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Pastor Dan McCluskey

About Pastor Dan McCluskey

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Unlocking Truth - Overcoming Exhaustion

Overcoming Exhaustion

Overcoming Exhaustion

I’m exhausted!

 

Not from physical exertion, but mental fatigue. I found myself there a few weeks ago and realized that I was laxing in the principles that I have learned over the years in Scripture. I realized that even though I have not lacked in my time with the Lord or in my studying of His Word, I was operating with a lot of “thought” concerning the future. I had way too many thoughts and distractions operating at the same time and was being overwhelmed.

Like I said, this was a few weeks ago and the condition I was in lasted for about two days. On the third day is when I realized that I was mentally exhausted. And get this, I was just starting my day! I thought, “How in the world can I be mentally tired?” This is when I realized that I was overcome by not doing the things I know to do to stop myself from becoming this way.

I recognized (after the fact) the things I was doing that opened the door to this mental attack. I recognized what was causing this in me and so I decided to look into “mental fatigue” to find out what exactly causes it in others. This is what I found.

Mind clutter: Science says “clutter” triggers the production of cortisol (a stress hormone). So, the more cluttered your headspace is, the more stressed out you will be. In addition, prolonged stress can manifest into brain fatigue.

Information Overload: Psychology teaches that the human brain can only focus effectively on so much information at a time. As a person tries to complete more tasks simultaneously, his or her efficacy in dealing with each individual task diminishes in a phenomenon called “cognitive overload.” Studies show that not only can too much information lead to confusion, frustration, and erroneous conclusions, leading to experiencing the negative consequences of “information overload.”

With Google and other search engines, we have just too much information available and most of that information contradicts itself with each other! Studies also show that information overload can also negatively affect decision-making. Some studies suggest that when a person receives too much information it can actually lead to worse decisions.

Perfectionism: Psychologists say that like any extreme trait, perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. If you do not pay attention, it can easily turn into a self-sabotaging habit. Perfectionists are motivated to make the absolute best choice — even when doing so isn’t strictly necessary. This can lead to decision paralysis. They are also more likely to ruminate and worry excessively over information they receive.

Lack of sleep: According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep to stay healthy. Getting enough sleep is critical for brain rejuvenation. Sleep deprivation can make your mind foggy from weariness, adversely affecting your mood, focus, alertness and productivity. An overworked mind will rob you of rest and sleep!

Avoidance and procrastination: Contrary to popular belief, procrastinating is more taxing for your brain than working on the task you’ve been putting off. Studies show that when we procrastinate or avoid, our anxiety about whatever we’re avoiding tends to increase. This, in turn, depletes your mental energy.

Other potential causes include medication, stress and ailments such as depression, fibromyalgia and autoimmune disease. Emotionally challenging experiences like divorce or death of a loved one can also contribute to brain fatigue. Therefore, as you see, there can be many causes of mental fatigue. Now back to my situation.

When I realized what was happening, I had to turn things around. I recognized that stressing or constantly processing thought about the issues today and even events that may or may not occur in the future was overloading and fatiguing my mind. If you have experienced this kind of stress, you may have noticed that the same thoughts replay over and over again in your mind and increase worry. This thought pattern does nothing to help solve the problems or issues at hand. It will only interfere with healthy practices that can activate your inner peace. Jesus lets us know that His peace-we have!
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Today I will share with you the keys of overcoming mental fatigue. I know that many of you are finding yourself in this same situation and you want out! I know that these keys work! They work for me now and they have worked for me in the past. So let’s get to it!

First, you must recognize that you are fatigued and you need out! Believe it or not, many people excuse away the need for help. They would rather have blame and excuse for feeling bad. Many love the “victim mentality.” This my friend is hopelessness. Never accept to live a life of pain, physical or mental. Jesus came to set us free from this! Why would He heal all? Why would He deliver all? Why would He give His peace and tell us to not allow ourselves to be troubled? WHY? Because He does not want us to live this type of life! Listen friend, following Jesus means to follow and accept His Word. You must receive help and health!

Secondly, you must clear your mind. Stop thinking about all the things that you cannot control. Take a break from world events or any other events that are triggering you. Give yourself a break, a time of rest for your mind. Now speak to your mind and say peace-rest now. Close your eyes and calm yourself.

Thirdly, focus now on Jesus. “You will keep him/her in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed (focused) on You, because they trust in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) Perfect peace in the Hebrew is actually written, peace, peace! It is the Hebrew word “shalom.” Shalom includes blessings such as wholeness, health, quietness of soul, preservation, and completeness. God repeats peace so you will understand the importance of it for your life. Now, you must also understand that the mind will never be empty and you are going to think! You have calmed yourself; now put the Scripture we just read in your mind.

Focus on the Lord, His Word. Trust that God will help you and heal you. As you focus on this, He says that He will give you peace-peace! Remember Jesus has already told us that His peace is in us, now receive it. Say this; Jesus I accept and receive Your peace in me. Your Word says that when I focus in on you I will receive healing and a quietness of soul. Thank you Jesus for your love for me. I receive this now in Jesus name!

Now the fourth and final thing you must do is sing to the Lord. I want you to quietly start singing to the Lord. This isn’t an “American Idol” tryout. In other words if you think you can sing or not-sing! I love the Scripture “make a joyful noise to the Lord” for all of us that can’t sing, LOL! Softly sing about how God loves you. Sing about how you trust Him. Sing about His love, sing about His goodness. Sing about His peace that He gave you. Sing about how He cares about you and does not want you to be afraid or filled with anxiety. Sing to the Lord! Look at these wonderful Psalms concerning singing to the Lord. This is just a few of many!

Ps 98:1 “Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!”
Ps 96:2 “Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.”
Ps 95:1, 2 “Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.”
Ps 30:11, 12 “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!”

Now, don’t you feel better?

From this day forward when you find yourself becoming overwhelmed in thought stop yourself and follow these 4 steps: recognize the battle, clear your mind, focus on Jesus and His Word, and sing! Friends I am so proud of you all! Listen, maybe you are not in this place, but you know someone who is. Then please share this! Be a blessing to someone out there that is in need! We do not want anyone to suffer!
I love you all and am expecting nothing but the best for your lives! Walk in your peace and live in victory, mighty one!

Unlocking Truth - Who's In Your Friendzone

Who’s In Your Friendzone?

Who’s In Your Friendzone?

Today I want to explore the importance of having the right friends in your life as well as the dangers of having bad ones.

 

Today I want to explore the importance of having the right friends in your life as well as the dangers of having bad ones.

First, I want you to see the negative side of having the wrong people in your life. Did you know (and this is medically proven) that having the wrong friends in your life can be toxic to your health and well-being?

Bad friendships can increase your risk for diseases such as depression, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Bad friendships increase stress and break down self-esteem.
Bad friendships promote unhealthy lifestyle habits.

As you see, it is proven that bad relationships can and will hurt you! Friendships are important. One thing that is more important than having friends, however, is having the right kind of friends. Not all friends are good for you. There are some who would influence you to do things you would later regret. Also there are those who pose as your friends, but are actually just there to get something from you – they have their own hidden agendas of being your friend.

“Do not be deceived: “Evil company (companionship, friendship) corrupts (destroys little by little) good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

One of the main negative traits of a toxic relationship is gossip. Bad friends love to gossip, tearing down others. Gossip is evil and God talks a lot about it in His Word. Why? Because it destroys lives and does not build them. Gossip will isolate you from the good to the bad. Gossiping reflects badly on you, even if you don’t realize it. This is why it’s so important to avoid this type of behavior.

If you are constantly “gossiped” to, you yourself are prone to be a “gossiper.” People do not trust gossipers! When you know someone is a gossiper, you usually have little trust in him or her and never tell them anything serious. You know if you do, it will be spread around to other people who feed off gossip.

One of the worst effects of gossip is that it hurts others. If you’ve ever been the object of gossip or false rumors, you know how harmful it is. You can feel embarrassed, ashamed, and, disgraced even if you haven’t done anything to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Think about how you felt the moment someone told you that you were being gossiped about. I can guarantee you did not feel good.

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.” Prov 20:19

“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Prov 16:28

“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Prov 11:13

“Anyone who refuses to slander others, does not listen to gossip, never harms his neighbor.”
Psalm 15:3

Toxic relationships are also built around the negative traits of selfishness and manipulation. If you don’t do what they want, they will pressure or even try to embarrass you to submit to their desires. These type of people know how to manipulate to get what they want, regardless of how it affects you. It is impossible to live a “right” life with the “wrong” friends!

“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Prov 13:20 MSG

“Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected.” Prov 22:24, 25 MSG

If we allow these type of relationships to continue, we are just as guilty as the ones who are doing these ugly things. We cannot take part in gossip or any other destructive behavior in order to be “friendly.” The truth is, if we listen to and tolerate these toxic attitudes and actions, we share the blame for it!

Do I really need to write more about the negative effects of a toxic relationship? I don’t think so. The truth is, you already knew it wasn’t good in the first place. If you have a toxic friend it’s time to become set free! Life is too precious and short to be robbed of a healthy, fulfilling life in this type of a relationship. Do not be evil and do not be mean, just cut the tie and move on. If you have seen traits in your own life that define a “Bad” friend-CHANGE! You can! Allow the Word of God to help you in this change. Repent to your friend and ask them to help you become better. Cast you care upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7), ask Him to help you in this change. This is your BREAKOUT Year, so expect a breakout in these areas. I know you can do this!

Unlocking Truth - Faith Plus The Word

Faith + The Word

Faith + The Word

“But the Word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it!” Hebrews 4:2

 

The word profit also means to give an advantage, to make better, to benefit, and to do good! This is what God’s Word will do in your life “If” it is mixed with faith. You must take God’s Word and mix or blend it together into your life; it must co-mingle with you. It should become a part of your life as a fact. It cannot work in your life as a “wish” or a “hope so.” It must become a reality! This is hard for us to comprehend since we spend most of our lives learning physical limitations and adapting to them. However, you must understand that there are no limits to the power of God’s Word.

An example of faith being mixed with hearing God’s Word is the story of the Roman Centurion in Matthew 8:8, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” This soldier believed in authority and the power of God’s Word. We should believe the authority and power of God’s Word over and thru our lives as well. Jesus’ spoken Word has so much power that no barrier (such as time or space) has any effect on them whatsoever. Remember, His Word is what created the heavens and the earth!

“Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.” Matthew 8:13

I believe that the Roman Centurion believed and confessed that his servant would be healed if Jesus answered his call. He expected it! When Jesus answered his call, his faith led the way to the miracle. Isn’t this awesome! Jesus spoke the Word according to the faith of this Roman! Not a Jew, not a religious leader, not a king, nope, just a heathen Roman soldier with faith.

The Word profited him, because he believed (faith). I believe the Centurion heard about all the miracles that were taking place because of Jesus. When he heard that the Lord was coming in his direction he acted on the faith he had from hearing about the all the miracles. He believed that Jesus could heal his servant and acted on his belief.
Remember, faith is having confident expectation that the supernatural will affect the natural! We all must stand strong in faith and expect the Lord to do miracles in our lives as well.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Confession means “to speak the same thing.” The Word shows that what we are hoping for-confidently expecting- we should be saying that exact same thing. The Bible is showing us that if we confess (agree with) and speak God’s Word our faithful Father is going to make it happen in our lives. There is a catch though, my friend; we cannot waiver in our belief. Wavering is getting weary or giving up.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal 6:9)

You see our faith is life and life is continual. It’s not an hour or a day, a week, month or year-it’s ongoing. We must continue and not let go of our good confession of God’s Word over our lives no matter how we feel or what we’re going through! We must continue until the due season arrives! This is why the Bible says, “Fight the good fight of faith…” (1 Tim 6:12) We have opposition in what we are believing for! This opposition comes from all directions including ourselves! Come on World Changer, let’s do this! Let’s see the “faithful promises” of God come to life in our lives. We hear God’s Word, we believe God’s Word, and we confess God’s Word! This is going to be your best year EVER!

Unlocking Truth - Be Courageous

Be Courageous

Be Courageous

“Be of good courage, and the Lord shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Ps 31:24

 

There are always opportunities to get discouraged. You can get discouraged because of what other people do or don’t do. You can get discouraged with the news. You can get discouraged about so many things in life. Discouragement will always present an opportunity for you!

So many quit in life because they get discouraged with themselves when they don’t follow through on a goal or a promise. Many become discouraged when things don’t work out the way they thought they should have. The problem with discouragement is that it comes with a price. The negative effects of this emotion rob us of hope. When we are hopeless in life, it will lead us to all kinds of failures and setbacks. Discouragement destroys enthusiasm and can even reverse progress that we have made in life. Discouragement can lead to depression and if left untreated the results can be devastating.

This is why God has said all through His Word for us not to be discouraged. He commands us all to “take” courage! He told Joshua before he went into the land of great armies and even giants to not be afraid, but to be strong and very courageous.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then, will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9
You see my friend, God knew that Joshua had to take hold of courage before he went into the unknown land. This is the same for all of us. When things look tough, difficult, or even scary, we need to choose courage!
I believe discouragement is an emotional temptation; and with all temptations, God says He will give us the strength to overcome them!

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor 10:13

When we feel the temptation to be discouraged, when we start speaking words that lead to it, we must stop. We should not allow it in our lives. We should never tolerate discouragement. We need to fight it!

Jesus does not want us to be discouraged. In fact, he commands us not to be. Listen to what Jesus says to his disciples just before what probably was the most discouraging experience of their lives — his crucifixion “Let not your hearts be troubled!” John 14:1

Jesus says, “Let not.” This is not a suggestion; it is a command. He knew they would be tempted to fear, to become discouraged. Things were going to look very bad, like the whole mission was a complete failure. What were they to do instead of being discouraged and hopeless? Believe! “Believe in God; believe also in me!” In other words, “Don’t let your hearts be ruled by what you see. Let them be ruled by what He promised you.” This is exactly what Jesus is saying to us.
What’s tempting you to be discouraged today? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you weakening in your resolve to change? Are you feeling pressured to quit, to give up? Are you having a hard time believing that God really will work for good what looks so bad to you?

Then it’s time to fight, not pout or hide. It’s time to stand up because you are better than that! You are a child of the King! I want you to think of discouragement as your faith being choked. When you’re choking, it’s not the time to sit around and do nothing. It’s not time to sleep! It’s not time to sit in front of the TV and “veg” away. No! It’s time to breathe freely! It’s time to dislodge what’s choking you! It’s time to fight for life, not choke on life! I know you can do this! I’m giving you a “Truth filled” Heimlich maneuver right now! Get discouragement out and freely breathe in faith and courage my friend! Now let’s go out there and win in life!

Unlocking Truth - Are You Positive

Are You Positive?

Are You Positive?

How do you see today?

How about this week or the rest of this month? The sad thing is that there are many people that will tell you that they don’t see it good at all. The problem with that is that today, this week, this month hasn’t happened yet! Today is only happening now, the week and month is in the future.

The question is this – Why do you see the negative or why do you see the positive? This is one of the most important questions in life that you need to know the answer to. Why? Because, the answer will determine how you see your future and how you see your future will determine your life right now! If you are seeing the negative, i.e. fear, anxiety, sadness, anger or hopelessness, it is affecting your life in an unhealthy way. You are not only breaking down your soul (emotions and will) but also your body. When you are looking at life through the eyes of fear, anxiety, sadness or even anger, medical science has proven that it is slowly tearing down your body. Literally, sickness and disease is getting a foothold in your life.

When you look at life with a positive outlook, it has been proven that it will increase your life span, strengthen your heart and your immune system, and lower depression rates and stress levels! Listen my friend, you must fight for the right to be well! I call this “living life” and not just “existing” in life.

Let me help you understand the truth about a positive outlook. First of all, a positive outlook does not stop the bad from coming! What it does do is empower you to cope with those stressful times. Positive thinking does not mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore the ugly in front of you. No, having a positive outlook just means that you approach the ugly in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst. It’s time to take control of your life! It’s time to live life! Don’t give others empowerment over your life by what someone has said or done to you. Stand strong in life! Let me give you a few thoughts that can help you turn your life around.

First, you need to speak positively about yourself. You need to start encouraging yourself. Your self-talk must change from “I can’t” to “I can.” From “impossible” to “it’s possible.” From “it will never” to “it will”! Change the negative adjectives about yourself to positive ones. Remember, we are not talking about your past life (yesterday) but your life right now and in the future.

Second, get around people that are positive. If you cannot find any then make new friends! Negative people will hold you down, continue to doubt in life and increase your stress levels. Positive people will be supportive in your life and even help you succeed in life.

Third, make sure to evaluate yourself periodically. Don’t assume that just because you made a decision to change that it will happen automatically for you. It’s going to take time and you need to make sure you’re not holding on to negative thoughts. When you recall those negative thoughts, tell them that it’s time to go and then speak positively over whatever the situation was.

Fourth, please trust God to help you! He loves you so much and desires for your life to be better. This is why He sent Jesus. Jesus says in John 10:10, The thief (satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (isn’t this the same as a negative outlook on life?). I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Jesus declared that He desires for us to have a great, blessed life! This is exactly what a positive outlook in life will do for you.

This has impacted my life! I sure hope you got hold of this as well. This is your new life and I am expecting it to be so much better for you! I would also like to ask you something. Have you received Jesus into your life? If you haven’t, you can. Just speak to Him right now. Tell Jesus that you believe in Him and that you want Him to come into your life so that you can be a part of His family. Go ahead and ask Him now. Once you have done that, the Bible says that he has come into your life! Now, thank God for sending Jesus just for you!

If you would like, I could send you a little pamphlet that can help you in your new life. Just email me with your address at [email protected] and I will send it to you. Don’t worry! You won’t start getting a bunch of letters begging for money. I will just send you the gift! Love you all and have a tremendous Life!

Unlocking Truth - Discovering God

Discovering God

Discovering God

#DiscoveringGod

#AJourneyOfLove

“…Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

The problem with most Christians (I was included in this once) is that they really do not know God, our Heavenly Father.

How can we truly walk out this new life and not even truly know the One who gave us it? How do we create a picture of God that is so contrary to what the Bible teaches? Because, we are all judgmental. Yes, even you; and I certainly am. It is in our human nature to be judgmental. The problem is that we are using judgmentalism in the wrong way. It is there to help us to determine what is right from what is wrong, based upon facts.

Jesus said, “Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit produced.” Matthew 7:20 and “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” John 7:24 We should be evaluating (judging) things based on facts, not on the basis of “seems”!

You can make a right judgement call by peoples’ true actions-fruit. The sad thing is that most people, because of their own view of themselves, prejudge people before they really know them (their fruit). So my friend, this is what we do concerning God. We prejudge Him through our own prejudices, and from what we have heard from what other people think. Why would I take your opinion of God when I have the Bible that clearly shows me who God is? This is exactly what I asked myself years ago and what you should be doing as well.

Think about it for a second — We see someone, and based on their looks or perceived actions, we pass judgment on them. It’s not good judgment either and it’s usually without even knowing the person! And that’s it — that is usually the extent of our interaction with that person. We have passed judgement and condemned without making an effort to get to know the person, or understand them, or see whether our judgment was right or not.

I heard someone show this analogy once: You come upon a dog in the woods. You first see the dog and it looks frightened and alone. As you get closer to the dog, it starts to growl and bark at you showing its teeth. You then judge that dog. It deserves to be alone! That evil dog! But then, a strong gust of wind blows a bunch of leaves away and reveals that the dog is actually trapped in a hunters clamp. All of the sudden, you have pity on the dog and want to help it! Even though it has a bad temper and it growled at you, you understand why. Everything changed because you saw the whole picture! Truth was revealed!

My friend, I want TRUTH to be revealed for you, for us, for everyone! I want us all to know the God of the Bible according to Him. Will you please join me on this journey of discovery? I hope you will! So let’s start on this path of discovery now.

I started with Hebrews 11:6, “…Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” I want you to see 3 very important truths from this verse:

1. Notice it states, “Whoever goes to God”. The Greek tense for the word “goes” is in the continual tense, meaning it is discussing those who continually go to God. It could read “those that continually go to God”. In the Greek language, it describes a continual, communicative relationship.

2. When we continually come to God, we must believe that “He IS”…not He was or He will be. We must believe that God is, and that He is what He is; what He has revealed Himself to be in the Scripture. God is not the Great “I was” or the Great “I will be” oh no my friend, He IS the Great “I AM”! That is today and forever! God is real and He truly loves you greatly!

3. “He rewards those who seek Him.” In over 35 years of ministry I have come to find out that most don’t believe He is a rewarder…most believe He is a taker! They attribute the works of the enemy, a cursed world and bad decisions as Gods’ fault. This is equally necessary as the belief that He exists. If we could not believe that God would listen to us and answer our prayers, there could be no encouragement to call upon Him. Why would we be compelled to go to someone who really doesn’t care about us? Rewards equal care! “If you, then, though you are sinful, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11

When I personally go to God, I always remember this Scripture:

“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.” Jeremiah 29:11, 12

As you see we must all understand God’s true nature and character. It is absolutely vital if we are to continually “go” to Him! Please understand that how you view God will determine how much you will go to Him. How you view Him, will also determine your outlook on life as well as determine your destiny. Let’s allow God’s Word to penetrate our heart concerning this very important subject. Let’s dig in deeper and allow the Word of God to reveal the TRUTH-FRUIT of who God the Father really is. Stay on this journey with me and I promise you your life will never be the same again.

Please share this! Let’s get the whole world to know the TRUE God of the Bible! Thanks!

Unlocking Truth - Stop The Torment

Stop the Torment!

Stop the Torment!

#KnowthewillofGod

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)

As followers of Jesus, I’m sure you personally know that there is nothing more tormenting than to go through your daily life with a troubled heart. The word troubled is a state of distress. It means to agitate, stir up the mind, to cause anxiety. When someone is “troubled”, they start viewing life with apprehension. They create a negative outlook, which affects the decisions they make in life. The tendency in a troubled life is to pull back and to start alienating yourself. It can tear you up emotionally and steal your joy.

When a person stays troubled they also open the door to an even greater enemy of life-FEAR! When fear is added to the mix, it can escalate your troubled state to an even higher level of anxiety. This is why it is so important that you take Jesus’ words deep into your heart! Jesus said, “…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

The word “afraid” depicts a gripping fear that robs of strength/courage. When fear is involved in your life, it will rob you of the ability to face what is before you, and steal all strength from you.

Thousands of years ago, Jesus spoke these words to them and now to us. It is important to note that back then they did not know all the negative effects of being troubled and or fearful. We do! Through medical science as well as psychiatric studies, we can see why Jesus was telling us to not open ourselves up to these. You can find this everywhere on the web. The effects of being troubled and or fearful will cause the following: cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke. It can also cause or exacerbate many serious health problems, including mental health problems, such as: depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.

This why Jesus says, “Do not be troubled or fearful!” We also have another example of God not wanting us to live in this manner in 2 Timothy 1:7 when Paul told Timothy, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Timothy was facing real problems, not imaginary ones, at the time Paul wrote this verse to him. Paul did not want Timothy’s emotions to be in bondage to a spirit of fear with all its negative effects. Paul was telling Timothy that his being subject to a sense of fear was not the will of God. The Lord’s Will is what He has given him— a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind!

This is God’s Word showing us that Jesus understands what you and I are facing!

Listen friend, we were not created to be torn up in our emotions! That is why we must quickly learn to grab hold of our emotions and tell ourselves, I wasn’t made for this! We must refuse to allow this sense of panic and fear to get hold of us! If you are in the midst of being troubled or fearful I want you to confess now that you believe the words of Jesus over what is troubling you. Say this out loud, “I believe in Jesus, He is my Lord! I commit to Him the situation (say what it is) that has brought on this worry/fear. He has given me the spirit of POWER and not fear and I choose to walk in this power and His Love, because I have a sound, well-disciplined mind! Thank you Jesus!”

Praise God! We must always remind ourselves, what we have in Jesus. This won’t be the last time you’re attacked. The moment you start feeling troubled or fear starts to attack-rehearse the words of Jesus to yourself. Speak those words with boldness and declare, “I will not be troubled and I will not fear!” Remember, Jesus would never tell you to do something you couldn’t do! You are destined to win in life. Yes, the battles will come, but God’s Will is for you to OVER-COME! I know you can do this, you were born for this!

Unlocking Truth - Overwhelmed Fix

Overwhelmed? There’s Angel Food For You!

Overwhelmed? There’s Angel Food For You!

“To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna.” (Revelation 2:17)

 

Ok, right now you may feel that insurmountable odds are against you. Life has a way of overwhelming us sometimes and we just don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is when, as a Believer, we must run to God’s Word.

The Scripture above says that there is a gift given to those who overcome. God’s promise to you as a Believer is that He will give you “hidden manna.” I know what a lot of you are probably thinking right now, “I need help now!” I know the Scripture sounds like once you win then “I will give you”, but let’s first determine what an overcomer is.

According to 1 John 5:4, 5 the Word shows us that if we have received Jesus, we are overcomers.

For whoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4, 5

You see, as far as God is concerned you already have the overcomer status. This means that our attitude must be different in the fight. Feeling overwhelmed, I understand, but according to the Word, you are an overcomer. Use your faith and expect the victory. Use your faith and receive the Manna from God!

Manna is spiritual food; the food that nourishes the soul and builds the spirit. The Word is showing us that those who press in to win, to overcome the pressures and circumstances of life, will receive “supernatural nourishment!”

In the Old Testament we see that the Hebrews were supported by manna in the desert, (Exodus 16:16-35) which was also called “angel’s food,” (Psalms 78:25) and “bread from heaven,” (Psalms 78:24). Now if you remember, this food was given to them in the wilderness. The wilderness is a type of barren world that the children of Israel were  going through on their way to the Promised Land.  This Scripture means that those who overcome (press through the problem) will  be nourished through life by that “hidden manna;” that is, that they will be supplied all along through the “wilderness of this world” by that supernatural food from the Lord Himself! WOW!

The Lord knows that when we are battling and pressing through the struggles of this life we can become weary. The promise is that when we are exhausted, when we have run out of steam because of the war we have just gone through, He will supernaturally strengthen us. In the verse above, Jesus addressed Believers who were facing many obstacles that they needed to overcome. He was showing them that they could receive the “angel’s food” from God! Listen friend, whether it is spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional-God has supernatural nourishment that He will provide you. It’s His promise to you! When you are standing in faith, refusing to give up, the promise of God will become a reality to you. You will be supernaturally empowered!

Unlocking Truth - BLCH Truths For Change 4

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Truths For Change (Part 4)

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Truths For Change (Part 4)

Truths For Change (Part 4)

 

Well hello everyone! Today we will continue on the “7 Ways to Think for Change.” We have already covered 1-5 and today we finish with the last two.

 

#6 Think Reasonably

Thinking reasonable is using good judgment, being fair and practical in thought.

“For acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair.” Proverbs 1:3

The above Scripture is talking about receiving God’s Wisdom for life, “to know wisdom.” When we are walking in God’s wisdom, Proverbs shows us that we will also live a life that is “reasonable.” We will do what is right, just, and fair. Thinking reasonably will help you in not demanding more than you should concerning your life as well as the way you see others.

 

#7 Think Methodically

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 This verse is showing us that life is short and we need to make good use of it while we are here. A great picture of this is in the life of Moses. Moses was “educated in all the learning of the Egyptians” Acts 7:22. However, the lessons that he learned in life walking with God were far more important than that “schooled” knowledge he had received. I am not saying that school is not important, but without the Lord in our lives, we are just existing in life until death. Moses’s success came because he trusted God, not his education. In the school of life we need to learn two important lessons; life is brief and it is difficult.

We don’t just exist in life; we live life! We need to think “methodically” or as the Psalmist says, “Number our days” (which means to properly weigh out, to evaluate or consider life). As believers, we have “eternal” life, and our natural life plays an important part to our eternity. Let me show you in God’s Word concerning this importance and I will make a few comments in parentheses below. Before I get to it let me give you a little history on why Paul is writing this.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth concerning many problems that were taking place there. To begin with, the church at Corinth was a “messed-up” church. Some of its members were guilty of sexual immorality (one guy was having intercourse with his mother in law), others were constantly getting drunk, and still others were using the grace of God to excuse ungodly living. It was also a divided church, with at least four different groups competing for leadership. Like I said, it was messed up! Paul mentions the word wisdom 10 times in the first two chapters because apparently they had none! They were self-centered and did not live life God’s way. They were more focused on their wants and desires rather than living life with purpose. So Paul gives them a picture of how life really is lived according to God’s view.

“But there are various kinds of materials (truths to live by) that can be used to build on that foundation (The knowledge of Christ’s teachings as the foundation of Truth). Some use gold and silver and jewels (The “gold, silver, precious stones,” which all can withstand fire, are teachings that are true Biblical truths); and some build with sticks and hay or even straw (religious teachings, man’s truths that do not line up with all of Scripture)! There is going to come a time of testing (the truths will be put to a test) at Christ’s Judgment Day to see what kind of material each builder has used (how we all live our lives to the truths we know). Everyone’s work will be put through the fire so that all can see whether it keeps its value (was it Biblical truth or religious/man’s truth), and what was really accomplished (the fruit of those truths). Then every worker who has built on the foundation with the right materials (God’s Word), and whose work still stands, will get his pay (there is payment for living life God’s way). But if the house he has built burns up (religious foundations, false teachings), he will have a great loss. He himself will be saved (you don’t lose salvation, just rewards), but like a man escaping through a wall of flames (you’re in heaven, but no rewards to show that show you lived life right).” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 TLB

So friend, as you see it is very important to live life correctly now. As we have seen this is by renewing the mind. As long as we stay committed to change, we will be building up rewards in heaven! You are not perfect, and God is not asking you to be! He does want us all to live life according to His instructions though. This is NOT a religious life, but an abundant, great life!

So in ending today, let’s think Biblically, think positively, think singularly, think practically, think creatively, think reasonably, and think methodically. No, you can’t do this all at once, but you can use each way to better your Christian walk. By putting the steps to use in your life you will better your life for sure! Have a great week!

Unlocking Truth - BLCH Truths For Change 3

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Truths For Change (Part 3)

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Truths For Change (Part 3)

Truths For Change (Part 3)

 

Welcome friends! Today we will continue on the “7 Ways to Think for Change.” Last week we went over the first three: think Biblically, think positively, and think singularly. So, let’s get started on number four.

4. Think Practically

“Your conversation should be so sensible and logical that anyone who wants to argue will be ashamed of himself because there won’t be anything to criticize in anything you say!” (Titus 2:8)

I have found that the greatest spiritual Truths that I have come to know have come through a common sense-practical understanding. In the fourth chapter of Mark, Jesus shared with His disciples a spiritual Truth that was the foundational teaching of all His spiritual Truths. When He saw that His disciples did not understand what He was talking about He made this comment: “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” (Mark 4:13). He was talking about how God’s Word is received.

Jesus then went on to define the spiritual Truth through a practical, common sense way of understanding; “a farmer sows seeds!”

To be a mature follower of Jesus is not about knowing “spiritual teachings” that are too “deep” for others-NO! Maturity is tied to a foundation of “one plus one equals two”! This requires the ability to receive God’s Word in a practical manner so that you will be able to operate life being “sensible and logical.” This way you will see God’s Word in your life and operate practically.

 

5. Think Creatively

“And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.” (Mark 2:4)

This message in Mark is so cool! It is about four friends that thought “creatively” concerning one of their friends that was dying. Jesus was in a house ministering and it was completely full inside and out. These men realized that there was no way to get their friend to Jesus so that He could be healed. So, what did they do? Did they convince themselves that there was no use in even trying? Did they sit there and just say, “We will just pray about it?” Did they just give up because the difficult circumstance before them discouraged them? No, they thought “creatively!”

Let’s look at the scene that unfolds. The Bible says they tore the roof apart! They had to remove part of the roof large enough to get their friend through it. I can imagine Jesus standing in the room and all of a sudden parts of the roof and ceiling start falling down in front of Him. That must have been a crazy sight! Jesus looks up and saw the four men on the roof with their sick friend. Then He watches as the friend is carefully let down before Him.

We just cannot look at life and give up because things are tough or even look impossible. We have to understand that God has answers for us, creative ones, which will get us through to the miracle.

I just love that God has given us the ability to think! We all think, it’s just time to start controlling the way we think. Remember, we don’t just exist in life-we live life! I hope this helps you this week. I really love to spend this time with you and I truly do expect the best for you. It doesn’t matter if I know you or not, because I know that God does and He loves you greatly. Since He does know you, love you, and care about you that’s good enough for me!

Next time we will finish the “7 Ways to Think for Change” with #6 thinking reasonably and #7 thinking methodically. Until then may God’s riches and best be yours!

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