to be a powerless slave to your thoughts and let them impact your life. You can control

your thoughts! You’re in charge of what goes in your head and what gets to rattle around in there too. In his book, John will give you the helpful tools you need to take inventory of your mind, identify patterns, and see how your thoughts influence your actions.

“I can’t always choose my feelings, but I get to choose my thoughts about how I feel.” — Dr. John Delony

How to Connect with Others Again

Let’s be real—after 2020, we all need to learn how to reconnect with people again. Not on Zoom. Not on Facebook. Not on TikTok. In real life. The truth is, we’re wired for human connection, and it’s one of the basic building blocks to being a

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The Publisher reserves the right to censor, reclassify, revise, edit or reject any advertisement not meeting the standards of acceptance of the Christian Community. All ads accepted are subject to credit approval.

Reproduction of any part of Changing Times without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

(on the St. Tammany Trace in Historic Abita Springs)

healthy person. Big shocker here— people need people! But that’s easier said than done. Most people know it feels 10 times harder to make solid friendships as a 35-year-old at the office water cooler than it did as a 7-year-old on the school playground. Making friends as adults can be awkward and pretty darn scary.

In Own Your Past, Change Your Future, John fights against all those negative things we tell ourselves about building relationships and speaks one simple truth over it all: This is hard. But do it anyway—it’s worth it.

“You cannot be well alone.” —

Dr. John Delony

Discover the Clear Path to Becoming Well

The State of Mental Health study shows that 90% of Americans believe taking care of their mental health is important. Still, somehow, we find excuse after excuse to not make our own mental health a pri-

ority. It’s time to unload that backpack full of bricks and start walking down the path to wellness. Own Your Past, Change Your Future will show you the right steps to take on that path.

Ramsey Solutions

Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since 1992. Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books (including 12 national bestsellers) published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners.

©2022 Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved. >

HEAVEN

LIFE LESSONS

Can you imagine all the things we won’t need in Heaven? Just to name a very few—we won’t need calendars, clocks, umbrellas, sympathy cards, insurance plans, vacuum cleaners, or can openers! You can easily make your own list of what constitutes necessities that are a part of life on this planet.

That’s why God says the following wonderful words for us to ponder: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for those that love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, and Isaiah 64:4)

Think of the joy you have when you see your pet or the pleasure in revisiting places you’ve enjoyed in the past. Everything in Heaven will beat all of that in whatever God has planned for us…and we’ll never get tired of it! We can’t begin to imagine bliss. The experience of falling in love or the birth of a baby are only temporary tastes of earthly bliss.

We live imperfect lives in an imperfect world that God originally created to be perfect. But in Heaven, “God shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes; and there shall be no

more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” (Revelation 21:4)

(John 14:2) tells us that “In My Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.” But it’s not just the afterlife that God is concerned with. (Proverbs 8:17-19) says, “I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me. Riches and honor are with Me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.”

Think of what truly brings us happiness—mostly emotional, (not material things) such as kindness, love, goodness, peace, and other things of the spirit that make life worth living. God has fashioned us to know right from wrong, good from evil. (Hebrews 4:12) reminds us that God is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” He wants us to know Him and be with Him eternally, so He provided His Son, Jesus, the perfect sacrifice for our sins that assures us everlasting life. (John 3:16) Fall 2022>

from

faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This is personal. It is for you.

Our nation and our world need God. We need to humble ourselves and seek Him. We must come away from our sinfulness and kneel at the foot of the Cross of Calvary seeking His forgiveness. We need the purifying fire of God's Holy Spirit to burn out of our nature, the old Adam tendencies.

Will we pay the price for vital, soul-transforming, life-changing religion or will we pay the price of

complete and terrible destruction by the nuclear bomb in the hands of sinful men?

The cleansing of human nature is a personal matter. I must confess my sins. God will forgive me. I must acknowledge my need of inward cleansing. The blood of Christ is available for complete cleansing. Do you believe it?

Let us all approach Christ just now. If you need forgiveness, confess your sins to Him. If you need to have that internal, Adam nature cleansed, make your prayerful plea. His blood can avail for you.

Save The Nations Ministries>

Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program

Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program

Hurricane Ida

Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program

Need help recovering from Hurricane Ida?

crisis counseling

crisis counseling

presentations

Youth coping skills education

Linkage to recovery resources

The goal of the program is to assist individuals and communities in recovering from the effects of disasters through the provision of free community based outreach and psychoeducational services

This temporary program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with oversight by the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Behavioral Health. (LDH/OBH)

Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program

The goal of the program is to

JAMES

4 Checkpoints For Wisely Helping Hurting Women

By Ellen Mary Dykas

idea seemed unloving, un-Jesus, and coldly professional.

Wow, was I wrong!

threaten her faith, joy, stability, and emotional, physical, spiritual, or mental health. She may be in the throes of marital infidelity, facing past sexual abuse, crushed with grief, disappointment or depression, enslaved to addictions, or in the middle of any of the various trials we face in this life. These checkpoints aren’t exhaustive, but they can help you stay on a ministry path that is focused on Jesus and fueled by the wise, discerning love Paul prayed for in (Philippians 1:9–11).

out fail.

Years ago, when I was an inexperienced ministry leader, a woman with years of counseling experience mentioned a boundary she kept in her professional life. She wanted to remain emotionally healthy, so she placed guardrails on her availability to others. I don’t recall her exact words, but I do remember that my heart immediately responded with judgment!

I assumed that counseling and caring for hurting people meant being as available as possible no matter the cost. Sure, I needed wisdom, but boundaries? No way! The

Years later, that seasoned leader’s words shape how I care for others. Like participants in endurance races need checkpoints to keep them on the right course, I benefit greatly by having ministry checkpoints.

They guide me to bear burdens wisely rather than following my feelings or letting the needs of others control me. Sisters, if you want to care wisely for hurting women, you need markers to ensure you’re on the right path!

CHECKPOINTS TO FOLLOW THE RIGHT PATH

Below are four checkpoints to keep in mind when a hurting woman seeks you out for help. Her burdens may be a combination of things that

Checkpoint One: Develop a biblical understanding of bearing burdens.

The beautiful call to bear each other’s burdens is a ministry entrusted to the household of God. We come alongside whenever “anyone is caught in any transgression” to gently restore them through bearing their burdens (Gal. 6:1)

The idea of bearing is more than just dealing with sin. It also includes helping someone bear the troubling and sorrowful consequences that accompany sin. Burden-bearing is one of the ways we faithfully live out the gospel: Christ’s life pouring through us to someone broken and bruised by the Fall. We lean into God, the only one who can daily bear our burdens (Ps. 68:19) with-

Paul goes on to say in (Galatians 6:1), “Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” What specific temptations do you face when you’re invited into a painful situation? Perhaps pride, fear, or wanting to avoid and seek out a more comfortable ministry? Or you may wrestle with self-serving motives to help because of how it makes you feel and what kickbacks you get of praise or being needed. Perhaps like me, you fall prey to following your compassionate feelings rather than following the God of compassion’s direction!

Sisters, rather than allowing sinful motives to drive us or taking responsibility for what only Jesus can do, we need to understand that wise burden-bearing is done through Him and for His glory so that others are drawn toward Him. This means that Jesus alone, not my ministry desires, spiritual gifts, or feeble reserves of compassion, are to lead me into a burden-bearing relationship.

Checkpoint Two: Learn the difference between teachability and manipulation.

See CHECKPOINTS

Hurting, sinful people sin against and bruise others in all kinds of ways. It’s a reality of life on this side of heaven that we can all respond sinfully to being sinned against!

I’ve written before on tangled relationships. One of the gateways for well-intentioned ministry leaders to become entangled in messy relationships is to lack discernment as to whether a woman seeking help is teachable. She may be in the agony of deep anger, grief, or emotional pain and may or may not be ready or willing to receive godly help offered in a healthy way.

How do you discern teachability versus manipulation? A teachable woman will humbly receive what you offer. Manipulation demands that a helper fix, comfort, counsel, and love on its terms. A teachable heart recognizes that you are a helper; a manipulative one schemes to entice you to be the helper. Teachability manifests itself in recognition that she’s one person among many in your life; manipulation coerces with blame and shame to obligate you to invest more time, energy, and affection upon her.

Do my words sound harsh? I hope not. They’re based on my personal experience of being manipulated and being a manipulator myself! Sometimes women aren’t aware that they’ve developed these patterns. Sadly, this may be what was modeled for them, and so it’s become a way to seek out comfort and attention. Only God knows the motives in a hurting heart, so we can’t judge. We need the Spirit’s help to discern these dynamics so that we can respond wisely to someone’s cries for help by not running away or foolishly rushing in.

Checkpoint Three: Humbly acknowledge when you’re not equipped to help.

Most of us who desire to serve others in Jesus’ name share a common weakness: it’s hard to say no because it doesn’t seem nice! However, it’s both godly and loving to recognize when someone’s troubles and needs are beyond our bandwidth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom. How can you discern if it’s best to redirect a woman to someone else for help? Consider these diagnostic questions and Scriptures.

1. Is there a check in your heart to pause and pull back? Listen

to the Holy Spirit! (John 16:13–15)

2. Does this woman’s burden trigger something in you that stirs unease, past pain, or temptations in such a way that produces the fruit of struggle or unbelief in you? (Rom. 8:5–8; Gal. 6:7–9)

3. Are you simply at a loss as to how to help her? Sisters, we all know that learning how to apply God’s wisdom to the brokenness of this world takes time. There is no embarrassment in being a leader who says, “I am so sorry for what you are facing. I’m not the best person to help you in the details of ____, but I’ll pray for you and help you find someone who is.” That’s beautiful humility! (Rom. 12:1–3; 1 Cor. 3:18–20)

One way you can do this well is to check out the Revive Our Hearts Leaders Page and develop a resource list of topics, counselors, and organizations that provide Christ-centered, biblical help for situations involving abuse, marriage struggles, addictions, sexual sin, emotional distress, and other tough issues.

Checkpoint Four: Grow in discernment regarding the schemes of the enemy.

Many of us can become unaware of our true enemy, the father of lies who is a lion seeking to devour us.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Eph. 6:12)

The devil doesn’t play fair. Spiritual warfare may arrive obviously or it may slip subtly through back doors we’d never think to lock. Ministry-based relationships with needy women are one back door through which the enemy tries to attack me. (How else did I learn these checkpoints!)

Satan’s main weapon is distorting the Word of God through lies and deceit. “I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3).

Here’s how devotion for Jesus can be hijacked when you offer to bear a burden unaware of the enemy’s schemes:

• Your times of prayer and Bible study become distracted by this woman’s needs. Jesus is effectively dethroned as Lord in your heart in the context of serving Him.

• Key relationships like family, accountability partners, or close friendships get put on the back burner because you think, she needs me and is desperate . . . I’m the only one who can help her! Wrong. You’re a helper, not her savior.

• Your thinking and involvement with this person produce confused, cloudy, heavy, life-draining fruit in your life. This is not of the Lord!

• God calls us to fulfill the law of Christ by laying down our lives as a worthy act of sacrifice for our Lord (Rom. 12:1–2), so we need to do so wisely! Consider these checkpoints and discuss them with a trusted friend.

Remember: God never asks us to compromise our spiritual, emotional, or relational health for the sake of ministry. Never. So humbly fix your heart on Jesus, seek the Spirit’s guidance, receive counsel from others, and then move out in wise, faithful burden-bearing.

© 2001–2022 Revive Our Hearts, an outreach of Life Action Ministries. ECFA Member >

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If all people were angelic

By J R Miller

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you — so you must love one another." (John 13:34)

"As I have loved you" means love which is sweet, fragrant, and gentle — to people who are rude and mean-spirited, sel sh, and full of faults, with sharp corners and only partially sancti ed lives.

If all people were angelic, and you were too — it would not be hard to love everyone; but as other people are not yet angelic, you will still have need of patience, even if you are angelic yourself, which is quite doubtful.

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

GRACE GEMS! A Treasury of Ageless Sovereign Grace Devotional Writings Our Purpose

To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. ©GraceGems.org 2022 >

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Do You Tell Yourself the Truth?

By Stacey Salsbery

I have the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in me, and through Christ, I have the power to overcome sin and temptation.

Word of Truth doesn’t just mean we need to speak it appropriately to others, but we need to speak it appropriately to ourselves.

What do you tell yourself when you’re worried and afraid? Do you feed yourself lies and despair?

My life is over if I don’t get this job.

thinking. (1 Samuel 27:1) says, “Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines.”

I talk to myself all the time. (Perhaps you do, too.) Sometimes I give myself pep talks.

You can do this, Stacey, calm down and focus.

Other times I chat with myself about news headlines, rehash a recent conversation with a friend, or hold a lengthy discussion about dinner options.

I’m not always nice to myself either. There are times I put myself down and call myself names, quietly saying things I’d never say to anyone else.

There you go again, you big dumb-dumb.

See, I told you that you’re a terrible mother.

But here’s the danger: every time I say those things, I’m barraging my heart with statements that do not align with the truth or the testimony of God’s Word.

I also sometimes rationalize my wrong behavior: It’s just the way you are. Don’t worry about it; you can’t help it.

But what I really should be doing is reminding myself of what’s right:

What we say to ourselves may not seem like a big deal, but the difference between telling ourselves the truth or lies (as in the previous example) is vast. To say things to myself that go against God’s will for me is to place myself on a trajectory of pain, heartache, frustration, and sin. Not to mention that I’ve believed a lie. But when I speak truth to myself, the trajectory is victory over sin, and the result is righteous fruit instead of the works of my flesh. And truth is a giant hedge of protection against the schemes of the devil.

The bottom line is this: the state of our hearts is often a direct result of what we’re saying to our hearts. Is my heart full of truth because that’s what I’ve spoken to myself, or is my heart full of lies because lies are what I’ve chosen to say instead?

It Matters What We Say to Ourselves

Sometimes it feels like I’m a product of my emotions. There are days when stress winds me up tighter than a ballerina’s bun, and it’s my kids who pay the price. In the moment it feels like I can’t help it— I’m just so worried. But peace amid uncertainty is possible, and it begins with reminding myself of Truth.

God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17). There is nothing in the Bible that isn’t true. At any moment, on any given day, I can open my Bible and find the Truth. While it’s increasingly harder to discern truth from lies in today’s information-overloaded world, we know we can look to Scripture with confidence. (Isaiah 45:19) says, “I the LORD speak the truth; I declare what is right.”

But when we’re struggling with something, our immediate reaction is not always to remind ourselves of Scripture. Rightly handling the

This will ruin me if it doesn’t work out.

I guess it’s all up to me now.

I can’t believe God let this happen.

How can I go on like this?

Or do you comfort yourself with the Truth?

I don’t need to be afraid; God is with me.

He is my help and my salvation. (Isaiah 41:13) says, “For I, the lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’” Yes, that’s right, God is with me, and He is sovereign.

Scripture Is the Truth We Need the Most

King David is an excellent example of someone who spoke Truth to his heart even in hard times. David wrote many songs of praise while hiding from Saul in caves. With his life on the line (more than once), David continually reminded himself that God was with Him. Here are a few examples:

“This I know that God is for me” (Psalm 56:9).

“The lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

“The lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2).

“Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life” (Psalm 54:4).

“But for you, O lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer” (Psalm 38:15).

“The salvation of the righteous is from the lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble” (Psalm 37:39).

“For the word of the lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” (Psalm 33:4).

But after running from Saul for years, even David had a lapse in

Honestly, that doesn’t sound like David, and here’s why: what David says to his heart at that moment is contrary to both the testimony and promise of God. David did not remind himself of the Truth when fear invaded his heart, and it set him on a difficult trajectory. Though God was still with him, David spent the next sixteen months lying to the Philistines’ king, which ended with his men wanting to stone him (1 Sam. 30:6).

Test Your Thoughts against Scripture

So what have you been saying to yourself lately? Are your thoughts according to God’s Word? Do they fit with the testimony of who God is and who we are in Christ? We cannot control what others say to us, but we can control what we say to ourselves.

Speak the Truth to yourself, friends. If you’re lonely, remind yourself that God is with you (Matt. 28:20). If you’re afraid, remind yourself that God is sovereign (Job 42:2). If you’re anxious, try rehearsing Matthew 6:25–34 every time those feelings overwhelm you. Let your heart marinate in the Truth of God’s Word instead of your own understanding.

Don’t exchange the Truth of God for lies (Rom. 1:25). It’s easy to speak false things to ourselves when we’re sad or mad or worried or afraid. If you’re not sure what’s true and what’s not, here’s my advice: start by reading your Bible at the same time every day. Listen to the words of the Lord, and let the Holy Spirit guide you (John 16:13).

Then throughout the day, remind your heart of all that you read. In doing so, you’ll speak words of everlasting Truth straight to your heart. >

How To Protect Your Phone From Hackers

By Ramsey Solutions

Your smartphone holds every single personal detail about you. (Okay, not your DNA sequence . . . but you get the idea!) Even stuff you forgot long ago, like that online banking password that you wrote down in your Notes app. Believe it or not, there are hackers out there who know exactly which apps people use to store their passwords. Creepy? We agree!

So, if you’re wondering how to protect your phone from hackers, we hear you. Technology companies hear you too (sometimes without your permission, frankly). But seriously, phone providers are constantly ramping up their digital security to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Here are eight things you can do today to protect your phone.

Use anti-virus software.

Use a passcode.

Install updates on your phone.

Use two-factor authentication.

Delete apps you don’t use.

Be careful about public Wi-Fi.

Don’t charge in public.

Back up your phone.

Stay aware of your phone’s location.

1. USE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE.

All smartphones come with builtin protection against hackers. If you’re an iPhone user, don’t worry about getting anti-virus software. Apple makes their phones with their own shields against viruses.

Android phones also come with built-in protection software called Google Play Protect. It’ll run safety checks on apps you’re installing, and it regularly checks apps you already have.

Because of threats like ransomware, it’s also a good idea to add a second layer of protection. (Bitdefender is consistently rated the best ransomware protection tool.) Ransomware is when hackers get access to your phone’s data and then demand money if you want your files back. Scary, right? Here’s a sobering fact: Ransomware attacks doubled in frequency in 2021 and are now 10% of all breaches. Yikes!

2. USE A PASSCODE.

It sounds basic, but one of the easiest ways to protect your phone from hackers is by locking your screen. To enter a passcode on your iPhone, go to Settings, then Passcode, and tap Turn on Passcode. Enter a six-digit passcode or tap Passcode Options to switch to a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code.

You can also enable the Erase All Content and Settings feature. But don’t worry, that won’t erase anything for now. Setting it up just means that if you do have a passcode and it’s unsuccessfully entered 10 times, all your phone’s data will be wiped. It’s like a fail-safe in the event of a lost or stolen phone. But think about it first enabling this feature is probably not the best idea if you have a toddler who likes to play with mom or dad’s phone while it’s locked!

3. INSTALL UPDATES ON YOUR PHONE.

We’ve all been guilty of ignoring notifications asking us to install the latest phone software updates. Delaying it for just one more day can’t hurt, right?

Hold up. If you aren’t installing

Teens

your phone’s latest updates, you’re leaving yourself exposed to security threats. (Seriously!) Those updates make sure that any bugs or weaknesses found since the last update are squashed.

You can usually install software updates on older versions of smartphones just as easily as on newer versions, so reusing an old phone is a safe, budget-friendly option. But if it’s time to upgrade to a fancy new phone, plan by setting aside money every month so you can buy your phone with cash. The EveryDollar budgeting tool makes it easy to take control of your money so you can reach your money goals— whether that’s a new phone or paying off all your debt!

And don’t forget to update that smartwatch if you have one. It’s an extension of your phone, so take the same precautions.

Here’s how to install software updates on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings, then General.

2. Tap Software Update.

3. Tap Download and Install.

4. USE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION.

Two-factor authentication has become standard practice on the internet as another layer of phone security. It’s annoying, yes, but if you want to learn how to protect your phone from hackers, we suggest you get familiar with the system.

Here’s how it works: If you (or anyone) try to sign into your account from another device, you’ll need to pass an extra level

of security with a six-digit verification code. Once you request the code, it’s sent to one of your trusted devices via a text or a phone call. The device could be your phone itself, a Mac, PC, iPad, or even a security token or dongle (which can be bought separately to sync up with your Apple or Android products).

Why is two-factor authentication so effective? Because if this system is frustrating to you, it’s even more frustrating to a hacker when they try to access your information and must get through two security checks instead of one.

Let’s pause here and talk about biometrics (face and finger ID). Using biometrics is easier than dealing with two-factor authentication. Is it as secure, though? Time will tell, but for now, we recommend using two-factor authentication as your strongest deterrent against hackers and using biometrics as an added layer.

Here’s how to turn on two-factor authentication on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings, then General.

2. Tap Software Update.

3. Tap Download and Install.

links sent to you in an email, text, or app—no matter what they’re promising and how urgent it sounds. When in doubt, just don’t click on it!

• Only download apps from your phone’s primary app store. (This one’s crucial. That’s why we italicized it.) Don’t jailbreak your phone. Jailbreaking is when you hack into your own phone to download or use custom software or apps that are not normally available. Just. Don’t. Do. It. It may be fun to customize your phone this way, but it’s not worth the risk.

Here’s how to remove an app from an iPhone:

1. Touch and hold the app.

2. Tap the minus sign on the app you want to remove.

3. Tap Delete App to confirm.

8. BACK UP YOUR PHONE.

Whether your phone is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, you should take the time to back up your phone’s data. If you don’t want to back up your phone the oldfashioned way by plugging it into a computer, use a cloud storage option (Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive).

Here’s how to back up an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings, then [Your Name].

2. Tap iCloud.

3. Tap iCloud Backup.

4. Tap Back Up Now.

phone security will be a lot stronger. These tools and tips do stop or slow down hackers. As the bad guys get more and more sophisticated, it’s on us to do everything we can to protect our data.

No matter how cautious you are, you can’t completely protect your phone from hackers without the help of professionals. That’s why we recommend using a trusted security service like Zander Insurance’s identity theft protection plan.

For less than it costs to get lunch at your favorite sandwich shop, here’s what Zander will do for you:

• Monitor your information in real time and alert you of any risks

• Provide full-service identity recovery services for you if needed (They’ll clean up the entire mess for you!)

9. STAY AWARE OF YOUR PHONE’S LOCATION.

5. DELETE APPS YOU DON’T USE.

Each app on your phone contains its own batch of potential security issues. And many apps want permission to access your contacts, photos, GPS location and microphone. But app-based attacks are a common way for hackers to break cell-phone security. Here are some ways to avoid these risks:

• If you’re no longer using an app, just uninstall it. The fewer apps on your phone, the less open you are to potential attacks.

• Whatever you do, don’t click on suspicious or weird files and

6. BE CAREFUL ABOUT PUBLIC WI-FI.

We know free internet is tempting when you’re waiting in line at Starbucks. But everyone sitting around you is probably using that same unsecured network. Using public Wi-Fi networks opens your information up to hackers.

Avoid putting your cell-phone security at risk, and just use your phone’s data when you can. Or get a VPN (Virtual Private Network). These hide your IP address so it’s not traceable. And if you’re using your phone as a hot spot, make sure it’s encrypted.

7. DON’T CHARGE IN PUBLIC.

While it’s not always totally realistic (we get it, you need your phone juiced for GPS once you land from a flight), avoid charging your smartphone in public places (like the airport) on a USB port. Many people don’t realize that USB ports are not just giving you an electrical charge. They actually transmit data and can leave you vulnerable to an attack.

Here’s another cell-phone security tip. Make sure you know where your phone is all the time— an unguarded phone is a hacker’s dream come true. If you’re not sure where your phone is, iPhones offer a Find My iPhone feature (Find My Device for Android). This will help you track it down if you’ve misplaced it or let you remotely wipe your data if it’s been stolen. And if you’re wondering if your identity has been stolen, never fear. There are resources that can help you get your identity back.

Be Smart About Data Security Before It’s Too Late Okay, you made it through. We know it’s a lot. But even if you act on just some of these tips, your

• Recover up to $1 million of stolen funds (including legal fees)

Check out Zander’s identity theft protection plan today!

Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since 1992. Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books (including 12 national bestsellers) published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners.

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You’ve got a Friend in Me

close friends have forgotten me.” (Job 19:14)

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend … Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” (Proverbs 27:6, 9)

tly ask our friends to deliver paradise to us.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Who are your closest friends? Why are they your friends, and how did they become your friends?

Are your friendships always seeming to disappoint, frustrate, confuse, or surprise you? Do the people you consider your dearest friends can both make your day wonderful and drive you crazy at the same time?

Human friendships can be a wonderful gift from God, but they are far from perfect in a fallen world.

Consider the biblical spectrum described:

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9)

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV)

“My relatives have failed me; my

“You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” (Luke 21:16-17)

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13)

Unless we want endless disappointment, we must bring a brokenworld, eternity-focused mentality to all our friendships.

What does eternity have to do with our friendships today? Much more than I think we realize!

In one way or another, we enter our friendships as eternity amnesiacs, forgetting the life that is to come and loading all our hopes and dreams into the here and now. Day after day, we subtly and not so sub-

When we forget eternity, we look to people to give us what only God can provide. This always leads to disappointment, frustration, criticism, and conflict. But because we don’t see our eternity amnesia, we are convinced that our friends are the problem and that they need to change, not us.

We need to remember that God does not intend friendships to be an end in themselves, but a means to an end. Rather than being the container for our happiness, these beautiful yet messy relationships are a workroom for the Redeemer to do what he alone can do: sanctify us so we are progressively prepared for the paradise that is to come.

As you live through the ups and downs of friendship, rest assured: the One who is working on us is protecting us and providing for us at the same time. You can have the security of knowing that in the most challenging moments of worldly friendships, our Guardian Friend is with us and will be with us until our broken relationships are no more.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness take it to the Lord in prayer.

Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus!

God bless, Paul David Tripp

2. How have these friends been a blessing from God? Have you encouraged and thanked them recently? Go ahead and do so, with specificity!

3. Do these same friends frustrate and disappoint you? In what ways?

4. Are you asking imperfect people to be your savior or deliver paradise to you in the here and now? Consider the unrealistic expectations you might be burdening them with.

5. How do you contribute to the conflict in your friendships? What idols and selfish demands cause strain? Do you need to confess and repent to your friend for something you recently said or did?

6. How can you be a better friend this week? Be specific and be a friend of Jesus by doing what he has commanded of you (John 15:14). >

Paul Tripp Ministries, Inc. 7214 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19135 215-338-4000 · info@paultripp.com

Eddy Eagle Learns To Be Patient

By Ruby Bell

howl and by the time I was full, I was so sleepy I just lay down with my head in my bowl and fell asleep. When I woke up, I didn't howl anymore but I was mad, and I snapped at everyone and everything.

Father Eagle arrived early, Eddy told Ella and Spot goodbye one more time and away they flew. They only stopped to catch food then were back in the air again.

seeing a thing and the professor said "There was not a rabbit, or I would have seen it. You lose three points for lying to me."

Eddy didn't see a thing moving for three days finely he saw a rabbit. Then he saw a mouse, it ran away very quickly. Eddy found out he couldn't watch the other eagles and get any points of his own. After the eagles learned patience, they moved on to cooperation and teamwork.

learned good behavior was easier if they knew the professor was looking all the time.

The Harpy had bullied the others so long because of his size he had a difficult time. Eddy decided he needed a friend to help him. It wasn't easy, Harpy didn't know how to treat a friend, but Eddy finely got through to him by ignoring his insults. Then he taught him how friends should act.

Father Eagle came to visit Eddy and Ella. They were excited to show him around and introduce him to their friend Spot. After a while Father Eagle said, "I have news for you. My friend, Professor Wings has accepted you, Eddy, into her training school for young eagles.

Ella you will stay here until I return from taking Eddy to the Professor. I will be gone four or five days we will go to my new location I have chosen then.

Eddy was tempted to run away, but he knew his father would find him. He was very nervous about the change he would be making, so he talked to Spot about it.

Spot told him, "It's O.K. to be nervous, but you will make new friends and see new things: then you will learn so many new things you will be glad you went. I remember when I left my mama, I didn't eat, and I howled for three days. Then I was so hungry I forgot to

The next day father dropped Eddy off at the professor's school. Eddy was so nervous he could barely walk. He kept over his large wings and to make matters worse he heard someone laughing. As he looked around, he saw several kinds of eagles. There were two Golden eagles, a Wedge-tailed eagle, a Sea eagle, a Harpy eagle and then he saw another bald eagle like himself. The Harpy was the one laughing he was the largest and fiercest of all eagles.

The professor was at the very top of a very large, old tree. "Eddy I am glad to have you. Your perch will be the one just below mine and to the right. The first thing Eddy was to learn was patience. They were told to sit still and scan the territory all around, later they would tell everything they had seen. They were to receive points for each sighting. Eddy discovered he should look as for out as he could to see things. One eagle pretended to see a rabbit so as not to look bad for not

Eddy hated to wait for someone to do something. Eddy didn't like to help he wanted to do it himself. Finely he learned that help and cooperation brought better results. Just like when father eagle helped with the big fish. He learned help from a grown up, was okay. When he asked for help, he even earned secret points and it made the adults feel good to be able to help. The important thing was to learn as much as possible in the time allowed.

Eddy was graded on his attitude as much as his abilities. The professor was always watching them. Even when Eddy thought no one was looking and behaved badly, he lost points. The young eagles soon

Did you know God gives you points too? He is always watching you and he knows when you have a bad attitude or even when you mutter under your breath about something you don't like. There is a lot for you to learn and a short time to learn it in. God has a job for you to do and you will not be able to do it until you learn to have a good attitude with the people who love you and are trying to teach you. I know some lessons are hard, I also know you can do it because God made you in his image.

When you make a mistake, tell God you are sorry. He forgives our mistakes and helps us to do better.

©2022 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved >

Eddy Eagle Goes To School

By Ruby Bell

to eat a bite and go with the Ranger when he came to take them to school.

The young eagles were surprised to see all kinds of birds at the school, but no other eagles. "This must be the wrong school" Eddy said. "No all-young birds go here," they were told. Ranger took them to their room and met Teacher Brown, he left, and the teacher said "

Eddy was up early the next day. He told Ella about his adventure with Spot and the coyotes. Ella was very glad she had stayed in the cage. But when Eddy told her about Father eagle she cried.

So, Eddy told her father eagle was watching her as well. "You will see him someday too, Ella", he said. " Ella, we must go to school today. Father eagle said so." That did not make her happy, but they set to work cleaning and oiling their feathers.

Eagles have a lot of feathers, and it takes a long time to clean them all. Finely they finished just in time

Sit here in front of my desk. I want to see that you are listening." This teacher didn't seem very friendly. The young eagles were very nervous of her.

Ella began to cry a little, she was really scared. Eddy whispered to her in eagle talk to calm her down.

Teacher looked at them frowning, "you will be quiet or stand in the corner."

Finely it was recess, Ella was afraid to go outside and stood by the door watching. Eddy went out to try the swings. Then he saw a big goose boy picking on a little chicken. "You big bully. Eddy said, pick on someone your own size." Eddy squawked and flapped his wings at

the goose like he had the cat. I am getting pretty good at this he thought, until the goose ran screaming to the teacher. Here she came and when Eddy looked around the chicken had disappeared. When Eddy told her “He was picking on a little chicken" he could see the teacher didn't believe him. But the bell rang, and everyone ran for the building. The teacher hurried in saying " I'll speak to you later eagle."

Back inside, Eddy sat looking out the window, what was that up in the sky? It was Father eagle watching over them.

Eddy could not read yet and besides Teacher Brown had not given him a book. He was bored listening to the others trying to read. All at once, thump. Eddy was thumped with a ruler. "You pay attention" she said. Eddy was glad Father eagle was watching. He heard a shrill whistle and he knew his father had seen all that had happened. Ella was afraid to move at all. But the little chicken peeped from behind him, and Eddy knew he had made a friend.

Boy were the young eagles glad when the bell rang to go home. As they started out Teacher Brown handed Eddy a letter, "give this to the ranger." She told Eddy.

On the bus some big birds tried to push Chicken Little out of his seat, Eddy screeched at them and they backed up, then the eagles sat with him. Eddy and Ella were glad to get back to the ranger station. Ranger was waiting for them, & when Eddy gave him the letter, he opened it and said "what happened Eddy, the teacher says you caused trouble, she doesn't want you to come back?"

After Eddy explained, Ranger said "well school is about out for the summer, and I have been thinking of getting you a special teacher anyway. How would you like to be taught by another eagle?"

"If you don't mind, I would like to go back for a while. Chicken Little needs my help."

Eddy said. "Ella might like to stay home." "I will go with you Eddy," Ella said "I am an eagle too, I should act like one." "Well," Ranger said, "I will talk to the teacher."

Chicken Little and the young eagles became good friends. Soon the bigger birds left the small chicken alone. They had heard stories about how powerful eagles were, they didn't want to mess with Eddy and Ella, even if they were only baby eagles.

Do you know what the eagles learned? I think they learned, being an eagle means to help someone in trouble, be kind to others, even those that are different. They learned people can be unkind, no matter what their age. They learned their father was always watching over them, and they should do the things that would make him proud.

Did you know God is your heavenly Father and he watches over you? We need to do things that make him proud too. He has even given you an angel to watch over you all the time. Just think of it, your angel is right behind you all the time. He watches all you do, he listens to all you say. Sometimes he protects you and you don't even know it. You are never alone, even in new places around new people.

©2022 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved >

Eddy Eagle and the Moon

By Ruby Bell

It had been raining for days. Eddy was so tired of it he was ready to go to the Moon just to get away from it. The storm had been so bad the electricity had been out. Poles were blown over Ranger had locked the eagles up good. He was afraid Eddy would get on a hot wire and get killed.

Today was the first day Eddy had

been able to practice flying since the storm had started. It felt good to stretch his wings. "Come on Ella you have to learn to fly. I'll teach you. It is not hard at all." Ella came out of the cage and looked around. At first, they played with Spots ball, but it kept rolling in a mud puddle. So, Eddy decided it was time to fly. "Ok Ella, jump as high as you can then flap your wings until the wind catches you". Ella tried put couldn't jump high enough. "You have got to practice jumping, Ella. You have to jump high like this." As Eddy jumped the wind caught him and he soared up, calling back. "I am going to try to find the Moon, Ella."

What Eddy thought was the moon was a very bright light on top of a hill some distance away. He

began to fly in the direction he remembered seeing the light. The sky was clearing, and Eddy hoped to be able to get to the moon now. Eddy found he needed to rest after a while he had not flown that far before. He landed in a large pine tree to look around and rest. What he saw was very interesting.

A bunch of kids were chasing a ball around a field. They were playing soccer. It looked like a lot of fun to Eddy. Then he began to feel sorry for one kid. Everyone was kicking the ball at him. He would just stand there until the ball came back. Then Eddy realized what was happening; all those kids were trying to kick the ball into the kids' cage, and he didn't want it. The kid was kicking it away as fast as he could but there were too many others. It looked like to Eddy that fellow needed help. The next thing those kids knew there was an eagle joining their game. Eddy was right down there beside the kid with his wings spread out and a fierce look on his face.

I am afraid that stopped the game. Everyone ran away and Eddy flew back to the tree and finished his rest. A short time later as he flew away, he was very proud of himself for helping the kid. How was he to know he had ruined their game?

higher he heard a familiar whistle. Father Eagle was calling him. He turned and looked back, there was his father flying toward him. Eddy was happy to see him but Father didn't look so happy with Eddy. "Where are you going Eddy." "I am going to the moon."

"Eddy you can't fly to the moon. I have been very high, and I have never gotten close to it." "But I see it all the time right up on that hill over there." "That is not the moon it is just a bright light. Now we had better start back or Ella will be worried about you. I will come in the morning, and we will go fishing together. I will teach you how to catch a fish to eat." "OK" Eddy said. Then Eddy told his father about helping the kid. His father laughed. "I was watching you all the time. You really surprised those kids, Eddy. They won't forget that game."

As Eddy sat on his roost that night, the moon came up and rose higher and higher in the sky. "Boy, that must be the moon" he said to himself "it is really something." Eddy sat and looked at the moon so long Father Eagle had to call him the next morning. As he flew away, he told Ella "I will bring you a fish. Hurry and learn to fly so you can go next time."

of

Eddy flew for some time he began to hope he would make it back for his evening food. He could tell it was getting late. Then he remembered the teacher talking about seeing the moon better at night. So he thought I better find something to eat because I probably will be gone all night. Eddy began to fly higher and higher, boy this is fun he thought. As he was soaring

What did Eddy learn this time? I think he learned it feels good to help someone. (Even if he didn't understand, he thought he helped.) And he was reminded that Father Eagle was still watching over him.

I want to remind you that God is still watching over you. Don't forget to thank him for it.

©2022 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved >

God's Favorite Fragrance

By Gwen Plauche

Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Wow - the fragrance of the knowledge of Him - the aroma of Christ - have you ever considered what aroma you are giving off?

Have you ever really thought about the miracle of smell? How can there possibly be enough variations in perfume smells to produce the hundreds of different brands available?

I have a favorite perfume. What I just don't understand is why dear husband believes that slick salesclerk who swears that some less expensive brand smells just like my brand, but I can tell it is not the same! No imitations accepted!

Scripture teaches us about God's favorite fragrance, and He doesn't like imitations either.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For, we are the aroma of

My Great Grandmother lived in a home full of aromas. She was frequently cooking grape Jell-O or stewing down some fresh okra. As I sat down on her worn out couch, I would be surrounded with that musty-old-things smell and the ever-present mothball smell when she pulled things out of her closet.

My favorite aromas from Grandma Craig are somehow captured on the pages of her Bible. Perhaps it is because her Bible was open so much that the smells are still captured in there. It is amazing to me that today, twenty-plus years after her death, I can open that old white KJV Bible, hold it up to my nose, close my eyes and imagine Grandma sitting right next to me. The power of aroma!

As a woman today, we need to be alert as to the fragrance we leave behind. Is it one that our loved ones will cherish when they get a whiff

of it years after we are gone?

So, to have the fragrance of the knowledge of Him, what does that smell like? Just like my dear 14-year-old son gets a special fragrance after his lacrosse matches, we also get a fragrance from the activities that fill our days. Consider yourself a purveyor of fragrance, ladies, spraying it on all around. The real question is what fragrance have we been filling up with?

Ephesians 5:1 says, "Be imitators of God as dearly loved children." This is not a "who died and made you king" attitude. Instead, fill your days with love, long-suffering attitudes, merciful and gracious actions.

The next verse from Ephesians says to "live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Many of us just bounce through life, but as aroma bearers of Christ, we must choose purposefully to love. Do you speak love? Do you act love?

Think of walking through your house, past your family with the bottle of the aroma of Christ. It is up to you whether they smell it or not. That touch, that time spent together, that hug, that special note, those favorite cookies - it all smells of Christ.

The power is released when someone smells the fragrance of Christ. I love, love, love it when Christ has revealed Himself to me, especially during a crisis. I always try to address it as the fragrance of Christ and remind myself that He is on the premises. When you are aware of His aroma, the love that passes all understanding but do not see Him, be reassured that He is there.

So, picture a cute purse atomizer. It's empty until you fill it. Then, it's up to you to spray the world around you. Spray the aroma of Christ - let those around you realize that He is near.

Blog: www.GwenPlauche.com

Copyright 2022, Gwen Plauche.

©2022 FaithWriters.com

All Rights Reserved >

"The Separation of God and Man"

These forms of worship are detestable to God. God is alive, not dead as are these objects of worship. He calls it a sin to worship anything, or anyone, other than Himself.

suffered until He died. He freely gave His life for us so that we might be saved.

What Does it Mean to be Saved?

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by whom we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

The separation of God and man occurred when Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God in the Garden of Eden. Their sins of disobedience caused all of humanity to be separated from God.

This means that each person born into this world is separated from God, doomed to Hell, and will not be allowed to enter Heaven. However, God in His love for us provided a way of restoration.

God has created humanity with the desire to worship Him. People from every area of the world have an inborn desire to worship. Many, in their search for God, attempt to worship 'things' such as man-made Idols, or even animals. Some fall into witchcraft or astrology.

"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God," (Deut 5:7-9)

God wants you to worship only Him and has a plan wherein you can end this separation of God and man and be completely restored to Him. And how did He do this? He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17)

Jesus paid the price for our sins when He willingly allowed Himself to be crucified (killed) by being nailed to a wooden cross, where he

To be saved, born again, or to become a Christian, all mean the same thing:

• To be delivered from the terrible separation from God

• To be restored to Him, as in the beginning

• To be delivered from Hell

• Being Saved Will Enable You to:

• Approach God in prayer and talk with Him personally

• Receive His guidance and protection

• Spend eternity in Heaven with Him

There is Only One Way to be Saved and end your Separation from God God and the things in Heaven are without sin (perfect). God demands perfection, but it is impossible for man to live a perfect life. We cannot do enough good deeds or live good enough, to earn our way into Heaven.

There is only one way to enter Heaven, and that is through Jesus.

To begin your walk with God, and receive your gift of eternal life, there is something you must do:

• In addition to believing in the existence of God, and that Jesus is the "Son of God," you must:

• 1. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and that God raised Him from the dead.

• 2. You must ask Jesus to come into your heart/being, and then you must tell others that you believe Jesus is who He proclaimed Himself to be, that "Jesus is Lord!"

"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."(Rom 10:9-10)

Samuel Mills

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Super Agers And Youthful Brains: A Current Study

ory loss. There are different forms.

people in their 20s.”

Have you ever noticed that some people seem to escape brain-aging symptoms such as memory loss more than others? A new study focuses on these “super-agers” and how their brains are structurally different in older age.

In fact, this new study was conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators to examine this phenomenon. The study was published in The Journal of Neuroscience and may be important preliminary information for brain-health recommendation moving forward.

Why does this matter?

If scientists can identify structural differences in super-agers, they may be able to unlock the mystery of what habits contribute to the structure of youthful brains.

It’s an emerging and interesting science. Here are more details about the study and our tips for healthy aging – you can put them into practice today!

SUPER-AGERS AND YOUTHFUL BRAINS: THE STUDY MEMORY IMPAIRMENT

BACKGROUND:

While older adults experience a gradual decline in memory ability, some researchers have described older adults, termed super-agers, with unusually resilient memories.

For many people, aging means a high likelihood of developing mem-

The mildest form is called ageassociated memory impairment and it is characterized by the self-perception of memory loss. It is also characterized by a standardized memory test score with a trending decline in objective memory performance compared with younger adults. Approximately 40% of people aged 65 or older have age-associated memory impairment in the United States (about 16 million people). Thankfully, only about 1% of them will progress to dementia each year.

The next form is called mild cognitive impairment. It represents a more severe form of memory loss. It’s often defined by important memory deficits without functional impairments. Most patients with mild cognitive impairment can continue to live independently, but they often show objective memory impairments similar to those seen in people with very mild Alzheimer’s disease (4). About 10% of people aged 65 years or older have mild cognitive impairment, and unfortunately, nearly 15% of them develop Alzheimer’s disease each year.

STUDY BACKGROUND:

However, these investigators were interested in a different group.

According to their statements, “Previous research on super-aging has compared people over age 85 to those who are middle-aged,” says Alexandra Touroutoglou, Ph.D., MGH Neurology, co-senior author with Dickerson and Barrett. “Our study is exciting because we focused on people around or just after typical retirement age — mostly in their 60s and 70s — and investigated those who could remember as well as

THE STUDY: (60–80 years old) based on their performance compared to young adults (18–32 years old)

Ninety-one participants (48 males, 43 females) were recruited from the greater Boston area, comprising young adults (ages 18–35; 24 males, 23 females) and elderly adults (ages 60–80; 24 males, 20 females). They were phone screened to ensure MRI scan eligibility and compensated with payment for their

completion of the study. All individuals were right-handed native English speakers and had normal or corrected-to-normal vision. No participant reported a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders. Additional exclusionary criteria included MRI safety incompatibility, substance dependence, and CNS-active medications.

The team enrolled 44 elderly

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SUPER AGERS

Continued from Page 21

adults (aged 60-80, 24 males and 20 females) and 47 younger adults (ages 18-35, 24 males and 23 females) for the study. Super-agers were identified as adults in the elderly group that performed as well as those in the young-adult group.

These super-agers’ brains were then imaged.

THE STUDY RESULTS:

Seventeen of the elderly participants performed as super-agers.

Imaging studies revealed that these super-agers’ brains had youthful characteristics in structure. Typically, the cortex (the outermost sheet of brain cells that is critical for many thinking abilities) and other parts of the brain shrink with aging. But in super-agers, those regions are comparable in size and structures to those of young adults.

The investigators also imaged regions of the brain known as the salience network (involved in identifying information that is important and needs attention quickly for specific situations) and found it to be similar in size and structure to younger subjects.

Further, the scientists found that the size of the brain region was correlated with memory ability. A very strong correlation was found also in the communication of the salience region and other brain networks. Function, structure, and size all mattered.

From here, the researchers know that the next steps are to understand how some older adults can preserve brain size, structure and function very well into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s.

MOVING FORWARD FOR YOUTHFUL BRAINS AND SUPER-AGERS

We will continue to study and report on habits that improve brain aging. For now, here are known habits to preserve your brain’s youthfulness:

Adequate Daily Hydration (all tissues in your body require fluid to function and age well)

Foods that Expedite Aging (specific, processed foods age cells)

Foods that Slow Aging (high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods can keep cells younger)

Intermittent Fasting (fasting has known anti-aging benefits)

Adequate, High-Quality Sleep (sleep is the only known time that brains repair themselves)

Vitamins and Minerals that affect Hormones (specific vitamins and minerals support healthy hormone levels)

Active and Flexible (your body, bones, and arteries become stiffer with each year, but you can turn back time with daily exercise and flexibility routines)

BOTTOM LINE

This current study shows that some people, termed “super-agers” maintain youthful brains in structure, network communication, and in function. There are daily steps you can take to improve the aging of your body and brain. Look at the habits listed above, and begin incorporating them into your day, every day, starting today. And stay tuned for more on habits that cause brain shrinkage and expedite aging.

© All rights reserved 2022 - Dr. Don Colbert.

Dr. Don Colbert is a graduate of Oral Roberts School of Medicine and shares his years of experience and research in nutritional medicine in all of his work. He is a national speaker, bestselling author and host of a national talk show titled Your Health Matters.

© 2022 Dr. Don Colbert, MD PA www.drcolbert.com >

Long-Suffering In Marriage

By Angie Lewis

to change too, but it was not my job to change my spouse. The minute I discovered it was not my job to change or control my spouse a big burden fell away from me.

I saved my marriage when I finally gave up trying to be in control of my spouse. We all think that once we get married that we can change our spouse to be what we want them to be, or we may even think they will change on their own, but what faults bother us about the person we’re thinking of marrying will only become bigger faults after the wedding. It’s wrong to think we can change people or control them to be the people we want, and if we think like this before the “I do’s” were going to be in for a big surprise.

After marriage if we dwell on the faults of our spouse, it will only make us feel more superior to them, and then we start to justify reasons why we should leave them, or worse why we should have an affair. People think like this – they really do! I have my share of wives and husbands that tell me they think they married the wrong person. Can an attitude get any worse than that? I don’t think so. We must always come back to the long-suffering that God talks about.

What is long-suffering? Are we bound to suffer for the rest of our lives? When we suffer for doing good it means we are being loyal and obedient to God. God does not want us to feel that we need to control the person we married to be happy – we should endure our marriage through suffering by doing what is right, and God said He will reward us. We’re never alone in our suffering because God is always with us in Spirit. When times are tough, we can always go to Him for our contentment and peace of mind.

“It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil”

I saved my marriage because God showed me that I needed to take the focus off my spouse and onto myself. I realized I was the one who needed to change. And it wasn’t that my spouse didn’t need

The first aspect about myself that God helped me to change was in my attitude and how I perceived my marriage should be rather than recognizing how I could change it as my responsibility in the marriage. You see, we have responsibilities that need special care in our marriage. Problems develop because couples are complaining about each other’s responsibilities rather than taking care of their own and then soon both have lost their zest for the marriage. But a marriage needs zest – it needs godly zest from both spouses!

For one thing when we have an attitude that tells us that it’s our spouse’s responsibility to make us happy, and at all costs, it becomes skewed thinking. It is not our spouse’s responsibility to make sure we’re happy; it is our own responsibility to do what we need to do to make ourselves happy.

Now, don’t get me wrong, we are to be responsible husbands and wives, and marriage thrives on the “give and take” philosophy of marriage, but we cannot expect that our spouse is going to cater to our every whim. We should be there for our spouse and fill their needs in appropriate and godly ways – this is what marriage is all about.

This is where long-suffering comes in. Sometimes expectations become demands and when demands don’t get met disappointment sets in and we hate our marriage. This calls for an attitude adjustment. Most couples don’t know this, but it is not divorce that will make everything all better but staying married to your first spouse, working through the problems, and learning from them. When couples resolve to work on the marriage it involves long-suffering. It involves determination and compromise, and it involves commitment, and doing the right thing, even if hus-

band and wife are suffering for it.

What does God reward couples with who decide to stay in their marriage and persevere? He rewards them with strength and faith in Him and with personal character and spiritual resolve, both of which benefit the marriage considerably. We are given wisdom to understand what we cannot change in others and the courage to change what we can.

“Consider it a pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him”. (James 1:1-5)

© 2002-2022 Heaven Ministries. All Rights Reserved. www.heavenministries.org >

5 Facts You Should Know About Marriage

By Angie Lewis

made them male and female, and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate. (Matthew 19:4-6)

1. Marriage Belongs to God

Marriage was intended to be a sanctified union between a man and a woman and set apart from the world for God and his purpose.

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator

2. The First Marriage Was Between Adam and Eve

The Lord God said, “It is not good for a man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18)

So, the Lord God caused the man

to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh she shall be called woman for she was taken out of man.” (Genesis 2:21-23)

God gave marriage as a gift to Adam and Eve. The two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment of sexual union that is designed specifically for marriage. The sexual union consummated the marriage.

3. The Marriage Contract Cannot Be Broken

Permanency of marriage was God’s intention. Jesus says in no uncertain terms that marriage is a lifetime commitment. To leave your spouse and marry another may be legal but it is adultery in God’s eyes. God designed marriage to be indissoluble.

Jesus said, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Luke 16:18)

4. Marriage Can Be Recorded in Family Bible

The definition of a "license" demands that we not obtain one to marry. Black's Law Dictionary defines "license" as, "The permission by competent authority to do an act which without such permission, would be illegal." We need to ask ourselves, why should it be

illegal to marry without the State's permission? More importantly, why should we need the State's permission to participate in something that God instituted?

(Gen. 2:18-24)

Buy a Family Bible, which contains birth and death records, and a marriage certificate and record your marriage in the Family Bible. What's recorded in a Family Bible will stand up as legal evidence in any court of law in America.

5. Marriage Is A Living Symbol of Jesus Christ and the Church

…For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the Church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. (Ephesians 5:23-24)

This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the Church. (Ephesians 5:32)

In Jesus’ day, women, children, and slaves were to submit to the head of the family. Slaves submitted until they were freed, male children until they grew up, and girls and women their whole life. The bible tells believers to submit to one another out of respect because it preserves order and harmony. According to the Bible, the man is the spiritual head of the family, and the wife should honor her husband by submitting.

© 2002-2022 Heaven Ministries. All Rights Reserved. www.heavenministries.org >

Good Books—But Not (Only) Alone

By Cassie Watson

deeper into books about theology or the Christian life together.

Let’s consider a few of the benefits.

1. Deeper Understanding and Retention

Education

3 Benefits of Reading Books Together

My favorite spot in my house is the reading nook—a dark-green velvet armchair and footstool flanked by overflowing bookshelves. Most nights I settle in there with a stack of books and a cup of peppermint tea. It’s hard to leave.

But I miss out on something important if I only ever read curled up on my own in that cozy spot. There is much to gain from reading in community. Whether you read with one close friend or a whole group from church, you can dig

It’s often said that the best way to learn something is to teach it. Discussing a book with others has a similar effect—by having to put into words the concepts that intrigued us, we learn the material in a deeper way, and we retain it longer too. In the words of hymn writer Isaac Watts, “Talking over the things which you have read with your companions fixes them on the mind.”

The slower pace—reading a chapter every week or two instead of speeding through it—will help understanding and give you the space to make connections with your daily life. Reading in community also guards us from the echo

chamber of our own minds. Other people will come away from the same book with different questions, objections, and applications. You can push each other to engage with the material from a variety of viewpoints.

Reading in community also guards us from the echo chamber of our own minds.

2. Growth in Holiness

I have countless books to thank for my growth in holiness over the years. God has used authors faithfully unpacking the Scripture and applying it to various aspects of life to teach me about himself, reveal my sin, remind me of the gospel, and strengthen me for obedience. But I still have blind spots. I remember as a teenager speeding through Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship, not wanting to slow down long enough to have to put it

into practice. In my immaturity, I wanted to follow Jesus without sacrificing my comfort. I can’t recall why I persevered in reading the book at all when I didn’t want to hear its message.

When we read a book alongside others, we can’t just skip over the bits we don’t like—the parts that cut a little too close to our cherished sins. You can’t hide so easily in community. When books prompt us to risk vulnerability in sharing our hearts, we reap great blessing. A few years ago, I read a book with a close friend, and after reading a particular chapter we both confessed a similar long-standing struggle with sin. Since then, we’ve helped each other fight that sin at its roots.

The goal isn’t just to blurt out all your secret sins so you can feel better—we need to help each other live holy lives. Reading a book like You Can Change by Tim Chester, or one on a specific sin, can help you work through the heart issues behind your sinful behaviors. You’ll get much more out of this by reading it alongside a trusted friend.

3. Spiritual Fellowship

As we build these kinds of relationships in which we share openly, the benefits of reading together multiply. That doesn’t always mean it’s comfortable. In our conversations, we’ll have the opportunity to put into practice the “one another” commands of Scripture.

If controversy erupts over theology or politics, we learn to bear with and forgive one another (Col. 3:13). We confess our faults to one another (James 5:16) and exhort one another against the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13). Through the biblical truth we read together, we “stir up one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:24). I expect

that as Christians gather to read books together, they’d ask God to help them understand and grow from what they read—so we can frequently “pray for one another” (James 5:16).

If your current friendships with other believers are only superficial, all this talk of confessing, exhorting, and encouraging will sound foreign. You might feel isolated or disconnected from others at your church. Don’t let that stop you— reading a book together can open the opportunity for deeper spiritual conversations. Soon you’ll find you have more to talk about after church than your weekend or job or kids.

What Does Reading Together Look Like?

You might have an idealized picture in your mind of what a reading group looks like. If you’re familiar with the Inklings—a group that included C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien—you could be imagining a circle of highly intellectual people sitting by the fireside with cups of tea to discuss the latest ideas, perhaps then continuing their debate with a walk through the rolling countryside.

Soon you’ll find you have more

to talk about after church than your weekend or job or kids.

But honestly, the experience looks very ordinary. You might sit with a friend at the kitchen table while your kids noisily stack and topple Lego towers in the corner. You might meet with a group at church on hard and creaking chairs while sipping mediocre coffee. But the unseen realities of what God is doing are glorious, as he builds up his people in love, knowledge, and holiness.

Don’t feel locked into starting a group that reads book after book together and builds lifelong friendships. If this happens it would be a great blessing, but it may not be realistic, and it shouldn’t turn you off from reading books with people altogether. Discipleship can be ad hoc. Just ask a friend to read one book with you, committing only to a few weeks or months. Then when you’re finished, you can ask someone else. You can even discuss books with a group using Zoom or WhatsApp, though you’ll almost always get more out of a flesh-andblood community.

Today we have access to countless books that enrich our faith and

strengthen us for obedience. Through centuries of church history, the riches of the Scriptures have been expounded and rejoiced in many times over. These treasures are ours for the taking. Let’s help each other mine them—let’s read good books together.

What books should you read together? Your choices are almost endless, so we’ve suggested a few TGC books with discussion guides available or built-in study questions. Running a reading group is less intimidating if you don’t have to produce discussion questions on your own.

Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church by Ivan Mesa (ed.)

Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Who We Are in Christ by Melissa Kruger (ed.)

Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in Our Own Land by Elliot Clark

Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests by Melissa Kruger

Copyright © 2022 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved >

Jesus Didn’t Say ‘Admire Me’; He Said ‘Follow Me’

By Greg Laurie

going to church is there are too many hypocrites. To them I would say, “There’s always room for one more, so come on in.”

All my life I admired Jesus Christ. I had seen all His movies. And I always thought very highly of Him. I thought at the very least that Jesus was a great man, a prophet, and maybe even the Son of God. I wasn’t sure, but I had great admiration for Him.

That is the way a lot of people feel toward Jesus Christ today. There are many people who have high regard for Him. In fact, many of them fill churches every weekend.

However, Jesus didn’t say, “Admire Me.” He said, “Follow Me.” Nor did He say, “Follow My people.” No, he said, “Follow Me.”

We have all met people who claim to be Christians but turned out to be hypocrites. And probably the No. 1 excuse people give for not

Just because someone claims to be a Christian and messes up, falls short, or does something wrong, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a hypocrite. It means they’re human. I’m not making excuses for anyone. I’m simply saying that even followers of Christ will have moments when they do or say things, they wish they hadn’t done or said.

When Jesus used the term “hypocrite” to describe the self-righteous people of His day, He used a word in the original language that meant “actor.” A hypocrite is a person who’s putting on a performance. It’s someone who’s pretending to be something they really are not.

You can fool all the people some of the time. You can fool some of the people all the time. But you can’t fool God any of the time. He knows what is going on.

So, let’s acknowledge the fact there are hypocrites in the church. This doesn’t mean that Jesus Christ

isn’t real or that His words aren’t true. In fact, if you see a market flooded with cheap knockoffs, it confirms the fact there’s a genuine article out there.

Jesus Christ never will let you down. He never will fail you. I know this because Jesus said it, but I also know it from personal experience. I’ve gone through my times of tragedy. And when I hear people say they’ve lost their faith because of a crisis they’ve been through, my response is this: The faith that cannot be tested is the faith that cannot be trusted. If they lost their faith, so to speak, when they went through a crisis, then I’d have to question whether they ever had real faith to begin with.

The Bible tells the story of a man named Matthew, who left every-

thing to follow Jesus. He left his career, his wealth and his position and power. And you know what? Jesus had only two words for him.

Now, there are a lot of conversations that Jesus had with various people. In the Gospel of John, chapter 3, we read of a prolonged conversation that He had with Nicodemus. Then in the next chapter, we read that He had a conversation with an immoral woman.

So, what did Jesus say to Matthew? He simply told him, “Follow me.”

Right then and there, Matthew stood up from the table where he was sitting and followed Jesus. Then the Bible tells us, “Later, Mat-

thew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with such scum?’

“When Jesus heard this, he said, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do'” (Matthew 9:10–12 NLT).

That is so true. In fact, there are two places I don’t like to go: the doctor’s office and the dentist’s office. Why? It’s because I don’t want to hear bad news. I remember on one visit; my doctor told me that my blood pressure was high.

“Do you know why my blood pressure is high?” I spoke. “Every time I see you, my blood pressure goes up because I know you’re going to tell me that my blood pressure is too high. You must sneak up on me sometime and then check it. I guarantee that I’ll be fine.”

We don’t like to go to those places because we don’t like to hear bad news.

Matthew, like all of us, was sick spiritually. But there was no treat-

ment. There was no pill for his condition. It was a condition Matthew inherited, and ultimately it was fatal. It’s a condition called sin, and we are all born with it. We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. It comes naturally.

I never had to sit my two boys down and tell them, “Boys, today I want to teach you how to sin.”

They knew how to do it entirely on their own, just like I did, just like you do. The Bible says, “Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” and “the wage of sin is death” (Romans 3:23; 6:23 NLT).

Matthew was a tax collector, which meant that he effectively worked for the enemy. Rome was the occupying force in Israel at the time, and the tax collectors collected taxes for Rome, added more and pocketed the surplus.

We don’t know whether Matthew did this, but I can tell you one thing: Tax collectors were not popular people. They were barely above plankton on the food chain. As a result, Matthew had no friends— just a lot of people who wanted nothing to do with him.

I don’t know what drove Matthew to that lifestyle, but he no

doubt was watching Jesus. A tax collector knew what was happening in town. He knew of any business transactions that took place. He would have watched Jesus talking to people. He would have heard His teachings. And Matthew really knew the Scriptures. In his own Gospel, he made more than 99 references to the Old Testament.

Jesus knew who Matthew was, too, and He ultimately called him, saying, “Follow me.”

Maybe you know the Bible, but maybe you’ve never had a relationship with Jesus Christ Himself. I’m not talking about religion. I have no interest in religion, and I don’t want to become a religious person. On the other hand, I am very interested in a relationship with God. And that is what knowing Jesus Christ is all about. >

Greg Laurie

All Rights Reserved Harvest Ministries 2022 >

Stressed? 11 Surprising Tools To Combat Daily Stress

By Dr Don Colbert

stress can lead us to long lasting feelings of depression, unhealthy eating, isolation, reduced motivation and more.

HOW STRESS AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH

“Stressed” seems to be the baseline state for many modern adults. It’s no wonder. Lives have become more stressful in the last couple years. Seemingly normal everyday decisions and life, from healthcare to kids’ schooling to taking care of aging parents weigh heavy. It is vital that we proactively combat daily stress throughout each day.

Why?

Stress isn’t just an uncomfortable feeling. It’s a progression of reactions in your body that can have devastating health consequences both directly and indirectly.

Directly, chronic elevated cortisol (the “stress hormone”) wreaks havoc on body systems. Indirectly,

High levels of mental stress can be devastating to your brain, your health, your relationships, and your immune system. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can affect all our body’s systems.

Cortisol is a hormone that’s released by the adrenal glands when the body faces stress. In modern times, this stress is often more mental than physical and usually has no outlet. For many, it’s chronic. It builds. And it does damage.

High blood cortisol levels are correlated with weight gain and impaired loss, altered blood pressure, negative impacts on mood, sleep and energy, an increased incidence of blood sugar and heart health issues, and potentially lower brain volume and memory chal-

lenges.

What can you do? Try our 10 Effective Tools to Combat Daily Stress!

11 SURPRISING TOOLS TO COMBAT DAILY STRESS

1. Add Nature’s Best Stress Relief Each Day

Did you know there’s an all-natural oil that is effective against stress? Hemp oil, specifically nanoparticle oils like those in Dr. Colbert’s Nano-Science Hemp Oil, promotes health across the body’s systems.

It is a broad-spectrum hemp oil that is organically grown, vegan, and GMO-free. In terms of health, it has been shown to:

Support healthy, stable moods

Promote stress relief and normalized cortisol levels

Support comfortable, healthy joints

Encourage healthy sleep habits

Promote healthy skin with

fewer irregularities and blemishes

Support healthy brain and nervous system functions

Encourage healthy cardiovascular functions and normalized inflammatory actions

Why it’s surprising: Hemp oil is more effective than most plant compounds at combating stress!

2. Calmly Breathe In And Out Did you know you can combat stress with your lungs?

It’s true. You can calm your heart, your brain, and your body by breathing calmly. Try this:

While pressing your tongue strongly against the roof of your mouth, breathe in slowly. Then, allow your tongue to completely relax and lower, even allowing your mouth to hang open if you want, and slowly breathe out. Do this for

See STRESS

an entire minute.

Why it’s surprising: Breathing is one of the simplest human functions. Controlling it can help you control your stress.

3. EXERCISE, OUTDOORS IF

POSSIBLE

When you exercise, you release your body’s own ability to combat stress. In fact, studies suggest that exercise can improve anxiety symptoms or stressed moods especially in those who have a history of dealing with chronic stress.

It’s interesting. Exercise can

increase stress hormones acutely. However, these hormones quickly decrease back to healthy levels and long-term stress outcomes improve.

What’s more, moods improve when you get outside. If you don’t know where to start, start walking. Here are 10 Amazing Benefits of Walking!

Why it’s surprising: We all know exercise is good for you. You can double your stress reduction by getting outside while exercising!

4. LAUGH ANY CHANCE YOU GET, ESPECIALLY WITH FRIENDS & LOVED ONES

If life doesn’t seem pleasant, fun, or funny now, you’ll have to go out of your way to proactively laugh. It may seem silly.

But, if you prioritize laughter, you will reduce stress. Start by reading your favorite funny author, spending time with a great friend, listening or watching a favorite comedian or show, or hanging out with children.

Did you know that dehydration can increase cortisol? Dehydration is linked to increased saliva and blood cortisol. Amazingly, multiple studies have found that dehydrated athletes have more circulating cortisol than hydrated ones.

Of course, water is a great choice for hydration.

But you can take it a step further and drink cortisol-reducing black and/or green tea.

Tea is a health-promoting drink that you can use as a tool to combat stress daily. In studies, tea consumers reported a higher “sense of relaxation,” lower blood platelet activation, better heart health indicators, brain health, oral health, and a fiery metabolism.

Take it one step further and flavor your tea with Organic Fermented Green Supremefood®.

Why it’s surprising: Many thinks tea itself is dehydrating. It’s only a very gentle diuretic and can be used for stress-busting hydration.

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Amazingly, laughter is considered a scientific, effective, noninvasive therapy for improved mental health and mood. In fact, it’s been found that laughter alters dopamine and serotonin activity and causes an increase in endorphins. These chemicals decrease discomfort, cortisol, and depressed moods.

Why it’s surprising: Laughter is such a gift in the human experience. Indulge in it for a free stressbuster.

5. STAY HYDRATED WITH A STRESS-BUSTING TEA

6. GET INTO THE KETO ZONE® TO EAT HEALTHY FOODS THROUGHOUT THE DAY

You can also combat daily stress by improving your diet. A haphazard diet, a high-sugar diet, or an ultra-processed diet can be detrimental to your health and stress levels.

Here’s how to improve your diet: Ditch the low-calorie, highcarb diets. Often, dieters following these strategies are left feeling hungry. Hunger promotes feelings of overwhelm and stress.

Increase foods that promote satiety and satisfaction like healthy fats.

Remove processed sugars and carbohydrates from your diet as much as possible. Sugars led to energy crashes and increased feelings of stress.

How? The best way to get started is to get the book: Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Diet Book. You will find how to cut carbs and get into ketosis. Then, continue to follow our posts, recipes, Facebook groups, and more to keep going. You can also join our FREE 21-Day Keto Zone Challenge!

Why it’s surprising: Many people eat without thinking it affects their mental health. What you eat matters when it comes to stress.

7. PRAY WITH GRATITUDE

No matter the conflicts you’re facing, the practice of daily gratitude and prayer can change everything. In fact, practicing gratitude has been proven to support decreased cortisol and stress levels.

Moreover, prayer is a wonderful gift for spiritual health. Prayer is thought to increase the secretion of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. These compounds decrease cortisol while promoting relaxation, focus, and motivation.

Of course, for believers, prayer and gratitude to God goes beyond mental health. Our spiritual health is the foundation of everything else!

Why it’s surprising: Gratitude and prayer are available to you all day, every day. You can choose them and thereby choose to reduce your stress.

8. CLEAR THE CALENDAR

Some stress is self-induced. Sometimes, we say “yes” to too many activities. Sometimes, we are required to live within a busy schedule.

As much as it’s dependent on you, clear your schedule to combat daily stress. It’s okay to spend time at home with little to do. It’s okay to allow kids to play without a “formal class or structure.” Give yourself a break.

Why it’s surprising: While we often feel like stress is heaped onto us, many times we simply overschedule ourselves and our families. It’s okay to do less. Slow and simple lives have a lot of health benefits.

9. USE POSITIVE LANGUAGE AND THOUGHTS TO SOOTHE STRESS

Your words can shape your world. In fact, you have a lot of power to combat daily stress with your language. In fact, even when patients are recovering from chronic illness, optimistic language and optimism have been shown to improve outcomes.

How? Use the word “challenges” rather than “problems.” Talk about difficult or new situations as opportunities to grow and learn. Acknowledge stressful situations and discuss helpful actions such as prayer, talking, and habits to address them. Avoid using absolute terms like “always” and “never,” and acknowledge difficult seasons with hopeful-

ness. Talk to yourself with love and care, just as you would to a friend. Capture and replace negative selftalk with positive.

What’s more, optimism is thought by some to be a fountain of youth! That’s some great news. Something that won’t cost you a dime can help you reduce stress while increasing youthfulness!

Why it’s surprising: You can change your entire day by changing the way you talk to yourself and think. Start “capturing” the negative and flipping it to the positive.

10. PUT DOWN THE PHONE AND THE REMOTE

Sure, we all need to “tune in” to know what is happening in the world. However, increasingly, we’re tuning in too much. We are now inundated with news nonstop. We see struggles from every corner of the world, sometimes truthfully and sometimes grossly exaggerated.

What’s this doing to our stress levels? Recent studies suggest more media consumption means more feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. Instead of tuning into a device for countless hours, get your news in small doses from a trusted source. Then, proactively put it

down and tune into your physical world and the people present in your life.

Why is this surprising? For many, stress increases media consumption, which can then exacerbate stress. It takes proactive action to stop this negative cycle.

11. PRIORITIZE SLEEP

No matter the situation, you can combat daily stress and improve mental health with adequate sleep. In fact, adults should all aim to get 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night.

While adequate sleep is not always easy or even feasible, it’s a crucial health habit. The alternative, lack of sleep, can impair melatonin levels and cortisol, increase the risk of metabolic issues and weight gain, and generally deteriorate well-being.

What’s more, an overload of stress can be the cause of poor sleep, making the sleep-stress cycle a potential threat to health.

Aim for more sleep and less

stress this week!

Why it’s surprising: Sleep is not a waste of time. In fact, it may be the most important activity when it comes to mental health.

BOTTOM LINE

Life is not easy, and it feels like it’s getting tougher in many ways. Decide today that your health is priceless to you. Combat daily stress with our tools. Every other part of your life will benefit from less cortisol. Act today! >

What Is Tea?

By Jan Lantrip, The English Tea Room

Consumers today are thirsty for a deeper understanding of tea. Their questions and increasing interest in the world of tea demonstrates the need for accurate and up to date information.

Tea is certainly the most widely consumed beverage in the world, besides water. Tea is considered by most people to be healthier than other beverages. Tea has experi-

enced an astounding rise in interest and consumption around the world as people are seeking the health advantage of tea.

Consumption of tea has been a solution to boost immunity for thousands of years. It has long been considered medicinal, as well as an enjoyable experience. There may be scientific reasons people feel so content and relaxed when drinking tea. It has been reported tea raises

the serotonin levels in the brain, acting like a natural antidepressant to gently lift the mood and bring a feeling of calm and wellness.

As a Pharmacist, I have a passion for the health and wellness of our community. My goal is to continue this teaching in the tearoom with tea. I have a genuine passion for tea and a deep desire to share my years of study and insight in tea and health benefits.

In general, black tea contains the highest level of caffeine coming in at about 60 mg/ cup. The next level down would be green tea with 20 mg/ cup and white tea at 10mg/ cup. Oolong and Pu-erh would be somewhere in between black and green. Depending on the quality of the teas, white tea can contain higher levels of caffeine, sometimes equaling the green tea caffeine content. Of course, there are differences to be found in these levels of caffeine depending on the terroir of where tea has been grown. The amount of caffeine depends on many factors such as growing conditions, varietals, the time of harvest, processing methods, the age of the tea leaf itself, and the brewing technique and method.

Besides caffeine, there is an added beneficial compound found in tea. That important amino acid L theanine is present in varying amounts in all teas. L-theanine is astonishing in the beneficial properties that tea can offer. More focus and increased awareness is offered by l- Theanine as compared to the high energy or jittery effects of caffeine. So, the combination of the two compounds, caffeine, and L –theanine present a balance in how we feel while drinking tea. Most coffee contains at least 120 mg/ cup up to 300 mg of caffeine, depending on the brewing technique and the type of coffee used.

Teas require certain attention to brewing times and water temperatures to ensure the perfect and proper cup of tea. Many people say they do not like green tea for example because it can easily become bitter because of steeping it too long or due to excessive temperature. Black

tea needs to be steeped with boiling water for 3-5 minutes or longer according to taste. Teas are personal and therefore, it is according to taste. But in general, green teas will require a lower temperature and a shorter brewing time than black tea. Green teas can be brewed for 2-3 minutes or less in very hot but not boiling water. The temperature for green tea can be set for 140 – 170 degrees. White tea as well should be brewed with lower temperature and shorter brewing times of just a couple of minutes These leaves can be steeped again and again as they can still provide much flavor and nutritional benefits. Oolong tea can be brewed with very hot water –even up to 180 degrees and then steeped for several minutes or longer according to your preference.

In general, green tea is packed with antioxidants. Research around the world have suggested improved brain function, most notably with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Bioactive compounds in this type of tea may protect neurons and improve function of the brain that is responsible for memory. Other studies show green tea may help prevent Type 2 Diabetes by helping modulate blood sugar levels. The scientific literature abounds in studies showing the potential of lower risks of certain types of cancers.

White tea is extremely rich in antioxidants. White tea gets its name because of the tiny leaves and buds of the tea plant that are plucked even before the green chlorophyll has formed. The resulting brew is often pale or nearly colorless, but results in a heavenly lightly scented flavor profile. One area of health benefit in white tea is the purported ability to improve the health of our skin and hair. It also may be beneficial to prevent the signs of aging of our skin. White tea has been widely studied for its potential benefit as an anti-inflammatory.

All teas are very beneficial for our overall wellness. The list of benefits is astounding. the increase in global studies of tea is showing one thing for certain; Tea is a healthy choice! >

5 Daily Habits That Will Set You Up For Success

By Ken Coleman

Habit #1: Learn.

It’s easy to live life on autopilot. Do you ever feel like you’re going through the motions during the workweek, just trying to make it to Friday? Then, when Friday rolls around, you can hardly remember what happened that week—it’s all one big blur.

Listen, folks. The typical schedule of get up, go to work, come home, watch TV, go to bed, and do it over again the next day is not going to get you where you want to be. I don’t want you to be full of regret in 30 years when you look back and realize you didn’t do anything you were truly passionate about!

To avoid living on autopilot and advance in your career, you must be intentional with your time every day. That sounds like a big undertaking, but there are a few simple actions you can take daily to set yourself up for success—not just in your career, but in other areas of your life too.

The Top 5 Daily Habits for Personal and Professional Growth

Note: These aren’t shortcuts and will require some discipline, but I promise they will pay off! Whether you want to pursue a new career direction, take your current position to the next level, or simply grow as a person, practice these five things daily and you’ll see real results and opportunities coming your way.

This can look different on a dayto-day basis, but the key is to learn something every day. It doesn’t matter if it’s small. Just carve out at least a few minutes to learn more about your craft, yourself, and the industry you currently work in (or the one you want to work in).

Here are a few effective ways to learn:

Read news articles, books, essays. It doesn’t matter what it is if what you’re reading helps you learn more about who you are and what you want to do.

Here's a list of some of my favorite books:

• David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

• Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay

• Bo’s Lasting Lessons by Bo Schembechler

• Patriot In The Making & Practical Revolutionary by Patrick Henry

• The Winner Within by Pat Riley

• Good to Great by Jim Collins

• Leading with the Heart by Mike Krzyzewski

• A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Clayborne Carson

Listen to podcasts, radio and other people who know more than you do.

Watch TED talks, documentaries and speeches given by people who inspire you or are influential in your field.

Research the field you’re interested in, especially if you’re looking at making a career change. Find

out what kinds of education or training you would need to make that transition and what kinds of jobs and salaries are available in your area. Or look for volunteer and internship opportunities with an organization you’re passionate about.

Just think—you could spend 10 minutes scrolling through Instagram on your phone, or you could spend that 10 minutes reading an article that teaches you about the job you want or the field you’re passionate about! You’ll be surprised by how much knowledge you can absorb by making a small, intentional effort every day.

To stay up to date on the latest

job market trends, check out my 5-minute daily podcast, Work Matters. It's a short and sweet show that will help keep you informed and competitive as you move along your career journey.

Habit #2: Do.

Find ways to practice what you’ve been learning and hone your craft. Again, this will look different depending on the given day and your career of choice.

Maybe it means writing 200 words every day, even if you absolutely hate what you write (you’ll get better). Maybe it means volun-

teering with a company that can help build your skills. Maybe it’s as simple as trying a new recipe, working on a website, or redecorating a friend’s living room so you can build your interior design portfolio. Just find small ways to practice.

Ask yourself this: What can I do today that will help me get better at what I love to do?

Habit #3: Connect.

Look for ways to connect with people who are doing what you want to do, or who are already excelling in an area where you want to improve. I’m not talking about

speed networking or making superficial connections just so you can reap the benefits. But it’s always important to be mindful about the relationships you’re building and maintaining daily.

Whether it’s reaching out to an old friend via email, grabbing coffee with someone you want to learn from, talking with an acquaintance who works at a company you’d love to work for, asking a trusted coworker for feedback on a project, or even just spending a few minutes bonding with your current team— real relationships are crucial, no matter what industry you’re in.

Habit #4: Serve.

There’s a great quote from one of my heroes, Zig Ziglar, that says: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” If you serve other people, it eventually comes back to you.

Now, you might be thinking Ken, that’s shallow! Is it really serving if I’m hoping to get something in return?

Hang on—I’m not saying you should manipulate people into giving you what you want. I’m suggesting that you make serving others a daily practice. In fact, the world’s best leaders are the ones who lead by serving. The way to become successful is not to push and claw your way to the top, but to have an attitude of humility and put others before yourself. Trust me—people will remember that in the future.

“You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” — Zig Ziglar

Here’s another question to ask yourself: How can I serve the people around me today? Not just your boss and your coworkers, but also

your friends, your family, the disgruntled employees at the grocery store—you name it.

This might look like picking up someone’s lunch order, offering to do something outside of your regular job responsibilities, genuinely listening to someone who needs to vent, or putting your phone away when you get home so you can play with your kids. The list of possibilities really is endless.

Habit #5: Reflect.

When you’re making progress in your career, it’s encouraging to record that progress. Take some time at the end of the day to reflect on what you did, even if it feels like you only took one small step forward. Those small steps lead to big victories!

Journaling can be a fun, nopressure way to reflect on your day and get all your thoughts and ideas down on paper. Many studies have found that journaling boosts your mental health by helping you cope with anxiety, stress, and depression.

Not a journaler? Try writing down just one sentence about your day, keeping track of goals you accomplished, or storing all your completed to-do lists in one place. And don’t forget about the art of gratitude: Jotting down at least three things you’re grateful for each day can really help you stay motivated and keep everything in perspective >

COLEMAN

How To Be More Productive: 11 Tips For Getting The Most Important Things Done

By Christy Wright

ing things off your to-do list? You can start your day feeling that way! Get rid of tasks that simply don’t matter—or at least don’t matter right now. Do you really need to steam your couch cushions? Do you really need to respond to all 150 emails in your inbox?

different time slot. The goal is to continue doing the right things at the right time.

4 Cut out the time wasters.

6 Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier.

“There’s so little time and so much to do,” sang Louis Armstrong. That pretty much sums up most days, doesn’t it?

I don’t know what your life is like, but as a speaker, author, wife, and mom of three kids, I’m always trying to figure out how to be more productive. As I’ve studied and taught on life balance over the past decade, I’ve found that these 11 tips are the most useful in my own life.

1 Set your priorities before you start working.

Every morning, choose your priorities for that day. Focus on three to five things that you want to get done most. In fact, I encourage you to title your list exactly that: “What I Want to Get Done Most Today.” As silly as it may sound, the title will help you make room for only the most important things so you can feel confident about how you’re spending your time.

2 Get rid of the tasks that don’t matter.

You know that feeling of cross-

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Evaluate what tasks are worth your time and scratch off (or delegate) the ones that aren’t. Learning to say no to what doesn’t matter will free you up to create a life you want to lead.

Focus On What Really Matters to YOU

My new Goal Planner will help you manage your schedule AND grow as a person.

Get the Goal Planner

3 Schedule your work.

Use your calendar as a tool to manage your work time and to-do list. We schedule appointments and parties, so why not schedule your work time?

Take your list of priorities, look at your schedule for the day, and decide where to fit them. Even when something else comes up, you can always adapt your plans as things change throughout the week—just move your work to a

We’re all guilty of filling our time with things that don’t matter— I’ll be the first to admit it! It’s easy to procrastinate by scrolling through Instagram, or constantly refreshing the news, or deciding to start a load of laundry when you should be working to meet a deadline . . .

These mindless activities aren’t helping you. In fact, they’re stealing your time. When you feel tempted to break concentration and do something else, ask yourself: Is this the best use of my time? Usually that question will answer itself.

5 Create an environment that inspires you.

Whether you work from home or in an office, look around your workspace the next time you’re there. Does it boost your energy and focus? If not, maybe it's time to make some changes. Bring in a lamp to create soft light. Buy a plant. Put up photos. Create an environment that inspires you.

Also, sometimes we just need a change of scene. Maybe you should post up at a coffee shop one Saturday or take your laptop outside on a pretty afternoon. That fresh energy can keep you motivated to knock a few more items off your list.

Sleep gives you the energy you need to focus and get things done. It’s impossible to feel your best when you’re tired and grouchy! Prioritize sleep by getting between seven and nine hours every single night.

I recommend going to bed earlier instead of sleeping in. Here’s why: When you wake up early, you can have time alone to start the day as you—not as an employee, a mom, or a dad. You have time and space to enjoy a cup of coffee or get in a good workout. The way you start your day affects how you spend the rest of your day.

7 Set yourself up to be able to focus.

Your attention is one of your most valuable resources. Protect it. Create boundaries around your work time and workspace. You might need to clear your calendar and book a conference room at work or put a sign on your bedroom door asking the kids to leave you alone while you work. Turn off notifications for instant messages, texts, and emails when you’re in work mode. Interruptions and dis-

tractions will derail your focus and cost you lots of time.

8 Do one thing at a time. Doing several things at once might help you feel like you’re getting a lot done, but multitasking kills productivity and leaves you feeling stressed and out of balance. Wherever you are, be all there. Finish one task completely (whenever possible) before starting the next one. In the end, you’ll do more and better work.

9 Grit your teeth and get to it. Sometimes we simply must do things we’d rather not do. It’s a fact

of life. And avoiding something unpleasant will only make matters worse.

As Nike says, "Just do it." Force yourself to work on a task you dread for one hour and get as much done as you can. Working on the project in small increments of time will help you focus on the assignment and get it crossed off your list.

10. Take breaks and be available for rest.

Yes, sometimes you need to push yourself to keep working. But knowing when to take a break is also important. Leave your workspace and take a walk, or make a smoothie, or call a friend. The goal isn’t to procrastinate—it’s to refresh

your perspective on your work.

If we’re not careful, our unhealthy need to feel productive will keep us on a treadmill of to-do lists for the rest of our lives, and it will keep us from ever being able to enjoy rest, feel peace, or create balance. Give yourself permission to pause and breathe, even when you’re in productivity mode.

11. Focus on balance, not productivity.

I’ll be honest with you: The first 10 tips will help you be more productive, but at the end of the day, is that what you really need?

You see, our time, money and energy are finite. We’re always going to have to make choices. We can either make choices that reflect what matters most to us or try to do it all and fail.

I don’t think we need more time-management hacks. I think what we’re really searching for is a sense of balance—to feel confident about how we’re spending our time. And I care about this so much that I wrote a whole book about it called Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance.

In the book, we dig deep and get to the root of what’s causing us to feel so out of balance. I’ll show you how to trade exhaustion and guilt for peace and fulfillment.

And believe it or not, life balance is possible.

Christy Wright

Christy Wright is a #1 national bestselling author, personal development expert and host of The Christy Wright Show. She’s been featured on Today, Fox News, and in Entrepreneur and Woman’s Day magazines. Since 2009, Christy has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches on personal development, business, and faith.

©2022 Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved >

How To Set Business Goals

Most entrepreneurs have big dreams for their business—which is great. Big dreams mean you have hope for the future. The trouble is, unless you do something about them, your dreams will just stay up in the clouds. You’ve got to be intentional about running your business in the direction you want it to go—not just letting it run you. Because, just like Zig Ziglar said, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.”

So, to reach your dreams, you have to set business goals. Goals force practical steps into your life to bring your dreams down from the clouds and into reality. They’re the boots on the ground that will make stuff happen.

But before you dive in, you need

a vision for your business. Without a vision, you could end up setting superficial goals that don’t really matter to you or to your dreams. So, you need to start there. Then, get your vision down on paper and turn it into a statement that you can share with your team. If you need help, you can read all about how to write a vision statement here.

Once you have a vision, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Apply these seven steps to set short-term goals that will move you toward your vision for your business:

Identify your priorities

Most business owners have a million things they want to do. But sometimes you must forego a little bit of progress in many areas to gain major progress in the areas that matter the most. The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is a great way to identify what you need to focus on right now to get closer to your vision. As you look at these

things along with the time and resources you have available, you’ll be able to prioritize what you need to focus on first and then tackle those things one or two at a time.

Define what you want to accomplish.

Vague goals are not goals at all— they’re wishes. You need to get specific about what you want to accomplish, or nothing will ever happen. For example, maybe you want to make more money. Well, how much more? How do you want to do that? A more specific goal would be “I want to increase revenue in my business by 10%.” Now that’s something you can work with and break up into smaller goals to work toward.

Set clear KPIs for your goal.

Make your goals for your business measurable by setting some key performance indicators (KPIs)—these are just metrics that you can keep an eye on to give you an idea of your progress. Measurable progress is called traction,

which is what you and your team need to see to keep the foot on the gas day-in and day-out. And when you can observe your movement toward your goals, it pumps you up! Track those metrics to see how your strategy is working. If you aren’t hitting the mark for your KPIs, it might mean you and your team need to dig in your heels or just try a different approach.

Have a time limit.

The next thing you need to do is set a time limit—this is your deadline. Goals with a time limit can be broken down into micro goals to measure your progress. You want to increase revenue by 10%? Great! By when? Once you have that date, you can break that goal all the way down to daily activities. And make sure your time limit is tight enough to make you and your team hustle for that goal every day but not so unrealistic that it’s overwhelming.

Wake Up America

blood cried out from the ground and God had to move!

I believe God is speaking to America right now through His word to Ephraim. You see, Ephraim is a type of any nation lifted high in its beginning. It represents any people who are blessed above all others and prospered, is powerful, influential, feared, and respected when in God's favor.

discovered a pattern. And that is, if we sin in the same way they did, we're going to pay the same price they all did! God rained fire on Sodom and Gomorrah as "a curse unto those that after should live ungodly" (2 Peter 2:6). And if America continues in ungodliness, God will send fire from heaven on us as well, a nuclear rain!

removing all true worship of Jehovah God.

Today’s Date is 09/25/2022

It is Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year festival, it is marked by the blowing of the shofar, and begins the ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur. It is indeed a time of inner renewal and divine atonement.

By the time you read this, the Jewish New Year festival will be done, but the timing of this prophesy is not strange at all. I hope that each one who reads this feature article is as moved by this godly message as I was.

I have searched the Scriptures that speak of God's judgment upon men and nations. And I have discovered certain "flash points" of His judgment, moments when the

Ephraim was the largest, most prosperous, and powerful of Israel's twelve tribes. They had been brought to fruitfulness by the goodness and mercy of God. But God brought Ephraim down to the pits of poverty because of habitual evils!

The Bible warns us: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our warning, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). God is saying, "Search the Scriptures, and go to the prophets. See what I did to Sodom and Gomorrah. Find out why I sent the Flood. Learn why and when I send My judgments!"

I went to these passages, and I

Hosea gave many reasons for God's impending judgment on Ephraim. But there are three that relate directly to America:

1. There Was No More Truth, Mercy or Knowledge of God in the Land! (Hosea 4:1).

At one time Ephraim had been an evangelistic tribe, on fire for the Lord. But the wicked Jeroboam was now king, and he went wild after idols. He set up golden calves at each end of the nation and he made it legal to worship these idols.

Sin began to creep into the nation and soon everything degenerated. Prophets were mocked. The houses of God were shut down. Ungodly priests and false teachers were given office and they spent their time deceiving the people and

Their removal of God from their midst birthed a merciless society of unruly children and sensuous adults. Now there was only "swearing, and lying and killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break out and blood touches blood" (Hosea 4:2). The people had "broken out" from every godly restraint that held their society together. Under Jeroboam, Ephraim was wholly given over to idolatry, yet the law itself defended their apostasy!

I ask you: Have you ever in your lifetime seen such immorality and sin as are "breaking out" in America right now? Yet what should we expect in a nation that pushes God aside and that mocks truth and ridicules righteousness that hates God and despises Christ?

Should we be alarmed that in the past 75 years crime has gone up 520 percent in our schools? We now live in a day when metal detec-

See WAKE UP on Page 39

tors are installed in school entrances. Our kids go to class fearing gunfire in the halls!

2. The More They Prospered, the More They Sinned!

History has proven again and again that the more powerful and prosperous a nation becomes, the more the people tend to turn away from God. When prosperity came to Ephraim, they abused their abundance: "As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore, will I change their glory into shame" (Hosea 4:7).

Our fathers who framed the Constitution agreed that all of America's blessings came "from God and His Christ." They warned that America would fall into corruption and shame if God was ever rejected. Oh, how far we have come from that today! Now God is making His judgment clear: "I'm going to change your glory into shame!"

Our economy is in shambles. In the past 75 years America has gone from being the world's greatest lending nation to the number-one debtor nation.

Do you think all this is just natural that this decay eating away at America is mere happenstance? No! God said, "You have forgotten Me! And in the height of your prosperity, I will come upon you and cast the shadow of shame over every proud thing you gloried in!"

3. God Says, "I'm going to judge You Because of Deep Corruption Caused by Rampant abominations!"

God's wrath is upon us because most Americans have lost their values! There are masses of people who would not move an inch to defend America against an enemy aggressor, yet they would gladly

lay down their lives to defend abortion rights.

America was once renowned as a defender of truth and justice. Now, we have become defenders of baby killers and perversions. It is at this point that God moves! "Therefore, He will remember their iniquity, He will visit their sins" (Hosea 9:9). When God says, "I'm going to visit you!” He means a visitation of sudden judgment! This abomination is unclean in God’s kingdom. Now we are facing an epidemic that requires constant cleaning of hands! Is this a coincidence, I think not!

America's problems could be turned around overnight, if only we would repent as a nation and cry out to God, "Forgive us! Come back to us, deliver us and we will put our lives in Your hands so you can clean ours!"

I believe God would put an end to covid. The economy would become robust again. The job market would recover. Crime would go down and America would regain all its lost ground!

Yet the attitude of America's courts and government toward God is, "Don't touch us! We don't want you here!" How foolish! How unwise can a people be?

2. All That Was Once Fruitful Will Become Barren, Withered and Dead! (Hosea 13:15)

God once promised to "command (His) blessing" upon those who "would hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments" (Deuteronomy 28:1, 8

). He told Ephraim, "If you'll just walk in My commandments and if you'll honor me and obey My Word, I will command My blessings upon you!"

Like Ephraim, America has been above all else fruitful. We sing of

"America, the Beautiful" of "spacious skies" and "fruited plains." But rampant sin has brought on a curse of barrenness! God says:

"Though He is fruitful among His brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the Lord shall come up from the wilderness and His spring shall become dry, and His fountain shall be dried up: He shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels" (Hosea 13:15). God is saying that He will spoil all our precious resources!

For Ephraim, the east wind that blew in from the wilderness was the great Assyrian army. The Assyrians swept over the nation and plundered it, carrying away its wealth and leaving it desolate, a beggar nation.

America will also experience "a withering wind from the Lord!" His wind is blowing right now and it's withering the stock market, the economy, marriages, and schools. All are being withered and made dry! We are no longer the most productive, but instead have been helpless to stop the withering and decay of our once-great institutions and corporations. We have lost our influence. America is now the tail and not the head!

When God's wind blew on Jerusalem, the city was left empty and dry! "He turned rivers into a wilderness, and the water-springs into dry ground; a fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein" (Psalm 107:3334).

What lies ahead for America? A withering of all things! God's wind is now blowing, and He is doing what He said He would do, spoiling our treasures.

Take Hope Because There Are Bright Clouds on the Horizon for a Holy Remnant!

During all the withering judgments, God is going to cause a holy remnant to grow and flourish

Listen to God's message to Hosea: "I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for My anger is turned away from Him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

"His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree. We're going to be a people bearing

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fruit, spreading our branches full of Christ! This prophecy has to do with both natural Israel and a holy remnant. The Spirit will fall as dew upon God's called, and they will grow on the vine, a people dependent on the Lord, bearing fruit, while the ungodly wither and die.

God is calling out His remnants, ones He purposed a calling long before they were born for a time such as this. I believe that they are being notified as I speak. They will be getting a fresh mind-

set. You will recognize them by their fruit. The Transformation will soon happen. While some in beach waters, they will move oceans by the power of God flowing in them.

Remnants, Respond to His Calling!

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the

measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

The New Man

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put

off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Do Not Grieve the Spirit

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:11-32

Christians are going to have to live on the Word of God: so that you can receive from The Holy Spirit, Who is wise and understands these things? For the ways of the Lord are right and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein".

If you know God is in control, you can lie back in His arms and say, "Thank You, Jesus." You can rest in the knowledge that God has everything under control.

Hallelujah!

Save The Nations Ministries >

10 Powerful Bible Verses That Reveal Your True Identity In Christ

By Chip Ingram

learning what your Creator has to say about the real you.

Guiding

In a recent sermon series, Chip Ingram explores the way our identity in Christ begins with first understanding what He thinks about us. Do you know what He says about YOU?

There aren’t many things that philosophers, psychologists, and theologians agree upon, but there is one.

From the time we’re very young until the end of our lives, we all ask the same questions:

Who am I?

Where do I belong?

What am I supposed to do?

These are issues of identity, security, and significance, and every stage of life can bring up these questions once again (spoiler alert: the answer is always the same).

How can we wrestle with these questions considering our place in the Kingdom?

YOU ARE VALUABLE

As we’ve learned in recent studies on (Romans 12), He wants us to surrender to Him. That includes understanding YOUR worth and value.

You cannot love other people if you don’t love YOU. This requires being honest about who you are, Who created you, and being able to say:

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I matter. God has a plan for me. I have the right personality. I have the right gifts. I don’t need to be like anyone else.

Unfortunately, most of us spend a great majority of our time and energy trying to be like someone else. To be honest, sometimes we wish we were someone else.

We dress like other people, act like other people, and spend time and energy trying to be a replica of someone else. And yet God made us uniquely, and nobody else on the entire planet has the same DNA.

You were created just as the Creator intended because He has a purpose for you. He wants to do something great in you and then something significant through you.

How can you begin to come to grips with the real you? Start by

10 Powerful Bible Verses That Reveal Your True Identity In Christ

1. Romans 8:29

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

God’s dream is to make you like His SON or DAUGHTER. He wants us to conform to the image of Christ.

2. Matthew 5:48

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We are called to maturity, which is a process that includes discipline and endurance.

3. Romans 12:3

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Take inventory but do it soberly—be honest about who you are. God already knows (and He loves you). Think ACCURATELY about yourself.

4. Psalm 139:13-14

For you created my inmost being you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.

God uniquely created you. Resist the lie that says you have no purpose. You are ETERNALLY VALUABLE.

Download a printable poster of this verse today and post it in your office or home. Be reminded daily that you were created wonderfully!

Your Creator made you fearfully and wonderfully. You matter. You don’t need to be like anyone else.

5. Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God gifted you to fulfill His purpose. You are IRREPLACEABLY SIGNIFICANT.

6. Romans 12:4-5

Just as each of us has one body

Colossians 3:23

with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many forms one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

As part of the body, you are set apart and you have a unique purpose within the body of believers. Being a member of this family is part of your identity. You have a ROLE to fill.

7. Romans 12:6-8

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contribut-

ing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

What brings you joy? Where is your naturally leading gift? While you serve the body, consider your gift. Discover and DEPLOY your spiritual gift.

Serving the body of Christ is part of your identity. What brings you joy? Where is your natural gifting? Discover and deploy your spiritual gifts.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

GUIDING LIGHT

8. Ephesians 3:19

And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

God placed you in His family where you will experience His love and fullness. You are UNCONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED.

9. Ephesians 4:13

…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of

the fullness of Christ.

Exercise our faith within the body of Christ. Work out your faith within CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.

10. Joshua 1:8

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Remember these words of Truth. MEDITATE on God’s Word.

Once you begin thinking accurately about yourself and grasp your identity in Christ, it will change you. It will alter your marriage, your attitude, your parenting, and your responses to the challenges of life.

Ultimately, you will realize that you were made with purpose, for a purpose, and there is no one like you. That is your identity. >

Copyright © Living on the Edge. All rights reserved. >

GOALS

Put it in writing.

Fun fact: People who regularly write down their goals earn nine times as much during their lifetimes as people who don’t.1 Imagine that! If you want your goal to feel real, it needs to be in writing, and it needs to be visible to you and your team. Don’t just jot it down in a journal, then throw that journal in your file cabinet. Set up a scoreboard, hang a banner, or have something designed for each team member’s desk—get your goal on paper, on purpose.

Communicate your goals to your team.

When you cast a big vision (in other words, have a big goal for your business), you gotta get your team excited about it. The team needs to see what part they can play so that you’re pulling people into goals instead of pushing the goal onto them. When leadership sets goals for their team without creating buy-in, they’re not setting goals—they’re setting quotas. And no one likes quotas. Share “the why” behind these goals. To create buy-in from your team, the right hand needs to know why the left hand is doing what it’s doing.

Celebrate milestones.

It’s easy to move along from one project to the next without stopping to look around at what you’ve accomplished. That’s no way to live life! And besides, what gets rewarded is what gets repeated. Seriously, when you celebrate wins, big and small, you send a signal to your brain that says the action or behavior is worth repeating in the future.

So, what are you going to do to celebrate the small wins on the way to your big goal?

Remember, goals are not wishes, dreams, or even visions. Goals bring

those things down to earth and create actual action steps to make those things come true. And big goals require big backbone—that only comes from caring deeply about the result. When you care about the end of the story, you will work your way through the thick of it.

Ready to hit your goals and create unstoppable momentum?

Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since 1992. Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books (including 12 national bestsellers) published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners.

©2022 Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved >

To Obtain The Inheritance

By Jim Elliff

This is one long sentence:

The inheritance for the Christian begins with eternal life, a transformed body, new heavens, and a new earth, and extends literally to all there is. We are co-heirs with Christ, meaning all that Christ has received in his ascension, we have received. The realization of all that will not come until later, yet it is ours. We will reign under Hm over all the universes! Jesus told His disciples to not be afraid of provisional lack because “God has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”

This inheritance is “imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4)

Read here what God does to secure this inheritance for us. Notice my large type for emphasis.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has CAUSED US TO BE BORN AGAIN to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are PROTECTED BY THE POWER OF GOD through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5)

So, what does he do for you to be able to obtain the inheritance?

1. Do you see it? He CAUSED US TO BE BORN AGAIN — to obtain an inheritance. That’s the first thing. When our dead souls are made alive, we breathe the air of “living hope,” that is, for the first time there is an expectation of something far better than our conniving sin could ever gain for us. Like a newborn baby gulping in his first breaths, we are exhilarated about the lung full of hope we have because Christ was raised from the dead and we are therefore going to

be raised later “in him” to enjoy our promised inheritance.

2. But how can we be sure we will make it from the new birth to the inheritance? Answer: We are PROTECTED BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH for a future salvation ready to be revealed later. New birth is essential, but protection is just as essential.

Nothing is more powerful than God, and He will keep us for the inheritance. But He does not do this without our living faith. Faith will persevere because of His power and promise, but it is faith, nonetheless. It is a faith that will be tested and will endure as the following verses make clear. The enduring faith is the saving faith. He powerfully keeps us with this type of faith which fully relies on His strength.

The reality of an inheritance is such an important truth. It’s not just a “throw in.” In fact, the entire history of the world as recorded in the Bible is about it. We begin in our “land” Eden; we lost it by sin; Israel became a “type” about coming into

a promised land; the earthly promised land turns out not to be the actual inheritance after all; Christ comes into history to clear the way for His people to have the true inheritance through His death and resurrection; therefore, now, we wait eagerly for that inheritance described in the final book of the Bible. That vision of such an inheritance shows it to be a much greater gift than the original Eden. Do not treat such an inheritance as if it is nothing.

The passage continues with this phrase, “In this you greatly rejoice.” Do you? The last two words are really one word in the original language. It means something like “you jump for joy” when you think about it.

We should.

© 2022 CCW – Christian Communicators Worldwide. >

JIM ELLIFF

© 2022 CCW –Christian Communicators Worldwide.>

CHINA BEFORE

SHEN YUN’S unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, deeply moving journey. Featuring one of the world’s most ancient and richest dance systems—classical Chinese dance—along with dynamic animated backdrops and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.

Shen Yun Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization based in New York. Its mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese culture—with its deep spiritual roots and profoundly optimistic worldview—was displaced by communism in China. While Shen Yun cannot perform in China today, it is sharing this precious heritage with the world.

“Shen Yun is a transformative experience for body, soul, heart, and mind. This is the wisdom of all the ancient lineages.”

—Douglas Beechwood, media producer

“I am so blessed to watch it. I felt a very strong, beautiful energy.”

—Paige McNamara, dancer

“I feel elevated, I feel like I’m in a better mood. You can be immersed in love and compassion here, so come see it.”

—Taiya Himebauch, therapist

Baton Rouge River Center Theatre

21,

Online: ShenYun.com/Baton-Rouge Hotline: 877-663-7469

New Orleans Mahalia Jackson Theater

11,

Online: ShenYun.com/New-Orleans Hotline: 877-663-7469

ShenYunCreations.com

Announcing: New video platform from Shen Yun

Not Far From The Kingdom Of God

By Pastor Doug Gilford

Imagine for a moment you get to talk to Jesus about the Scripture. One day, you see the scribes and Pharisees challenging Jesus on an open street. Crowds of people surround him, pulling at him, and you decide to draw near to this scene to see what is going on. The sheer number of people clamoring to interreact with this Messiah figure type shocks you. Their words test Jesus, challenging his knowledge of the Holy Law. The crowd aims to trip him up and impeach him with his words. Yet, his responses illuminate the Scriptures. You conclude that the man before you is the genuine article.

You have been studying the Holy verses since childhood. Your knowledge is excellent, and your understanding is superior. You rose to the top of your class. You decided to live a life of reading, writing, and copying the remarkable manuscripts of Scripture.

As you and Jesus begin conversing, he says something about you that speaks to your inner spirit. He indicates by your interpretation of the Holy Scriptures that your understanding is deep and says: "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Everyone gets quiet and draws away from you and Jesus. His words must have scared them off while at the very same time drawing you near… "not far from the kingdom?" What could this mean?

This is a scene that takes place in (Mark 12:28-34). What stands out in this story is the statement from Christ, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." What did Christ see in this scribe that caused him to shout out this eternal compliment?

According to historians: A scribe was especially important to the Jewish faith. In biblical times, scribes were needed to prepare copies of Israel's sacred literature on parchment scrolls. Many scribes devoted their whole lives to preserving and copying the scriptures. They

would work diligently not only to detect scribal errors but also to understand the scriptures' meaning.

By Jesus' time, scribes were known as experts in the sacred Mosaic Law. In theory, this law was the sole legislation that governed the Jewish people in civic and religious matters. For all intents and purposes, scribes were lawyers.

Now consider the statement of Jesus to this scribe, "You are not far from the kingdom." In (Mark 12), the scribe and Jesus discuss the greatest of all commandments. Jesus said the greatest commandment is, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."

The scribe's reply is what arrested Jesus' attention, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." The latter part of the scribe's words here is essential.

"Is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices" is the statement of significance. Over decades of studying, reading, copying, and checking for errors in the manuscripts, this scribe got a glimpse of faith in God. He saw the goodness of a loving God. The scribe figured that religion in the heart is more important than religion with the hands. He took a chance on Christ and shared his thoughts with Jesus. Jesus would confirm his suspicions. Religion to a Holy God must be more than cold and heartless works of sacrifice. Meaningful religion must take place in the heart of men and women.

When Jesus said to him, "you are not far from the kingdom." Jesus knew his heart…saw his motivation, and accurately described his spiritual state. The

Philippians

The Christian Journey

ironic thing is Jesus was accurate in two accounts. The scribe was not far from getting into the kingdom of God because of his noteworthy faith. Likewise, the scribe was standing near the kingdom by standing near to Christ. He was close by proximity as well as in principle!

Jesus said the kingdom of God is within us. (Luke 17:21) Like this scribe, many of us are not far from the kingdom of God. All we need to do is decide to step over the line and start a life walking with Jesus as our Lord. Remember, Christianity is a religion of the heart, not of hands.

Doug Gilford, Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Church -23051 Hwy 1088, Mandeville, La 70448. 985-624-8652, www.cornerstonemandeville.com >

Doug Gilford, Senior Pastor

Cornerstone Church 23051 Hwy 1088 Mandeville, La 70448. 985-624-8652 or email doug@ilovecornerstone.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Living out the lessons in daily life!

By J R Miller

"If you know these things — happy are you if you do them." (John 13:17)

A great many people know plenty of Scripture truth — but do not live it out. Yet the real test of knowing Scripture — is obedience. We really know only so much truth — as we get into our experience and conduct. e only part of the Bible we have really learned — is what we have learned to live. It is a beautiful thing when a person has been well-taught; it is still more beautiful when he abides in the things which he has been taught, living out the lessons in daily life. >

Messianic Congregation

Beth Hallel – Mandeville 1905 Highway 59

LaMessianic.comwww.

Messianic Judaism is Bible based Judaism. Messianics believe that the Scriptures –from Genesis through Revelation – are the inerrant word of God. Messianic Judaism is the Jewish arm of the Body of Messiah (Jesus). We maintain our roots, heritage and lifestyle by worshipping HaShem (God the Father), Yeshua Ha Mashiach (His Son, our Jewish Messiah & Intercessor), by the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit) in a Jewish context. Jews, Gentiles and interfaith couples are welcome.

We will be celebrating these Biblical Feasts, you are invited to honor them with us.

Biblical Name: Shabbat English: Sabbath

Biblical Date: Each Friday to Saturday (Sundown to Sunset)

Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11

Biblical Name: Chanukah English: Feast of Dedication

Biblical Date: Kislev 25-Tevet 2 (December 18-25, 2022)

Scripture: John 10:22-23

The Splendor Of Kindness

By J R Miller

everywhere.

There had been a death in a happy home, and one evening, soon after the funeral, the family was talking with a friend, who had quickly visited, about the wonderful manifestation of human sympathy which their sorrow had called out. The father said he had never dreamed there was so much love in people's hearts as had been shown to his family by friends and neighbors, even by mere acquaintances, that week.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other." (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Kindness has been called the small coin of love. The word is generally used to designate the little deeds of thoughtfulness and gentleness which make no noise in the world — rather than the large heroic acts which all men note and applaud. One may live many years and never have the opportunity of doing any great thing — but one may always be kind, filling all one's day with gentle attentions, helpful ministries, little services of interest and sympathy, and small courtesies. Wordsworth speaks of "That best portion of a godly man's life — his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."

Kindness is beautiful in its spirit and motive. It usually springs out of the heart spontaneously. The greater things men do are prepared for, planned for, and are done consciously, with intention and purpose. Kindness as a rule is done unconsciously without preparation, without thought. This enhances its beauty.

There is no self-seeking in it, no thought of reward of any kind. It is done in simplicity, prompted by love, and is most pleasing to Christ.

The things we do consciously, with thought and intention, ofttimes have much of self in them. The things we do without purpose or plan are the truest indexes of the heart and mean most in God's sight.

The world does not know how much it owes to the common kindnesses which so abound

The kindness had come from all classes of people, from many from whom it was altogether unexpected, even from entire strangers. "It makes me ashamed of myself," said the godly man, "that I have so undervalued the goodwill of those around me, and that I have failed myself so often in showing sympathy and kindness to neighbors and friends in their times of sorrow."

No doubt it often takes trouble or sorrow to draw out the love there is in people. We all feel sympathetically even toward a stranger who is in grief or suffering. Death-crape on the door of a neighbor makes us walk by the house more quietly, more softly, as we think of those within sitting in their grief.

It may require sorrow or suffering to call out the kindly feeling — but the feeling is there all the time. No doubt there is cruelty in human hearts — but this is only the exception. The majority of people have hearts of kindness if only the right chord is struck.

It has been noted that among the poor there is even more neighborliness shown than among the rich. The absence of conventionality makes the life simpler. The poor mingle more freely in their neighborhood life. They share each other's burdens. They minister to each other's needs. They nurse each other in sickness and sit with each other in times of sorrow. Their mutual kindness does much to lessen their hardships and to give zest and happiness to their lives.

The ministry of kindness is unceasing. It fills all the days and all the nights. In the true home, it begins in pleasant greetings with the first waking moments, and all day goes on in sweet courtesies, in

Philippians 2:3-4

Victorious

thoughtful attentions, in patience, in quiet self-denials, in obligingness and helpfulness.

Out in the world kindness goes everywhere with . . .its good cheer, its gladness of heart, its uplift for those who are discouraged, its strengthening words for those who are weary, its sympathy with sorrow, its interest in lives that are burdened and lonely.

Some of us, if we were to try to sum up the total of our usefulness, would name a few large things we have done:

A gift of money to some benevolent object,

The starting of some good work which has grown into strength,

The writing of a book which has done good to many lives,

The winning of honor in some service to our community or to our country.

But in every worthy life, that which has left really the greatest measure of good, has been its ministry of kindness. No record of it has ever been kept. People have not talked about it. It never has been mentioned in the newspapers. We do not even remember it ourselves. But wherever we have gone, day after day, if we have simply been kind to everyone, we have left blessings in the world which in the aggregate mean far more than the few large things we set down as the measure of our usefulness among men!

Our Lord's wonderful picture of the Judgment reveals another phase of the splendor of kindness. He tells us that the little things we do — feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, showing hospitality to the stranger, visiting the sick, and the other nameless ministries of love of which we take no account — if done in the right spirit, are accepted as though they had been done to Christ himself! He tells us that the godly will be surprised to know that in their kindly acts they had been ministering to the King, when they supposed they were only doing little things for needy neighbors. This revealing exalts to highest honor, the lowliest things of the

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

common days, wrought in love for the Master.

The best thing we can do with our love, is not to watch for a chance to perform someone fine act that will shine before the world — but to fill all the days and hours with little kindnesses which will make countless hearts nobler, stronger, and happier.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12)

GRACE GEMS! A Treasury of Ageless Sovereign Grace Devotional Writings Our Purpose

To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. ©GraceGems.org 2022 >

a Man of God with

Purpose

Of all the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, perhaps kindness and goodness seem the most normal or customary. We often hear talk of “common decency” and “common courtesy,” and we have come to expect that friends, family, and neighbors will show a modicum of kindness in most circumstances— even if they don’t feel like it.

It is all too easy for us to miss, then, just how exceptional, and outstanding genuine kindness can be. True kindness isn’t just about having a pleasant attitude or refraining from doing harm to others. Rather, Christian kindness, grounded in God, spills over from a new disposition that seeks others’ ultimate

good. This kindness may very well be expressed in the form of everyday pleasantries—a smile, a wave, a nod—but it is always deeply rooted in the self-giving, generous nature of God Himself.

The Goodness of God Psalm 100 offers us a key summary statement concerning the goodness of God: “The LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” (v. 5). God is essentially good, the wellspring of all that is good, true, and beautiful. Existing eternally in love as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, He is the only and original source of kindness and goodness.

Because God is goodness, He “is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made” (Ps. 145:9). Goodness defines His interaction with His creation. And what’s more, His goodness and uprightness compel Him to lead His children “in the way” and “in what is right” (Ps. 25:8, 9). Though we have rebelled time and time again, attempting to hide ourselves from the searchlight of His kind love, God treats us as a kind father to his children, as a tender farmer to his cattle:

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk.

I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.

I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. (Hos. 11:3–4)

God is not in the business of coercing people to Himself. He comes in His kindness and in His goodness, fully aware of our wretched predicament. He is, indeed, “kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35).

Miraculous Kindness

above all. But the deep kindness that we all long to receive and give, epitomized by the humility of Jesus, is a virtue of another order—a supernaturally satisfying, biologyand psychology-defying form of love.

We cannot escape the gravitational pull of otherworldly kindness. We love stories about “paying it forward.” Our world’s best tales always involve kindhearted, sacrificial giving, often of one’s own life, for the good of others. As much as we might suppress them at times, God has woven kindness and goodness into the very fabric of who we are as His image-bearers.

The deep kindness that we all long to receive and give, epitomized by the humility of Jesus, is a virtue of another order—a supernaturally satisfying, biology- and psychology-defying form of love.

Everyday Kindness

RICKY

Unlike God, who is benevolent and giving in His very nature, we are all too often preoccupied with ourselves—our plans, our pleasures, our problems. This self-centered focus is all too natural, isn’t it? But when grace begins to refine a heart—when it begins to work its way from the inside out—we begin to look beyond ourselves. We don’t just become more aware of others’ needs; we begin to cultivate a new inner disposition of heart focused on loving, serving, and seeking the well-being of the people around us.

Such self-giving kindness is how the apostle Paul beseeches us to consider others, even as Christ did:

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Phil. 2:4–8)

This kind of humility isn’t natural. If anything, most of us are naturally inclined to self-preservation

Not every act of kindness will take place on a grand scale, however. Sometimes the simplest expressions of kindness mean more than we realize: having the patience and openness to listen to someone and say, “Tell me more”; a smile or pleasant greeting; taking an interest in what excites someone else; even just unloading the dishwasher. Few kind acts will make the headlines or observably change the world, but a small expression reaches further than we imagine. Even if all it does is brighten someone’s day a little, in hard times, that can make a great difference.

Micah contains one famous verse that points us in this direction. In the end, the prophet declares, the Lord is not all that interested in our elaborate service and expensive offerings—at least not if our hearts are far from Him and we find ourselves turning away from the needs of others. So, what does God Almighty desire?

He has told you, O man, what is good.

and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

The Lord may at times require something dramatic of us—and we ought to pray that we will be ready for that, should the need ever arise. Most of the kindness and goodness we show, however, will take the

form of everyday fruit: paying workers fair wages, telling the truth, treating all people with respect and dignity, lending a helping hand to neighbors, and so on. After our other accomplishments have long since evaporated, people will remember kindness.

Paul instructs us to “seek to do good to one another and to everyone” (1 Thess. 5:15). Latching onto the heart of this exhortation, someone once put it this way: “Do all the good you can, by all the means that you can, to all the people that you can, for as long as you can.” How might the Lord be pleased to use our lives, our families, and our churches if we committed ourselves afresh to brightening up our communities with such kindness?

After our other accomplishments have long since evaporated, people will remember kindness.

Kindness and Goodness Incarnated

The Holy Spirit bears the fruit of kindness and goodness in our lives because God the Son is the very embodiment of kindness and goodness, and He promised to send His Spirit to be our Helper (John 14:16–17, 26). This glorious truth is put to us this way in Paul’s epistle to Titus:

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior

appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4–7)

The advent of Jesus Christ is a profound revelation of God’s fundamental kindness and goodness— the epitome of generous kindness in the flesh. If the Spirit has washed us clean, then we now partake and share in kindness without end, without measure, for eternity. Is it any wonder, then, that kindness and goodness ought to flow out from the very core of the Christian?

It is our turn now. Jesus Christ, as the very embodiment of kindness and goodness, offers to us the grand privilege of portraying glimpses of His generosity to others. Good has appeared to you. Loving kindness has come. With whom can you share this generous grace today?

This article was adapted from the sermon “Kindness and Goodness” by Alistair Begg.

© 1994 - 2022 Truth For Life. All Rights Reserved. >

Do These Three Things

By David Wilkerson

During one of Israel’s most severe trials, Moses told the people to do three things: “Do not be afraid. Standstill, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:13-14, NKJV).

Soon dusk fell over the camp. This was the beginning of Israel’s dark and stormy night, but it was also the beginning of God’s supernatural work. “Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night. The strong east wind…made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided” (Exodus 14:21). The Hebrew word for wind here means “violent exhaling.” Israel’s tent-dwellings must have shaken fiercely as those mighty gusts blew through the camp.

What was God up to here? Why would he allow such a terrible windstorm to go on all night? Why didn’t he just tell Moses to touch the water with his mantle and part the waves in a gentler supernatural way? What possible reason did God have for permitting this awful night to take place?

God was at work the whole time, using the terrible storm to make a

path for His people out of the crisis. He also sent an awesome, protective angel to stand between His people and their enemy. Yet the Israelites who were hiding in their tents couldn’t see it, but those who came outside witnessed a glorious light show. They also beheld the glorious sight of waves mounting up, mighty walls of water rising to form a dry path through the sea.

When the people saw this, they must have shouted, “Look, God has used the wind to make a way for us.

Praise the Lord!”

I believe God still sends protective angels to camp around all who love and fear Him (see Psalm 34:7).

Dear saint, if you’re a blood-bought child of God, He has put a warrior angel between you and the devil, and He commands you, just as He told Israel, “Do not fear. Stand still. Believe in my salvation.”

© 2022 World Challenge, Inc | All Rights Reserved >

David Wilkerson 2022 World Challenge, Inc | All Rights Reserved >

Grace - Land of Opportunity

Dr. David Jeremiah

Christ, but when I (name that sin), I lost my opportunity. My brain knows that God forgives and restores, but my heart just can’t seem to get the message.”

ness, be reconciled to other people, and repent and turn away from sin. But when we have done those things to the best of our spiritual and practical ability, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”—and restore our opportunity to serve Him with the fullness of His blessing (1 John 1:9).

Moving to the State of Grace

26:75). But Jesus forgave Peter and re-commissioned him for service (John 21:15-19); and in a matter of days, we find Peter boldly preaching the Gospel and leading the church in Jerusalem (Acts 2 – 7).

Live in the Land of Opportunity

Regardless of your geographical state of residence, if you’re a Christian, there is a second state in which you live: The state of Grace! And while it is not a geographical location, the state of Grace does represent a government and a ruling authority—that of the kingdom of God. And one day during the coming Millennium, when Christ rules from His throne in Jerusalem, the whole world will represent the state of Grace. Indeed, during those days, the grace of God will be the “rule of the realm.”

Land of Opportunity: Lost and Found

I have encountered many committed followers of Christ who have allowed a past sin, mistake, choice, or lifestyle to rob them of their opportunity to be fully engaged in serving the Lord. They think: “I once had the opportunity to serve

Do you feel that way? I believe the sense of lost opportunity is rooted in a faulty understanding of God’s grace. Likewise, when grace is grasped and embraced, the Land of Opportunity becomes yours again.

Living in the state of Grace without knowing it’s the Land of LostOpportunities-Found is like being a water enthusiast in Minnesota and not knowing it’s the Land of 10,000 Lakes. There is a huge disconnect between living in the state of Grace and saying, “I lost my opportunity to be involved due to sin.”

In the state of Grace, there is no such thing as opportunity lost that cannot be found. Grace means forgiveness—period. Forgiveness doesn’t come in shades of gray in the state of Grace: You’re either forgiven by God or you’re not. If you are lacking opportunities to serve, it’s not because God hasn’t forgiven you—so who does that leave? Yes, it’s important to seek His forgive-

Love People Please!

By Andrew Strom.

did not even notice that I was often using Truth as a sword to crush people with, rather than set them free.

Former televangelist Jim Bakker told how, after five years in prison, the Billy Graham family reached out to provide everything he needed. He had lost his ministry, his wife, his reputation, and possessions.

After being out of prison less than 48 hours, the Graham clan invited Bakker to attend church with them in Montreat, North Carolina. The last to arrive at church was Ruth Graham who came in and seated herself right beside Jim Bakker. At lunch at the Graham’s home after church, they continued to minister to the former convict.

That’s the state of Grace: forgiven, accepted, and given everything necessary to live in God’s Land of Opportunity. When God forgives one of His own, so should the church. When debts are paid, no opportunity is withheld (Ephesians 4:32).

Just as Jim Bakker moved back into ministry in God’s Land of Opportunity, so did the apostle Peter. We all know the story of his denial of Christ on the eve of the Crucifixion and how he wept in shame over his spiritual failure (Matthew

You are no different than the apostle Peter, a fallen televangelist, or any other follower of Christ who has failed and been restored— unless you haven’t yet begun to enjoy all that the state of Grace has available for you.

I encourage you today to begin living afresh in the Land of Opportunity—the kingdom of God’s amazing grace. If you know you are forgiven . . . live like it! As a citizen of the state of Grace, let “Land of Opportunity” be your lifelong motto. >

Turning Point

Dr. David Jeremiah

Dr. Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point for God and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California.

For more information about Turning Point, visit our website at www. DavidJeremiah.org.

When I was a young Christian, I was a total zealot. There is nothing wrong with that, but sadly I was often a zealot without wisdom – and WITHOUT LOVE. I cared for “truth” more than I cared for people, and I

A lot of young zealous Christians are like that – but I was particularly bad because I had a ‘prophetic’type personality – very intense, very black, and white. I would walk into a room full of Christians and start an argument at the drop of a hat. I was not afraid to “blast” anyone. Truth was king – the most important thing – and that was all I cared about. This was not just an

“occasional” problem with me –this was the way I lived and breathed, Total, all-out zealotry.

I do not have this approach to life anymore – though I still care deeply about truth. (For that is the way God made me). Sometimes I will still debate things with people –though very rarely.

Over the years God changed me utterly. In fact, to change my hardened heart He had to break me and break me and break me some more. And each time He did so, a little bit of LOVE got in. I’m sure He is still doing so today.

I started to realize that from God’s point of view, the most precious thing in all the earth is PEOPLE. We can see this in the most famous verse in the Bible- “For God SO LOVED the world….” There it is – He so LOVES PEOPLE. He sent His son to die for PEOPLE. That is what it is

all about.

There is an old Maori saying from New Zealand, which I must love- “The most valuable thing in all the world is PEOPLE, it is PEOPLE, it is PEOPLE.”

And yet to me in those early years, it was not “people” that I deeply cared about at all. The only thing I deeply valued was the ‘Truth’ that I was trying to put across that day. And so I attacked and spiritually “hacked” at people all day long. I was a walking nightmare.

Do you realize the sheer amount of ‘breaking’ that has to go on in someone like that – to get them to LOVE? -Years and years of awful crushing and brokenness. -Because I was SO BAD – seriously – I was a danger to the church and to myself.

Continued from

If you love your ‘Truths’ more than you love people, then you are an out-and-out Pharisee, Nothing less. And you will create condemnation and death in people, rather than ‘conviction’ and LIFE.

But if you can get BROKEN enough to truly LOVE PEOPLE –and value them more than anything in this earth – and then speak Truth to them out of that place of love –then you will become greatly effective. It is all about becoming BROKEN and learning to LOVE others from the heart. If you ask Him to, God will do “whatever it takes” to get you to that place.

This is not to say that you will never speak direct or piercing words. You will – but the whole motivation will be different. In fact, EVERYTHING will be different. You may be very confronting and speak very direct truths – but it will be in the right spirit. And this God can greatly anoint.

I got a disturbing email recently from a relative of someone on our List who says that this person uses some of the things we send out as “ammunition” to attack people or argue or divide from them, etc. Listen, friends, you can do anything with Truth. You can use it to beat people up or set them free. You can use it to become the most “negative” person on the planet, or you can allow it to break your heart and make you a closer follower of Jesus. You can use it in love, or you can use it in zealous self-righteousness to hammer and condemn people. It is up to you – and the true state of your heart.

All I can pray is that those reading this will stop and consider for a moment. Don’t be like me and take years to discover these most basic things.

Let me ask you a simple question- Do you truly LOVE PEOPLE more than the ‘Truths’ you are trying to make them listen to? Do you value them as God does – and realize that He sees them as the most precious thing in all the earth?

(Especially His children).

How deeply can we come to realize this truth – that GOD LOVES PEOPLE. Yes – repeat it – “GOD LOVES PEOPLE”. -And so must we, if we are to represent Him on this planet.

Please PRAY about these things, my friends?

To respond to this article, write to- prophetic@revivalschool.com >

Taking Up Our Cross To Walk With Jesus...

By Angie Lewis

- the red rose in full bloom. Be kind!

Are you a disciple of Jesus?

anyone else either, and so we should accept, tolerate, and love all people in Christ, no matter what the level of faith they are at. (Galatians 3:28 NIV)

What does be a follower of Jesus Christ mean? I believe it means a lot more than what many of us are doing. Am I judging? No. I am rebuking – there is a difference.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, REBUKE, and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV)

As followers of Jesus, we are to take up our cross each day, sometimes ten times a day! Being a true follower of Christ is a total transformation of our life from “what was” to “what is”!

The most popular sins are the most prevalent of them all. Each time we think bad thoughts or say bad thoughts to someone we are sinning. Each time we gossip about people or disrespect others, or become intolerant just because someone is different, we are NOT doing the will of God, and I think that is a sin. It is a sin to carry around a bad attitude about your brothers and sisters in the Lord.

A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. (John 13:34-35 NIV)

Being a disciple of Christ is a whole different way of life than what you see going on in the world of Christianity today. We are to love our neighbor. This certainly does not mean we are to love their sin! We do not have to give our “seal of approval” to love our fellow man, but we are taught all throughout the bible to be kind and considerate to others.

That would mean no scoffing, judging, accusing, or behaving in a self-righteous manner. Instead, be an example of Christ through your good life. You live a godly life, don’t you? Be the light on the mountaintop - the salt of the earth

Romans

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will fine it. (Matthew 10:37-39 NIV)

Being committed to Christ may separate you from your loved ones. In saying this Jesus did not mean disobedience to parents or loved ones. It means that only some in your household may be committed to him and you will have to decide them or Him.

When a Christ One takes up his or her cross to follow Jesus, different values, principles, and purpose will set them apart from others. We are to love others but not their sin(s). If a Christ One is truly committed to following Christ, then that should be a Christian’s FIRST PRIORITY. In other words, “to take up our cross” means we will most certainly meet with opposition from those who are only halfheartedly following Christ.

As a disciple of Christ, it is never without some conflict, especially with other Christian’s. For instance, some believers don’t understand why your beliefs may take you on a different path then the one they are on. Your convictions may even offend them because they do not hold those same convictions in their own life.

Each time a Christian shuns another Christian for their faith it is a form of persecution. Worse than that, it is trespassing on their Spirit. So, what can a Christian do? We should never feel that we need to defend our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ does not need defending. But…we do not want to offend

We are to live in peace with all men. Therefore, we are to forgive those people who trespass against us. If we didn’t forgive, we would not be behaving very peaceful with our neighbor and other believers.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ has accepted you, to bring praise to God.

(Romans 15: 7 NIV)

© 2002-2022 Heaven Ministries. All Rights Reserved. www. heavenministries.org >

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The True Vine: 4. The Fruit

By Andrew Murray

Every Branch in me That Bears Not Fruit, He Taketh It Away-(John 15.2)

Fruit. --This is the next great word we have: the Vine, the Husbandman, the branch, the fruit. What has our Lord to say to us of fruit? Simply this--that fruit is the one thing the branch is for, and that if it bears not fruit, the husbandman takes it away. The vine is the glory of the husbandman; the branch is the glory of the vine; the fruit is the glory of the branch; if the branch brings not forth fruit, there is no glory or worth in it; it is an offense and a hindrance; the husbandman takes it away. The one reason for the existence of a branch, the one mark of being a true branch of the heavenly Vine, the one condition of being allowed by the divine Husbandman to share the life the Vine is--bearing fruit.

And what is fruit? Something that the branch bears, not for itself, but for its owner; something that is to be gathered and taken away. The branch does indeed receive it from the vine sap for its own life, by which it grows thicker and stronger. But this supply for its own maintenance is entirely subordinate to its fulfillment of the purpose of its existence--bearing fruit. It is because Christians do not understand or accept of this truth, that they so fail in their efforts and prayers to live the branch life. They often desire it very earnestly; they read, meditate, and pray, and yet they fail, they wonder why? The reason is very simple: they do not know that fruit-bearing is the one thing they have been saved for. Just as entirely as Christ became the true Vine with the one object, you have been made a branch too, with

the one object of bearing fruit for the salvation of men. The Vine and the branch are equally under the unchangeable law of fruit-bearing as the one reason of their being. Christ and the believer, the heavenly Vine, and the branch, have equally their place in the world exclusively for one purpose, to carry God's saving love to men. Hence the solemn word: Every branch that bears not fruit, He taketh it away.

Let us specially beware of one great mistake. Many Christians think their own salvation is the first thing; their temporal life and prosperity, with the care of their family, the second; and what of time and interest is left may be devoted to fruit-bearing, to the saving of men. No wonder that in most cases very little time or interest can be found. No, Christian, the one object with which you have been made a member of Christ's Body is that the Head may have you to carry out His saving work. The one object God had in making you a branch is that Christ may through you bring life to men. Your personal salvation, your business and care for your family, are entirely subordinate to

this. Your first aim in life, your first aim every day, should be to know how Christ desires to carry out His purpose in you.

Let us begin to think as God thinks. Let us accept Christ's teaching and respond to it. The one object of my being a branch, the one mark of my being a true branch, the one condition of my abiding and growing strong, is that I bear the fruit of the heavenly Vine for dying men to eat and live. And the one thing of which I can have the most perfect assurance is that, with Christ as my Vine, and the Father as my Husbandman, I can indeed be a fruitful branch.

Our Father, Thou come seeking fruit. Teach us, we pray Thee, to realize how truly this is the one object of our existence, and of our union to Christ. Make it the one desire of our hearts to be branches, so filled with the Spirit of the Vine, as to bring forth fruit abundantly.

© 2022 oChristian.com. All Rights Reserved >

How Can I Know Who To Listen To?

By Adrian Rogers

to all of us and to each of us, not just to some of us.

It is a matter of personal discipleship that is true for all followers of Jesus. (Luke 14:27-35) speaks of the cost of true discipleship. This passage tells us that a committed disciple of Jesus will be completely devoted to Him in all areas of life.

Detox Sweet Potato Bean Hash

INSTRUCTIONS

In a pan, melt coconut oil on medium heat.

Add sweet potatoes, beans, onions, and garlic.

Stir to combine well.

Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Loaded with nutrients and fiber, sweet potatoes are one of the most delicious detox foods.

Once beans and potatoes begin to tenderize, add spinach, parsley, salt, and pepper.

(1 John 4:1) reads, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

The Bible tells us exactly what to look for in a person who is expressing truth. The message of a false teacher can be identified with the following tests.

Source Test: What is the basis of his teaching? Does he have revelation other than the Bible, or is He fully committed to God’s Word?

Savior Test: Does he believe that Jesus Christ is the virgin-born Son of God, the Messiah?

Subject Test: Is the primary source of his teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Salvation Test: Does he teach salvation by grace, or does he try to mix works or baptism or anything else into salvation?

Sanctification Test: Does he teach, and endeavor to live, a holy life?

The more you read your Bible, the easier it will be to distinguish truth from lies. Listen first and foremost to God and His Word. Then, surround yourself with people who pass these tests and express truth.

Does it matter whether I share the Gospel personally?

Yes, it matters. The responsibility to live for Jesus and to share Jesus with others is an assignment

(Luke 14:27) states, “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. “Verse 33 reads, “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” This scripture passage describes multiple ways a disciple is to be fully devoted, but it ends in (verses 34 and 35) with words about our witness to the world. “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He, who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Salt preserves, flavors, and heals; likewise, we are called to preserve truth and to have a zest about our lives that heals this sick world. All of us. Each of us.

In our own way and opportunity, each of us is called, ordained, and equipped to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, if you are a Christian, evangelism is supposed to be a lifestyle. Pastor Adrian Rogers taught, “God has called you to witness. A Christian who is not witnessing is not merely missing a blessing; he is guilty of high treason against Heaven’s King. If you are not witnessing, you are disobeying God.”>

Adrian Rogers

© 2022 Love Worth Finding Ministries. All Rights Reserved. >

This is because a successful detox involves not only eliminating toxic substances but also rebuilding the body with nourishing foods.

Proper detox requires adequate amounts of fiber. Fiber promotes digestive health. It binds to toxins as they are released in the digestive tract and escorts them out of the body.

In addition to their fiber content, sweet potatoes are incredibly nutrient dense. They are notably loaded with vitamin A which is responsible for their characteristic orange color.

These root vegetables also have valuable minerals such as magnesium and potassium.

This delicious and nourishing sweet potato recipe is sure to become a detox favorite of the whole family!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 organic sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 can organic Cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained

• 1 organic onion, diced

• 2 cups organic spinach, chopped

• 3 tbsp organic coconut oil

• 1 tbsp organic garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp organic parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp sea salt

• Organic black pepper to taste

Cook for another 10-15 minutes or until sweet potatoes start to brown.

Plate and serve immediately.

How did your hash turn out? Let us know in the comments below!

© All rights reserved 2022 - Dr. Don Colbert. >

Gladness may not be thanksgiving. It certainly is not all of thanksgiving. One may have a heart bubbling with joy, without a note of thanksgiving. The task of happiness is one to which we should all firmly set ourselves. To be miserable in this glorious world is most unfit. We should cultivate joyousness. But our present lesson is a larger and deeper one. Thanksgiving implies thoughts of God. One may be glad all day— and never think of God.

Thanksgiving looks up with every breath and sees God as Father from whom all blessings come. Thanksgiving is praise. The heart is full of gratitude. Every moment has something in it to inspire love. The lilies made Jesus think of His Father, for it was He who clothed them in beauty. The providence of our lives, if we think rightly of it, is simply God caring for us.

Our circumstances may sometimes be hard, our experiences painful, and

Happy Thanksgiving

we may see nothing in them to make us glad. But faith teaches us that God is always good and always kind, whatever the present events may be. We may be thankful, therefore, even when we cannot be glad. Our hearts may be grateful, knowing that good will come to us even out of pain and loss.

This is the secret of true thanksgiving. It thinks always of God and praises Him for everything.

The song never dies out in the heart, however little there may be in the circumstances of life to make us glad. Thanksgiving is a quality of all noble and unselfish life. No man is so unworthy, as he who never cherishes the sentiment of gratitude, who receives life's gifts and favors—and never gives back anything in return for all he gets.

Until we think seriously of it, we do not begin to realize what we are receiving continually from those about us. None may give us money or do for us things which the world counts gifts or favors, but these are not the best things. Our teachers are ever enriching us by the lessons they give us. Those who require hard tasks of us and severely demand of us the best we can do are our truest benefactors.

Does anyone you know come to mind?

Sometimes we complain of the hardness of our lives, that we have had so little of ease and luxury, that we have had to work so hard, bear so many burdens, and sometimes we let ourselves grow bitter and unthankful as we think of the severity of our experience. But of all times—it has been in these very severities that we have got the richest qualities in our character. If we are living truly, serving God, and following Christ, there is no event or experience for which we may not be thankful. Every voice of our lips

should be praise. Every day of our years should be a Thanksgiving Day. He, who has learned the Thanksgiving lesson, well has found the secret of a beautiful life.

"Praise is lovely," says the Hebrew Psalmist. Lovely means fit, graceful, pleasing, and attractive. Ingratitude is never lovely. The life that is always thankful is winsome, ever a joy to all who know it.

The influence of an ever-praising life on those it touches is almost divine. The way to make others good—is to be good yourself. The way to diffuse a grumpy spirit of thanksgiving—is to be thankful yourself. A complaining spirit makes unhappiness everywhere.

How may we learn this thanksgiving lesson? It comes not merely through a glad natural disposition. There are some favored people who were born cheerful. They have in them a spirit of happiness which nothing ever quenches. They always see the bright side of things. They are naturally optimistic. But the true thanksgiving spirit is more than this. It is something which can take even an unhappy and an ungrateful spirit—and makes it new in its sweetness and beauty. It is something which can change discontent and complaining into praise, ingratitude into grateful, joyful trust.

Christian thanksgiving is the life of Christ in the heart, transforming the disposition and the whole character. Thanksgiving must be wrought into the life as a habit— before it can become a fixed and permanent quality. An occasional burst of praise, during years of complaining, is not what is required.

Songs on rare, sunshiny days; and no songs when skies are cloudy— will not make a life of gratitude. The heart must learn to sing always. This lesson is learned only when it

becomes a habit which nothing can weaken. We must persist in being thankful. When we can see no reason for praise—we must believe in the divine love and goodness and sing in the darkness. Thanksgiving has attained its rightful place in us, only when it is part of all our days and dominates all our experiences. We may call one day in the year Thanksgiving Day, and fill it with song and gladness, remembering all the happy things we have enjoyed, all the pleasant events, all the blessings of our friendships, all our prosperities. But we cannot gather all our year's thanksgivings into any brightest day. We cannot leave today without thanks, and then thank God tomorrow for today and tomorrow both. Today's sunshine will not light tomorrow's skies. Every day must be a Thanksgiving Day for itself.

Save The Nations Ministries >

3 Delectable Keto Zone Recipes

INGREDIENTS

Happy Thanksgiving

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 8 cups)

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock

With autumn turning to winter, and the Holidays soon approaching, you’re likely in the mood for delicious, warm, and comforting foods. While it’s imperative to watch out for sugar and harmful carbohydrates, there are many amazing keto recipes and options available.

Here are 3 of our favorites for November. Prepare to be blown away by these delicious flavors. You won’t believe they are lowcarb and nourishing!

1. KETO ZONE PUMPKIN SPICE FAT BOMBS

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened

• 4 ounces organic butter, softened

• 1/4 cup low-carb powdered sweetener (such as Swerve)

• 1/2 cup canned organic pumpkin puree

• 4 tablespoons unflavored Keto Zone MCT Oil Powder

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

• pinch each allspice, cloves, and salt

• 1/2 cup pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

Grease or place paper liners in a mini muffin tin. Alternatively, use a silicone mold and set it on the counter.

Whisk the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. Next, add the sweetener, pumpkin puree, MCT oil powder, vanilla, salt, and spices to the mixture. Stir well.

Divide mixture into a mini muffin tin or silicone molds. Place a half pecan on top of each fat bomb.

Freeze 2-3 hours, or until firm. Wrap well and store in a refrigerator or freezer. Enjoy!

Nutrition info: 141 calories, 14 grams fat, 2 grams net carbohydrates (3 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber), 2 grams protein

2. KETO ZONE CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP

• 2 tablespoons Keto Zone Unflavored Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder

• 7 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• Sea salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium in a large pot. Add chopped onions and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Add minced garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute.

2. Add cauliflower, stock, collagen, 3 sprigs thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer. Continue to cook until cauliflower is very tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Once cauliflower is tender, remove thyme and bay leaf (discard). Blend soup with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender or food processor to puree until smooth.

4. Pour back into the pot, if needed, and stir in cream. Reheat if necessary. Serve in soup bowls and garnish with 1 sprig each of thyme and a drizzle of remaining olive oil.

Nutrition info: 185 calories, 16 grams fat, 5 net grams carbohydrates (8 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber), 5 grams protein

3. KETO ZONE HERBED CORNISH HENS

INGREDIENTS

4 Cornish game hens

• Sea Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

• 1 tablespoon Italian Herbs

• 4 tablespoons organic butter, softened

• 16 cloves garlic

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Rub each game hen with

chickens with 1 tablespoon of butter. Lightly season each hen with salt, pepper, and herb mixture.

3. Place 1 lemon wedge, 4 garlic cloves, and 1 sprig of rosemary in the cavity of each hen.

4. Arrange hens in a large, heavy roasting pan or a foil/silicone lined baking sheet.

5. Roast hens in a preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, reduce heat to 350 degrees F and continue to roast another 25 minutes, or until hens are golden brown and juices run clear (internal temperature should be 170 degrees).

6. Remove hens from the oven. Tent with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. Serves 4.*

7. Nutrition info: 423 calories, 20 grams fat, 5 net grams carbohydrates (5 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber), 52 grams protein.

*Alternatively, serve ½ Cornish hen per serving, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil per serving to decrease protein to 26 grams and increase fat to 48 grams.

KETO ZONE RECIPES CAN EMPOWER YOU THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!

You don’t have to give up on your weight, health, and wellness goals just because it’s the Holiday Season. Sure, there’s more temptation and goodies. But, you can feel empowered and in control with Keto Zone recipes.

USE THESE 3 EASY TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK: Only eat as though it’s a Holiday,

on the Holidays! Instead of eating like it’s a party for 6 weeks, eat your normal, healthy Keto Zone diet each day, and thoroughly enjoy the Holidays themselves.

Look for Keto Zone recipes with stated nutrition information. This makes it easy to enjoy delicious recipes without ever missing old unhealthy favorites.

Think of health as a gift you’re giving yourself. It’s not a burden or compromise to stay healthy through these months. Your health is one of the most important gifts you can ever give yourself. Take joy in it!

BOTTOM LINE

You can stay on track and enjoy delicious recipes through November. Try these favorites. They are easy, delicious, and in the Keto Zone!

Dr Don Colbert

the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.

Dr. Don Colbert is a graduate of Oral Roberts School of Medicine and shares his years of experience and research in nutritional medicine in all of his work. He is a national speaker, bestselling author and host of a national talk show titled Your Health Matters.

© 2022 Dr. Don Colbert, MD PA www.drcolbert.com >