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We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore!

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Last week, Facebook limited access to my blog The Battle Belongs to the Lord. I don’t know why. It’s never happened before but in spite of their efforts to subvert this article many of you shared it. Thank you. If you didn’t read it, you can now and, yes, please share.

Because of the censoring on traditional social media sites, many of us aren’t gonna take it anymore. We’ve established profiles on Parler (similar to Twitter) and MeWe (similar to Facebook), which are both free and don’t censor or fact check (with liberal bias) your posts. You have freedom of speech and no advertisements that I’ve seen so far and you can choose who follows you and who you follow.

You can connect with me on MeWe, which is free and user friendly to start your own account. Find me at mewe.com/i/janetthompson29.

You can connect with me on Parler with my name Janet Thompson. Here is a short interview with the CEO John Matex. Dan Bongino is also a co-owner. John and Dan saw an influx of new participants right after the election.

I originally joined Parler Free Speech Social Network in July when I saw many conservative communicators and pastors were moving there because Facebook and Twitter were censoring content or freezing their accounts. I didn’t do much with it then, but as I’ve watched “Big Tech” interfere with the election and our President censored on Twitter, I’ve joined the migration to posting on Parler.

I read that one million Facebook users switched to Parler in one day!

For now, I’m still on Facebook with my personal and author pages to stay connected with all my friends and will continue my presence on Twitter.

My husband and I also switched from primarily watching FOX News, which has sadly taken a definite liberal turn, to now enjoying conservative NEWSMAX (216 on DISH). On the “Stinchfield” program, he mentioned they’ve had 2 million downloads on the NEWSMAX App in two weeks!

I realize you’re not all fans of social media, but as we watch the signs of socialism, Marxism, and government control invade our personal lives, I feel we need to find safe ways to stay in communication with each other.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito sent all Americans a warning last week, as he intervened in the voter fraud taking place in Pennsylvania. But he also sent another dyer warning that confirms what I’ve been saying since the closing of churches over Covid, Alito: Religious Liberty is in Danger of Becoming A Second-Class Right.

When I shared Alito’s loss of religious liberty article from Franklin Graham’s Facebook page, three disclaimers popped up from Facebook!!

Why Am I Making These Changes?

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Pr. 16:18 NLT

There’s a reason for the term “Big Tech.” What started out as a friendly free way for friends and family to communicate and stay in contact, morphed into a lucrative financial empire affording the opportunity of the wealthy liberal progressive Silicon Valley owners to exert political influence. They’re using their power to control what their users see and think.

Sounds an awful lot like mind control propaganda!

Big Tech took our contact information and sold it to businesses who know what we Google and even browse for on Amazon. Have you noticed ads suddenly appearing on your Facebook feed when you research an item? Yep, they’re all connected.

While Big Tech censors your free speech, they’re pouring money into the left to control the political agenda in their favor. This was never more obvious than in the recent election where they favored the Democrats and Biden while locking down accounts of Republicans, conservatives, and even the President.

In the media, a loyal conservative audience grew FOX News to top billing over mainstream media. Then with just a few exceptions like Tucker Carlson, Hannity, Mark Levin, Judge Jeanine, Jessie Waters, and Steve Hilton, there was a liberal shift never more evident than on election night.

FOX has begun to sound almost like CNN! It’s obvious. Liberals have apparently invaded their boardrooms and many of us have turned to other channels for our conservative news.

And FOX is feeling the burn.

Can you see the pattern emerging in all these situations? Pride and power. They’ve forgotten who their audience is that made them successful and erroneously think that we’ll tolerate censoring, attempted brainwashing, and information control. And it’s true, for many years, we’ve looked the other way because there weren’t alternatives. Now they have competition.

So again, we’re not gonna take it anymore!

These organizations don’t seem to appreciate or understand that conservatives have convictions, beliefs, values, and ideals! We’re not going to follow them like sheep down the progressive path to destruction.

We have a choice of where we get and give our information. I believe it’s extremely important that we stay informed. I know you might want to pull the covers over your head and make the world stop, but until the rapture, which could be very close, we need to stay engaged.

Communist countries control all information sites and only want their people hearing government approved propaganda. America is sadly teetering on the brink of losing our First Amendment rights that differentiate us from those countries.

It’s obvious that people were persuaded to vote for Biden by listening exclusively to mainstream liberal media when many now seem shocked that he might enforce another lockdown or mask mandate. Where were they when he said exactly that during an interview?! President Trump said many times that was Biden’s plan.

And will they be shocked when he curtails fracking? Raises taxes? Opens borders? Implements the “New Green Deal”? Allows millions of babies to be murdered?

It’s our job as responsible citizens to do our homework before we vote and to understand the consequences of the platform we’re endorsing.

It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 1 Peter 2:15-16 NLT

One Platform Never Changes

Regardless of who becomes our 46th President, God is still our only Lord and Savior. He created the Earth, He created you and me, and He has given us a timeless Word that sadly many are trying to corrupt and change to be politically and socially correct. But those who add a word to God’s Word will be held accountable.

18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.

20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. Revelations 22:18-21

In a recent Bible study group, a member summarized a point I’ve made repeatedly in my articles. As Bible-believing Christians, we Pray, Read our Bibles,* and Obey whatever God calls us to do.

I can’t remember who said this, but it’s so applicable: “God holds us responsible for what is happening in heaven!”

We aren’t just God’s robots nor are we to defer to our circumstances. We’re saved to make a difference for God in the world. It’s not all about us and how we’re affected personally, but how we can personally affect the world for Christ!

We get our marching orders through communing with God in prayer, studying His words written directly to us in our Bibles, and then asking, “Lord what do you want me to do?”

Brave and bold we follow through and obey.                                                                 

That shouldn’t sound too esoteric or beyond reach. It’s the heart of the Christian life.

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 NLT

For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 41:13

*A New Bible I Recommend

I’ve always loved the NIV Study Bible for conducting research and context so I was thrilled when Zondervan updated to the NIV Study Bible Fully Revised Edition. As a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, I received a free copy to review and I was not disappointed.

This Bible is stunningly gorgeous in full color! To facilitate the study of the Scripture passages, the notes have a brown “trowel” icon to point out archaeology information to passages, a green “seedling leaf” calling attention to practical principles for personal application, and a “profile” symbol in front of Scripture references providing descriptions and/or characterization of a person or a people group.

It’s sad for me to retire my old study Bible, but this new one now sits on my desk for easy reference and reading. If you’re looking for a user-friendly study Bible, I highly recommend this one. It is packed with so much information that it’s a little heavy so might not be one you carry with you to church but is an ideal addition to your library for readily available study and deeper research. There is also a personal size available.

The NIV Study Bible Fully Revised is available on Amazon.

Do you spend as much time in God’s Word as you do in Satan’s world? Just a thought.

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Psalm 119:114 NLT

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Ps. 119:143 NLT

My Prayer for You

16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom[a] and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.[b]

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Eph. 1:16-20 NLT

November 16, 2020
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We Prayed. God Blessed Us. Now What?

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Only God would coordinate the timing on September 26, 2020 of the Franklin Graham Prayer March 2020 and The Return with Jonathan Cahn both in Washington DC on the National Mall on the same day that President Trump announces the nomination of a conservative Christian woman Justice for the Supreme Court!

Only God!

This was no coincidence!

A friend messaged me what I also believe to be true: “I believe the remnant is storming the Highest Court in prayer and praise!”

I do believe that God heard the prayers of His people and the heavenlies smiled down on us.

So now we keep on praying and believing. We must not stop because you know that Satan is only going to ramp up his efforts to create chaos, fear, and turmoil.

I also participated in a “March for Peace and Prayer in America” in my small rural mountain community. It was nondenominational and not political. You could bring “signs of prayer and peace but please no negativity.”

As I discussed the walk with a friend from church, I found myself wondering if carrying an American flag would be considered political. Negative?

I’m happy to say we carried a large American flag and signs with encouraging Scriptures and quotes. Some of those walking were barely able to walk from the very young, one with a cane, and even some slightly lame. But everyone completed the march and gathered together at the end for encouragement and prayer.

The morning started with rain that cleared before we walked and God blessed us with an affirming rainbow!

What a spirit-filled day from coast to coast!

How Have We Strayed So Far?

As we watched the joy and smiles of the thousands walking, and some even in wheel chairs on the National Mall, I noticed many carrying and waving with pride small American flags. I couldn’t help but think what a sad day in America when emblems of patriotism and love for our country are politicized. Even scorned and burned.

I ask myself so often: How did we let this happen? I know many are bravely and boldly speaking up, as am I, but why are so many denouncing their own country? Why are children being taught that America is bad when the rest of the world looks up to us with admiration? At least they used to.

Why are we letting a fringe element of Marxists convince us that there is “systemic racism” in our country?

Why aren’t more people acknowledging that the problem is systemic secularism?

People are rejecting what they once held true and dear to fit in with a system that is rejecting not only our country . . . but our God.

As I pondered these thoughts, my Bible reading was Psalm 37 in the Holman Christian Standard Bible. I’m going to share with you some of the verses that spoke directly to my heart in these troubling times where God calls His people to action but not agitation.

I add my commentary in italics and add emphasis to the scriptures. I hope they bless you too!

Psalm 37 “Instruction in Wisdom”

Isn’t wisdom what we all want right now as our tempers rise with current events? I’ve even had some friends say their blood pressure is literally rising. God says this:

Do not be agitated by evildoers;
do not envy those who do wrong.
2 For they wither quickly like grass
and wilt like tender green plants.

3 Trust in the Lord and do what is good;
dwell in the land and live securely.[b]
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and He will give you your heart’s desires.

God tells us that if we trust Him completely and continue doing what we know is right and good, even in the midst of all the rioting, lying, COVID, and evil we’re watching daily, He will keep our lives secure.

He wants us to keep our focus on the Lord and the joy that He brings to our life and He will give us what we’re praying for either on earth or later in heaven.

Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him;
do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way,
by the man who carries out evil plans.

8 Refrain from anger and give up your rage;
do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.
9 For evildoers will be destroyed,
but those who put their hope in the Lord
will inherit the land.

I don’t know about you, but at our house we’ve found ourselves very agitated at the injustice and evil that seems to be prevalent in our country today. But notice that in eight verses, God tells us three times to not be agitated by those doing evil because it does no good. In fact, it can bring harm to our health and well-being.

Instead, we need to do just what thousands of us did on Saturday, pray with trust that God is on His throne and we will get our land back if we don’t lose hope.

A little while, and the wicked person will be no more;
though you look for him, he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
and will enjoy abundant prosperity.

12 The wicked person schemes against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him.
13 The Lord laughs at him
because He sees that his day is coming.

The wicked have drawn the sword and strung the bow
to bring down the afflicted and needy
and to slaughter those whose way is upright.
15 Their swords will enter their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

. . .

The Lord watches over the blameless all their days,
and their inheritance will last forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in times of adversity;
they will be satisfied in days of hunger.

20 But the wicked will perish;
the Lord’s enemies, like the glory of the pastures,
will fade away—they will fade away like smoke.

As Christians, we know that doing wrong or evil to satisfy the culture, never pleases God. Even though we’re laughed at and disparaged, we let it bounce off us because our future is eternal life. Those who are scoffing at God will learn some day that their future is literally in hell.

A man’s steps are established by the Lord,
and He takes pleasure in his way.
24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed,
because the Lord holds his hand.

25 I have been young and now I am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned
or his children begging for bread.
26 He is always generous, always lending,
and his children are a blessing.

Turn away from evil and do what is good,
and dwell there[i] forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice
and will not abandon His faithful ones.
They are kept safe forever,
but the children of the wicked will be destroyed.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it permanently.

God reminds us that in the end, His justice will prevail. Until then, we seek righteous wisdom from God and follow guidance from His Word. We will dwell safely and securely with the Lord forever.

This theme runs through the remainder of the psalm. As you continue reading, pray that God will speak to you to calm your heart, mind, and soul as you pray for His righteousness to prevail in our world and that those promoting and supporting the evil will be unveiled and stopped.

It may look like they are winning for the moment, but God is always the winner.

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom;
his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The instruction of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not falter.

32 The wicked one lies in wait for the righteous
and seeks to kill him;
33 the Lord will not leave him
in the power of the wicked one or allow him to be condemned when he is judged.

34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way,
and He will exalt you to inherit the land.
You will watch when the wicked are destroyed.

35 I have seen a wicked, violent man
well-rooted like a flourishing native tree.
36 Then I passed by and  noticed he was gone;
I searched for him, but he could not be found.

Watch the blameless and observe the upright,
for the man of peace will have a future.
38 But transgressors will all be eliminated;
the future of the wicked will be destroyed.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord,
their refuge in a time of distress.
40 The Lord helps and delivers them;
He will deliver them from the wicked and will save them
because they take refuge in Him.

Amen!

So What Do We Do Now?

We keep on praying!

Let’s pray for Amy Coney Barrett and her family. We know how malicious the attacks will be but the Lord will be her strength and give her the right words and countenance.

Pray for President Trump as he continues to govern our nation while campaigning.

Pray for an outpouring of the Spirit on our nation.

Pray for a down pouring of rain and cold temperatures on the cities where the riots continue.

Pray for the safety of our police force and the military.

Pray for the coronavirus plague to subside.

Pray for churches to open their doors.

The vision the Lord keeps giving me is a sudden outpouring of the Holy Spirit over all those who are doing evil in our cities and government. A miracle of mass salvation!

There is no one outside of God’s reach, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13)

Nothing is impossible with God.

Let me know what you’re praying for. What vision is God giving you?

September 28, 2020
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5 Ways to Disagree and Still be Friends

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While playing a card game with my grandchildren and their mommy, mommy suddenly “went out” on the first hand before any of us had a chance to play our cards. I was sitting across from my young granddaughter, who was next in line to play. As realization set in that the game was over, her face went from shock to anger as she erupted into a meltdown throwing her cards across the table, leaping out of her seat, and tearfully yelling she would never play with us again!

We tried to contain our smiles knowing she was upset for the moment, but would recover and return to the fun. I hope that as she matures, she will learn how to lose gracefully.

Sadly, during this presidential election cycle, just like 2016, we’ve witnessed adult meltdowns among friends and relatives who find it difficult, even impossible, to maturely disagree politically and still remain friends. Many tell stories of family members disowning them. Political disagreements turned personal.

Tragically, we watch with horror young people and adults displaying violent meltdowns in the streets of many of our cities with looting, burning, destruction, assaults, vileness, and even murder, without any local control! This seems to be the 2020 way for many liberals to express their political views.

I’ve had many “unsubscribes” to this Monday Morning Blog when I say we all should vote for a political platform and not a person. Even though they’ve followed me for years, I am no longer their friend because we disagree on a presidential candidate.

Political disagreements are not the only cause of divisiveness. I have family members who keep their distance because I’m a Christian. You probably do too.

COVID has introduced a sundry of issues for “friends” to disagree over. I wrote a blog recently Don’t Let COVID Divide the Church! We’re On the Same Team. In this article, I also discuss the reasons not to waste your time getting entangled in social media disagreements. I have seldom seen anyone with an opposing view leave a comment, “I see your point.” Typically, they just want to prove their point!

We all have a right to our beliefs but it shouldn’t end our relationship, our friendship, or our family ties.

Five Ways to Disagree and Still Maintain the Friendship

1. State your opinion but don’t force it on the other person.

Friendships should be a safe place to disagree. If you have a variety of friends, you’re going to have a variety of differing opinions. You can learn from each other.

In our couples small group, we get into some heavy exchanges of opinions, but we always know at the end of group we’ll pray, have dessert and coffee together, and leave as friends. After one evening of especially heated discussion, one person prayed that they were grateful we respected each other enough that we could express our thoughts openly, but still maintain our friendships.

We’re still friends in Christ, even though we disagree on some spiritual and perhaps political issues.

Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. Phil. 3:15 NLT

2. Don’t devalue the other person.

Use “I” statements; avoid “You” attacks. Ask why they believe the way they do. State the benefits of your position rather than the hazards of their beliefs. No name-calling allowed.

Don’t attack their character. Remain humble.

Respect must be given to be reciprocally received.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10 NLT

3. Consider your motives

We get into disagreements because we want the other person to acknowledge we’re right. Sometimes we care more about being right, than “our truth” helping the other person.

My granddaughter was trying to share Jesus with two friends of a different faith, and they ended up in a disagreement. I asked my granddaughter whether her motivation was compassion for her friend’s salvation or wanting to be right.

If it was their salvation, she should speak with passion about how much she loved Jesus and He loves her. If she just wanted to be right, she probably focused more on how wrong their faith was and that made them mad. She agreed she would be far more effective showing them Jesus’s love than trying to win an argument.

Our friends and family will know the love of our Jesus through the love we show them.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 NLT

4. Establish that your friendship is more important than the disagreement.

No disagreement is worth losing a friendship or a family member relationship.

Nothing is that important.

When you see a conversation turning into a disagreement, stop and establish between the two of you that your friendship or relationship means more to you both than the issue at hand.

If you both agree that continuing with the conversation would jeopardize your relationship, then change the subject.

Heather and I have been friends for years, and I love what she says about our friendship: “I have been aware of your position on politics as long as I’ve been your friend, and it hasn’t mattered. If you were not aware of mine, perhaps it is because I am much more interested in building and maintaining friendships than in debating politics.”

In my book, Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter, I share a time when my daughter and I differed on several major issues, but we still loved each other. We didn’t talk about them every time we were together, but we did talk about things we agreed on. We loved each other unconditionally because our mother/daughter relationship was more important than our differences.

Over the years, we’ve disagreed on other topics and we’ve practiced the same respect for each other. Love is more important than our disagreements.

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

5. Let it go and pray!

Often a disagreement drags on because one of us won’t give up or we take the bait to start a disagreement instead of letting it pass.

We want the other person to come around to our way of thinking because we’re sure our way is the only right way and we have a great argument to support it. Tempers and voices rise. We say things we wish we hadn’t. Friendships and relationships fall apart.

It takes discipline to let the other person have the last word and then let the issue go.

Recently, I was at dinner with a group of Christians and I assumed we all had the same political views. We had been friends at church for years but had never discussed politics. Suddenly, one of the women asked what I thought of “Trump.” When I expressed favor, she started to say “Even though . . . .”

I could see where this conversation was going. I had arguments for what I knew she was going to say, but instead I decided to kindly reply, “I don’t think this is the time to get into a political discussion” and changed the subject.

Because we had never discussed politics before, I didn’t know she was liberal while I’m a conservative. But I knew we had been, and would continue to be, friends.

Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense. Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Pr. 18:1-2 NLT

Lord, Satan is trying with all his might to divide your house and your people. We pray Lord with all our might that we would not let that happen. We would remember that a house divided cannot stand. Help us to be the peacemaker in our relationships, friendships, and families, without bending or compromising on the Truth. And Lord, if it must be that there are those who choose to no longer be our friends or in a relationship with us, guard us against a bitter heart and remind us to pray for a softening of their heart also. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Note: This is an adaption and update of an article I wrote for Crosswalk after Donald Trump won the 2016 election. Not much has changed this year except it’s escalated to violence in the streets not just for a few days, but for months. I pray not only friendships but also our country survives the 2020 election.

September 7, 2020
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Conquering the Unseen Enemy

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I think President Trump was the first to start calling the Coronavirus “the unseen enemy” and now many have coined the term.

We can’t see this enemy, yet it could attack us or we could unknowingly pass it onto others. This enemy is treacherous and its sole intent is to do harm and leave carnage in its path.

When I heard “unseen enemy” used to describe coronavirus, I immediately thought what a perfect analogy to the unseen enemy Satan!

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT

Like COVID-19, Satan also creates chaos, carnage, death, heartache, despair, the list is endless, and yet our world and culture considers much of Satan’s evil as normal.

Physical illness brings the world to a standstill, while worldly spiritual illness is acceptable, tolerated, even encouraged.

As Christians, you’ve heard many times that we’re in a spiritual battle for our very souls, but did you ever take it as seriously as you now take the coronavirus?

We take desperate measures to ensure our loved ones or friends don’t get sick. But do we feel the same sense of concern and urgency when their soul is sick? Lost for eternity?

I read an article by Giancarlo Sopo in The Blaze titled, “New York Times op-ed blames Evangelical Christians for paving the road to ‘coronavirus hell.’” What Katherine Stewart, author of the op-ed that Sopo is refering to, The Religious Right’s Hostility to Science Is Crippling Our Coronavirus Response, doesn’t realize, or obviously believe, is that when you don’t believe in Jesus as your Savior, you’re paving the way to eternal hell.

The author went on to claim, what many unbelievers think—that Christians have a “denial of science and critical thinking.”

  • We’re the ones who believe that X and Y chromosomes determine your gender—boy or girl. That’s science.
  • A heartbeat signifies life—even in a mother’s womb. That’s science.

As for critical thinking—

  • We believe the unseen enemy Coronavirus is real.
  • We believe the unseen enemy Satan is real.
  • We believe heaven and hell are real.
  • We believe the unseen Savior Jesus is alive in every believer’s heart.
  • We believe there are two choices in life—to follow Satan the destroyer or Jesus the Savior of the world!

How Do We Fight the War Against the Unseen Enemy?

The enemy Coronavirus—We physically protect ourselves daily by following the guidelines from the government and doctors. Stay home, wash our hands, don’t touch our face.

The enemy Satan—We spiritually protect ourselves daily by following the guidelines from God. Put on the Armor of God.

My husband, Dave, and I have prayed Ephesians 6:10-18, the Armor of God, nearly every morning of our 27 years of marriage. I often say that I might not be alive today if we didn’t. I take it that seriously; I hope you will too.

We share this spiritual discipline of praying the Armor of God with everyone we know. I’ve mentioned it in previous blogs and in many of my books. But I always wonder how many actually understand that these are our marching orders as Christians in the ongoing spiritual battle we’re in everyday! Sometimes, like now, the battle is more visible universally. Other times, we experience it individually, but it’s always there. Satan will never tire or give up until the final battle.

God always has a plan for His people, but His people don’t always follow His plan.

I opened this blog with Ephesians 6:10-12. The remainder of this passage instructs us in how to protect against the spiritual unseen enemy.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Amen Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT

Notice the call to pray, stand firm in your faith, and take up the “sword of the Spirit,” your Bible, the only offensive weapon.

Conquering the unseen enemy

If we’re not in our Bibles, we’re leaving ourselves wide open to attack from the enemy Satan. It has been said that if we don’t read our Bibles a minimum of four times a week, we don’t act much different than the world! Now this unseen enemy, COVID-19, has given us time to take up our sword and fight the unseen enemy of our souls.

Download a copy of Dr. Charles Stanley’s “Preparing for War” Armor of God prayer that my husband and I personalize and pray each morning.

Dear ones, the battle rages on but praise God we know Who wins the war.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4 NLT

Special Announcement

I receive many messages and emails from women telling me that Everyday Brave: Living Courageously As A Woman of Faith is helping them stay strong during these unprecedented times. So I’m having an Easter Be Brave special of this book for $10.00 on my website through the month of April. I’ll personalize and sign each book for you.

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

March 30, 2020
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Do You Need a Pardon?

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Do you need a pardon?

Pardons were in the news last week as President Trump pardoned and commuted sentences of several prisoners. Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Hope for Prisoners, President Trump said that he “loves” finding those treated unfairly by the criminal justice system and offering them pardons.

The discussion of pardons started me thinking about how God has pardoned every Christian. Since Romans 3:23 reminds us that, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Christians are the recipients of unmerited grace and mercy.

In my Bible Study Face-to-Face with Euodia and Syntyche: From Conflict to Community, I describe it this way:

  • Justice is getting what you deserve.
  • Mercy is not getting everything you deserve.
  • Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.

Mercy is showing more love and kindness to a person than he or she expects or deserves. Undeserved pardon! Grace is undeserved forgiveness.

It’s so easy to look at the transgressions of others and say they deserved the punishment rendered, and often they do. But what about Christians who had their debt pardoned and paid for by Jesus who unjustly endured the brutal cross for us? He took the punishment that we deserved. That’s mercy! That’s grace!

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:1-5

All we had to do for a pardon was confess our sins to Jesus, ask for forgiveness, and repent! Our dark sins became white as snow. Erased! The Bible says that God has forgiven and forgotten and will never bring them up to us again.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Acts 3:19 (NLT)

15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,

16 “This is the new covenant I will make
with my people on that day,[a] says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”[b]

17 Then he says,

“I will never again remember
their sins and lawless deeds.” Hebrews 10:15-17 (NLT)

What a gift! How did we deserve such a pardon? We didn’t! Yet, how often do we take our pardon for granted. Almost like we did deserve it. How often do we remember the price and penalty that Jesus paid for our release from the punishment due us? I would suggest, not often enough.

We may not have been in a cold, dark, prison cell, but we were in a cold, dark spiritual hellhole. Satan had us shackled to him in sin and shame. Then Jesus entered into our life and set us free. But Satan never gives up. He’s always trying to lure us back. We can never forget the cost of our pardon.

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Sin Has Consequences

Just like with all pardoned prisoners, there will always be consequences of our sins that we will have to bear ourselves and assume the responsibility. God told the Israelites who refused to follow His lead, “You will bear the consequences of your sin . . .” (Numbers 14:34 HCSB)

As Christians, we must ask for Jesus’ help and strength to make restitution for our sinful behavior when possible. If we broke the civic law, or God’s law, we’ll pay the penalty. The scars will be with us, and possibly with others, for life. Often our actions negatively affected someone else. That’s on us. Jesus forgives us when we repent of our sins, but we may need to forgive others or seek their forgiveness and they might not grant it. The hurt is too deep. The debt too high.

But President Trump also told the crowd of 29 graduates from Hope for Prisoners, “the best part of your life is just beginning.” “Today we declare that you are made by God for a great and noble purpose. You are valued members of our American family and we are determined to help you succeed,” the president said.

And that’s what the Lord says to us too:

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. Micah 7:18

My Second Pardon

Do you need a pardon?

In Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter, I share my testimony of accepting Jesus into my life at eleven, but as an adult I backslid into a sinful life for seventeen years while raising my daughter. I was a prodigal raising a prodigal. I can’t change those years, but when I rededicated my life back to Christ, He gave me another pardon I did not deserve. Praise God, He is the God of endless pardons. I was a changed person—a new creation in Christ.

Like President Trump told the released prisoners, God did have a great and noble purpose for my life as He used me to start the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry and write and speak for Him.

But there were consequences to my wayward years. I had to ask my daughter for forgiveness, and while she didn’t understand what that meant at the time, she does now. I prayed and begged God daily to open her eyes to the life she could have with Christ. After six years of a mother’s prayers, she accepted Christ as her Savior.

No matter what you’ve done in your past, or are currently doing, Jesus waits eagerly to mercifully forgive you and restore your life for a great and noble purpose. All you need to do is ask Him for a pardon.

Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Isaiah 55:7

________________________

God has put on my heart that my next writing project will focus on the loneliness epidemic in our culture. If you have a story of seasons of loneliness, or you’ve helped someone through their loneliness, I would love to hear your story. Please contact me or email at [email protected].

February 24, 2020
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Are You Ready to Get Your Brave On With Me?

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Celebrating release of Everyday Brave

Celebrate with me the launch of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith

Well it’s finally time! The release of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith is today, September 10, 2019! Hoot!!! Hoot!!

[Tweet “It’s finally time! The release of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith is today, September 10, 2019! Hoot!!! Hoot!!”]

Over the past year, many of you have traveled with me on this writing journey through trips and falls, illnesses, flooded basement, broken wrist, snowed in, car hit by a boulder . . . . Yes, it’s been a challenging year, but God has been good and the writing, editing, and printing kept on going.

Nothing can stop what God starts! I hope you agree this is true in your own life too.

[Tweet “Nothing can stop what God starts! I hope you agree this is true in your own life too.”]

It was a blessing last week to hold my new “baby” in my hands and start signing books for contributors, endorsers, and winners of blogs where I’ve been a guest blogger.

But don’t worry; I’m not leaving you out of the fun! I’m offering a signed copy of Everyday Brave to two of you who leave a comment on today’s blog to enter a drawing. I’ll announce the winners in next week’s blog!

It Takes a Village to Write a Book

A huge thank you to the courageous women who answered my shout out for stories and bravely shared in this book to bless other women. You know who you are!

I’m blessed to have nine endorsers who humbled me with their kind and gracious encouraging words about how God can use this book in the lives of women who often don’t realize they’re courageous everyday.

Tricia Goyer endorses Everyday Brave

Then there are the stories of 50 brave and courageous women in the Bible. In Everyday Brave, I use a new style of writing for me, creative nonfiction, where I base their stories on the biblical facts, while bringing them to life by recreating their world and environment. It was fun and some have said it’s my best book so far, but we’ll see what everyone else thinks.

Everyday Brave is not a Bible study, but there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter, which make the book perfect for use in Bible studies, small groups, Women’s Ministry studies, book clubs, Mentors and Mentees, or to help you as the reader engage with what you’ve read.

Everyone Needs the Lord

We live in a time when Christians need to have the courage to stand firm in their faith in a culture that is not Christian-friendly.

[Tweet “We live in a time when Christians need to have the courage to stand firm in their faith in a culture that is not Christian-friendly.”]

Regardless of the chaos in the world, we remain role models of a God-honoring life. Many are watching to see what it really means to be a faithful Christian who lives by the Bible.

Christians do not change the Bible to conform to the culture, but they do use the unchangeable Bible to reform the culture!

[Tweet “Christians do not change the Bible to conform to the culture, but they do use the unchangeable Bible to reform the culture!”]

True, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it is for those of us who fear the Lord!

I had to put my brave on just to write a book like Everyday Brave, but God’s timing is always perfect. I’ve felt Him encouraging me at every step, and I pray you will also be encouraged as you read it.

You and I really are much braver than we think we are!

Here’s a sneak preview of the Preface.

Believe me when I say I had to put my brave on just to write a book like this, but God’s timing is always perfect and I’ve felt Him encouraging me at every step. Let me first say, I had to tap into my everyday brave just to write this book. I’m not an expert on bravery and I don’t have all the answers for what makes us brave and courageous, but I do have a tight relationship with the One who does. He instilled in all of us brave hearts to push beyond what we think we’re capable of achieving, and so I started writing.

When taunting thoughts assailed me, such as Who are you to write a book about bravery? I honestly asked myself the same question. Then I quickly realized those disparaging words were coming from Satan because God doesn’t instill doubt in us. When he gives us a Holy Spirit–inspired idea or assignment, he encourages us and cheers us on with a “You go girl! I’ve got this. I’m with you all the way.” I knew God was with me on this project—I just had to get with it!

We need to bolster each other toward bravery just to withstand the barrage of daunting news today and the escalating attacks on our faith. It’s comforting to know that incredible women in the Bible also experienced scary and threatening times. They were victorious, and we can be too.

So my dear friends, let’s be courageous women of faith and get our brave on for God! Are you ready?! Let’s do it!

Be your own kind of brave!

Maybe your first brave step will be verbalizing an area of your life where God wants you to be brave and courageous.

Since I’m offering two free books for comments on this blog, let me give you a few ideas.

  • What is God asking you to do, but you’re hesitating?
  • What’s stopping you from courageously moving forward on God’s nudge to take a step of faith?
  • Where have you been victoriously bold and brave and how did it feel?

I sign Everyday Brave with this verse Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Cor. 16:13

Everyday Brave available now on Amazon for sale

 

 

September 9, 2019
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Throw Out Insecurity and Cast Your Net By Andrea Chatelain

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God will help us mentor; it's not about us!

Today’s guest blogger is Andrea Chatelain, who has encouraging words for anyone who thought serving God was all about them!

Throw Out Insecurity and Cast Your Net

By Andrea Chatelain

I was a shell of a woman. Broken over miscarriages and lonely in faith, I called the one friend I had and asked her to gather some gals. We bought the shortest Bible study available, and strangers gathered in my living room. I had no idea what I was doing. Why had God prompted me to open my house and my heart to others when I felt so unqualified, imperfect, and weary? Truth is, He can work great things out of our vulnerability if we’ll be bold enough to follow.

[Tweet “God can work great things out of our vulnerability if we’ll be bold enough to follow.”]

Being a mentor starts with this motto: Throw out insecurity and cast your net.

Before Jesus’ disciples followed Him, many were fishermen. They spent their days casting out a net because they knew there were fish in the water–even if they weren’t biting. Some days the disciples hauled in so many fish the boat was overflowing, other times there wasn’t much to show for their efforts.

But they kept throwing their nets.

Then Jesus invited them to catch something better. “And He said to them, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 ESV

To do the important work of mentoring others, bringing them up in love and truth, we have to believe two things: 1. God chose us fully aware of our shortcomings. 2. The outcome is in His control as we follow His lead.

If we examine the first disciples, Christ didn’t always choose the most qualified. He called those willing to follow and throw their net. And the same is true of us.

[Tweet “God has chosen each of us to cast our nets right where we are and mentor others in love and truth not because we are awesome, but because He is awesome.”]

God has chosen each of us to cast our nets right where we are and mentor others in love and truth not because we are awesome, but because He is awesome. Believing that perfection isn’t required to lead others emboldens us to step out of our comfort zone and do the sometimes intimidating job of mentoring. So we throw off insecurity and say yes to every crazy idea God gives us knowing it’s not about what we have to give, but about trusting the One who’s leading us.

[Tweet “To boldly say yes when God calls us to mentor or disciple others, we must also trust Him with the outcome.”]

To boldly say yes when God calls us to mentor or disciple others, we must also trust Him with the outcome. In the past, I didn’t open myself up to mentoring because I was simply afraid no one would show up, or that the group wouldn’t be successful. I believed the outcome of my leadership was all on me. And that left me paralyzed.

I was frozen in fear and insecurity thinking it was necessary to possess all the answers for the women I mentored. But when I changed my mindset, having faith God called me to that post, He provided me with strength and wisdom through His Holy Spirit, and the pressure subsided. And even if it didn’t turn out the way I expected, I learned to trust that was part of God’s plan too.

So no, I’ve never been a perfect leader, and I doubt I ever will be, but God showed up each week to that Bible study as I committed to love and serve others. As I continue to cast my net despite my fears and insecurities, God has built friendships, grown my faith, and healed my heart.

Who is God calling you to reach out to? What fear is holding you back? Trust that God knows exactly who you are, your weakness and strengths, and wants to use you to encourage and mentor others. He will be glorified as you faithfully say yes!

Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She’s a Midwest mom of three, faith and family blogger at A Fruitful Woman, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to connect with women in her neighborhood, church, and community. Her talks reflect her spunky personality, love for Jesus, and heart for fellow believers. Read more from Andrea at A Fruitful Woman or follow her on Facebook.

May 7, 2019
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Why We Need Mentoring Part Two By Tammy Keene

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This week we have the second part of Tammy Keene’s blog post on how mentoring has impacted her life and led her to start a mentoring ministry at her church, First Baptist Church of Riverview. If you didn’t get to read last week’s Why We Need Mentoring Part One, be sure and read it first so you can meet Tammy.

This is also Love Your Body Like God Loves Your Body last Monday of the month and Tammy gives some good advice on sticking with weight loss or any health regime.

Why We Need Mentoring Part Two By Tammy Keene

In 2013, I invited Lisa Weaver to join me on a weight loss journey. What started as just the two of us meeting at the gym to walk on a treadmill and discuss a Bible study became so much more.

Looking back at this time, I have recognized a very important lesson: this simple act of obedience led me to where I am today. As I reflect now, I am shocked that I would have the boldness to ask another woman to join me on a weight loss journey.

That weight loss journey led to the Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study. It was during our first Bible study, that God laid on my heart to share what we were learning with other ladies. It started out as a weight loss Bible study, but it became so much more.

[Tweet “Sometimes you need to pass the baton so God can use you somewhere else.”]

Sometimes you need to pass the baton so God can use you somewhere else.

In preparation for starting our mentoring ministry, I felt God calling me to step away from leading the Tuesday Night Bible Study. I almost let my fear of stepping away get in the way of what God was trying to accomplish. As I stepped away, God blessed the Tuesday Night Bible Study with two women to co-lead.

This was just the start because God was not done. He also led three more ladies to lead two more Bible studies I was leading on Wednesday mornings.

[Tweet “God’s economics are so much better than ours!”]

God’s economics are so much better than mine! 

If I had allowed my fear of letting go hold me back, I would have missed being a small part of some of the blessings at First Baptist Church of Riverview.

In Janet Thompson’s book, Mentoring for All Seasons, one mentee shared her concern about mentoring. “Where are all the mentors? I remember looking up to several women in the church, but I was never able to wiggle my way under their wing. It shouldn’t have been so hard, and no mom should have to go it alone. The church should weave mentoring into the fabric of the church.” (p. 143)

I know that as women, we are very busy, our schedules are packed and our time is precious, but I truly believe the experience of having a mentor or mentee is necessary for each of us. You’ll be amazed by what God will show you during this time.

Another mentor shared in Mentoring for All Seasons that: “Sometimes we don’t fully discover our strengths because we let doubt and fear keep us from moving forward…we minimize those feelings, put things off for a later date or hold back because we doubt our feelings or our own abilities. But when we say yes – even if we aren’t sure if we’re qualified or how it’s all going to turn out – that’s when He opens new doors to discover, live, and love our strengths…that’s when lives are changed, including ours…one by one the world is changed too.” (p. 145)

In 2013, I didn’t realize I had a passion for mentoring, but God used the lessons learned over my lifetime to confirm that He has placed me exactly where I am meant to be. I am blessed to be a small part of the mentoring ministry at FBCR, mentoring is my passion! 

Tammy Keene

Why We Need Mentoring Party Two by Tammy Keene

Where might God be calling you to step away, so He can help you step into something new?

[Tweet “Where might God be calling you to step away, so He can help you step into something new?”]

How has mentoring changed your life?

Why we need mentoring Part 2 by Tammy Keene

Notice Tammy made sure the Bible studies she was leading had capable new leaders before she left. That’s one important point I also make in The Team That Jesus Built. Never walk away from a ministry unless you’ve equipped someone to take your place.

[Tweet “Never walk away from a ministry unless you’ve equipped someone to take your place.”]

Then you don’t leave a void or hurt the ministry you’re leaving.

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here.

October 1, 2018
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Caregiving Lessons Aren’t Just for Caregivers by Cheri Swalwell

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I have a big favor to ask. Would you take a short quick survey to help my publisher and me with the title of the book I’m currently writing! It won’t take five minutes. Thanks so much. Here’s the link.

This week’s guest blogger is Cheri Swalwell. I know you’ll enjoy her lessons learned from caregiving that we can apply to all areas of our life.
 .

Caregiving Lessons Aren’t Just for Caregivers by Cheri Swalwell

This past spring, I co-lead my first life group. While we studied the book Caring for the Caregiver, God used the time to teach me multiple truths, which apply to many areas of life, not just caregiving.

I’m Not in Control

One lesson God has been teaching me through the study is “I’m not in control.” So true when providing care for another. While I may be able to control when I offer food, rest, medication, and/or bathroom privileges, I cannot force someone to eat, drink, sleep, use the bathroom, or take medication. I’m not in control of the other person agreeing and following through.

The same is true whether dealing with friends, family, or just strangers on the street. So, you may ask: What can we do when the control is out of our hands?

[Tweet “Pray – before, during, and after every situation we find ourselves.”]

Pray – before, during, and after every situation. When we invite in Jesus before we make any decisions, He takes control. I don’t have to control anything.

Knowing Who You Serve

Another lesson He taught me through caregiving: You must know the person you’re blessed to serve. Study their preferences. Introverted or extroverted? Prefer to spend time alone or crave the company of others? A high or low pain tolerance?

The same principles apply to everyday life. When we’re interacting with loved ones, friends, or strangers, pay attention, listen, and ask questions.

I like to start each day asking God to use me in whatever way He wants. I ask Him to help me slow down and see opportunities where He wants to use me as a blessing.

Approaching life this way, God will provide opportunities for us to bless others. He will give the “wiggle room” in our schedules to take the time to get to know others so our interactions with them are genuine.

[Tweet “We’re here on earth to share about God’s plan with those who don’t know Him and to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ who feel like giving up.”]

We’re here on earth to share God’s plan with those who don’t know Him and to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ who feel like giving up. Best done through relationships. Taking a genuine interest in those God puts in our circles.

Know Your Own Limits

Equally as important as knowing the person you’re called to serve, is staying close enough to God to know your own limits.

This past spring was a busy season for our family. We were dealing with a few serious health crises of family members, emotional burdens of other family members, and added busyness of “end-of-the-school-year activities.” Our oldest graduated from high school, with the added joy of planning his party.

One day, I was attempting to juggle a doctor’s appointment while fielding updates from another family member’s serious illness, while gathering prices at various stores for the party we were planning. While running errands, I looked up when a urinal caught my eye – I had walked into the men’s bathroom!

Two stores later, I “woke up” from my thoughts with enough time to stop from nearly shoplifting three containers of juice. I’d hit my limit. I couldn’t put one more thing in my brain. I shouldn’t make major decisions until I allowed myself time to rest and recover, if only for a few hours.

[Tweet “Fill up with God before you allow yourself to get completely depleted.”]

Know your limits and fill up with God before you get completely depleted. Sometimes, life hits hard and fast and we can’t fill up as fast as we have to pour out. That’s when relying on God’s strength is the best decision we can make.

My recent busyness has included obligations not usually on my plate. Most are good things like celebrations to enjoy and cherish. However, busy is busy and there are still only 24 hours in each day.

[Tweet “Too busy leads to stress. Stress can make a person act differently. Stress can give license to unleash their “crazy.””]

Too busy leads to stress. Stress can make us act differently. Stress can give license to unleash our “crazy.” During the busy, stressful times is when people around us take notice. How will she act in this situation? How will she handle such and such? Especially, if one professes to be a Christ follower.

[Tweet “When we’re at our busiest or when we’re faced with the worst trials, people tend to look the closest and our true character shines through.”]

When we’re at our busiest or when we’re faced with the worst trials, people tend to look the closest and our true character shines through. I had to look in the mirror and decide if I liked the character traits I saw, or if I needed to make some adjustments. More than anything, I want people to see more of Jesus and less of me at all times, but especially in the times of busy.

Busy seasons will always be a part of life. How we prepare ahead of time for them determines how much of Jesus others will see in us during those times. I, for one, want others to see more of Jesus and less of me as I mature and become closer to Jesus’ likeness.

What Characteristics Does Caregiving and Busy Bring Out in You?

I’m Not In Control?

Knowing Who You Serve?

Knowing Your Own Limits?

If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, and writer, in that order. She enjoys writing regularly for Book Fun Magazine. Her Spoken from the Heart Series is available through Amazon in both eBook and paperback versions. Her book, Hope During Heartache, a compilation of 13 men and women’s stories told from their viewpoint about hope after the loss of a child, is also available at Amazon in both paperback and eBook versions as well as her Bible study, Caring for the Caregiver. To read one of her many articles on life from a Christian perspective, visit her blog. She loves to interact with her readers and would love for you to visit her website or send an email to [email protected] or “like” her on Facebook or interact with her on Twitter, LinkedIN, or Goodreads.

 

 

 

August 13, 2018
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Love Your Body—For Longer Than Thirty Days

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Love Your Body Longer Than 30 Days talks about the challenges of keeping weight off beyond the 30 days. Is it a way of eating you could do for life? If not it will be a disappointment.

Love Your Body Like God Loves It

Last week, a Facebook friend posted that she ended up in the hospital after trying a weight-loss drink. My heart sank. Fortunately, she’s fine now, but she’ll never do that again. If you follow my last Monday of the month Love Your Body series, you’ve heard me speak so often about the dangers of quick weight loss products and diets. How many people do you know who have gone on a weight loss shake or product or shots and kept the weight off? These are costly and comprised of chemicals, not natural food no matter how they try to advertise “natural” or even organic. You might lose weight for the short-run, but no one is going to spend the rest of her or his life drinking expensive shakes for a meal or buying the packaged foods some of the programs tout, or going to meetings . . . and as you start slipping back into your old eating habits, (because you haven’t learned new healthy ones) the weight returns, maybe even more than you lost. So this week, I’m rerunning a post as a reminder of how to Love Your Body Like God Loves Your Body!

I know I’m going to take some heat for this blog post, so let me start off by reminding everyone that the only reason I write this series on the last Monday of the month is because I care about your health. My first degree in college was a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, and I spent a year internship to become a Registered Dietitian, R.D. While I don’t currently practice that profession, I always say, “Once a dietitian, always a dietitian.” When you’ve learned the principles of how to eat the way God made our bodies, why would you ever want to do anything differently?!

[Tweet “Most people want a quick fix and not a lifetime of eating healthy”]

But I didn’t stay in that profession for one reason; most people want a quick fix and not a lifetime of eating healthy. It was a thankless career. I began as a clinical R.D. in hospitals and thought I could be the Florence Nightingale of dietetics and help everyone on the path to wellness. I quickly learned that an R.D. was the meanie. You would think we were taking away their whole reason for living, instead of helping them to live longer! Even though in so many illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and weight-related, diet plays such a key role, people are often in denial. They want to take a pill or find an easy solution so they can keep eating the way they love, often more than they love their own bodies and loved ones.

[Tweet ” Easy fast weight loss is not possible. “]

Today the world of nutrition has garnered more respect, but many still ignore advice and wise counsel. Every few months, there’s a new diet touted as easy, fast weight loss, which by the way is not possible. Just look at the most well-known yo-yo celebrity dieter, Oprah. She’s probably tried them all, but the weight always returns.

Or Kirstie Alley and Valerie Bertinelli, who lost weight as spokeswomen for Jenny Craig, but both started gaining it back when the contract ended. Why? No one is going to eat Jenny Craig food for the rest of her life.

Nothing changed about why these women overeat. They didn’t modify their eating habits for life, just the duration of the program. Or the diet got boring and gradually the old eating habits returned. Maybe you’ve been there too.

I have many friends lose weight with Weight Watchers, but when they stopped going to meetings and measuring food, the weight started creeping back on, because again they aren’t going to attend Weight Watchers for life.

[Tweet “Everyone wants to find a way to eat more calories than God made their bodies to need or use, and in some cases will do harm, and still lose weight”]

Everyone wants to find a way to eat more calories than God made their bodies to need or use, and in some cases will do harm, and still lose weight. It isn’t going to happen unless you adopt eating habits good for your body for life.

My Thoughts on the 30-Day Diet

[Tweet “The 30-Day Diet is the latest quick fix weight loss attempt.”]

When I started seeing people on Facebook talking about the latest diet rage, the 30-day diet, my heart sank. I went online and saw that people like Dr. Oz were approving it; but seriously how many other diets has he already approved? I can answer that: whatever is the latest quick fix. For once, it isn’t a bad diet with drinks or shakes you have to purchase or major foods groups to eliminate (except maybe sources of calcium). But almost everyone who is overweight is going to lose weight and detox with only eating 1200 calories, no processed foods, not eating for 12 hours after dinner—everyone should do that—and drinking lots of water—again we all should—and eating kale chips and roasted chickpeas for snacks. Hmm could you live with that as your only snack for longer than 30 days? And exercise is good, but jumping rope I’m not sure many could do as one website suggested.

And of course, there’s always a book for sale.

[Tweet “Is the 30 Day Diet a way of eating someone would do for life? “]

Again, I ask: Is this a way of eating someone would do for life? It wouldn’t be a bad way to eat, but I appreciated this disclaimer at the end of one the descriptions of the diet: Also, like any weight-loss plan, you might regain any weight you lost once you go back to your usual eating habits. To minimize regain, incorporate some of things you learned over the 30-day diet, such as mindful eating and focusing your meals on whole, fresh food.

If you want to do the 30-day diet, I don’t see anything that would hurt you. But as the disclaimer said, don’t start it unless you’re ready to change your eating patterns for life, or it will just be another failed disappointing diet.

What did people learn over the 30 days? Did they learn “mindful eating”?

Why they overeat and food has such a stronghold?

When they overeat?

How to avoid overeating?

What they’re overeating?

Why isn’t reaching their goal and looking amazing in their clothes enough incentive for not gaining back the weight?

Let God Help

[Tweet “The only way to stop overeating for life is not a quick-fix diet”]

The only way to stop overeating for life is not a quick-fix diet; it’s to find the answers to the above questions and I believe God can help you answer them. I had the privilege of writing a Bible study God’s Best for Your Life for First Place 4 Health, a ministry program I highly endorse. It’s not just a diet program focused on a quick weight loss, but a plan for a healthy lifestyle and eating habits for life. Helping those who are in a struggle with weight and food look at the whole body physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally from God’s perspective, often in a group setting, but you can also do it on your own with one of their Bible studies.

A Mentor Offers Accountability

[Tweet ” a mentoring relationship can provide the same accountability.”]

The benefit of being in a group setting is accountability, but a mentoring relationship can provide the same accountability. In Mentoring for All Seasons, I discuss how to have a quality accountability relationship. Interestingly the Stages of Mentoring chapter shares a story of a mentor and mentee who met in a First Place 4 Health group at their church. The mentee Tara was leading the group, but she was seeking spiritual wisdom from an older woman, which she found in Jerre.

Many have told me they’ve lost and kept off weight just from the mentoring tips I’ve given in this Love Your Body series. That blesses me beyond words! I’ve seen so much pain and illness from something God made to nourish and sustain us be abused and misused by the evil one causing obsession, and yes, addiction to unhealthy eating patterns.

Love Your Body for More Than 30 Days discusses how an accountabiilty partner helping you stay on a healthy diet is more successful than going on a quick fix diet like the 30 Day diet where even they admit the weight will return if you go back to old eating habits.

Love Your Body Like God Loves Your Body, eat healthy

Here are some previous Love Your Body articles you might enjoy on the topic of developing healthy eating habits to lose and maintain weight loss:

Written by my daughter Love Your Body—Use Technology to Lose Weight

Love Your Body—Break the Food Strongholds, Debbie Dittrich shared her story

Love Your Body—Weight Loss is Not the Goal, Debbie Dittrich shares more of her story

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here. Tell us how you’re keeping your weight under control or if you’ve tried the 30-Day Diet.

 

July 30, 2018
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