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Seeking Intimacy With God Through Fasting!

Seeking Intimacy with God – The Straight Path

What did this last season in your life look like for you? Was it full of fun-filled memories with family and friends, exciting, painless, and profitable? Or was it drab, painful, fearful, and difficult? Were there money concerns, health concerns, employment hardships, broken relationships, loneliness or even a death of a loved one? Perhaps it was a combination of these things.

What if I told you that there is a path that would lead you to the safest and straightest journey? What if the hardships and hard times could be minimized? And in hard times you would be strengthened and protected and comforted? What if you could prepare to navigate the hardships with less fear, anxiety, and anger? But rather with hope, faith, peace, and joy?

Well let’s take a look at an example of someone who was intentional to do exactly this before they set out on a long journey. This was Ezra who was preparing to lead a large group of exiled Israelites from Babylon back to Jerusalem. He was traveling with family, women, children, provisions, money, and other belongings that would be needed enroute and also once they would reach Jerusalem.

What did Ezra do?

He stopped and proclaimed a fast to humble themselves before God
He prayed and petitioned God for a straight path and successful journey

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaim a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him. So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Ezra 8:21-23

And….God answered his prayers!

You see, Ezra had made a claim about who God was, and then he could only seek the protection and favor from God. Have you made a claim about who God is? Let’s break this scripture down and take a closer look.

Following God is the right journey for ourselves—the bible tells us this..

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5, 6

What this means to me is that we need to “dig” into the bible – the inspired word of God. Get your daily dose of preventative medicine from the Word to proactively keep your heart healthy, guarded, and protected. Trust that the Lord wants to provision blessings for you, that he hears and answers prayer, and has plans for you to have a bright and prosperous future.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:11-14

Digging into anything indicates that it’s work. It’s not going to be easy. It will take intentions, dedication, and self-discipline. Anything worth doing at all will take these things. It’s our free will to choose our own priorities too!

Following God is the right journey for our children

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

These verses are so promising to me. It was a priority for me to engage my children in the church, learning about Jesus. We were so fortunate to have a great local Awana program which encouraged learning and memorizing bible verses. Sometimes as young adults as we are spreading our wings and further exploring and identifying who we really are, it is easy to slip away from the church and from Jesus. The great news is that when we have planted that seed with our children and entrusted the Lord with their lives, he will use that seed and his word to call them back to him! Our children are our heritage and our future. The best path for them and the best chance for a good tomorrow is for them to follow Jesus.

Following God is the right journey for our possessions

God does care about our possessions. Having possessions is not sinful or bad. Possessions can be resources to bless others and to take care of and provide for our families. God does not want us to be materialistic, but at the same time, the Lord does care about us having available funds to meet our needs and others even through to our future 401Ks and retirement portfolios. This doesn’t mean that everything will always be smooth either. Just take a look at the volatility of the stock market recently! But what God tells us is that in these times he will be with us, we will not be overwhelmed, we will not be burned or consumed by the fire!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

But I am not ashamed, for I know who I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 2 Timothy 1:22

Note the verse in Isaiah did not say we would always go around the trouble, but rather that we would go through the trouble. We can expect to encounter strong currents, droughts, fires, and lost lives. But we can be assured that the Lord is in control and he is more than adequately able to guard all that he has entrusted to each of us.

Why does fasting humble us before God? Hunger is one of the quickest ways to total weakness. When we are weak, we call out to the Lord. When we become hangry, most of us don’t behave at our best—we can all probably admit that! Many times, when we feel that all is well, that is when we are furthest from God because we are not seeking him—we are doing just fine on our own. Fasting is a way of conditioning ourselves, practicing being hangry, taking time to dig deep roots and be in the Lords’ word, to spend more time with the Lord in prayer and contemplation, before we are in the fire, in trouble, or confronted with the desire to sin.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…” 1 Peter 5:6

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it: “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve”. Jeremiah 17:5-9

It is very common for people to fast in various ways. I’m not extremely knowledgeable in all the historical biblical fasting methods like the “Daniel” fast for instance but I do know what is common in our local churches and with our friends.

Here are a couple of options – my personal preference is the first one below:

I prefer this as it keeps me out if the kitchen and I can spend more time with the Lord AND I feel it is the best option for my body. It’s the Isagenix supported liquid fast. I use the Isagenix botanicals Cleanse for Life®. I consume minimal quantities of fiber snack wafers and a couple of other support products as/if needed to keep my blood sugar levels at a healthy functioning level. The proprietary products infuse Eastern herbs and plant extracts to support my body in its release of toxins. You can read more about that here. Infusion of Eastern and Western Philosophy into our Products for over 16 years! Ultimately, I put myself in a conditioning situation which requires me to lean on the Lord, to be self-desciplined, spend more time in the Word, and less time in the kitchen. I love this process as it also gives my digestive system a break, lets my body perform it’s natural detoxification and cellular repair, and draws me closer to the Lord. I love fueling my body and soul simultaneously!
Some people do a liquid fast and refrain from consuming any solid foods. Some people struggle with this due to sensitivity with blood sugar/insulin levels (diabetes, hypoglycemia, etc.) They vary in the liquids they consume with the very basic just plain water. I have heard of others doing juice cleanses or even water or tea infused with garlic! Phew!
Others fast from certain functions or specific items which also enables them to spend more time with the Lord, in prayer, and in his word.
- TV
- Social media
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Sugar/Sweets

Regardless of the method of fasting that you choose, the Lord will draw near to you as you draw near to him!

Have you surrendered everything to him? Your life, your children, your finances, your employment, your health, your will, your all? When you do this, you are leaning on the Lord in obediance and allowing him to direct your path. You acknowledge that he is a good Father and his guidance is the most optimal path for you. Our human sinful ways will still crop up and get in our way sometimes! Set the intentions and pray through the year that the Lord guide you through the rough times – The Lord knows your heart! I pray that the Lord would shower you with his blessings and favor for his glory in your upcoming season.

God Bless You!

Lentil, Chorizo, Shrimp & Scallop Salad

This is absolutely one of my favorite dishes to make.

You can incorporate it into your meal as a salad, a tapas, or as your full meal. It’s very versitile. The taste of the roasted bell peppers with the lentils over arugala is so delicious. Then the Chorizo flavor that is picked up and transferred to the scallops and shrimp in the skillet is absolutely succulent!

Prep Time: 30 min Makes/Yield: 4

Ingredients

•1¼ cups puy lentils •2 red bell peppers, quartered, cored, and seeded •6 tablespoons olive oil •3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar •5 oz chorizo, thinly sliced or diced •12 oz of scallops or shrimp or 50/50 mix, rinsed and patted dry •2 cups arugula leaves •salt and pepper (I added a few mushrooms because I had some on hand. definately mix it up based on what you have in your refrigerator)!

Steps

1.Cook the lentils in a saucepan of simmering water for 15–20 minutes until just tender but still holding their shape. Drain the lentils, rinse in cold water, and drain again.

2.Meanwhile, arrange the peppers, cut sides down, on a piece of foil on a broiler rack, brush with 1 tablespoon of the oil and broil for 10–15 minutes until softened and lightly charred. Wrap in foil while hot. When cool enough to handle, remove the skins and slice the flesh.

3.Mix 4 tablespoons of the oil in a bowl with the vinegar and a little seasoning. Add the lentils and toss well, then stir in the pepper strips. Cover and set aside.

4.When ready to serve, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet, add the chorizo, and fry for 2 minutes. Add the scallops and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until browned and just cooked. Divide the arugula leaves between 4 serving plates. Spoon the lentils on top, then add the chorizo and scallops and serve immediately.

Peach Glazed Cornish Hen

Why not? We have so many peach preserves from our very fruitful peach tree! This was absolutely fabulous! I find that one hen per person is more than sufficient and we had enough leftovers to make homemade noodle soup with the leftover meat from the hens.

Cornish game hens are a broiler chicken that is mostly comprised of white meat only. Also known as poussin, the Cornish hen has a delicate flavor and is often roasted whole or barbecued. There are many ways to season and prepare Cornish hens, like with orange marmalade or spice.

This recipe is great for single servings or entrees for dinner parties or holiday meals. You can serve the hens straight out of the oven, as you would a roasted chicken, with crispy browned skin and moist, tender meat. Sides that go great with the hen include roasted or steamed vegetables, baked or mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Ingredients

4 (1 to 1 1/4-pound) Cornish game hens
Your choice of glaze and rub ingredients (see below)

Steps to Make It

If you want to dress up your Cornish game hens, prepare the hens before roasting with one of the rubs detailed below.

Add the glazes in the last 15 or 20 minutes of roasting, as noted.

Roast the hens at 375 F for about 1 hour, regardless of the glaze or rub you choose (or if you choose not to add one at all).
When the juices run clear (when a thigh is pierced with a knife) and a meat thermometer registers 170 F, the hens are done.
Serve Cornish game hens simply roasted out of the oven or with one of the variations detailed below.

Total: 70 mins
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Yield: 4 Cornish Hens (4 Servings)

Recipe Variations – Below from The Woman’s Day Cookbook by Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, the following recipes highlight seven different delicious sauces that take less than 10 minutes to make and give some pizzazz to Cornish hens. You can also use these ideas for roast chicken by increasing the cooking time accordingly.

Apricot Glaze:Mix 1/2 cup apricot jam, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons honey. Brush the apricot glaze over the hens during the last 15 to 20 minutes of roasting.
Asian Accent: Mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Brush the mixture over the hens and pour a little into the cavities before roasting.
Citrus Glaze: Mix 1/4 cup of thawed, frozen orange juice concentrate, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of honey until well-blended. Brush the glaze over the hens during the last 15 to 20 minutes of roasting.
Garlic-Herb: Mix 2 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic, 2 teaspoons of finely fresh chopped thyme, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh rosemary, and 2 teaspoons of finely chopped sage. Loosen the breast skin of each hen and rub one-quarter of the mixture under the skin of each bird.
Lemon-Basil: Rub the outside of the hens with a cut lemon and brush with melted butter. Place one lemon half and a sprig of fresh basil into each cavity.
Mexican Spiced: Rub the outside of the hens with packaged taco seasoning and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Mustard-Herb: Coat the outside of each hen with about 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Sprinkle with a mixture of dried tarragon, basil, and thyme. Deglaze the pan after roasting with 3/4 cup of white wine and serve with the pan juices.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Orange-Butter Sauce

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Orange-Butter Sauce

Ingredients

2 pounds small Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces

Directions

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup; set aside.
In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt; arrange in an even layer on prepared baking sheet, cut side down.
Transfer to oven and roast until brown and tender, 15 to 18 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through baking; transfer to a large bowl.
In a small saucepan, mix together vinegar, maple syrup, orange juice, and orange zest; heat over medium heat until heated through but not simmering. Remove from heat and whisk in cold butter, a few pieces at a time, until smooth and creamy. Pour vinegar mixture over Brussels sprouts and gently stir until liquid is absorbed and mixture is well combined; serve immediately.

Patatas Bravas with Roasted Tomato Aioli

Patatas Bravas with Roasted Tomato Aioli

Ingredients

Olive oil

1/2 small red onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

3/4 cup prepared mayonnaise

1 large plum tomato, halved, seeded and roasted until soft

Few dashes hot pepper sauce (recommended: Tabasco)

Splash aged sherry vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 large Russet potatoes, parboiled, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions

Parboil the potatoes first by bringing the salted water to a rolling boil on high, then turn the heat down to medium-low and set a timer for around 7 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place a baking sheet in the oven.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the paprika and cook for 30 seconds. Let cool slightly.
Combine the onion mixture, mayonnaise, tomato, hot pepper sauce, and vinegar in a food processor and process until smooth, season with salt and pepper. Scrape the mixture into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Heat 2-inches pure olive oil or canola oil in a large high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet until it begins to shimmer. Add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the potatoes to a paper towel-lined plate for a moment to drain the excess oil. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven, put the potatoes on the pan in an even layer and bake until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan and season the potatoes with a bit more salt. Transfer to a platter and drizzle with some of the aioli and garnish with parsley leaves. Serve hot.

The Joy of Christmas – Jesus, The Joy of God’s Presence on Earth

The Joy of Christmas – Part 3 of 3

Jesus, The Joy of God’s Presence on Earth

Joy – Inner sense of contentment, well-being and satisfaction (Shalom in Hebrew).

The biggest plague right now in this world is joylessness. This joylessness is fueling the troubles of the world. When Jesus’ birth was announced, the angels, as instructed by God, told us that Jesus was bringing great joy. That the end result of baby Jesus was to save us from our sins and remedy of the biggest plague of joylessness. How many people do you know that are joyless, ornery, greedy, miserable, frustrated, and still trying any and every way possible, any solution to find their joy?

The whole issue of joylessness is the result of not really know God or having a real relationship with him. When a person does not have a relationship with God they cannot experience the eternal, all satisfying joy that God intends for us. I write this because I experience this joy (His joy) in my life. I personally experienced this shift and Oh, what a better life it is!

Let’s start with a few scriptures….as stated below in Matthew, Jesus will deliver people from their sin. Then restated in Luke, joy will replace that sinful selfishness that each of us was born with – that human, sinful nature. God provided a remedy to remove our sin so that our joy would not be hindered. With our sin removed from the picture, we are then enabled to have a relationship with him!

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10

Your Joy Will Not Be Complete Without Fellowship with God and Other Believers

Daily fellowship through prayer, praise, and worship in song, reading my bible, and talking to others about God is what keeps me close to Him each day. I continue to learn more about who God is, his will, and his purpose in my life. He intended and desires for us to experience great joy.

¹ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. ²The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. ³We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1:1-4

God Himself is our Joy

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— Jude 24

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

The Absence of Fellowship with God will Result in the Absence of Joy

But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:12. Those who do not know God will be separated from Him in darkness and absence of life.

⁷Therefore do not be partners with them. ⁸For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:7-11

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5

There are no excuses to not know God – not one. This is what I learned when I participated in a bible study last year on the book of Romans. I have included some excerpts below that address just that. We can all see clearly from just nature alone the qualities and attributes of God. We have the Word of God, the Bible, which was written by man and inspired by the Holy Spirit. And God put eternity into our hearts! We have an inner sense of this, I believe, but sinfulness and selfishness prevent many from having a relationship with God. And when we continue to deny who God is and do not acknowledge, glorify, or give thanks then the bible says God will turn us over to our sin.

¹¹He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet^[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

²⁰For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. ²¹For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²²Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ²³and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. ²⁴Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. ²⁵They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. ²⁶Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. ²⁸Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. ²⁹They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, and no mercy. ³²Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:20-32

Our Own Sin separates us from Fellowship with God

The great news is that when you trust God, acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior from sin, and ask him in prayer for a relationship with Him—He will hear you! Amazing Joy is what you will find.

¹Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. ²But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2

⁸Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness^[a] will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. ⁹Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk”. Isaiah 58:8-9

Restoring the Joy of Fellowship with God is why Jesus Came – In Addition to Taking Care of our Sins by Dying on the Cross

⁴⁶I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. ⁴⁷“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. John 12:46-47

³⁸Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”^[a] ³⁹By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:38-39

Read these two passages from Galatians:

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:19-26

The Holy Spirit will give you Guidance

As you enter into this new or deeper relationship with God, you do not have to go it alone! God knew what we would need and again provisioned the Holy Spirit.

¹⁴He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. John 16:14

From my previous article “The Trinity”: Here are some ways to begin to experience the benefits of being a Christian engaged with the Holy Spirit in a way that you may not yet have experienced. If this is you today, then get ready to experience God in a new and more in-depth relationship!

After acknowledging Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and asking for forgiveness of your sins, specifically ask God to receive the Holy Spirit and God will give the Holy Spirit to you as it is written. Luke 11:11-13

Jesus is preparing to leave and ascend to heaven and promises the Holy Spirit. John 14: 16-28
The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, WHOM my Father will send in my name. John 14:26
Jesus opened the disciples understanding of the bible and the Holy Spirit clothed them in Power. Luke 24:45-49
Feed the Holy Spirit by Reading the Scriptures (Isaiah 55:11 as the scriptures will never come back empty but will accomplish what God has intended)
The Holy Spirit will do the rest! (Philippians 1:6) God will complete the good work in you that he started when you heard and believed the Gospel)!
God can do more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20, 21)
Eye has not seen nor ear heard…which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Additional Scriptures: (I will add in the scriptures and a few more attributes of the Holy Spirit as time allows).

Acts 1:8 – You will receive Power from the Holy Spirit
1 Peter 1:5 – You will receive Protection
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast your anxiety and fears on him
Romans 8: 5-15 References Life and walking in the Spirit
Ephesians 4; What your focus should be walking with the Holy Spirit
Acts 20: 22-23 Paul is drawn by the irresistible Holy Spirit and is in ongoing conversation

Acts 8:26-29 The Spirit TOLD Philip (the Spirit and he can speak to you)!

I trust that this series of articles will lead you closer to the Lord. To clarify and remind ourselves about the real reason for the season. We are specifically instructed not to judge one another, I do my best to follow this instruction. We need to love every one of God’s creations even if and when they are living in sin. It is the sin that is the issue between man and God. If there is anything I can do to get scripture in front of someone that has not been told about the real reason Jesus was born in a manger and why we celebrate Christmas each year, then I want to help spread the good news.

Merry Christmas and God Bless You!

The Joy of Christmas – The Joy of Living to Fulfill God’s Joyous Will

Gods Joyous Will The Joy of Christmas – Part 2 of 3

The Joy of Living to Fulfill God’s Joyous Will

God has a will for each of us that is more than just to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas or go to church on Sunday, but for each of us to make Him known, to live for his glory, to display his LOVE, to encourage one another, to have a relationship with him, and to spread the gospel message. We have a God in heaven that LOVES people and wants them to hear the good news of baby Jesus being born in a manger with the purpose of redeeming us from our sins so that we can have a relationship with Him.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (Take note of that last point – He is always with us – He will enable us to do his will! And we have the Holy Spirit too!)

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit. Who, the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:25-27

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Start with Prayer – Lord use me today

Jesus teaches us how to pray-

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6: 9-13

Start with praise
Surrender your will
Resolve to resist temptation and sin
Pray for others

Encourage Others in Gospel Ministry

Sometimes we wait to be full of encouragement to give it to others. Don’t wait to be filled up or you will miss out on the blessing of giving encouragement to others. Think of someone you can reach out to today and then just do it. Give them a call, a text, a note. Drop by to visit to see how they are doing. Lend them a hand. Let them know that you love them and that God loves them too.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3: 12-13

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4: 11-13

Serve Regardless of Cost

It cost Jesus his life. He served through his death on the cross for our sins. Jesus gave his life for us–it was the Fathers will for him.

For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1

What does this mean for us? Serve regardless of cost? For me, it means to give up some things. Things like holding grudges, anger, getting even for a wrong, proving I am right on certain irrelevant matters. It takes forgiveness too! We all experience these feelings at one time or another. The bible tells us that we will all experience trouble. Not even Jesus escaped trouble. It’s about what we choose to do with it and how we handle it.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Serve Regardless of What Others Do

Has someone failed you? Betrayed you? Just let you down when you counted on them? You are not alone. Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariat and then shortly after he was disowned by Peter. Then the soldiers mocked him too. Jesus continued to obey the Father and gave his life for us! Likewise, we should not allow what others do or don’t do to influence who we are and our choice to follow the Lord’s instructions and seek to walk and remain in his will.

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him. “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:47

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” Luke 22:61

The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him… Luke 22:63

Wrestle in Prayer

Pray for others. Your family, friends, neighbors, those whom you know are suffering or going through some difficult times. Those that are lonely. Those that may have been unkind to you or perhaps betrayed you. Pray for them as well. It is more difficult to hold onto that hurt when you are praying for them! I often remind myself that “When I talk to God about people —— > Then l can talk to people about God!” I am confident that Jesus is already at work where he wants me to go.

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Colossians 4:12

Use Your Vocation and Your Home to Serve the Lord

In Ezekiel the Levites are instructed not to wear woolen garments while ministering but instead wear light clothing of linen so they will not perspire. Likewise, when we prepare to minister we should consider how to do it most optimally. We can look to leverage the strengths, abilities, and the particular gifts and blessings that the Lord has already provisioned. The Lord’s work is not intended to be difficult for us!

When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must not wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waist. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire. Ezekiel 44:17, 18

If you are uncertain on how to get started, just get started. You will know if it’s right for you or if you should try something different. One of my gifts is encouragement and that comes very easy for me. However, even though I love food and love to cook healthy and flavorful meals, if you ask me to host dinner for a group I could literally become sweaty and a little uptight!

Read Scripture Together – Give Scripture to Others

These are just a few scriptures that address the value and benefits of being in the Word and sharing God’s words with others. God’s word encourages us, gives us hope and strength, directs our paths, grows our faith, and it will never be read or shared without accomplishing the purpose God intends.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isiah 55:11

Perhaps, this post will be encouragement for you to focus on leaning into living to fulfill the Joyous Will of God! When I am walking in God’s will, I feel a spring to my step and joy in my heart that comes from the Lord. I pray that if you have read or scanned the article that something would resonate with you. That as you go about your day and this season of Christmas that the Lord’s words would fulfill the purpose he intended for you. God Bless you!

The most precious Christmas gift!

As Christmas approaches it is a wonderful time to ponder on the most precious gift. This is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but more importantly the gift of eternal life with God. Yes, it was a gift! There was nothing, absolutely nothing we could have done to earn it. I confidently place my faith in these facts because God said so!

In the gospel of John we read ¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ^{John 3:16.} Having eternal life and being able to be in the presence of God is unimaginable. But the fact that it was given to us by grace is even more unimaginable.

In Ephesians we read ⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9.} A gracious gift means it is unwarranted, we don’t deserve it on our own merits. There is nothing, there are no works we can do to deserve it, and that is by design so that not one single person would be able to brag about earning it!

Read it again. It is by God’s grace and our faith that we can have this gift. As we read in Hebrews we are to have faith ¹Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ^{Hebrews 11:1.} We all have the same offer from God to be absolved of our sins in the only manner He will accept but it requires that we place our faith in His promise.

Now that is the most precious Christmas gift!

The Science Behind the ‘Bedtime Belly Buster’

Did you know that consuming protein before bedtime can help you feel fuller and boost your metabolic rate? The Bedtime Belly Buster (or BBB) is a sweet bedtime treat that combines high quality protein with fruits or greens to satisfy late-night cravings. This helps keep you on track to burn that stubborn belly fat!

Sleeping Your Weight Off Through Science

Based on the complex interactions of the nutrients in the BBB—dietary whey protein and muscle, dietary calcium and fat, and both nutrients with the serotonin- and melatonin-mediated sleep-wake cycle—there is actually excellent evidence to support the combination as a real belly-blaster.

The quality of protein is key. According to studies, whey protein not only boosts metabolism (for extra fat burning during sleep and upon awakening) and satiety (feeling full longer), but also improves postexercise overnight recovery and overall sleep (1, 2). One way it might improve sleep is because it provides a good dose of tryptophan, which increases the amino acid’s access to the brain for creating serotonin (3). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which converts to melatonin to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle.

Calcium is a mineral best absorbed when consumed over the course of the day. This is why calcium is best broken up in dosages across IsaLean Shakes and Complete Essentials™ Daily Pack A.M. and P.M. packets. In addition, calcium (especially when combined with magnesium) may also affect the sleep-wake cycle by influencing serotonin and melatonin levels to improve sleep (6, 7). However, most people need only within 1,000 – 1,500 mg total daily—and when these amounts are reached, there’s no reason to take additional calcium at night if you’re already meeting these requirements. A side benefit of calcium is that it can bind to dietary fat, reducing its absorption, thereby reducing intake of calories at meals, so it’s usually a good idea to take a P.M. packet with dinner (generally the largest meal of the day) if attempting to lose weight.

There is mounting evidence that the quality and amount of sleep one gets can predict weight loss. The reason being that lost or mistimed sleep can wreak havoc on the body’s “central clock,” or central circadian rhythm, which can affect everything from metabolism to appetite regulation. Sleep Support & Renewal provides melatonin, production of which declines with age, as a safe way to help restore healthy sleep. Supplementing with melatonin and following advice such as getting regular exercise earlier in the day and turning off anything with a screen (computer, tablets, TV, etc.) early in the evening can help ensure a better night’s rest.

Original Recipe

Add 4-5 ounces of water to a blender or shaker cup
Add 1 Scoop Protein and 1 scoop of either greens or fruits
Blend or shake for 30 seconds
Enjoy this high-protein nutrient-dense treat 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

For more information or to order Click Here

Don’t forget to use Sleep Support and Renewal spray immediately before bedtime to assist with a restful nights’s sleep.

Evolution of the BBB Recipe

With the science giving the BBB a thumbs-up, you’re probably wondering about that recipe again. Here is the newly advanced BBB recipe with only slight modifications — you will need the following combination of products:

To build your custom BBB solution Click Here

1 scoop of IsaPro whey protein concentrate (not to be confused with IsaLean Pro Shake)
Choose 1 of the following:
- 1 scoop of Isagenix Fruits
- 1½ tsp. (not a whole stick) of Amped Hydrate
- 1 scoop FiberPro (optional – only available in the U.S.)

Instructions: Take 4 or 5 ounces of water, add above ingredients, and blend. If desired, add 2 or 3 ice cubes (or crushed ice) and re-blend. Because the mix tends to foam up quickly, it’s suggested to shake vigorously before blending. Any of these combinations can also work well just shaking in a closed container. Enjoy 30-60 minutes before bed. It can be performed on any Shake Day; however, it’s not recommended on a Cleanse Day.

Additional product recommendations:

Take Sleep Support and Renewal spray
Take 1 P.M. packet of Complete Essentials Daily Pack (besides calcium, it includes other important nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin K, and omega-3s) preferably at dinner time prior to the BBB recipe above.

The BBB bottom line is that there are a variety of ways to achieve its goals so long as you include whey protein along with calcium in the diet throughout the day and make sure to focus on getting the most restful sleep possible through a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and proper supplementation.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

Madzima TA, Panton LB, Fretti SK, Kinsey AW, Ormsbee MJ. Night-time consumption of protein or carbohydrate results in increased morning resting energy expenditure in active college-aged men. Br J Nutr 2013;1-7.
Res PT, Groen B, Pennings B et al. Protein ingestion before sleep improves postexercise overnight recovery. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2012;44:1560-9.
Markus CR, Olivier B, Panhuysen GE et al. The bovine protein alpha-lactalbumin increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan to the other large neutral amino acids, and in vulnerable subjects raises brain serotonin activity, reduces cortisol concentration, and improves mood under stress. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1536-44.
Markus CR, Olivier B, de Haan EH. Whey protein rich in alpha-lactalbumin increases the ratio of plasma tryptophan to the sum of the other large neutral amino acids and improves cognitive performance in stress-vulnerable subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:1051-6.
Camfield DA, Owen L, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Stough C. Dairy constituents and neurocognitive health in ageing. Br J Nutr 2011;106:159-74.
Nutrition Breakthroughs. “Insomnia: Studies Confirm Calcium And Magnesium Effective.” Medical News Today. 2009, September 8.
Abbasi B, Kimiagar M, Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Res Med Sci. 2012 Dec;17(12):1161-1169.

Nature’s Answer to Stress

Stress is the body’s way of responding to any kind of threat or demand. When danger is sensed the body’s defense mechanism kicks into high gear in a quick, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction. This occurs whether it is a real or imagined danger. (If a large animal attacks your child, you will either grab a weapon to attack it or you will grab your child and run as fast as possible!)

Besides being a way to protect us, stress is also a way to perform under demanding circumstances. This can be at work or at home where our body responds to stress to stay focused, alert, and energized to accomplish various tasks. In our modern and demanding lives we end up constantly operating in emergency mode and our mind and body pay the price. The more the stress system is activated, the easier it is to trigger and the harder it is to shut it off.

To complicate matters more, our nervous system isn’t very good at differentiating between physical and emotional threats. If you are stressed over a pile of bills, or an argument with a loved one, your body can react just as strongly as if you are faced with a life-or-death situation.

Given all of this our body ends up being in a heightened state of stress most of the time. That can lead to serious health problems. The adrenal glands secrete stress hormones including cortisol and adrenaline, which create a cascade of effects including a rush of energy, increased heart rate, and rising blood pressure. These hormones act as an emergency response to a temporary situation, subsiding to normal functioning when the event has passed.

The constant release of these hormones from chronic stress can disrupt nearly every system in your body. It can upset the digestive and reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, suppress the immune system, and speed up the aging process. Perhaps surprisingly, it can even rewire the brain, leaving you vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

If you often find yourself frazzled and overwhelmed, it would be time to take action to bring your nervous system back into balance as I did a number of months ago. It was my wife who frequently said to me I needed to chill out, I needed to drink Adaptogens and I thought, “No, I’m fine” and I would say, “Maybe later”. But after a while, seeing how she was doing, I became more and more intrigued and decided to look it up. My wife doesn’t nag at me; if she finds something good she wants to share with people around her.

So I looked it up and here’s what it said: Adaptogens are defined as: “substances used in herbal medicine for the claimed stabilization of physiological processes”. That resonated with me since we’ve been drinking herbal teas and I saw my mother enjoy them for a long time. My interest was piqued and I decided to try it.

After making the decision to try ISAGENIX’s Ionix® Supreme it didn’t take me long to determine it is nature’s answer to stress. There is still stress in my life but I do feel that it helps my body better cope with the effects of stress. It contains a proprietary botanical concentrate (a nutrient-rich tonic) featuring a blend of Adaptogens designed to combat the negative effects of stress which can take a toll on the body and affect health. It helps balance and normalize the body’s systems and energizes cells to support faster post-exercise recovery as well as supports clarity and focus. It also contains antioxidants for combating free radicals to support healthy aging.^*

I also find it very flexible and convenient as it can be used morning, afternoon, or evening or diluted and enjoyed throughout the day.

For more information or to order Click Here

^*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.