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Pastor Dan McCluskey

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Unlocking Truth - BLCH Truths For Change 2

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Truths For Change (Part 2)

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Truths For Change (Part 2)

Truths For Change (Part 2)

Hello everyone! Last time I started sharing “Change Truths” that will help you renew your mind. Remember, renewing the mind IS the key to change! We looked at the first point, “change your speech.” Today we will look at number 2:

#2 – Think for change

The Bible tells us, “As a man/woman thinks in their heart, so is he/she!” (Proverbs 23:7). The phrase “so is” describes our present state of being. In other words, my thinking will determine my present state of being!

We all desire change, but as I have said countless times at Love Life Church, change is not change until it is changed. What this means is that until we change (start the process) we can never have change. Religion teaches that it is up to God to change us. This is why you will hear certain preachers pray things like this, “Lord change me,” “Lord change my heart,” “Lord renew me,” “Lord make me stop” etc. This is not how the Bible shows us to change, at all. These are taught from people that “major” on the Old Testament and focus on Psalms and other Old Testament Scriptures when it comes to change rather than the New Testament, our New Covenant with God. The New Testament shows us how to change.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT). Wrong thinking leads to wrong feeling and action! We must realize that thoughts are real and powerful, even though they cannot be seen. This is why the Bible states that we must bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Notice it says, “every thought.” As we have seen, our thoughts create who we are and continue to be. Change your thoughts and you will change you. Understand that this is a process and not a one time thing-renewing the mind. Thoughts produce actions, actions produce habits and habits create your character-who you are.

So my friend, do you want to change you? If you do (and I believe you do) then you must create new habits, and to create new habits you must introduce and meditate on new thoughts. When we change our thinking, it will change our expecting!

 

Let me give you “7 ways to think for change”:

 

1. Think Biblically

Start taking the Scriptures about who you are and what belongs to you and meditate (think about them and see yourself in them) repeatedly. One of the best methods that I have found is to ask yourself, what does the Bible say about…? If I know then I will react appropriately, if I don’t know, then I will find what the Truth is. God has all the answers I need concerning life in His Word.

2. Think Positively

No, man did not come up with “positive thinking!” This Truth comes from God’s Word. As we have seen in Philippians 4:8, we are to “think about” the right things. Think about how God sees you. Think about the Scriptures for your success in life.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

 

I read an article from the Mayo Clinic and it stated many advantages for thinking positive in life and I will give you just five of them:

1. It will give you an increased life span.

2. It will lower rates of depression and distress.

3. It will give you greater resistance to sickness.

4. It will strengthen your mental and physical well-being.

5. It will give you better coping skills during times of stress.

You see my friend, even medical science can see the benefit of being a “positive thinker” in life!

 

3. Think Singularly

James 1:8 says: “…. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” You cannot continue putting positive thoughts and negative thoughts into the same environment and expect success. We have thoughts that contradict what God’s Word says about us and/or our situations in life. The frustrations that most Christians deal with in their new life is that this is a continuous battle that overcomes them. As long as we entertain the negative when we’re putting in the positive, we cannot have success. Jesus said, “a kingdom divided against itself (double minded), cannot stand!” (Luke 11:17)

This is why 2 Corinthians 10:5 says we must take thoughts captive. This means we must control our thoughts, which ultimately means we control our lives! When you see yourself anxious or confused it’s because of the battle that is taking place between your thoughts. Calm yourself and speak to yourself to take control. Think on what you need to think on to bring stability in your life before you try to work on the situation your dealing with. Take control, the power is in you and belongs to you to control your life.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

The Greek word “sound” literally means “well disciplined.” God has given you a “well disciplined” mind! Start using it my friend! I will end here and finish next Monday. Now re-read this and put it to action in your life. You are changing and your life will become better! Bless you!

Unlocking Truth - BLCH Truths For Change 1

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Truths For Change (Part 1)

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Truths For Change (Part 1)

Truths For Change (Part 1)

 

Welcome! Today I’ll be continuing on the subject of “Renewing the Mind.” Last time I ended with 4 hindrances to change:

1. Change is wanted, but most of the time rejected.

2. Bad habits hinder change.

3. People can hold you back from change.

4. Fear of failure can stop moving toward change.

Now let me give you some “Change Truths” that will help you renew your mind and become transformed—changed from the inside to out.

 

#1 – Change Your Speech

“We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in his mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong.” (James 3:3, 4)

This Scripture is awesome! It shows us the power of a controlled mouth. There are two pictures to see here. One is the bit in the horses mouth that will make the horse turn quickly. The second is the rudder on the ship which takes a longer sweeping turn. Both are turning direction one just takes a little longer than the other. The horse and the ship represent you. The bit and the rudder are used to represent an “in control” tongue. This is speech that can and will bring change! You can turn your life around quickly, or sometimes it’ll take a little longer. Ultimately, it will bring change.

Listen friend, your life will move in the direction of your speech, so change your speech and you will change your life! Yes, it is that simple! The not so simple part is the process of changing your thoughts that change your speech. This takes time and commitment to change.

I can give you 4 Speech Keys that can help you on your journey of mind renewal.

1. Don’t use your words to describe your life… use your words to design your life.

2. Don’t speak what you experience… speak what you expect.

3. Don’t overthink- speak the new Truths concerning you if you believe them or not. Remember, you are saying things that took time to become belief in your life now.

4. You don’t win by outthinking the devil. You win by speaking! In Matthew 4:1-11, you see Jesus being attacked by satan, and His victory is in what He says to the devil-It Is Written!

 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21)

It is interesting to note here that the word for “power” in the Hebrew is the word “yād” which is hand. This “hand” in the Bible context means strength, power and it’s used to convey God’s Power!

“Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand (yād) is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.” (1 Chronicles 29:12)

This is why it is so important for a Jesus follower to understand the “power” of their words. Let me share with you a story in the Bible that I believe will help you on your road for change.

In 2 Samuel chapter 9, you will see a story concerning David’s desire to fulfill a covenant promise that he made with Jonathan (King Saul’s son who died in battle). King David said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Notice he says “the kindness of God.” This is an awesome Scripture. Every other king would be looking to kill anyone related to the before king’s family. David on the other hand wanted to be a blessing! David couldn’t show any love or kindness to Jonathan, so he looked for one of Jonathan’s relatives to whom he could express his affection through God’s love.

Jonathan had a son whose name was Mephibosheth. He was in line to be king after Jonathan. Mephibosheth’s life didn’t turn out the way everyone thought it would. No, he had a very rough life. He was not only poor but crippled in both feet as well. The story shows us that he saw himself as a “dead dog!” Why did a grandson of a king look at himself with such disdain? If you read 2 Samuel 4:4 you will see why. He was hurt because the nurse that was carrying him was fleeing the castle because Jonathan and King Saul where dead. She knew what happens to the offspring of the royal family, death! As she was running she dropped the child and he became crippled from that moment on.

Now imagine his life from there. He is being brought up by someone that has no idea of the covenant of love between Mephibosheth’s father and King David. She raises him letting him know that he is crippled because of David. He is raised in fear and his identity is created because of it. Is it the truth? No, but it is the truth to him! He is not only physically crippled but mentally as well! Now let me break down this story that pertains to us today.

King David’s motivation for seeking Mephibosheth was not because he felt sorry for a crippled man. His desire was to honor Jonathan, the father. He did what he did because of the covenant. Remember, Mephibosheth does not deserve anything from David but death. We too are in this same picture! We are called and saved, not because we deserve anything from God, but for the sake of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. God in His grace gives us what we don’t deserve, and in His mercy doesn’t give us what we do deserve! We too have been brought up believing the lies of an angry God. A God that is looking for reason to hurt us. A God that is desiring to judge us and to make us pay! This is the training of religion and the world. The Truth is revealed to us in Scripture;

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16, 17)

Praise God! Because of the covenant between the Father and the Son Jesus, we too receive God’s love, mercy, grace and all that belongs to Him become ours!

King David made the first move to rescue Mephibosheth. This should remind us that it was God who reached out to us and not we who sought Him. The Bible says that we were once enemies of God (not because of Him, but because of us), yet He loved us and sent His Son to die for us. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

David told Mishbosheth that he would from this time forward eat at his table and lack nothing! He would be cared for and protected as a son (adopted) of the king! Remember, Mephibosheth looked upon himself as a “dead dog”, and we were “dead” in our trespasses and sins when Jesus called us and gave us new life (see Ephesians. 2:1-6). He would sit at the table with the king and we sit on the throne with Jesus Christ and reign in life through Him (see Romans 5:17). The Father gives us His unconditional love, he provides are needs, he takes care of us, he protects us! Mephibosheth lived the rest of his life in Jerusalem and we are already citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, where we will live forever with the Lord (see Hebrews 12:22-24).

Please let these Keys sink into your life! I have watched over the years so many people get dropped/hurt in life because of religion in people and churches and become crippled in their thinking from that moment on. They live a life with an “unworthy dog” mindset and stay crippled in their identity. Let’s not let others hurts or offenses rob us of God’s Truth. Let’s not allow our old way of thinking rob us from God’s covenant of love! Let’s sit at the table with Jesus and live the kings life that He has given us!

Unlocking Truth - BLCH Renewing Your Mind

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Renewing Your Mind

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Renewing Your Mind

Biblical Life Changing Habits

 

Hello everyone! Let’s get our lives started in the right direction as we look at more Biblical Habits that can change your life.

Last time we looked at Putting God First:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

Today we will look at the most important habit for every follower of Jesus to master, renewing your mind.

 

Habit — Renewing Your Mind

 

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

 

The Greek word translated “transformed” is the word “metamorphoó”.  We get our English word metamorphosis from this, which is defined as a change in the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means. We are taught this early in life when we saw how a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. The Word is showing us that we can literally change everything about us! This is why this truth is so valuable for every believer.

 

Let me take Romans 12:2 and define it according to how the Greek language revealed it to the churches in Rome. This is how we need to see it.

“And do not be conformed…” (conformed is the Greek word that means to “to fashion oneself, to be fashioned.”) This is a picture of clay being formed into something.

“…to this world,” (world not meaning the earth but an age or era-a period of time) This is showing us that the time periods we live in i.e. the 60’ 70’s 80’s 90’s, etc. all have specific ways of forming people into its ideology. This is so very clear in life!

“ but be transformed…” (This is a Greek compound word for “meta” which means, “to change” and “morphao” which means “shape”.)  Put those two Greek words together and the Bible tell us that we literally can change our lives to something totally different from our past-a way better version of ourselves! How wonderful is that?

“…by the renewing of our mind,” (The Greek word for renewing is anakainosis which is a compound word for “ana” back or again and kainos “new,” not recent but different) What this shows us is that when we put God’s Word into the mind through a meditation process (not just a thought, but a thought that is meditated on) we will then begin the metamorphosis process-a true life change!

“ that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The word “prove” means to discern, examine, test, prove with the attitude of expectation. The word was used to define the testing of certain metals to “prove” their true composition.

Ok, let’s read this all together in my amplified version of Romans 12:2: “Do not allow your life to be shaped by the age you live in to fulfill its desires, needs and wants, but be completely changed from the inside out to a person that resembles a child of God more than a child of this world. We do this by allowing God’s Word to take priority in our thought life, meditating on and seeing it’s Truth in and through us, so that we can know for sure through examination and discernment that His Word will shows us God’s exact will for our lives in how we should live it!”

WOW, that changes my whole attitude concerning life! I’m in charge of my life!

 

I had a friend on our high school football team that got amnesia from a big hit on his head. He didn’t know who he was for almost a week! When I was with him, he acted completely different from the person I had known for years. Why? Because his memories were forgotten! Amnesia patients do not act the same because they don’t have their memories. They have the same everything: brain, body, etc, but they don’t act the same. Until their memories come back, they will act very different.

The renewing the mind process looks the same way (except we don’t need to be hit in the head!) The renewing the mind process is actually a renovation. We have the same body and brain; we are just changing the broken areas of thoughts. Like a building remodel, we are fixing the plumbing & electrical, changing internal walls, adding new appliances, fixtures, etc. A renovated building looks different than it first looked because it is restored to another form, and may function at another capacity. It brings new life to something that was old!

As a Pastor, I have worked with thousands of people over the past 35 years of ministry. I understand that people are often very hesitant about change. 

Let me show you 4 hindrances to change:

 

1. Change is wanted, but most of the time rejected.

Every one of us brings good and not so good things into adulthood. We carry this “baggage” with us, i.e: low self-esteem, fear, anger, control, perfectionism, pride, abuse, a need to please, etc. This baggage causes you to think, feel, and behave based on who you were as a child rather than the very different person you are now as an adult. Because of the ugly baggage that is being carried, many people don’t see themselves worthy of change. When a person has a low value of him/herself, they are prone to quit or even sabotage change.

2. Bad habits hinder change.

When you experience thoughts, emotions, and behavior that are driven by your past, they become negative habits that dictate how you react in life. Bad habits are ingrained in our lives, which tend to dictate thoughts of “I just can’t change.” Or, “I try and it just doesn’t seem possible.” So again, change is hindered.

3. People can hold you back from change.

When the people you surround yourself with aren’t supportive of your change, they can have a controlling effect on your desire to change. This again is tied to a bad self-image. You empower people to control you through their desires and wants. You can also surround yourself with people who are supportive of the way you are and make you feel comfortable in the life you want to change. Unfortunately, this environment reinforces who you are, even when you don’t want to be who you are, and causes you to continue down a path that interferes with your change to a better experience of life. They can either support you in staying the same, or even hinder you in becoming a better you.

4. Fear of failure.

Many people don’t change out of the fear of failure. They might think, “What if I can’t change, then I’ll be even more of a failure than I am now.” Another thought would be, “I’ve been this way for a long time, so it’s not worth the risk.” These negative emotions become substantial barriers to change by being triggered whenever you feel uncomfortable or incompetent. Therefore, people rob themselves of change because of negative thoughts.

Listen my friend, change does not happen overnight. We must be consistent in what is necessary for change.   If I want to lose weight, I can’t just desire or want it. No, I must do something about it (change). I need to change eating habits. I need to start some type of exercise in my life and be consistent with it. I need to reinforce the positive vibe of weight loss by hanging around and/or listening to people that will encourage me while I walk out this new journey. By being faithful and consistent with these actions, I will (and it will take some time) lose weight!   

Learn from these truths. If you see that you are guilty of the things I have been talking about, don’t feel guilty! Recognize the need for change as well as God’s desire for that change. He wants the best for you and that is why we have the Scriptures to show us how to live life better. Join me next time as I share some “Change Truths” that will help you renew your mind and become transformed. Goodbye!

Unlocking Truth - BLCH Putting God First

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Putting God First

Biblical Life Changing Habits – Putting God First

Biblical Life Changing Habits

 

Greetings! Today we will look at Biblical Habits that can change your life. As you probably know, I use the statement: “It can change your life!” frequently when it comes to teaching God’s Word. The truth is, all of Scripture was written to do just that-change our lives! So let’s expect just that, a life changing experience.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)

God wants to give you a great future and a hope.  The “hope” in Hebrew means an “expectation.” The same type of hope is used in the defining of faith in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…”-confidently expected. What you may not realize is that God told Israel this powerful verse right in the midst of the Babylonian captivity, a result of Israel’s own sin! Yes, that’s right, the Lord thinks good thoughts over us even when our lives are all messed up because of bad choices that we have made. My friend, there is always HOPE in God’s family!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

 

Habit – Putting God First

We all need to prioritize our relationship with God. It is important to understand that what you do first in life reveals who you are. Even if you feel you have no priority when you wake up and start your day, you do. We all have “what we do first” stuff in life. It could be listening to the news, checking your social media accounts, taking care of the kids, walking the dog, etc. We have all priority habits!

I’m not saying that those things are wrong. What I am saying is this: who is first in our hearts and minds? Jesus should be! When we concern ourselves with spiritual things (seeking first the kingdom of God), the earthly concerns will “be added unto you” (essentially provided for) according to Matthew 6:33. To seek the kingdom of God is to intentionally focus on and fully experience a relationship with our heavenly Father. This is done the same way we build relationships with one another. The people we prioritize in our lives are the ones we communicate the most to (prayer); we think about them the most (meditation). They are our “prioritized friends.” To seek first God is just that, talking and thinking about Him before we start the day. Prioritizing the Kingdom also includes sharing your relationship with others-bragging about how good God (your friend) is!

 

Let’s look at the Scriptures that were spoken before Jesus said to prioritize the Kingdom:

“So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothes? “Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? “And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers. That’s the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it’s alive, and tomorrow it’s thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith? “Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear? Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them.” (Matthew 6:25-32 GW)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

 

It’s very clear that the Lord wants us to have a life of HOPE and not a life of worry! Worry will rob you of a life of expectation. God wants you to live a life of expectation because He has great expectation for you. If you’re worrying about life, you cannot expect good things for your life.

I see three phrases in this that point the way to victory over worry: (1) “faith” in verse 30, which is trusting God to meet all our needs. (2) “Loving Father” in verse 32, which implies that God truly cares for His children-us! (3) “seek first the kingdom” in verse 33, which is prioritizing our thoughts and speech first every day. If we have faith in our Father and put Him first, He WILL meet our needs and we won’t need to worry!

God loves you very much! We have this Bible only because of that love, my friend! I know it can be difficult to understand this sometimes when we see our lives in such a mess. It can be very difficult to understand this love when we can’t even love ourselves. You see, the way you see yourself will not only define you, but how “you feel” others see you. This why we cannot lean to our own understanding when it comes to God’s love for us.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8 NLT)

“We love because God loved us first.” (1 John 4:19 GW)

You are the “Prioritized Habit” of God. It’s time to start believing this because God cannot lie! He loves you and now it’s time to receive that love.

I love you and have a great expectation that you will prioritize the Lord in your daily life. Have a great week, you greatly loved child of God! See you next time as we continue to look at four biblical habits that will change your life. God bless!

Unlocking Truth - Break The Chains Of Offense

Break the Chains of Offense

Break the Chains of Offense

Life happens!

We know it doesn’t take long for things to come along that can offend us. Offenses snare (entrap) us and if we continue in them, they can make us bitter and even hardhearted. Offenses will keep us looking backwards toward them, which affects our future. When we hold on to hurtful things (offenses), they will eventually have power over our lives.

The offense of the past should never be allowed to hurt the present! When they do, people start living life with a chip on their shoulder and with a victim mentality. Jesus said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” (Luke 17:1, 2) Jesus let us all know that no matter what, offenses are going to come at you in life. I have checked all through the Bible and I have not found one Scripture that states that carrying them is acceptable though.

Offended people are hurt people, and hurt people hurt people! Offense breeds bitterness and bitterness always brings a life controlled by the enemy. “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” (Hebrews 12:15 ESV) The word “defiled” in the Greek means to be stained, contaminated, polluted in the heart; not a good place to be at all! Jesus also says it is a dangerous life to live if you are the one going around and causing offenses!

As a pastor, I have seen this play out in many churchgoers’ lives. They become offended, they hold onto the offense and become bitter, then through bitterness they start attacking that which is good.  Listen friend, overcome the offense or offenses (that will or have come) by walking a life of forgiveness—the true power walk! Release yourself from the offense by releasing those who have offended! Don’t use the offense as a badge of honor—God doesn’t! Get free and be free! Your freedom is available now; break the power of the offense. Set yourself free by releasing it. “…but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13, 14)

The Father want’s you free, I want you free and I am certain your “true” friends want you free! Let the past go, get rid of it and walk in your freedom. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) Confess the bitterness and offenses that you have held in your heart to the Lord, and press forward in your life. It is time for you to be free, because you are just too valuable to be a slave of your past! I know you can do it-be free mighty one!

Unlocking Truth - Momentum

Momentum

Momentum

Momentum is the force that something has when it is moving, continuing to grow stronger as time passes.

The Apostle Paul talks about a “life of momentum” in Philippians 3:12-14. Here it is in the Message Bible Translation: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”

The Christian life is called a walk. It is a life that is on a journey, a progression. As Believers we must keep moving, building on momentum (victories). We must be increasing, expanding, adjusting and developing in this life! Paul said that he does not look backward, but forward. Success in the Christian walk demands us to move forward with momentum.

Let me give you some keys to keep you moving forward. First, you must make a decision to go forward and not backward. You must get started and don’t look back! Do something, because doing nothing equals NOTHING! Second thing to do after your decision is to let go of the past. Let it go—give it all to God! “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you!” (1 Peter 5:7) Never forget this, a life that continues to look backward can never move forward! Keep your eyes on Jesus! “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) Let the past go and press into your destiny with God. Lastly, understand that there is a prize/reward that is being prepared for you. Remember, Paul said, “I press toward the goal for the prize, of the upper call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) Now let’s do this, not only for our lives, but for the One! Let’s keep this momentum going and live BIG and BOLD for Jesus!

Unlocking Truth - Passion It's Contagious

Passion—It’s Contagious!

Passion—It’s Contagious!

“Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures:

 

“Passion for God’s house will consume me.” (John 2:17 NLT) Did you know that Jesus was not only passionate about church, but He was also very passionate about going to the cross? Mel Gibson made a movie about Jesus going to the Cross and called it The Passion of the Christ. On a side note, did you know that many of the cast members and crew converted to Christianity after the completion of the film? Among those converted was an atheist who played Judas Iscariot! It is also the highest grossing independent film of all time; a movie with passion and about passion impacting lives!

I thought about Jesus and His passion to go to the cross. Passion is a strong and barely controllable emotion. Jesus was passionate for the vision that His Father gave Him. His success demanded passion! His vision gave Him that passion! I believe that our success in life requires the exact same thing. We need to have passion for the right things. We can all be passionate about stuff, but I believe that we need to focus that emotion towards the Kingdom of God.

The Word shows us that one day Jesus went to the temple and saw a bunch of merchants in it ripping people off. They were using God’s House as a marketplace and not as a place of worship and teaching. It goes on to say that, Jesus made a whip and beat the men all the way out of the church! The Bible says that the disciples remembered the OT Scripture that said: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.” (Psalms 69:9) Jesus showed much passion there and I believe He was passionate in all that He did!

Listen friend, we need to examine our lives and truly determine if we are passionate for the things of God. Remember, the things of God include our lives as well, not just ministry. We need to be passionate about our marriages, relationships, parenting, work, schooling etc. Yes, it’s hard to stay passionate when it involves our daily lives, but it’s imperative that we do. I believe Jesus was passionate every day!

Passion does not necessarily mean a burst of emotion, but a continuous commitment with conviction. I believe when you are passionate about something obstacles will not matter. You find a way—tenacity keeps you going! I believe that passion opens the door to knowledge, because it’s easy to learn something when you’re passionate about it. Good thing to remember when you’re in church, right?

I believe that passion is contagious! Jesus attracted people because He was passionate in what He was doing. People saw it in His words and actions, which helped them to become passionate. I also believe that passion attracts those who don’t want you to be passionate! They want to quench your fire because it makes them uncomfortable—especially religious ones! Ignore them and keep being passionate! Remember, we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Let’s turn this passion on and be the best for God and family! Let’s turn this passion on and live successful world changing lives! Let’s do it and be like Jesus without looking back. I believe that this is a new day for you and me, so let’s live this journey together and impact the world for Christ!

Unlocking Truth - You Are Valuable

You Are Valuable!

You Are Valuable!

Many Christians are haunted by their past because of their mistakes.

 

Guilt, shame and condemnation keep them from moving forward in their relationship with God. Many times we just quit because we feel something is just too hard for us; we continually fail, so why not just give up? The key to understanding the Christian life is this; you’re going to make mistakes. The difference between failure and success is tied to what you do after the fall!

Out of all the disciples, Peter must have known intimately what that felt like. After boldly declaring to Jesus that he would never deny Christ, Peter turned his back on Jesus three times! The Bible shows us that “after Peter realized” what he had done, “he walked out of the courtyard, crying bitterly.” (Luke 22:62) Ok, was he now disqualified from being a disciple? Did he throw away the plan that Jesus had for his life? Was there any way for this sin to be forgiven? Guilt, shame and condemnation exploded into Peter’s life. What a horrible feeling he must have had, denying the Lord Jesus Christ because of the fear of man. WOW! How could God ever use a horrible person like that?

Well friend, let’s look at truth. What did Jesus show us after His resurrection concerning the terrible sin of Peter? He sees Peter and has breakfast with him! After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) Now, what do we see? Jesus did not ask how sorry Peter was for what he did. He did not ask what lead to his denial. Jesus was not interested in how bad Peter felt or the level of his remorse. Jesus wanted to know, “Do you love me?” BAM!

Maybe you have made some bad choices. Maybe you are in the middle of one of those choices right now and feel trapped by the guilt. Don’t allow the enemy to have victory in this. Call the sin out! Repent and move forward! Turn from the wrong and focus on falling in love with Jesus; you are still capable of being the person God created you to be. Jesus didn’t ask about Peter’s sin and He isn’t going to consult your past to determine your future. Let God love you and help you become the overcomer that you are. Believe me, God has invested a great price for you and He is not, no NEVER, going to give up on you!

Unlocking Truth - It's Ok To Want Better

It’s Ok To Want Better!

It’s Ok To Want Better!

Let me ask you something;

Would you be happy a year from now if everything in your life stayed the same? I believe your answer would be, NO! Why, because God did not create us to stay the same. Everything in life is supposed to change, everything. From the day you are born change starts, and it does not stop until you leave this place.

Listen friend, there is nothing wrong with appreciating what you have and being thankful for it. The truth is you should always strive for better; you should want a better marriage, a happier home, a healthier life and attitude. In short, you should always have a desire for better to take your life to a higher level. “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

We serve a big God and He wants the best for you. He loves us, period! God is not asking for change so that He can love you, He is asking for change to better your life. He wants to help you change for the best so you can experience the best life has to offer. He wants you to do amazing things with your life and be a blessing to others. Remember, we are blessed to be a blessing! “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). Believe and live the full life—it’s yours to have!