Change Your Diet

I recently read a facebook post that said, " All I got for Christmas was fat, really fat!"  I honestly cracked up!  Isn't that what happens to most of us?  Christmas is that special time that no matter you socio-economic status you have special things.  We get to go to celebration after celebration where we get to EAT!  And honestly who doesn't love to eat.  

It doesn't take a research scientist to know that too much food makes you fat.  And if you are a consumer of research regarding diet and exercise you know that it's not the calories you eat, but the quality of calories you eat.  For instance, if you eat a lot of protien you consume 4 calories per gram.  Carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram, and fat contains 9 calories per gram.  So what would you eat more of?  If it were me, and I didn't know what I know, I'd choose protein and/or carbohydrates.  But... that's not the whole story is it?

We can certainly eat the recommended 2000 calories per day.  But 2000 calories of candy isn't going to feed our bodies like 2000 calories of a balanced diet made up of the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.  We can't possibly eat just one thing.  Even the food guide pyramid recommends we eat a variety of foods.  And if we don't we become deficient in the essential nutrients required to keep us healthy.  

Today's reading from Pastor Joyce talks about our diet.  Her teaching today is not about the food that fuels our physical body.  Instead, she teaches about the diet that feeds our soul. If you call yourself a Christian, I challenge you to change your diet.  Even if just for one month.  Happy dieting!

Change Your Diet January 14

Milk is predigested food; it is acquired from another being after it has been received and then processed through that body.  1 Peter 2:2 states that as new born babes we should, “desire the sincere milk of the word that we may grow from it.”  In another verse believers were admonished for their failure to advance beyond their baby state.  It is found in Hebrews 5:12, “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others.  Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word.  You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.  Someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to use the word.”

There are many Christians that go to church each Sunday and get fed milk.  That is the word of God that has been ingested by the leadership; it has been chewed, digested and applied to their life.  They in turn share their lessons with those in attendance.  According to the verse in Hebrews if this is the only food they are getting they will not advance nor will they grow to full maturity.

Solid food belongs to those that are mature and who exercise the word in and through their life in every situation.  They experience break through and victory and then teach others.  If you, after many years being a Christian have no victory, no direction toward your destiny, and fall into continuous discouragement; perhaps it is time to wean yourself of a pure milk diet and start studying to show yourself approved unto God; a workman that does not need to be ashamed.  You have the opportunity to become a powerful force against the powers of darkness.  You must get into the Word and exercise it by faith; then you will become more than a conqueror.

Believe for Victory

Have you ever faced a challenge that made you wonder if you should continue?  I can think of so many times I've started something and wanted to quit.  My favorite endeavor was completing my doctorate.  I honestly thought about quitting on several occaisions.  One day in the middle of that journey I started to cry.  Why? Well, I hadn't slept more than 8 in hours in 3 days, I was working full time, trying to help my son with babysitting, and my mother was dying. 

I truly wanted to quit.  Or at least hold off for a while.  You know what I mean.  I wanted to wait until the perfect moment.  That imaginary moment when there are no life stresses, no work or family commitments, and simply no extra pain.  And more, I became my own worst enemy by literally trying to talk myself out of it.  But then, I had this wonderful group of people who helped me see that I could do it.  That I would finish on time and they would be my support team.  What a blessing that was!  And because of Debi, Juan, Carol, Teresa, and My wonderful husband Mark- I did just that.  I finished on time, and in enough time for my mother to know I was officially Dr. Wilkens.  She died 1 week later. 

Now how could I have ever done such a thing if I let my own thoughts take me down.  Instead I had these awesome friends and family who helped be realize I was in a rut and that I would reach that mountain top.  I would see the victory of reaching the summit!  Sometimes we get in that rut when we are stepping out in faith.  Pastor Joyce gives us insight on how our faith walk can be derailed when we forget that no matter what, we have Victory in Jesus! And we can do anything he calls us to.  

 

Believe For Victory January 13

The enemy should not be our focus, yet we should be alert to his tactics and aware of the fact that he will attack when our guard is down and our shield (of faith) is not in position. The devil devises plans for your defeat and destruction. But God is the captain of the armies that you have authority to dispatch on behalf of others and yourself.

Throughout the scriptures we read of battle plans against God’s people yet every time they called upon the Lord, He delivered them from their destruction.  The Spirit of God has a strategy for every battle we face; a strategy for victory and not defeat.  David was a mighty warrior king who knew how to go against the enemy, and his first course of action was to ask the Lord what He should do.

In 2 Samuel Chapter 5 we read that right after victory the Philistine army came against David, he defeated them when directed by the Lord to face them head on in battle. Then the enemy army regrouped to make another attack.  This time the Lord told David, “You shall not go up; circle around behind them and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. So it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly, for the Lord will go out before you and strike the camp of the Philistines.”

You may face the enemy head on one day and circle around him the next; the Lord is on your side and He will fight for you, but he seldom fights without your involvement which comes mainly through prayer.  Jesus said in Matthew 21:21-22 “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt...if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and cast in the sea,’ it will be done. All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing you will receive.” 

Build Yourself Up

Whenever we start a new commitment we want to make sure we know exactly what we are starting right?  For instance, we would never take on marathon training if we had never run a mile before.  We wouldn't buy that P90X workout without knowing the time and physical commitment it takes to accomplish it.  And certainly we wouldn't take on a diet without understanding and committing to the sacrifice that we will have to make to achieve the desired weight loss, or would we?

We've all seen those crazy adds- " Lose 30 lbs in 10 days guaranteed!", or "You can have a body like this in just 15 minutes a day!"  So, some of you right now are feeling a little silly because you fell for the sales.  Heck! So did I.  In an effort to lose weight for a special day, I have taken on some pretty crazy diets and even some workouts.  If you've read any of my former blogs you might be wondering how I could have possibly been taken by such quackery.  

Well, I will be honest. I just simply didn't take the time to research and learn the facts on weight loss.  In an essence I forgot to build up my knowledge base so I wouldn't be taken by false claims.  Now, to be even more honest, in the back of my mind I was skeptical, but in my laziness, I had let myself go long enough that I didn't have much time and was quite desperate to reach my goal without the hard work and in a very short time span.  And of course, anyone who has been alive for any amount of time knows that this is absolute against research, reason, and in many cases possibilities. 

When we don't do our research we can put ourselves in danger.  Quite possibly we can put our health in such danger as to do permanent damage.  Crash diets, workouts that are outside our skill-set, and even money making quick fixes end up going by the wayside at great cost to us.  Pastor Joyce encourages us to Build ourselves up spiritually as well.  

All too often we've seen someone follow some crazy teaching that draws us completely away from our faith.  As a matter of fact, so many Christians have left the church or even denied the faith because they have been "taken" by a false teacher or a false doctrine. There is only one way to really be safe from those whose who would want to take advantage of the unknowing.  Its building yourself up in the faith.  Pastor Joyce's words today hit right at the heart of it. 

Build Yourself Up January 12

In the short letter from Jude, he warns against false teachers.  These are not necessarily teachers who set out to present a false doctrine but have slipped from a walk of faith and dependence on the Spirit to relying on the flesh.  In so many words he calls these teachers nominal Christians; those who do not have the Spirit are false teachers and should be called to accountability.

Jude warns what will happen to those who attempt to walk out their spiritual lives in unbelief citing instances from the Old Testament where God brought judgment on those who refused to place their trust in Him.

Jude gives the anecdote for the destructive nature of the flesh in the midst of ministry in verses 20-25, “But, you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.  Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”

Jude admonishes us to keep it together with the love of God which covers a multitude of sin and sets the course of mercy to penetrate the lives of those who are caught up in themselves; trying to do the work of God without God.  When we are built up in the most holy faith we are well equipped to build others up and as Jude intimates in His letter, “Snatch them from the fire of judgment.”

Sometimes it is easy to get side tracked by the agenda that is set before us and forget the weightier measures we are called to – namely the equipping of the saints for ministry.

Be Strong In the Lord

When I read Pastor Joyce's word for the day I could not remove from my head the powerful song written and performed by the band Petra.  

The song More Power to ya speaks to our weakness.  It speaks to when we are down, when we need help to stand our ground, or simply when we need help to stay the course in the face of all odds.  My favorite of the lyrics are included here.

So be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might

Put on all His Armour and fight the good fight

Instead of all of our weakness He becomes so strong

He gives us the power and the strength to carry on

More power to ya, when you're standing on His word

When you're trusting with your whole heart

In the message you have heard

More power to ya, when we're all in one accord

They that wait upon the Lord they shall renew

They shall renew their strength

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrBy-F0EWTE

As I read Pastor Joyce's word for the day I noticed it did not include anything from Isiah 40:31 or Ephesians 6:10-11 which are the verses from which the song was written. Equally, she did not include the traditional Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".  Instead, she shared some of the many other biblical promises allowed us when we stand on his mighty power.  How cool is that?  If you are not a bible reader I encourage you to look up the passages she included as well as Isiah 40:31.  It's amazing to experience the might of God through the power of his words.   And now I leave you with Pastor Joyce's word. 

Be Strong in the Lord

Paul did not ignore the enemy, he resisted him and he gave the followers of Christ a strategy for winning every battle.  In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 he states, “For though we walk in the flesh we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (flesh) but mighty in God for the pulling down strongholds, casting down every argument against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

Attacks may come against us through people who are not submitted to the Spirit of God and attempt to stop our forward progress.  They are being led by the enemy of God and are out to destroy any work done through His people that would advance the Kingdom of God on earth.

The first line of attack is to discourage and intimidate believers by forcing a focus on weaknesses that leads to the point of saying, “I can’t”.  The enemy wants us to fixate on the impossibilities that stand before us until we cower in defeat.  BUT GOD! Says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

David declares in Psalm 18:32-34 “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.  He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places.  He teaches my hands to make war.” In the previous verses he says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”

In 2 Chronicles 20,  when Jehoshaphat went to war against impossible odds he found his confidence for battle in knowing that the battle belonged to the Lord. His victory shows that God fights for those who trust in Him, He is our protector that leads us into battle and establishes our rear guard.  Strengthen yourself in Him and watch discouragement and intimidation flee from you.

The Just Shall Live By Faith

One of the greatest gifts ever given to me was learning to live by faith.  One might ask, just how does that work?  Growing up in my home, my mom modeled it daily.  She often encouraged us to pray, listen, and wait.  Many times when even the most impossible thing was suggested, she did not waiver.  I honestly cannot remember one time when we waited patiently in faith and did not see the glory of God's grace and mercy.  

In this century we too often dismiss miracles.  We think they cannot happen or laugh at those who so patiently wait for their miracle.  Today's post is a miracle experienced by our family.  I assure you that Pastor Joyce did not act expecting a miracle.  She simply walked by faith.  In addition, I want to assure you that I remember the day she and my sister returned from Africa.  I remember those questioning her parenting and remember her angst as my father accused her of being foolish and placing my sister's life in danger. But more, I remember her being questioned by him and her adamant answer,  "God told me to only get the shots required and I did what he said."  Today's piece came from a sermon she gave on walking in Faith.  

Enjoy !

The Just Shall Live by Faith

My fourteen year old daughter and I had no idea how many shots we would have to endure when we entered the clinic for our travel vaccinations.   Going through the door I clearly heard a voice speak to my nervous spirit, “Get only the shots required by law to enter the country.”

That was my precise instruction to the nurse administering the vaccines.  She seemed puzzled by my request and inquired, “Are you sure.”

Of course I was sure, shouldn’t I be?  I posed the question, “Why do you ask?”

She said, “Well, it’s not required by law, but we highly recommend that when traveling to that part of the world you take all precautions against malaria.” Then she began to explain how dangerous it was to enter the area without total immunization.  I didn’t hear all of her explanation because I had another conversation going on in my head. It started with, “What do I do now?”

The answer was firm, “Just what’s required by law.”

“But, you heard what she said”, I feebly argued.

Silence was all I heard but I knew what had been said previously and decided if I was going to walk by faith I better listen and obey.  We left the clinic and a low level of anxiety shook me inside but I resolved to fear nothing and continue with the trip to a remote area of Africa.

One month after our arrival and a busy ministry schedule, my daughter became very ill.  The natives told me she had “the fever” and I needed to get her to the hospital immediately.  I didn’t receive any instruction from the voice in my head but I was adamant about keeping my baby from having a needle stuck in her arm where AIDS was a prevalent threat.  I decided to get her home to the United States as soon as possible.

It is impossible to relate the bazillion questions swarming in my head and the doubts that threatened to topple my faith.  But I persevered, made arrangements, and proceed with the longest trip in the world as I attempted to nurse my child and tend to the many obstacles of travel.

Upon admission to the hospital in the United States the medical staff was anything but pleasant when they learned that I had taken a child into Africa without proper prevention against an obviously threatening disease.  

When I thought things couldn’t get any worse, authorities were called in to question me about my parental competency. In the midst of the nightmare I cried out to God asking why all this was happening to me.  He remained silent and in desperate determination I vowed to trust Him. After several sessions and many tears I was asked to visit with a medical professional whose specialty is the study and prevention of parasitic diseases.

I had no idea his nationality but he spoke to me with a thick accent asking, “Now can you tell me why you chose not to vaccinate your child against malaria?”

 I assumed he was siding with the child protective services trying to prove something and felt every defensive nerve in my body rise up to strike.  Instead I simply decided to give them all the ammunition they sought. With complete resignation I spoke, “Because God told me to get only what was required by law.” Then I waited for them to come and take me away.

The doctor smiled and said, “Well, your God saved your child’s life! The strain of malaria that she contracted is very rare and found only in two parts of the world.  If she had taken the recommended prevention medication it would have counteracted the anecdote and she would not be alive today!” He described what he was saying with disease charts and medical terms but I had heard all that I needed.

This was a pivotal moment in believing that the just shall walk by faith. God had saved my child’s life and instilled in me an assurance that our steps are ordered by Him.  That was enough to convince me that every struggle from beginning to end was worth it!

Expectations

Today is the 9th day of the new year.  It is likely that you have set a goal, attacked it with all your might, and are feeling like you may have made a mistake.  Right?!  Come on now, admit it, you either decided to go on a diet and you are starving. Or you have tried a new work out routine and your whole body hurts.  Yep- I'm guilty of that one.  Maybe you set the goal to be kind to others and every single person who could possibly get under your skin has tested your  "nice bone".  In any case you have hit the HARD part.  That intricate part on your journey that tests your perseverance and your tenacity.  The part where you have to decide will I press on, or will I give in?  Will I be the statistic, the 92% who never accomplish their resolution or their goal?

We all have a choice to make.  Those who persevere find a way to hang on even when the going gets tough.  Some meditate, some find an accountability partner, some join a support group, and others rely on religious faith.  If you have never read the bible, I encourage you to read the first half of Psalms.  It is all of the thoughts, dreams, fears, whining, praises, and victories of King David.  Pastor Joyce lays it out beautifully in her word for the day. 

Expectation is From Him

David, the King of Israel, an accomplished Psalm writer, and one who had a heart after God’s own heart talked to himself. He was the leader of a nation and I am sure he had many distractions in his life.  When he was depressed he asked himself, “Why are you cast down, oh my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?”  Then he told himself, “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” (Psalm 42:5)

When things did not go the way his mind had imagined he said in Psalm 62:5, “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation (hope) is from Him.”  The vision of conquering his enemy for the Kingdom of God was in him, and he clearly knew that the hope and expectation he had for executing such a feat against seemingly impossible odds was given to him by God.

The purpose and plan for your life is already in you it was written on your heart before you were ever born.  Therefore, you can accomplish all that God has given you to do.  He alone holds the blueprint for your life.  If you are having trouble reading the plans of the great architect of your life think! What do you enjoy doing more than anything else?  What makes you excited about getting up each day?  It doesn’t have to be some super spiritual plan contrived by your mind that gives you no pleasure. 

God’s expectation is yours, it’s in you and the only thing that makes it impossible for you to imagine it is a distorted view of who God wants you to be.  This skewed view is most likely inscribed on your mind by the expectations of others, past failures, disappointments, or a lack of knowledge.  Open your ears that you may hear the wonderful life God has planned for you personally.   You are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of an all-powerful God who loves you!

Fan into Flames

As I started writing this blog it was my intent to revive and publish Pastor Joyce's works.  Interestingly each of her teachings this month have been an inspirational post toward achieving one's goal.  

I personally love today's word for the day.  Fan into Flames.  We all have God given gifts and those gifts are given to us to make this world a better place.  We can use those gifts to the best of our ability or we can simply toss them aside and waste the potential that we have.  I recently read a great story about a woman who is 82 years old.  She is a triathlete and a nun! As a matter of fact Sister Madonna is the oldest person to ever compete in and complete a triathlon.  She did not begin her running or triathlon career until she was 48 years old.  The most interesting part of her story was not that she was a world record holder, or the oldest triathlete, but the fact that she found her gift to share with the world.  Sister Madonna said that when we find our gift, we need to share it with the world to bless others and to make it a better place.   Pastor Joyce encourages us to fan the fire of our gifts. I encourage you to not only find your gift but to also fan your fire! 

Fan into Flames January 8

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a dream fulfilled is the tree of life” Many people read this verse from Proverbs 13:12 and stop at the first half.  It is used as an explanation and excuse for the depression they are in.  Hope has been dashed through loss, discouragement, or just plain hard times.  The dream they have for their life seems to be a phantom fantasy of yesterday.

The second half of the verse shows that the fulfillment of God breathed life grows and bears fruit.  To see a dream fulfilled we must put everything we’ve got into it to keep it alive; we have to do battle in our minds against any thought that would rob us of the faith we once had in the expectancy of living in the purpose God has promised us in His Word.

Paul tells his student in 2 Timothy 1:6 “I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”  Everyone faces hardships that can lead us to a place of despondency and we may feel that life has passed us by. We see no point in striving for anything and we become content to drift on the seas of mediocrity.

Snap out of it and turn to God who promises to heal your broken heart and deliver you from all of your distresses.  We were not called to live a life that resounds with, “whatever happens, happens”.  We are created for greatness, a life of abundance, overflowing with victory, and high expectations that clearly reflect the glory of God.