BE INSPIRED! The magazine
gfv
FEATURED Articles
INSPIRE YOUR SPIRIT
INSPIRE YOUR BODY
43
Passing Tests in life
Key to Looking Great and Feeling Great
21
She Monday Meditations
25
Just Say No!
51
30 DAYS OF DEVOTIONALS
29
30 It’s never too late to start 98 Citrus Recipe to substitute junk food cravings
82
It will work out fine: A woman’s story of Faith
Book of the Month CHRISTMAS AT HARRINGTON’S BY MELODY CARLSON
Inspire Your Mind 25 Satisfied or Supplementing?
14 Inspire Me BookclubThanksgiving Leftover Blues
8
Help Be Inspired! Support the Campaign to stop Domestic Violence. by donating to Be Inspired!’s t.l.c. (THE LOVE CHARITY) www.GoFundMe.com/BeInspired
BE FIT! FREE 30 DAY CHALLENGE
16 Be Fit Bloggers The Ideal Diet
107 Not sure what to eat? Discover your ideal diet.
How to Hear From God
96 Find
out how to know when your prayer has been answered
Meet Natasha Stovall
108 Miss Black Virginia 2013 12 Days of Christmas
13 Holiday Countdown Should a Wife submit to her husband?
47 Holiday Countdown
y
www.a3couture.com
Thanksgiving just passed and with it went most of our diets. You know the feeling? While approaching plate number four everything in you (namely your bloated stomach) is screaming “PUT THE FORK DOWN!”. If you are like most people that skipped breakfast just to leave more room for the thanksgiving feast, you probably ignored that scream and now you may be suffering from the Thanksgiving Blues.
As Christmas is on its way your mind is quite possibly still focused on your subpar Thanksgiving eating choices. Now here you are are faced with preparing yet another New Year’s resolution on how you will starve yourself to make up for the over indulgence that seems hopelessly unavoidable. Sound familiar? It is time to stop the cycle of the Thanksgiving blues.
8 | Be Insipred! THE Magazinewhat
Inspire Your Body |Thanksgiving Blues continued…
“…Similar to how we overindulge physically, we can take this same route Spiritually.”
There is something that can be learned from this vicious cycle of overeating and starving your body to make up for it. Similar to how we overindulge physically,we can take this same route spiritiually. Not sure how? Those times where we overindulge in our flesh. We take part in things that we know are displeasing to God. Only to take the approach of trying to “church” our way out of our actions.
We may even commit to reading a few extra scriptures to make up for our overindulgance. There is an incredible solution to not only overcoming your “Thanksgiving Blues” in your overeating. You can also overcome this tendency in your spirit. 1) PREPARATION 2) CONSISTENCY 3) FOUNDATION Lets begin with preparation.
10 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Thanksgiving Blues |Inspire Your Body continued‌ The time to prepare for how you will eat or not eat is not when the opportunity presents itself. You must prepare ahead of time.
Next up? Consistency. You can make all of the preparations in the world but if you are unable to commit to consistency in your actions you will not reap the rewards.
This year for Thanksgiving I happened to be fasting from meats and desserts. I knew this going into dinner that it would be difficult. I did not just show up at my parent’s house to see what would be available.
Lets go back to your Thanksgiving dinner. Imagine that you prepared an alternative dish. That is wonderful! You even woke up an hour early just to get in a pre-dinner workout. However, as soon as you are faced with other options you completely give up the fight. You have contradicted every action that you had already committed to.
Because I kenw ahead of time what my eating boundaries were set to be I made the proper preparations ahead of time. I prepared a few vegetarian dishes that I knew I would enjoy. Think about the boundaries that you have set physically. Have you decided that you would honor God in are relationship? Have you committed yourself to being more timely, or possibly to a fast as well? How are you making preparations to set yourself up for victory? Whether physically or spiritually it is vital that you prepare yourself properly for the battle.
Thanksgiving Blues |Inspire Your Spirit continued… It is not enough to commit and prepare for something. You have to be ready to go the distance by remaining consistent. What are your convictions? What have you decided to commit yourself to? The preparation will be excellent to take on the journey however if you are not going to remain consistent your preparation is simply a waste of time. Think about this both physically and spiritually. If you prepare the food for your Thanksgiving meal because you have committed to eating a reasonable and healthy amount of food. However when the time comes to make a decision you change your mind on what your commitment is it does you absolutely no good. Lets talk spiritually. If you say that you are going to develop healthy relationships that honor
“If you don’t have a strong foundation as your “why” you will easily waiver when temptation comes along. “
God.However, the moment that someone comes along that is outside of what you have committed to , you entertain them. You have just wasted your time and done yourself no favors. Consistency is a major part of reaping any reward that you are going after. Making a decision is the best starting point, but consistency will bring you to the finish line. Finally lets examine your Foundation. If you don’t have a strong foundation as your why it will be so easy to waiver when temptation comes along. If your only reason for avoiding poor eating is because it sounds nice, there is nothing there to help you endure. However if your reason is strong, such as honoring God by keeping your body healthy..that will be something worth fighting for. Think strongly about the foundation of any commitment that you make. If you trust God with it rest assured that you will be strengthened to make it to the finish line. Remember that you an avoid the stress of trying to combat overindulgence with overcompensation by simply 1) Preparing 2) Remaining Consistent 3) Having a strong foundation. Be Inpsired! ~Erica Latrice
12 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
First Day of Christmas DON’T WORRY If God takes care of the birds in the air and flowers in the field. He will take care of you. 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? MATTHEW 6:26-27
Second Day of Christmas MAKE GREAT CONNECTIONS You don’t have to face life alone. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
13 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Inspire Your Mind| Book Club
Merry Christmas Be Inspired! Readers. I am Jurina, your moderator for the Inspire Me! Book Club. This month’s book will definitely Inspire you! . E‐mail your questions and reviews to beinspiredonline@gmail.com
More Books Coming soon. Join the Be Inspired! Book Club where we will host monthly online and in person meetings to discuss the most inspirational books available! Do you have a book that you would like to suggest? E-mail your book club suggestions to beinspiredonline@gmail.com
BE FIT FEATURED BLOGGER: LA’KEISHA GOMES I hope your Thanksgiving was BLESSED and full of Thanksgiving. This week has been rough for me. I have literally been bloated 3 days straight to the point that it was so uncomfortable I was sick BUT that did not stop me for doing what I needed to do. So far this week I have worked out 3 days, I will be working out tomorrow and the other 4 days, I still have been getting up moving. When I have gone to the store I have parked a good distance so I have have a longer distance to walk and I have been doing light weights. I have noticed for definition and tone in my calf muscles and my upper body strength is improving.
Be Fit |Featured Bloggers
16 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
It may not sound like much to some people but I can do 15 push ups straight without stopping. I am currently down .5lbs, for a total of 2lbs, however I am interested to see what my weight will be once the last little bit of bloating that I am dealing with today is gone. For the month I wanted to drop 4-5lbs. It looks like I might not make it however I honestly don't know what this upcoming last week of month with hold. No worries because it's not always all about numbers, my clothes are fitting nice and smooth so I know that somewhere inches are disappearing. Although this week was Thanksgiving I did well. I enjoyed Thanksgiving with my family but I still watched my portions and the amount of sweets I ate, although that pie was yummy. To read more about La’Keisha’s progress visit www.beinspired247.org
Third Day of Christmas STAY TRUE TO YOUR CALLING It is so important that you stay true to your individual purpose. It can be so tempting to get caught up in comparisons but you must remain in your God-given lane. 34Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. Acts 10:34
Fourth Day of Christmas TRUST GOD WITH YOUR SUCCESS Have you ever felt hopeless in your calling? Have you reached a point where you are not sure if you are making any strides? Well keep trusting God! 5Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5-6
Fifth Day of Christmas PRAISE HIM IN ADVANCE It is not necessary to wait until you see the victory take place in your life. You can be thankful and joyful everyday. It is a choice. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Sixth Day of Christmas SOW SEEDS TO REAP A HARVEST The types of fruit that will grow in your life depends on the seeds that you plant. Make a conscience decision to plant positive seeds. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7
12 days of christmas continued | Inspire Your Spirit
Seventh Day of Christmas KEEP MOVING FORWARD Imagine driving down a road backwards. How far do you think you would get? Not nearly as far as if you were going forward. It is time for you to stop dwelling on your past and look forward to your present and future. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Phillipians 3:13
Eighth Day of Christmas PREPARE YOURSELF TO PROPEL If you have been praying for God to bring something into your life, now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until the opportunity comes. To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. Proverbs 16:1 20 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BEAUTYONTHEGOMD
Inspire Your Spirit| 3 Power Thoughts for
Ninth Day of Christmas DANCE UNTO THE LORD It is okay to get up and shout! Dance to God! Rejoice in all that He has done in your life.
And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 2 Samuel 6:14
Tenth Day of Christmas PUT GOD FIRST If you are trying to piece things together in your life to figure out how they are going to work, try this.. Put God first and things will fall into place! But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
1 Don’t allow the opinions of other people to override what God’s word says. 2 Speak according to who God says you are and nothing less. (ex: head and not the tail, above and not beneath, blessed etc.)
4 Be a person of your word. Don’t make 3 Decide to not speak promises that you can’t another negative thing. keep. The power of life and 5 Start your day in God’s death is in the tongue. word. This is the best foundation for a victorious life! 23 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Eleventh Day of Christmas WALK BY FAITH Though the normal thing to do is react in life by what you see you have to walk by faith.
for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Twelfth Day of Christmas BE THANKFUL With difficulties taking place in our lives we can sometimes over look all of the great things that we have to be thankful for. Make a point to take notice of your blessings and be thankful.
A psalm. For giving thanks. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Psalm 100:1
Inspire Your Mind| Don’t Quit
Satisfying or SUPPLEMENTING? Be Fit! Holiday Alternatives Dessert: Try Baking Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies. The recipe can be found online on the Food Network Website
A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. Proverbs 27:7 Have you ever been extremely hungry and ate something and it was the best tasting food EVER! Then you wonder whether you were just really hungry or if the food was actually good.
Snack 2: Almonds packs- Grab a pack of 100 calorie almonds to curb your appetite between meals Snack 3: Like PB & J? Try an all natural peanut butter and reduced sugar jelly rice cake. Delicious! Snack 4: Greek Yogurt a quick and high protein start to your day
Unfortunately it is hard to distinguish the two when you are really hungry. Spiritually the same thing can happen. When we are constantly feasting on God’s word and in fellowship with Him we don’t allow any old thing to creep into our lives. However when we are hungry to fill that void we will let anything fill it if we are not careful.
25 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
www.jluxjewels.com
Inspire Your Mind| Satisfied cont.
Whether it is a bad relationship, poor choices, negative thoughts etc. when we are not full anything will satisfy us. My prayer today is that you will feast on the goodness of the Lord so that in times of adversity and even victory you will know the difference between that which is bitter and that which is sweet. Be Inspired! and have a blessed and productive day.
27 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Erica Latrice is a Christian Speaker and Author. She launched Be Inspired! in February of 2009 to reach millions of women around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a message of hope and faith. To learn more about her visit online at www.EricaLatrice.com
This week I want to discuss insecurities. This is something that none of us like to admit we have and often hide them from others. Our insecurities can become a mentally prison holding us back from everything we are meant to be. Our insecurities blind us to the people trying to help us, our purpose opportunities, and most importantly God. I believe our
another trick Satan uses to take
This week explore your insecurities, write them down, and determine how they have hindered God's plans for your life. Make a choice to realign yourself with God and keep your eyes focused on Him. If you are not ready to do this alone, get an accountability partner. This is someone you know has your best interest in mind and does not have a problem being truthful and honesty. This week's scripture is:
our focus off God. When God is no
Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
longer our focus, we begin to
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ďƒ
insecurities come from thinking we are living by our own power. That is actually far from the truth. We live, move, and have our very being because of Him, our Father. Our insecurities can become
sabotage, rebel, abandon, and overcompensate in our lives. With all of that going on, how is there any room for God?
28 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Inspire Your Spirit| Monday Meditations continued
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
This week I want to discuss the intent we have when helping others. As Christians we are taught to help others, but not to look into our intentions behind the helping. Many of us do it out of obligation and not because we want to. We need to be aware of why we are doing things. If it is for recognition, to be critical, or to be in a position of power, then you are doing it for the wrong reason.
What are Meditation Mondays? Start your week off meditating on the Word of God. Read these weekly devotionals This week examine the reasons why you serve or help others. Ask yourself: what is my reason for helping, do I have the other person's best interest in mind, am I giving a 100%, and are they willing to receive the help. The scripture is: Philipians 2:1-8 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion
www.Nchantment.com/a/FooteFashion
www.mythirtyone.com/cherylcelebi
Inspire Your Spirit| Monday Meditations continued
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Romans 14: 10-13 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Sincerely, Nichelle M. Wall
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
32 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
www.Patsexclusivegifts.com
Inspire Your Spirit| Monday Meditations continued
Today, I want to discuss living your life with your guard up. Most people believe being a guarded person is allowing them to protect themselves from bad people, which is true. What they fail to realize is the are also guarding themselves from the good people and God. When this occurs, our perspective is I most defend myself at all time. This mindset can lead to an emotionally unfulfilling life. People may be around you, but because them getting close to you takes you so far out of your comfort zone you only let people get so close. When we look at life this way, most of our relationships are superficial (only dealing with surface level situations). This week take the time start healing your heart from past wounds. Also, learn to get past the discomfort of taking your guard down and truly live life. The scripture is: Hebrews 3:7-19 ESV 7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ 11 As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’”
Feel fatigued, or just don't like the way you look?? Exercise and your health and wellness is a key factor in everyday life and a big part of fashion. Putting on the right clothes or dressing in your own style is great but if you do not feel great about your body or how you look, none of that matters. Start out by walking around your neighborhood or local park to burn calories and get the heart pumping, then gradually increase your exercise as you go... You will not only lose weight but you will gain energy and stamina also. So ladies, put away the pumps and gowns for this one and pull out the sneakers and sweats. This is the one time it is ok to wear the big t shirt and sweat pants in public. Shekina Moore is multi-gifted speaker, entrepreneur, educator, designer and author. In honor of her affinity for the dress, she launched her designer dress label, SoKINA, made especially for women leaders, in Fall 2011. In the same year she was named the Featured Designer of the Carolina Music Awards and released her style book, Shoeing the Fat, addressing real women with real issues through real talk www.ShekinaMoore.com
35 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Its Never too Late to Get Started! “Your goals are only impossible if you believe that they Last year this time I was running my very first 5k race. I think back to High School when the thought of running for more than 5 minutes intimidated me so much that I was not willing to even give it a try. I would have never thought in my wildest dreams that I would develop a love for the one thing that I once thought I hated. After running my first 5k I experienced first hand that just because I did not start life out as an athlete or a fitness guru, it is never too late to get serious about your health and fitness. Think seriously about the goals that you have in your life. They are only impossible I your believe that they are . I have now started doing the insanity work out which I will be blogging on the Be Inspired! website.
http://pureswisswellness.myarbonne.com/
Inspire Your Spirit| Monday Meditations continued
12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
It is another beautiful day and opportunity to realize how great God is. Last week we discussed how living a guarded life prevents you from living the type of life God wants for us. This week I want to look at the influence we have on those around us. We live in a society that has an "all about me" mentality. People disregard other people's feelings and choose to be selfish. This creates an extremely individualistic society. We are relational beings and everything we do has an effect on someone else. We must ask ourselves are we living a conscientious life or just going through the motions of everyday life. If we have chosen to wake up and declare ourselves Christians, then we have an obligation/responsibility to influence the world. We should strive to be a living example of God on Earth. We are the visual representation of Him. This week take a good look at what your actions are saying about God. Determine if your concept of God is matching up with the way you live your life. Realize that you are an influence to the world around you. It's your choice what type of influence you have. The scripture is: Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV) 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
And Jesus looking on them said, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27 Are you limiting God’s hand in your life? Are you spending more time doubting and complaining than believing and praying? Well today I urge you to take the limits off of God! Today’s verse reminds us that ALL things are ibl ith G d
If you have a burden in your life, a dream, a hope, then I want you to give it to God. This means that you are not worrying and stressing over it any longer. When we continue to worry anda stress that means that we have not released our situation to God. When we have not truly released it to Him, there is no room for God to move. But when we get out of the way, stop limiting God and trust Him that is when miracles can take place in our life. Remember that nothing is impossible with God. Jesus promises us the abundant life. In fact He died for us to live a life worth living so surrender to Him today and watch God turn all of your impossibilities to possibilities. Be Inspired! and have a blessed and productive day! []
40 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
www.LadiesEmpowerment.com
www.forever-faithful.com
SIGNS THAT YOU’RE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP Your Inner Thoughts and Feelings
Your Partner’s Belittling Behavior
Do you:
Does your partner:
feel afraid of your partner much of the time? avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner? feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner? believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated? wonder if you’re the one who is crazy? feel emotionally numb or helpless?
humiliate or yell at you? criticize you and put you down?
treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed for your friends or family to see? ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments? blame you for their own abusive behavior? see you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?
Your Partner’s Violent Behavior or Threats Does your partner:
Your Partner’s Controlling Behavior Does your partner:
have a bad and unpredictable temper? hurt you, or threaten to hurt or kill you? threaten to take your children away or harm them? threaten to commit suicide if you leave?
act excessively jealous and possessive? control where you go or what you do? keep you from seeing your friends or family?
force you to have sex? destroy your belongings?
limit your access to money, the phone, or the car? limit your access to money, the phone, or the car? constantly check up on you?
43 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Inspire Your Spirit| Passing Tests
14 If you are reviled for 1. the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for Have you ever been through judgment to begin with the household of God; a time in life where all you wanted was relief? Maybe it and if it begins with us seemed like no matter how first, what will be the outcome for those who hard you tried everything kept coming up against you. do not obey the gospel of God? This time may even be happening for you right now. 18 AND IF IT IS WITH 1Peter 4:12-19 DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS 12 Beloved, do not be SAVED, WHAT WILL surprised at the fiery ordeal BECOME OF THE among you, which comes GODLESS MAN AND upon you for your testing, as THE SINNER? though some strange thing 19 Therefore, those also were happening to you; 13 but who suffer according to to the degree that you share the will of God shall the sufferings of Christ, keep entrust their souls to a on rejoicing, so that also at the faithful Creator in doing revelation of His glory you may what is right. rejoice with exultation.
Do not be surprised. Contrary to what you may have been taught, though Jesus died for us to have an abundant life, in fact for us to inherit eternal life, the bible never says that we will be completely void of tests and trials in our life. So in verse 12 shows us to not be surprised. Do not be taken aback. This is important because when we aren’t surprised that means that we have expectancy. With expectancy comes preparedness. So if we as believers aren’t surprised we are tapping into one of the greatest keys in combating trials and tests. That is Being Prepared, playing on the offense instead of the defense. What are some ways that we can be prepared?
44 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Does a wife have to submit to her husband? Answer: Submission is a very important issue in relation to marriage. Even before sin entered the world, there was still the principle of headship (1 Timothy 2:13). Adam was created first, and Eve was created to be a "helper" for Adam (Genesis 2:18-20). At the same time, since there was no sin, there was no authority for man to obey except God’s authority. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world, and then authority was needed. Therefore, God established the authority needed to enforce the laws of the land and also to provide us with the protection we need. First, we need to submit to God, which is the only way we can truly obey Him (James 1:21; 4:7). In 1 Corinthians 11:2-3, we find that the husband is to submit to Christ as Christ did to God. Then the verse says that the wife should follow his example and submit to her husband.
Submission is a natural response to loving leadership. When a husband loves his wife as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25-33), then submission is a natural response from a wife to her husband. The Greek word translated “submit,” hupotasso, is the continuing form of the verb. This means that submitting to God, the government, or a husband is not a one-time act. It is a continual attitude, which becomes a pattern of behavior. The submission talked about in Ephesians 5 is not a one-sided subjection of a believer to a selfish, domineering person. Biblical submission is designed to be between two Spirit-filled believers who are mutually yielded to each other and to God. Submission is a two-way street. Submission is a position of honor and completeness. When a wife is loved as the church is loved by Christ, submission is not difficult. Ephesians 5:24 says, “Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” This verse is saying that the wife is to submit to her husband in everything that is right and lawful. Therefore, the wife is under no obligation to disobey the law or God in the name of submission.
Inspire Your Spirit| GotQuestions.org Matthew Henry wrote: “The woman was made out of Adam’s side. She was not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved.”
Believers are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). In context, everything in Ephesians 5:19-33 is a result of being filled with the Spirit. Spirit-filled believers are to be worshipful (5:19), thankful (5:20), and submissive (5:21). Paul then follows his line of thought on Spirit-filled living and applies it to husbands and wives in verses 22-33. A wife should submit to her husband, not because women are inferior, but because that is how God designed the marital relationship to function. Submission is not a wife’s being a “doormat” for her husband. Rather, with the help of the Holy Spirit, a wife submits to her husband, and a husband sacrificially loves his wife.[] www.gotquestions.org
48 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
About GotQuestions.org Mission Statement of Got Questions Ministries: "Got Questions Ministries seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing biblical, applicable, and timely answers to spiritually related questions through an internet presence." GotQuestions.org is a volunteer ministry of dedicated and trained servants who have a desire to assist others in their understanding of God, Scripture, salvation, and other spiritual topics. We are Christian, Protestant, conservative, evangelical, fundamental, and non-denominational. We view ourselves as a para-church ministry, coming alongside the church to help people find answers to their spiritually related questions. We will do our best to prayerfully and thoroughly research your question and answer it in a biblically-based manner. It is not our purpose to make you agree with us, but rather to point you to what the Bible says concerning your question. You can be assured that your question will be answered by a trained and dedicated Christian who loves the Lord and desires to assist you in your walk with Him. Our writing staff includes pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, biblical counselors, Bible/Christian College students, Seminary students, and lay students of God's Word. All of our answers are reviewed for biblical and theological accuracy by our staff, with final approval given by our President and Founder, S. Michael Houdmann. He possesses a Master's degree in Christian Theology from Calvary Theological Seminary and a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from Calvary Bible College. May God richly bless you as you seek to study His Word and grow in your walk with Him! (Romans 11:36)
Passing Tests Cont. 2. By reading God’s word concerning the situation. While friends may think that they have your interest in mind if their advice is contrary to the word of God then you are making a mistake by listening to it. We can be prepared by putting on the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6) 3. Rejoice. What? Verse 13 says to keep on rejoicing. It doesn’t say go argue your trial down to do what you want it to do. It doesn’t say go and choke your trial. It doesn’t even say ignore it. This verse says to rejoice. Why? Because to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ keep on rejoicing. Jesus says it like this “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” Matt. 10:24 So if you are a follower of Christ, who was crucified, spit on, talked about, tortured, killed even, we cannot think that we are above Him. In fact we must rejoice when things come against us because it says at the revelation of His glory you will be able to rejoice. Like an aha moment! When those that denied Him and chose to gain the world and lose their own soul come to the realization that Jesus is Lord you will rejoice because you have already had that revelation.
50 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
If you are reviled you are Blessed. In verse 14 we see that when people speak down on you for Jesus , you are blessed. Why is this? Because the Spirit of glory and God rests on you. Wow this is so powerful. Now you have to check the reason that you are reviled. When you make a decision to live for God, when you choose to seek first His kingdom, you better believe the enemy is going to try to discourage you and take you off tasks. People may come against you and talk down to you, but guess what! You are blessed
Inspire Your Spirit| Passing Tests
You are blessed because God rests on you. He says to come to Him when you are weary and heavy laden and He will give you rests. So when these attacks come against you not only do you have to rejoice you have to give it to God to grow closer and closer to Him.
You are doing something right when trials come against you. Our concern should come when there is no resistance in our life because the enemy obviously doesn’t see you as a threat in furthering God’s kingdom. 6. Do not suffer as an evildoer. Verse 15 tells us to not suffer as an evildoer. For example we hear very often of people losing their life from drunk driving, drug deals gone wrong, drug overdoses, meddling in someone else’s business, stealing, murder retaliation…all sorts of evil. This scripture is telling us, Do Not Let That Be You! Do not do something to cause you to suffer because you were involved in evil. This is one sure way to fail in life. 4. If you suffer as a Christian you should not be ashamed. This tells us , not only to not be ashamed but to glorify God in that suffering. Instead of going around pouting and complaining when things aren’t going our way we must give God the glory anyways. We must rejoice, we must stand on His word, we must speak Life, and make the most of the season even if it is one where we are being tested. 5. Judgment must begin with the household of God. Again this is just a reminder that just because we become Christians we aren’t excused from suffering, we aren’t excused from trials but what we do receive is the power to overcome them through seeking God. We do receive the word of God to apply to our situation.
51 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
At our shop and on our site, you will find a fabulous, fashionable selection of clothing and accessories for every taste and any budget. We have items for every occasion, and we are here to help you find the perfect fit. Happy shopping!
www.mouniquelyu.com/
Inspire Your Spirit| Passing tests cont. 7. Entrust your soul to God and do what is right This reminds us like the previous verse that the punishment for the wicked is much more harsh than the trials that we may be going through right now. Even if it doesn’t look like it to you. And furthermore it says to entrust your soul to God and do what is right! You can not go wrong with that. []
Using Carnal Weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4) “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” You may be trying to get your children in line by cursing them out every five seconds, or maybe getting your Fixing things yourself(Proverbs 3:5,6). husband and wife to do “ 5Trust in the Lord with all what you want by nagging them to death or yelling at your heart and lean not on them…maybe you decided your own understanding; to pay that neighbor that 6in all your ways gets on your nerves a visit acknowledge Him,and he with a shotgun in tow. Well will make your paths this verse shows us that we straight.” Even when it doesn’t make sense in your can not tear down strongholds, we can not mind do what pleases God by acknowledging Him and overcome these trials by using the things of this trusting Him. Don’t try to take it over yourself because world. Because more often that will lead to destruction, than not it is spiritual and you can not fight a spiritual stress, confusion and war with earthly weapons. …Failure. Complaining (1 Corinthians 10:10). “Don't complain as some of them did. The angel of death destroyed them.” Don’t approach your trial, don’t approach the tests that try you by complaining about them.
Haven’t Studied (Romans 12:2).The same way that we bring out the books, paper and pen when a test comes up in school we have to do the same thing in life. However the best thing about life’s test is that they are open book. And that book is the Holy Bible. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In order to pass the tests that challenge you, you MUST study!
Rejoice In spite of Circumstances(Philippians 4:4) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! With the Full Armor. (Ephesians 6:11) Stop showing up to the battle naked. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. When you get some time take a look at Ephesians 6 to learn more about the full armor of God. Copy the Right Answers (Proverbs 17:10). What I mean by copy the right answers is to look to those that have already passed the test of what you are going through and find the answer. Now in the world this is considered cheating. In God’s word this is wisdom. “A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.” Show up on time. Don’t wait until seven years after God has given you direction on a situation. The more that you delay dealing with the trial, the more that you continue in behavior that keeps you from overcoming the worse this season will be. If you want to pass the test you better be prepared to do it God’s way and in His timing. Have Patience. (Psalm 37:34)So you wanted the passing grade 5 minutes after you start the test. Well it doesn’t always work like that. If you want to make it through the trials in your life you must have patience. “Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.”
www.wrapmeupalexis2.blogspot.com/
Inspire Your Spirit| Passing Tests
Passing Tests Are you ready to stop circling the same mountain? continued.. Remember that it is all for God’s glory. When you come out of the season of your test don’t forget to give God the glory. Share your testimony with someone else if you know that it will help them! Though we go through trials we do not have to be defeated by them. Lets apply the awesome tools found in God’s word to defeat those things that may come against us rather then getting caught up and overtaken by them. []
ORDER YOUR COPY OF JUMP START YOUR DREAM TODAY! VISIT www.beinspired247.org
to get your copy!
Xhilaration速 Studded Wristlet $9.99 at www.target.com
Mossimo速 Burgundy Envelope Clutch $19.99 at www.target.com
NOMINATE WOMEN THAT INSPIRE YOU TO GET RECOGNIZED IN THE BE INSPIRED! MAGZINE SEND YOUR NOMINATIONS TO BEINSPIREDONLINE@GMIAL.COM
No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 4:6
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
60 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." 2 Chronicles 16:9
I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? Psalm 121:1
We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair 2 Corinthians 4:8
"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Jeremiah 12:5
62 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! Luke 1:45
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. Proverbs 18:16
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
It may be that the LORD will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today. 2 Samuel 16:12
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38
64 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 2 Timothy 1:5
RECOGNITION past Be Inspired! woman of the month Nominees and winners
68 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Rhonda Gordon uses her facebook status to promote inspiration such as sharing Black History Tips as well as her days of Thankfulness. To get more information about Rhonda and what she does visit www.onyxobserver.com
Frances Hill Boomer decided to help friends journey through the Bible by outlining an easy to do plan for Bible Reading. She is very involved in her community and a true inspiration to those around her.
Cynthia Cowan-Neely helped connect others to the The Prayer and Encouragement Room on facebook a place where people can go to receive inspiring words and empowerment on everyday issues.
Tiffany Barrs is an entrepreneur who inspires women to know that you can achieve anything if you stay focused and work hard. She is the owner of Curves of Sumter.
Betsy Allen Be Inspired! Woman of the MonthNovember 2011
Jurina Pender is a Virtual Assistant as well as a wife and mother who strives to encourage those
Christie Opdycke She is a stay at home mom (Home Executive) who enjoys encouraging and supporting women to walk in the calling for their lives.
Carla Babb Journalist
c
Hard Candy Beauty Glam Kit, 4 pc
$5.00 at www.walmart.com
Walmart Half Back Massager with 2 Motors
$9.84 at www.walmart.com
As low as $15.99 Norelco 6945 Electric Razor
www.walgreens.com
Ladies' Manicure Set, 12 pc $9.00 - $15.00
www.walmart.com
u
Have you gotten to the point that things are tearing you down. Glory be to God that ALL things work together for the good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. Crossing the Jordan! What is tearing you down? Are you allowing something to keep you from receiving the promise (ministry) that God has already said is yours?
Joshua 7:10 The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why are you down on your face? (why are you crying just because things are not going right? Why are you sad?) The Israelites have sinned. They have broken the agreement I commanded them to obey. They took some of the things I commanded them to destroy. (What sin has God commanded you to let go of? What areas of your life are you living in disobedience?) They have stolen from me. (Are you tithing? Are you pouring into God’s Kingdom for His glory?) They have lied.
They have taken those things for themselves. (Are you using up His glory for your own? Are you taking the material things on this earth and even the ministry that He placed inside of you for you and not God?) Joshua 7:12 says : That is why the Israelites cannon face their enemies. They turn away from the fight and run. I have commanded that they be destroyed. You must destroy everything I commanded you to destroy. I will not help you anymore unless you do this.
82 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Get rid of everything that is standing in the way of you operating in the fullness of God’s calling on your life: what is everything? Poor sleep habits, complaining, anger, bad habits, cursing, whatever it is that you are doing that is taking the glory from God let it go or you will not be able to face your enemy obstacles in your life. Now go! Have the people make themselves holy for me. Tell them, ‘Set yourselves apart to the Lord for tomorrow. The Lord, the God of Israel, says some of you are keeping things he commanded you to destroy. (what are you holding on to that God told you to get rid of a long time ago, or said was never yours in the first place?) The Lord, the God of Israel, says some of you are keeping things he commanded you to destroy. You will never defeat your enemies until you throw away those things. Joshua 7:20 Achan answered, “It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. That is what I did. Among the things I saw was a beautiful coat from Babylonia. And I saw about five pounds of silver and more than one and one quarter pounds of gold. I wanted these things very much for myself. So I took them. You will find them buried in the ground under my tent. The silver is under the coat.
What is it that you wanted so bad that you ignored God saying that it was not yours? A car, a home, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a husband, a wife ? It must be destroyed- you need to get rid of it. When we don’t jump out on selfish desire seeking these temporary earthly things that God has not promised us we end up in trouble. The valley of Trouble. Joshua 7:24 Hope. Through Christ Jesus we are forgiven when we make the mistakes of those in the days of the Old Testament. We have a redeemer who will intercede for us in the times of trouble but we must repent and lay aside every weight the easily takes us off task and puts us into the land of trouble. Joshua 8:1 then the Lord said to Joshua. Don’t be afraid. Don’t give up. Lead all your fighting men to Ai. I am giving you his people, his city and his land. You will do to Ai and its king what you did to Jericho and its king. Only this time you may take all the wealth . You may keep it for yourselves. Now tell your soldiers to set up an ambush behind the city. God turns around and gives them another people and this time they are able to take the wealth of the city, when Achan acted out of greed and disobedience to get something in his own way the result was trouble and destruction not the blessing that was right around the corner had he been obedient and patient.
www.KrucialKreationz.com 85 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
FREE EBOOK http://www.fightbcnow.com/
At times it may seem like your prayer is not being answered. There are times in our lives when we pray diligently and it seems to be pointless. But the truth is that God still answers prayer. We just have to have our ears inclined to hear. You may be expecting to walk outside and hear a booming voice coming out of the clouds. I will not limit God by saying it is impossible but most often God speaks to us in the smallest of ways. 11The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. God may speak to you not in a booming voice but through a still small voice. It may come in the form of another person saying something to you that is clear confirmation on what you believe God is telling you. God will speak to you through His word. Remember that as you look to hear from God don’t limit how He can speak to you but rather be still to hear.
96 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Inspire Your Body|recipes
Citrus Infused Glazed Carrots By Aisha Owner of www.SpoonsandSmiles.com
I think carrots are by far one of the most versatile and yummy vegetables you can eat. You can smash them, braise them, broil them, boil them and stir fry them. However, for some strange reason (at least strange to me) kids don't always seem to find them that tasty.
VISIT OUR BE FINANCIALLY FREE SECTION FOR THE LATEST FINANCIAL TIPS WWW.BEINSPIRED247.ORG
Case in point, my 2 year kindly removes them from her plate and literally places them as far away from her as possible. In an effort to put more carrots in more bellies I decided to share this delightfully simple yet delicous recipe that will please adults and children alike. Citrus Infused Glazed Carrots 5 medium carrots (cut on the slant or coins) 2 tbsp. sugar or honey 2 tbsp. butter 1/2 cup water peel of 1 clementine (optional) salt and pepper to taste
Peel and cut carrots. Place all ingredients in saucepan and cook on medium low heat until fork tender. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid before serving.
Post a comment and share your favorite carrot recipe or story with us; you just might see it featured here on our blog for others to enjoy! I absolutely love the added kick from the clementine, it gave the carrots a nice sweet citrus flavor, not to mention the aroma was splendid. P.S. I even got the 2 year old to eat these. YAY!
| Be Insipred! THE Magazine
I am sure that we have all done what I am about to share. We have found ourselves committed to one too many things and reached the point of burnout. Today someone that I love dearly came to me with yet another commitment. As I told this person yes to avoid hurting their feelings the weight of my yes sat heavily on my shoulders. In my mind I thought “Just say
NO!” Have you been there before? Because of situations like this I see firsthand how powerful that little word “no” can be! Imagine for just a moment how different your life would be had you said no to the smallest things. What if you said “No” to that second..or third helping at dinner? What if you said no to that
time draining commitment that stretched you so thin that you couldn’t focus on the important things in your life?
| Be Insipred! THE Magazine
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY
We have to get to a place where we understand the true urgency and value of our time and refuse to give it up to any old thing that comes along. Think for a moment about recent commitments that you have made. Is there anything that you can think of that was not worth your time? Have you committed to something out of pressure rather than being able to make a sound decision? You have the power to say no to burn out and over commitment in your life. I have now developed what I call the “No Test�. When you start making commitments try passing them through this system. You can switch out some of your qualifying questions to make it more suitable to you. In order to get where God is taking you sometimes it will require a no however, in the end it will definitely be worth it! TAKE THE NO TEST BELOW
The Ideal Diet By Kat Wright
Natural foods unprocessed come from God’s creation Seasonal; the body has different needs in different climates Rotational; variety of foods ensures a variety of nutrients Balanced; proper amounts of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, fat, carbohydrates, micronutrients, enzymes, and fluids. Moderate; over eating even health supportive foods creates a stress on the system. GENERAL GOALS FOR PERCENT OF FOODS IN HEALTH SUPPORTIVE DIETS
107 | Be Insipred! THE Magazine
Meet Miss Black Virginia USA 2013 in the Be Inspired! cafĂŠ at www.beinspired247.org For more information visit her online at www.MissBlackVirginia2 013.com