The Church Jesus Builds

You have heard it said, “That unless the Lord builds the house the laborers labor in vain.” That statement could give you peace or it could put you on edge; it all depends on what your perspectives on God’s plans and on his timetable are. A lot of areas that I witness concerning the church and organized religion leave me not only scratching my head, but also very tired. Like for example, why is it that in the Church of America that we continue doing the same things and utilizing the same methods, but still getting the same ole results. One would define that process as “insanity”. We should change the method, but we should never change the Message. Have we too become the Old Wineskins, which will be unwilling and unable to hold the new wine? You see, Old Wineskins are tough, they are rigid, they are not real flexible and if something like new wine is poured into them, they will immediately burst. Guess what happens then? Everyone realizes that the old wineskin was a major waster of wine. 

It is so very hard not to want to help Jesus build his church. In other words, it is so very hard to keep our hands and noses out of the way as he is attempting to build his church. Jesus, as I read, never met formally with his disciples in a “church” building. Of course, we see him in the synagogues and temples, but it is usually turning over the profits of money changers or healing the lame, only to be scolded by the religious for doing God’s work on the Sabbath. God’s definition of the church is people. I think that many times we are too busy caught up on shrines and buildings that really serve to impress the guy across the street. My question is: do we impress the one that really counts? 

I have also never read in the Bible that BIG churches are the Model of Ministry that we should be attempting to demonstrate. In fact, Jesus preached and ministered to the multitudes, but when it came time to disciple his first church he pulled them aside up the mountainside and sat down and began to teach them (Matt. 5:1). Having a big church in America has to, at times; give us a glimpse into the carnal nature of us all. I know what you’re thinking though: Bigger churches mean more souls. I hear you when you say souls, but are those souls saved and are they being discipled or are they just taking up a pew before the roll call of Hell begins? Many people insinuate to me that they attend larger churches so that they can hide. In doing so, they feel that they don’t have to get involved, so they can sneak in late and sneak out early and if they’ve done their hour on Sunday, then they are good to go. 

The problem with that is, that all too often, those people become dried up fruit that before long will begin to rot on the vine and fall to the ground. The main reason for that has to be for lack of fellowship and discipleship. Well before I make all the Pastors of larger Churches feel angry at my views, I will say that some larger churches have great discipleship programs and they are thriving in the word and life. Take time to pat yourself on the back because you are not the norm. 

I believe what Jesus was trying to show in his Ministry Model was the concept of Mobile Ministry. One author recently titled a book “Ministry in the Marketplace”. I believe it is the Ministry that goes with you everywhere you are. In fact, Ministry is not something you do, but it is an extension of who you are. We need to start churches where life is happening. Why is it that we rush to the freeway to get near the mall, when it is the neighborhoods and the housing projects that need our spiritual presence more? 

Have we yet to realize that the reality is that people are not going to come to our churches because we build a nice building, but we are going to have to bring our churches to where the people are. The traffic in Jackson, TN. is very busy 7 days a week except for around 8 am to 11 am on Sunday. Does anyone care to solve that riddle? The answer is that surveys tell us that 70 percent of people in the South are Christians, but probably only 10 to 15% of those people actually live a life of faith in God and commitment to active discipleship in the faith. 

In response to that alarming statistic, I have a great idea: I think we should cancel next Sunday am services and go door to door and witness to people about Jesus Christ. Some would say, that is a terrible idea!!! Why? I believe their reason for why is that, even though they are in church week after week, they still don’t have the faith and the power to lead others to Christ or into a deeper relationship with Christ. Pastors and Leaders, this is where our discipleship is extremely lacking. 

I have decided to embark on a journey that has been described as both radical and intentional. I am going to use Jesus’s model of ministry and discipleship. And not only that, but I am going to train others to do the same. I am excited and expecting something wonderful to take place as we use simple minds like mine to share God’s heart and words to ordinary people that I know and am about to meet. I purpose to be intentional about my prayer life and about my evangelistic opportunities. I realize that it is not the job of the Senior Pastor of ANY church to do what God has called me to do. I am being called and equipped to do the work of the ministry. Therefore, whether it’s fancy, I don’t care, but as long as it’s FREE; it is what I will share!

Have You Kept Your New Year’s Resolution?

Well, we are just over four months into this New Year, and I’d be willing to bet that there are a lot of people out there who have fallen off of the wagon…. In fact, it might be safer to say they’ve left the reservation and possibly even thrown themselves over the cliff. 

When it comes to achieving your diet and weight loss goals, accountability is king! Many well-intentioned dieters have tried to shortchange this process only to realize that failure is looming overhead. Humans are “relational” creatures - we need each other. It’s just that simple. 

Other dieters struggle with discouragement. It’s very common to struggle with peaks and valleys during the weight loss process. Understanding the normal physical patterns that come along with weight loss is essential to successfully attaining weight loss goals. Having someone to coach you through all of the pitfalls will make you more likely to succeed. 

Lastly, tracking everything that you eat is essential. Research shows that people who journal their daily food intake are 50% more likely to get the weight off and keep it off. 

At Matrix Wellness Solutions, we provide intensive support, coaching, and encouragement for each of our clients. If you’d like to get your weight loss train back on the tracks, give us a call so that we can discuss your personalized plan. 

To Your Health, 

Brian Brown

FEAR NOT

Every day we wake up with a choice. We can choose to walk in the promises of God that he has set before us or we can choose to be afraid. I believe that “fear” is a choice and is the exact opposite of faith. In fact, Jesus said “perfect love drives out all fear”. What is perfect love except the kind of love that he can give and we can choose to walk in daily. Scripture tells us “God is love” not “God has love”. What that means to me is that its not a matter of whether God has love available to give to us it’s the fact that everything he is is LOVE. It is not by coincidence, I believe, that the Bible has 365 references to fear within its pages. It is God’s way of telling us that there is a new and different word available to us every day that may present us the opportunity to be afraid. 

Here is an example of the fear that I have been confronted with and maybe you can relate to also: “Fear of The Unknown”: As you know Abraham was called to go to a land that he knew nothing about. God was requiring of him to leave home and family to enter into the place of promise and his ultimate destiny. I believe that nothing great ever happens until we are willing to step out into the unknown and walk in faith and trust in God for his provision. We should not look for faith to always make sense. In fact, faith rarely aligns itself with our logic. Remember with God, “his ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts”. I have said many times, “life is what’s happening, when we are waiting on life to start. 

My family and I are on the last legs of a journey that will end in us bringing our son Jaeden home from south of Beijing, China. Jaeden is one of only 3 children that have ever been adopted from this small orphanage in a province south of China’s capital city. Jaeden will bring great joy to our already overfilled life of change and adventure. In the natural, it doesn’t make sense that as my wife and I, being just south of our fifties, would once again embark on such a quest. As you know, most of the people our age that we went to High School with are enjoying their grandchildren and have been for some time. Our adoption which will be final as early as 6 weeks from now creates a great opportunity to be afraid for us. Questions like, “what will we do as parents to meet his needs as a child with cerebral palsy”? How will this affect our current family structure and already loaded schedules”? “How will he be accepted”? Questions like these and numerous other ones can swirl in one’s minds, if allowed too. 

Even while writing out those questions that have stared me in the face many times, I realize that they are selfish in that they disallow God into the equation. In fact, what does it really matter in the grand scheme of things when God has already given his best, Jesus Christ, and he has called our family to be a part of his heart, through adoption? If God has called us to do it, then I believe it is upo to God to work it out! In fact, I hope that you will take courage in this “If it is God’s will, it is God’s bill”. With that said , I have decided to come back next BLOG and share some other areas of our lives that fear can attempt to divert us. Until then, Keep the Faith. 

David

Researchers Claim 72 Is The New 30

Some top age-management and longevity researchers believe that 72 is the new 30. 

A recent German study showed that life expectancy has risen faster in the past 4 generations than it has in the history of mankind. In 1935, life expectancy was 65 now it's 78. At the turn of the 20th Century, the life expectancy was just over forty years of age. 

A lot of this has to do with the industrialization of our work force, which created safer work environments for the American worker; no long were people at risk on the farm. Another study reported that life expectancy has extended by three months every year since 1840 and that birth and that babies born today are 200 times less likely to die in the first couple of years of life. Researchers believe that the introduction of antibiotics and improved healthcare have attributed to the latter. 

Isn’t it great that we live in a time when we can boast of these things? 

Wouldn’t it be even greater if we could ensure that the days we have are the healthiest days possible? 

At Matrix, we truly view our bodies as living temples of God. As such, we do our best to maintain this temple and help others do the same thing. We do this by developing a specific “Life Plan” custom tailored to each individual’s needs. A life plan includes: 

• Lifestyle Coaching 
• Weight Management Coaching 
• Nutritional Coaching 
• Hormone Rebalancing 
• Fitness Coaching 

When we put all of these things together, we may not be able to extend our years beyond what God intended for us to live, but we sure can make the years that we have much more healthy and full. 

To Your Health, 

Brian Brown

Eating Like Jesus: 8 Healthy Foods Of His Time (Part 2)

Continued...

5. Grapes 

Grapes are still one of the most plentiful foods in the Middle East today. They are very high in health promoting anti-oxidant compounds called Saponins & Phytonutrients which have been shown to have heart health benefits of red grapes – decrease bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides. Additionally, much like pomegranates, they have been shown to protect against the damaging effects of the breakdown of bad cholesterol. 

6. Vinegar 

The health benefits of vinegar have been known for quite some time. It seems to decrease the rate of absorption of carbohydrates in the diet, which, in turn, improves blood sugar control 

7. Figs 

Figs are high in potassium, which is essential for proper electrical activity in the heart. It’s also been shown to help support normal blood pressure. Because of its high dietary fiber content, it definitely helps maintain proper intestinal health and may also have benefits in weight management 

8. Lamb 

This is obviously a protein of the red meat variety. It’s unclear as to how much lamb was consumed in the Middle Eastern diet, but there are examples in Biblical texts that it was consumed regularly on special occasions. 

As a red meat, it does have the saturated fat that we need to minimize exposure to; however, at thirty-six percent, it has one of the lowest concentrations of saturated fat than the other red meats. The rest of the fat is mono-unsaturated & poly-unsaturated which is the desired type of fat that has known health benefits. 

Another benefit of lamb is that it is higher in Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorous, and Iron than a lot of other higher fat red meats. 

I know some of you may be wondering about bread, so here’s a special note about bread: Bread during Biblical times was quite different that the bread we consume today. In fact, if a person from 2000 years ago were to eat our bread, they would barely recognize it. 

In the times of our forefathers, there were only three varieties of wheat. Today, there are over 22,000 varieties of genetically modified wheat. In Biblical times, grains generally were sprouted prior to be baked or used for food. This sprouting process makes the digestion of grains much easier. Additionally, the mechanical processing of grain today makes the grain particles about 10,000 times smaller than the particle sizes back then. As a result of this smaller size, the exposure to grain is increased which makes blood sugar more likely to elevate. 

As a general rule of health, I recommend staying away from grains during any type of weight loss regimen. Once the weight is lost, a sprouted grain bread by the brand name “Ezekiel Bread” can be used in moderation; however, I’m still cautious with this type of bread as well. If you notice increase in carbohydrate cravings after the consumption of Ezekiel Bread, then you should avoid it. 

To Your Health,

Brian Brown

John 20 43 & 44

In the passages of John, we see the Apostle Peter arriving at the scene of an empty tomb, hewed from the rock of a "BORROWED" tomb. I shared yesterday that the reason it was "borrowed" was that God already knew that he would not need it for long. Is that not amazing? God, had from prior to the foundations of the earth, already devised a plan whereby his only Son would be sent to die on a cross, but would only taste death for 3 days and then be gloriously raised from the grave. To this reality do we owe the gratitude for a promise that is forever true. That promise, is the foundation on which every Christian builds his/her faith. To know that Jesus had the grace and ability to bear our sins upon the cross and then to realize that he further threw aside the power of sin and the death as he burst forth from the grave clothes that day is absolutely amazing. 

With that point made, I feel that Jesus was again confirming to us that "It is Finished"! You see, on the cross, he said "It is Finished", but what he was referring to was that every sin ever committed and ever to be committed was laid upon his shoulders. This picture was so gruesome that even the Heavenly Father had to turn his gaze away from the Son as he bore the brunt of our wrongdoings. But then Jesus, according to Colossians, took those sins and nailed them to the cross and thus made a public spectacle out of Satan himself. In other words, Satan became an embarrassment to the Universe as Jesus turned and took all that Satan did and declared again his eternal judgement to come. 

There is actually more to the tomb scene that deserves attention also. The fact that those grave clothes lay wadded up to the side is amazing, but what is even more amazing is that the relevance of the "napkin" that lay folded at the place where Jesus head once lay. You see, culturally speaking, the folded napkin signified the same thing that it would have signified in those days in Jewish Culture. Let me explain: If a guest were to eat at a home and at some point in the dining experience have to leave or get satisfied with his meal, he would wad the napkin up and thus signify his readiness to be done. In other words, "I am finished". But this is not what happened in the tomb that day. In fact, Jesus did just the opposite. He took the napkin and the neatly folded it leaving it where the inquiring disciples were sure to notice. You see the folded napkin, culturally speaking, meant that the person who sat at the meal of the host, should he need to be excused for any reason, would then fold the napkin and thus signify to the host, "I AM NOT FINISHED". WOW-Did you just see that? Jesus was proclaiming the message here that he was indeed not finished. In fact, though his earthly ministry was ending, I believe he was pointing to the fulfillment of the coming ministry through the Holy Spirit and the eventual birth of the Church. So, in closing, Jesus is not only not done, but he is just beginning in many of our lives and our ministries. I choose to believe that indeed he is not finished, but that "he who began a good work in me is able to complet that work". I am thankful today that through the cross we have the forgiveness of sins and through HIS resurrection we have the promise of new life and life eternal through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

--David B. Hughes

Are the Giants Bigger Than the Grapes?

Number 13: 1-20

The Book of Numbers is quite phenomenal. In the chapter listed above is a recount of God’s desire to give to the Children of Israel his blessings and provision. It’s just like God to want to give to us more than we are ready to and more than we are sometimes willing to receive. This story starts off by God speaking to Moses and instructing him to pick from among the leaders of Israel 12 men who could go up and spy out the land. Moses did as instructed and 12 men were chosen. It is interesting to me that, it was not God who needed to know about the land, nor was he curious about the inhabitants, or even curious about the size of the fruit that was there. But, on the contrary, God wanted the Israelites to know what they would soon be up against and what they could soon possess. I said that, to say this: “God desires to keep us informed of every battle that we are in & the battles we are about to face. He wants to give us insight into the good things that lie on the journey ahead for us”. In essence, God wanted them to know about the size of the Giants, but he also wanted them to know about the size of the GRAPES!

It’s amazing, in some ways to me, that 12 men went up into the land, but only 10 men came back with a good report. At the same time, I don’t think the results would be much different today. There are those in our faith that can be faced with any situation and seem to be unshakeable, then there are those who worry constantly at any resistance or any confrontation that life brings them. I like to think of it like this: “What they (the spies) said about what they saw determined where they went.” I feel it is no different today. There are plenty of opportunities to worry and fret and get anxious, but at the same time those same opportunities are times that we can trust in God and his undying faithfulness. It truly is about our perception of life that makes all the difference in the world. 

Let me ask this, have you ever gotten tickled (laughing) to the point that you couldn’t stop? I have and it never fails to happen that those around you begin to laugh also. In the same way, fear, doubt, anxiety, or whatever you choose to label it are also very contagious. Ultimately, what we see and how we respond to it verbally will affect our children, coworkers, spouses, etc. I am not sure about you, but I want to be a person that when I influence others I want it to be a positive impact on their lives. 

So with that said, let me close by asking you a question. Had you been one of the 12 sent up to spy out the Promised Land, would the Giants that lived in the land been bigger than the Grapes that hung from the vine? Remember, it’s all about how you see it.

David Hughes, NP

Co-Owner, Matrix Wellness Solutions

Fresh Manna Monday

David, of the Old Testament, has to be one of my favorite Biblical Leaders. That opinion stems from a lot of thoughts that I have about him, but most important was God’s opinion of him. God said of David “He is a man after my own heart” I am not sure about you, but if God were to say that about me, my first question might be “God, why did you say that about me?” 

I ask you, what does it mean to be a man or woman after God’s own heart? What character attributes are present? What kind of life or effort does it take to earn this worthy title? First of all, before I answer, I believe it is possible for you and I to be men and women after God’s own heart. You see, we know from scripture that it wasn’t a perfect life that earned that status. Sad to say, but David was both an adulterer and a murderer of one of his own men. In fact, God did not allow David to build the temple because of the “bloodshed” he had invoked during his time as King. So what was it about this man? I believe the answer is simple: David, although extremely far from perfect, was a true worshipper of God. I believe God fell in love with him and he with God as he lay on the mountainsides as a young boy tending the flock. Second, I believe he was “THE” man because of the fact that when he was wrong, he was quick to repent of those wrongs. When Nathan, the prophet, confronted David about his sin, David could have had Nathan beheaded and no one would have known the difference-except for David. Instead David fell to his knees weeping knowing that he had dishonored God and his family and the families of his men by his terrible actions. Third, but definitely not all inclusive, is the fact that David did not mind being who he was before the people God had called him to rule. I love the fact that David, when he became excited about God’s goodness, let the whole kingdom know that he was not ashamed to be a child of the Living God. Scripture portrays that David danced energetically and unashamed in the city streets of Jerusalem. What people, young and old alike, want from you and I the most is this: they want us to be real. I meet people every day who would greatly benefit from is someone who could be transparent about their lives and walk with Christ. 

In conclusion, Is it not awesome that there was and will always be only one who was perfect, Jesus Christ? One day we will see Perfection in all its Glory, when we see him face to face. At that time, he will say to us “well done good and faithful servant”. But until then, we must strive to be a man or woman after God’s own heart. 

David Hughes, NP 

Co-Owner Matrix Wellness Solutiuons

Stress Free Living? Is it possible?

Philippians 4:6-8 

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Philippians 4 verses 11-13. It is definitely not my favorite because I am so compliant to the truth found in it, but more so, because it is such a challenge to my personality and lifestyle. Let’s face the facts: We are a busy culture! In our busyness though, are we productive when you compare the effort and amount of stress invested in our daily tasks versus our productivity? The writer encourages us to “Do not be anxious about anything, BUT in prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace that passes all understanding will transcend your mind.” 

You may have read some of the same articles that I have read about the effects of stress on the body. But to clarify, not all stressors are bad. God created our bodies to be resilient and to adapt to all types of changing situations; thus another confirmation that we are created in His image. The problem begins when we have “stress overload”. “Stress Overload” can cause the body to exhibit all types of symptoms, including, but not limited to: arthritic type symptoms, joint swelling and pain (fibromyalgia), high blood pressure, obesity, increased anxiety levels, increased pulse rate, fluctuations in blood sugar, hormone level imbalance, and imbalances of other key body regulators, to name a few changes. 

I believe we will never see a “stress free” life this side of heaven. The challenge therefore is not to look for “stress free’’ opportunities, but to better yet, strive for the Peace that only come from the He who is PEACE. Although a challenge, it is possible to live and prosper during the stressful times of life. It is truly all about our perspective. In closing, think of the stressors that you face every day as opportunities and not obstacles. I like to use this adage at times: Remember nothing in this life ever comes to stay, but if you give it a while, it will always come to pass. 

At Matrix Wellness, we approach each of our patients by addressing the emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental person. In doing so, we can provide comprehensive wellness and disease prevention strategies that will work for all ages. 

David Hughes 

NP and Co-Owner of Matrix Wellness

Fresh Manna Mondays

Introducing "Fresh Manna" a weekly devotion by David Hughes, APRN-BC. 

Daniel 1:8-16

When I pondered on the HCG diet and the commitment and resolve it takes to achieve diet and lifestyle change goals, I immediately thought of a great story in the Book of Daniel of the Old Testament. 

The Book of Daniel is a great story about a young man, Daniel, who chose not to eat certain foods because of his realization and conviction that the higher calorie, higher fat content of the “palace foods” were not the choices that were BEST for him at the time of his palace training. This decision, like our own decisions to improve our lifestyle through better eating and lifestyle change was met with some resistance. In fact, the king’s trainer feared for his own life that Daniel would become sick from eating a diet of vegetables and water, and that he, in turn, would be beheaded. 

So, as you can see,” Diet” was a hot topic, even 5,000 years ago. As with anything in life that is worth doing, it starts with an inner resolve and a desire to make the right choices. Our food choices today are actually dictating our tomorrow in so many ways beyond just our weight. As a Nation, we are the most obese in the world, and here in Tennessee, we live in the center of the “Heart Attack and Stroke Belt” of the U.S. It doesn’t have to remain that way. We can be driven by the culture, or we can be driven to change the culture. 

If you don’t happen to know the end of Daniel’s story, he made the right choices with the vegetables and water. He was healthier, more mentally sharp, stronger, and more fit than his peers who ate and trained on the palace foods. The King was so impressed that Daniel’s Diet became “THE DIET” for the training recruits. Daniel became an agent of change in his God-given circle of influence. I personally feel that Matrix Wellness Solutions is called to this endeavor. Please join us in changing our corner of the world.

David B. Hughes, Nurse Practitioner and Co-Owner