Fight the "ANT's" With "TNT!"

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

 

Spiritual warfare is a part of life that all people should be aware of, especially if you are a Christian. The Bible tells us that there are powers at work that are constantly trying to bring us down and cause us harm. Now, as scary or bizarre as that may sound to some of you, there is good news--there is also a power at work so much stronger and greater that is fighting for us on our behalf, and that is far greater than any force of darkness positioned against us.

Spiritual warfare is a battle of the mind.

In the Bible we are told that it is the enemy's goal is to cause as much harm to humanity because he is jealous that God would so lovingly call humans His children and be willing to die for them. The attempted harm starts by an attack on our thoughts through getting us to believe things about ourselves or our lives which are simply not true. You see, spiritual warfare begins in the mind. The enemy knows that if he can get our thoughts off track by distorting our self-image through feeding us lies, that we will be more prone into giving into self-destructive tendencies and habits. Some of the most common lies the enemy attempts to feed us are things like, "You're not good enough (pretty enough, smart enough, successful enough, etc.)" or "You'll never make it anywhere," or "Nobody likes you, nobody cares, you're just worthless and ugly!" Talk about negative, huh! But surprisingly, we sometimes take those lies our brains feed us and interpret them as true--even when they are not. And our beliefs about ourselves and those around us can have tremendous implications on the way we live, because the way we perceive ourselves is affects all of our actions and decisions.

 

We will be more prone into giving into self-destructive tendencies and habits if our self-image is distorted and our thinking is off-balance.

You don't have to take my word to know what I’m professing is true. Just take a look at the statistics of how many people die each year because of drug overdose, alcohol poisoning, STD's, or suicide. It is clear that there is a force at work attempting to bring harm upon humans; call it our own tendency to have a self-destructive human nature, call it spiritual warfare—but the truth is it exists. And the internal battle we face begins with what beliefs we allow into our minds.

The battle we face begins with what beliefs we allow into our minds.

If you still aren’t convinced about the battle which occurs in our minds, you can take a look to science as your proof. Dr. Daniel Amen, clinical neuropsychologist, founder of the Amen Clinic, and author of the Best-selling book, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, explains that that "ANT's" or "Automatic Negative Thoughts" are negative thoughts that our brains have a natural tendency to automatically and systematically generate. The good news, Amen says, is that we can talk back to those negative thoughts and get rid of them by replacing them with positive thoughts instead.

Believing “ANTs” (Automatic Negative Thoughts) makes us prone into giving into self-destructive tendencies and habits.

 

Think of spiritual warfare as tuning into a radio station. There is a positive frequency of truth and goodness, which inspires us to be the best version of ourselves and live life to its fullest. And, there is a negative frequency that feeds us lies and evokes feelings of suffering, sorrow, loss, and inadequacy. This negative station can cause us to choose a path of self-destruction. If we truly believe we are ugly and unlovable, we will go through life searching for love and human approval in places that may lead us down very harmful paths. If we believe that we are unsuccessful, stupid, or a loser, we will live and act in a way that is in accordance with those beliefs. But, if we believe that we have the ability to succeed, triumph over circumstances, that we are loveable, and beautiful in our own way, then we will live a life that is in accordance with success, striving to be the best we can be, and living to our full potential. Are you beginning to see how important our self-beliefs are?

Monitoring what we believe to be true is important, because will live and act in a way that is in accordance with those beliefs. The Bible tells us that, “As a man thinks in his heart, so he becomes” (Proverbs 23:7). Think about what that means for a moment. This Proverb is telling us that what we believe about ourselves, what we hold to be true about ourselves, actually determines what kind of person we become.

This is why the enemy attempts to attack our thoughts more than anything else. If we can buy into the lies that are an attempt to destroy and bring us down, then we are in a vulnerable position. We place ourselves in the position where we will buy into the idea that we need to find fulfillment in temporary, yet highly destructive pleasures like drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, etc.

This is why God’s word wisely instructs to: “Guard your heart, because everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV). This verse is saying that we must guard what we perceive to be true, because what we perceive to be true affects every single decision we make.

We must guard what we perceive to be true, because what we perceive to be true affects every single decision we make.

The Bible tells us that in order to win the battle, we have to be on guard not to feed into the lies (or “ANT’s”) (1 Peter 5:8), and that we must learn to combat and replace these lies with God's positive truths of who He has created us to be. In fact, the best way to combat the “ANTs” is by fighting them with what I like to call “TNT” or “Transformative New Thoughts!” We are instructed throughout scripture to “Be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Romans 12:2), and that transformation occurs when we renew our minds with the TRUTH of who God has created us to be! Below I’ve included only a few of some “TNT’s” that you can read through, meditate on, and speak ALOUD so that you may affirm to yourself and re-program your mind on what is TRUE! God's word tells us that we his beloved children, that we are beautiful in his sight, that we are his masterpiece in the making! Those are the wonderful terms that our Creator saw fit to label you with! Those are the kinds of thoughts and truths that will help you combat and defeat any negative lies you may face.

Take the time to fill your mind with these positive truths by reminding yourself of who our Creator says you are, re-program your mind onto the truth of how our Savior sees you:

You are a child of God (see 1 Peter 1:23).

You are forgiven of all of your sins and washed clean (Eph. 1:17, 1 John 1:9, Heb. 9:14, Col. 1:14).

You are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You have been blessed (Gal. 3:9, Deut. 28:2).

You have been set free (John 8:31-33).

You are strong in the Lord (Eph. 6:10).

You are accepted by Christ (Eph. 1:6).

You are blameless in His sight (Eph. 1:4)

You are more than a conqueror In Christ, and overwhelming victory is yours. (Rom. 8:37)

You are loved and forgiven by him (John 3:16, 1 Peter 5:7)

You are His masterpiece and workmanship (Eph. 2:10)

If you’ve found any of what you read helpful or encouraging, or want to read more “TNT’s” you can read more in my book TNT: TeeNage Transformation –ExplosiveIdeas That Will Blow Your Mind And Change Your Life Forever!

Whichever Dog You Feed is The One That Wins

"We naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures." -Philippians 4:13

I once heard Pastor tell a Native American story as an analogy for temptation and battling with sin. The story says that and elder man

was telling a younger man that within each of us, there are two dogs fighting. Each dog represents our two different natures--our carnal, nature of the fleshly, selfish desires, and our good, spiritual, and selfless nature. The young man asks the elder, "Which dog wins the fight?" And the elder grins and replies, "Whichever dog you feed."

I love that story because it so greatly depicts the truth as to how to overcome sin and temptation--by choosing not to feed into it! That means if your temptation is sexual sin, don't feed the "dog" of lust by watching media that will only encourage your lust, or by putting yourself in situations where you're bound to give in. If your temptation is spending your entire paycheck on clothes, don't spend all your time at the mall, on clothing websites, or looking at fashion magazines--don't feed the dog that will only encourage your behavior. If you struggle with gambling--stay away from casinos. If you struggle with drugs and alcohol, don't spend your time at bars or with people who will encourage that behavior--don't "feed the dog" of alcoholism or drug abuse--kill it! Instead, feed the "good" dog that will help you gain victory over the habits that can be harmful to your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being!

The Bible tells us, that like the story of the dogs, that there are two natures constantly at war in our mind (Philippians 4:13). The spiritual nature which wants to do good, and our carnal nature (our flesh) which is only concerned with the self, with feeling good in-the-moment, and living for the sole purpose of personal pleasure. And you don't have to look to the Bible to know that this is true. It is a timeless wisdom that's been humorously depicted in the past even in cartoons! (Think of the character with the angel on one shoulder and the demon on the other!) We all have an innate sense of what we feel is right and what is most beneficial to us and those around us, as well as what is harmful and least beneficial to us and those around us--it's a part of our nature, it's just how we've been made!

So, now that we are aware that there is in fact a battle occurring, the question now becomes, how do we win?

Luckily, we aren't on our own when it comes to defeating sin and temptation. The Bible tells us that God can relate to our trials, because when Christ walked the earth he experienced the very same temptations we do, so he is more than able to help us when we are going through our own temptations (Hebrews 2:18). We are told that we "can do everything God asks us to with the help of Christ who gives us the strength and power" (Philippians 4:13). And that it is not so much about OUR will and OUR strength to do good, but that it is the power and ability of God working through us that gives us the strength to defeat temptations and live a life in line with all the goodness He desires for us (See 2 Corinthians 3:5).

In Zechariah 4:6 God tells us "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD. 'You shall succeed by My Spirit.'"

In Romans 7:15, the apostle Paul (a guy who is historically documented as a man who went around killing Christians, but then became one and ended up writing most of the New Testament of the Bible) --he expresses his frustration for the war that is waged against his soul. He says, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate, I do!" (Talk about frustrating, huh!) He goes onto say that "Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law (His word); but I see another law (force) at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

How encouraging is that! My hope is that after reading this post, whatever you are struggling with, or whatever "dogs" are battling each other in your mind, that you may have faith in knowing that God is for you, that He loves you, and forgives anyone who asks for it, and most of all that He is able to strengthen and encourage you when you suffer and are tempted (1 Corinthians. 10:13).

Love you all, Have a great week everyone! :-)

God is Good

The Bible tells us that when we accept Christ into our lives, we receive His Holy Spirit within us as proof that we are now His. His Spirit is a gift that enables us and gives us the strength to make wise and good decisions; decisions that in-line with God's will. I have seen the Holy Spirit work in my life in miraculous ways--both small and large--and I know for a fact that it is the Spirit of God that has changed my desires and inspired me to love others with extravagance. God tells us that it is through His Spirit that "[He] will take out our stony hearts of sin, and give us new hearts of love" (Ezekiel 36:26).

Before becoming a Christian, all my desires were based on being a people-pleaser, and being popular in the eyes of my peers. I sought drugs and other forms of temporary and meaningless fulfillment (and I say meaningless, because they ultimately did not fulfill or benefit my life in any way, on the contrary in fact!) as a hope of feeling satisfied. After becoming a Christian, those desires in me changed completely. I went from wanting to please people, to please God. I went from seeking fulfillment in meaningless voids, to finding a fulfillment like no other in Christ. I went from pursuing only selfishness, to wanting to love and serve others--to feed the hungry and help the poor, and rescue the imprisoned! My mind was transformed completely--just as it says in Romans 12:2 : "Be transformed by the renewing of your minds."

My mind was both renewed and transformed in a miraculous way, that both I and those closest to me could clearly see the radical change.

Despite all this positive change however, I by no means am perfect or even close to being so. The only Perfect One is enthroned in Heaven! In fact, sometimes I feel completely discouraged by how far off of God's will I can get sometimes--I mess up just like everyone else. But the thing that encourages me most is that there is someone to plead on my behalf--and His name is Jesus. I know that when I mess up, He is there to intercede on my behalf, and that I no longer have to live in guilt or frustration because of His sacrifice for me on the cross. His word tells us, "there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). He's taken care of my sin, it's finished. There is no longer any reason for me to live in guilt because He washes clean all who simply ask of and trust in Him!

Bottom Line: I've lived my life on both sides--with God, and without--and I can say from personal experience that the part of my life that I've lived with Him is far more fulfilling than without! His love and peace have transformed me and my life in ways I could have never imagined, and for that, I am so grateful and excited to see what He will do next! Sometimes I laugh at myself because of how much I like to talk about what He's done--but how can I not talk about it? He's saved my life and changed me in more ways than one and I want everyone to experience this kind of self-sacrificing love, joy, peace, and freedom that comes in knowing the One who sets us free: Jesus Christ! And if you want that kind of love, joy, forgiveness, healing, and purposed-filled life mission, then I encourage you to invited Christ into your life. Even if you have hesitation or doubt, you can simply ask God, "Please, if you are real, reveal yourself to me, and let your power work in my life," and I promise that He will! And you will be blown away! ;-)

God bless you everyone, I hope you are inspired and encouraged to know there is a God that loves you and wants the very best for your life! The Bible tells us, "If God is for us, then who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). He is more for you than you are for yourself!
 I wish you all a wonderful week! ;-)

Who Are You?

In addition to the tips I gave in the last two posts I've made on finding your purpose and discovering what you have been shaped for, there are a few more tools that have been very helpful in discovering more about who you are and what you are made for! Whether you are a highschool student getting ready to enter college, a college student still debating on majors, or even in the middle of your life looking to regain purpose and passion in your life and work, these personality tests can really help reveal more of who you are and what you are meant to do!

The KTS-II Test is one of my favorites, it's alot of fun to take because it tells you whether you have a temperment of a "Guardian," "Artist," "Idealist," or a "Rationalist." It will analyze your temperment and personality and give you a list of other famous people with that same temperment.
Click here to take the KTS-II test!

Another great test you can take is one that will evaluate your strengths. By evaluating your strengths you can discover what kind of career would allow you to express what you do best, every day, while you get paid. Click here to take the strength assessment test.

Another really great test determines whether you are more introverted vs. extroverted, intuitive vs. sensing, feeler over a thinker, or a "judger" rather than "perciever." The test also gives you possible career options and in depth explaination about your results. Click here to take the test!

I hope you found this post meaningful, helpful, and maybe even a little fun! After all, what's more exciting than discovering more about ourselves? ;-)

Feel free to comment below sharing your results! I'm an idealist with an ENFJ personality and strengths in language, intrapersonal skills, and extrapersonal skills. What about you? :-)

Finding Your Shape and Fulfilling Your God-Given Dreams

 “Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it’ll spend its whole life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein

In the animal kingdom, it is clear that each animal has a different purpose. Horses are for transportation, dogs and cats are house pets meant to bring us joy, monkeys are meant to climbs trees, and fishes are meant to swim. Now imagine what would happen if you made any of these animals act out of accordance with what they were made for. It just wouldn’t work or make sense to use penguins to pull sleighs or elephants to climb trees—yet so often is seems that is what our society has conditioned people to do—to act out of accordance with what they were purposed and shaped for. 

We have standardized tests and mandatory classes that don’t fit everyone’s shape and can often make us feel like we’re trying to fit a square peg in a round hole! It just doesn’t feel right.

When I first exited high school, I took a year off to work on my book that I felt very strongly and passionately about. To many people, that may seem unorthodox, unusual, or maybe even irresponsible, but I knew it was what I was meant to do—it gave me purpose, meaning, and brought my life joy. I know writing is what I’ve been shaped for because it’s what I enjoy doing; it gives me satisfaction and makes me excited about my future. When I read and learn new concepts and ideas and I’m able to share those ideas through writing, I feel “in the zone.” It makes me happy and gives me purpose.

What’s amazing is that we all have a God-given shape and design that allows us to accomplish and fulfill the purpose for which we have been created for. We all have a purpose, and we are all shaped to fulfill a mission in life which will bring us most joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment!

Oprah Winfrey once said, “You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love –who you really are. And have the courage to do that. I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dreams.”

So the question then becomes, “What is my shape, purpose, or life mission? What have I been put on this planet to do?” A good way in discovering what your purpose or mission here on earth is to evaluate what it is that you value most. You can do that by asking yourself: “What in my life is most important to me?”

What is it that brings you the most joy and fulfillment? When are the times that you feel most purposeful and fulfilled? What are the times you feel most intelligent and “in-the-game?”

Finding your shape and your God-given purpose can lead you to the life of your dreams. Most people who are unhappy or frustrated with their lives feel that way because they feel stuck in circumstances in which they are not accomplishing their purpose or fulfilling their dreams. You don’t have to live that way! You can live to your full potential and experience life as it was meant to be lived—in its most purposeful, fulfilling, and satisfying way!

Below I’ve included a few more very important questions that can help you even further discover what it is that is most important to you, so that you can begin shaping your life, taking action steps, and acting in a way that will draw you closer to fulfilling your life’s purpose and make life most fulfilling!

·         What takes up your space? What do most of your possessions consist of? Your possessions reveal what is most important to you.

·         How do you spend your time? You always have time for the things which are most important to you.

·         How do you spend your energy? We always have or make energy for things that are most valuable to us.

·         What do you spend most of your money on?

·         Where are you most disciplined and focused?

·         Where are you most organized and ordered?

·         What do you think about most? What do you dream about? What are your innermost dominant thoughts?

·         What is your personal and internal vision? What kind of situations do you visualize, what is your ideal goal or dream in life?

·         What do you talk about most? Pay attention to what you talk about, because it will reveal what is most important to you!

·         What do you emotionally react to? What you feel most passionate about will reveal to you what you value most.
What are your goals?

·         What are you inspired by?

 

Now that you may hopefully have a better understanding of what you value, and what is most important to you, you can begin to take action steps toward accomplishing your goals, fulfilling your shape, and reaching your God-given dreams!

In the words of Henry David Thoreau, I encourage you to, “Go boldly in the direction of your dreams,” and to “live the life you have imagined.”

“At least three times every day take a moment and ask yourself what is really important. Have the wisdom and the courage to build your life around your answer.” -Lee Jampolsky

Finding Your God-Given Purpose

You were created with a purpose. You have been uniquely and specifically shaped to fulfill a task that only your unique design can accomplish.

Why then does it seem that so many people drift through life not feeling as if it has any meaning? Or they struggle on a day to day basis living pedal to the metal just trying to make it through to the next day?

The answer could possibly be that we have become so preoccupied with what society tells us we should do, that we never have time to fully develop, discover, or unleash our full God-given talents and abilities. I know especially for young adults just exiting high school there is a pressure to immediately delve into being a full-time student or employee—thus never having the time to truly discover what our purpose here in this world is.  It’s as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

You were created with a purpose. You have been uniquely and   specifically shaped to fulfill a task that only your unique design can   accomplish.

Another problem preventing us from discovering our full-potential could be that we are looking to the wrong source to discover what our purpose is. We tend to look to ourselves, asking questions like, “What do I want to do?" and, "What do I want to be?” There’s nothing wrong with that, but those kinds of questions may not be most beneficial when seeking to find our true purpose and hidden potential. Rather than looking to ourselves, it is best to look to the One who created us to discover the unique and amazing plan He has purposed us for. I like the way Rick Warren phrased it in his #1 New York Times Best Seller, “The Purpose Driven Life,” when he said, “You didn’t create yourself, so there is no way you can tell yourself what you were created for!” In other words, looking within ourselves to discover our purpose is like a pot telling the potter what it was created for. How can the creation tell the Creator what its purpose was intended for?

In the same way, we cannot discover our true potential and purpose by ourselves. The way we discover our purpose here on earth is to simply ask the One who created us! The Bible tells us that, “If you want to know what God wants you to do, [simply] ask him, and he will gladly tell you …” (James 1:5 LB).

To discover our God-given purpose all we have to do is ask! Once you do that, I guarantee you will begin to see your life led in ways like never before. Doors will open, things will be revealed, life will have meaning and purpose, and things in general will make a whole lot more sense! Discovering our purpose (asking God to reveal our purpose to us) is important because it gives our lives meaning unlike anything else in the world. I know for myself, as much as I enjoy hobbies such as playing the piano or exercising, nothing gives me more joy and fulfillment than writing does! I know it’s what my purpose is, and it gives me a feeling unlike any other. For others, they may be purposed to make music, dance, create beautiful pieces of artwork for others to enjoy, or compete in athletics—whatever it may be, we are all uniquely and specifically purposed and designed for something! (Something that will bring both you and those around you absolute joy!) Discovering and reaching towards accomplishing our purpose and unlocking any hidden talents and abilities brings a joy and satisfaction to life like nothing else! So start living on-purpose today! J

“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you.” -James 1:5 (LB)

He Has You Were You Are For a Reason

"And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you." -1 Corinthians 7:17 (MSG)

James 1:2-4 tells us that when we experience difficulties, tempations, and rough times, to react in a way that is contrary to what we naturally would like to do. He writes:“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete” James 1:2-4

Sometimes we want to rush things in our lives or we become anxious or impatient and feel as if things aren't moving fast enough, or that we aren't where we should be. Let me tell you something, God has you EXACTLY where He wants you to be. If you are feeling discouraged because your life is not how you would like it, take heart knowing that God has you where you are for a reason. Maybe you're in a job you don't like or you feel overqualified for, maybe you can't stand your coworkers or bosses. Maybe you feel like you're in a relationship rut, or stuck in a circumstance that has just seemed to be dragging out for too long. Instead of complaining about how these circumstances could be better, I urge you to start asking what it is that God wants you to learn from this circumstance. You can tell him, "God, I don't know why you have me here, and even though it is uncomfortable, help me to learn what it is that you want me to learn from this situation. Open my eyes to see the work you want me to do here." Ask Him to help you see what you need to learn, and if there is someone He wants you to minister to. Maybe He has you at your job so that you can be an encouragement to someone in desperate need of it. Whatever situation you are in, there is a reason and a purpose. Start asking God for the reason of why He has you where He has you and what you can learn from it, and I guarantee you will begin to see doors open, results happen, and changes for the better begin to occur in your life.

"He has made everything in it's perfect timing." Ecclesiastes 3:11