Fact #1 You Should Know About Submission

• Your submission is the willingness to embrace the leadership of those responsible for governing your life. Submission is rewarded when it is followed according to The Word of God. There will be many different seasons of submission in discovering your dream.

Submitting To Authority

I have had kind of a mind freeze lately. Bloggers block. So I will be posting some info. on submitting to authority for the next couple of weeks. This will be like the power keys for mind-management. First, today we will cover Authority. All of this information is from my monthly issue of Wisdom Digest.

Authority is not permission to dominate; authority is permission to protect.
The purpose of authority is not merely to restrict, but rather to advance another, to recognize and reward their obedience. Authority requires qualification.

Those who rule over you are instructed to reward you. "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in thine hand to do it," (Proverbs 3:27)

3 Rewards For Submitting To Legitimate Authority...

1. Qualified authority should offer protection to you. Note that God did not simply instruct you to bring the tithe to Him. He promised to protect everything you create and generate. The covenant rewards everyone involved.
2. Qualified authority should produce provision for you. That is exactly what God promises you. "If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth," (Deuteronomy 28:1)
3. Qualified authority should promote you. The true source of promotion comes from God. "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another," (Psalm 75:6-7)

Amongst these next weeks I will post the 16 facts you should know about submission. So stay tuned.

Four Kinds Of People Who Always Fail

1. The Undecided
2. The Unlearned
3. The Unfocused
4. The Unexcited

The saddest tragedy of life is a heart that has not caught fire. The mind of such a person is like a huge field into which no seed has been sown. Nothing of worth is growing.

This person will not produce greatness, miracles or an uncommon life.

You must recognize this tragedy. Stay focused, enthusiastic and aggressively happy.

quote..."Something within you...must stay stronger than anything around you." Dr. Mike Murdock

J.A. Meetings Starting

Back on Nov. 10th, I posted something about a new addiction I have, which you can read here. In this post I half heartedly mentioned something about starting Jesus Anonymous meetings up town at the community center. Funny thing...I found a small invite in my door yesterday. It reads, Bible Meetings...being held in the Hanlontown Community Center. These hour-long mtgs. consist of hymns, prayer, and several messages using the Bible as text. They are quiet and reverent, upholding the life, teaching and sacrifice of Jesus.

Not quite what I was thinking of but this will do. The only problem is that the meetings are on Wednesdays. They do have one meeting on a Thursday night. I think I will attend. This could be a chance to get to know some folks close to home, being a new Hanlontownian.

The Smell Is In The Air

Today was one of those days when you can sense spring creeping in. That scent is so sweet to the smell buds. All I can think of is being the first person out on the lake fishing. Of course a boat might help. Then again a feller at church said I can borrow his boat anytime I want. I think he's just trying to butter me up with the love of Christ.

My drive way is full of slush and water. And that is O.K. by me if it means spring time. Soon we will be smelling the smell of fresh cut grass. OOOHHH....the thought. I'm getting a little ahead of myself now. We are looking at more snow at the end of this week. Either way I am so thankful to the Lord for the seasons. Each season seems to have a smell of it's own. Unique in its own way. I think if we didn't have spring, summer, fall and winter we would just get tired of the same old weather patterns. And, also, it reminds me that God says in His Word that there will always be seed time and harvest, summer and winter. How could we get excited about summer coming along or winter coming along if it was one or the other all the time. We wouldn't have much to look forward to would we.

Sunday's Pondering

I went ice fishing again with Pastor Will yesterday. This time I drove myself so I wouldn't get stuck gutting deer on the way home. As I followed Him down to the lake I counted around 40 deer in the fields. Now that I think about it, I'm confused why people actually hunt deer with guns. I'm gonna take my cheap monster truck and start hunting with that. It's definitely bigger than a speeding bullet. It's kind of funny watching the outdoor channel. All these guys spend so much money on gear for hunting and even spray deer urine on themselves to be sneaky. The deer will come to you if you just drive down the road.

Back to fishing. I didn't catch a thing except a pair of cold toes and a runny nose. While we were sitting there we could hear the ice cracking from a distance. You would hear POP, POP, really loudly. A few times it even popped loudly right under neath the truck we were using as a wind block. It was an eerie feeling. The ice was around two foot thick still, so there was nothing to be concerned about.

God Answered

Last week I came to the Lord asking Him where all the passionate people are. I have had this fire burning in side of me for some time now. But when I look around me all I see are people within their cocoons. I was beginning to wonder if there were any people in my church really on fire for God. I asked God to show me the passionate ones.

God answered me in a big way today. Not one, not two, not three, not four, but quite a few people were able to give their testimony's on how God is moving in their lives. These people wept before the entire congregation pouring out their hearts. Pastors sermon didn't even get preached because the Holy Spirit was just moving on all these people.

When you find yourself around so many people who seem reluctant to worship God, it's like a cancer that spreads. It makes me stay within my comfort zone during worship. Today we broke that curse and worshiped God with integrity, in spirit and in truth.

Another Saturday

The Jeep is at the doctors office again. So here I sit with no ride. I wanted to go shopping for a few things but I think I will take advantage of this time to catch up on some reading. It isn't even noon yet and I'm eating deer steak while reading my blogs. Ug, I have a piece of deer stuck in my teeth! I wish I had toothpicks. I'd go buy some if I had a ride. I have a staff meeting at church tomorrow after services. This will be my first attendance at one or our staff meetings, I'm kind of excited.

Well, my dog is begging for attention so I better giver her some. She might drag me out of my computer chair if I don't. Happy Saturday!!

God's Love In Me

"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another." ( John 15:7-17)

I do love these verses. They seem to speak right to my heart. God's love command. God calls me friend, I'm a friend of God. That is so cool!! This is another reminder that God chose me. That humbles me to think that it wasn't me that chose God but Him that chose me.

I was reading an article by Cathy Duplantis, 'THE LOVE ZONE' and a snipit of it reads, " Knowledge about the amazing love of God produces a new confidence that you can actually receive whatsoever you need. That confidence liberates you to boldly reach for the impossible." Then further down it read, "Resting on God's great love will produce an amazing confidence that will enable you to fly through life with the greatest of ease. You know that you are ready for anything and equal to anything through Christ Who infuses inner strength into you."

It seems that this is becoming a reality for me. The confidence I now have surpasses anything I have ever felt. Now, if I could only apply this confidence to my dating life then I would probably have a date once in a while rather than just in my dreams. :-)

Fellowshiping With God

I have begun to realize how far off we are from what God has created us to be. Our fellowship with God is nothing like he desires it to be. I seem to do all the talking and God is just trying to get a word in. I haven't practiced being in His presence like I should but this is a definite goal for this new year. I want to soak in the presence of the holy spirit. Tonight the power of His Holy presence came down on me so strong that I wept without control. This didn't even last a minute. I feel if I was were I should be with the Lord in our relationship that these kind of experiences would be stronger and last much longer. God would reveal more of Himself to me and what He wants to do in my life and what He wants me to do. How can I be obedient when I don't take this time to listen. I seem to do all the talking and need to shut up and Give the Lord the floor. If we would all take the time to learn the sound of His voice and do what is commanded of us, God would move in our lives like never before.

In Jesus, I See....

When I keep my eyes on Jesus, I see...

• the Word of my salvation
• the Life that is my light
• the Author and finisher of my faith
• the Minister of Grace and Mercy who helps me
• the Father's Love for me
• my High Priest forever over The Blessing
• the Eden Covenant in my life
• the riches of God in my times of need
• the kingdom of heaven
• the Lord of my life!

I become whatever I focus on most. I focus on JESUS!

As I focus on Jesus, I become a person who does things heaven's way!

As I focus on Him, I become a person who is grateful and faithful to His Word!

As I focus on Him and His Word, I become a person who holds Jesus as the most precious thing in my life!

As I focus on Jesus, I become the Psalm 112 person He has made me to be!

Power Key #14

Sad but true, this is the last of the power keys for mind-management. There were so many, and to let each and everyone soak in I felt it necessary to post them individually. Some I have been applying to my life already, and the rest I'm working on. Just remember this, when you control your thoughts, you control your life.

• Use Your Mouth To Master Your Mind. You become what you think.

Picture yourself in health. Picture yourself in prosperity. Picture yourself in a happy marriage. Picture yourself as an overcomer. Picture yourself as victorious.

"Whatsoever things are true...honost...just...pure...lovely...of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things," (Philippians 4:8). Visualize what you want to materialize.

You are well on your way to accomplishing your uncommon dream when you develop mind-management.

Power Key #13

• Sowing The Seed Of Adaptation Is Proof Of Genius. Flexibility and openness to truth are evidence you are a winner. Sometimes it takes courage to listen. Time and knowledge should enlarge you...change you. Do not be a "know it all." The first step toward success is the willingness to listen.

Power Key #12

• Remind Yourself That Something God Has Hidden Within You Is Keeping Him very Interested In His Investment. You may feel like an acorn. God is looking at the oak tree you are becoming. The greatest success quality on earth is the willingness to become.

Power Key #11

• Unwrap Your Present Moments And Savor The Divine Difference You Discern In Them. Every moment you want to feel in your future is already in your present. It took you a lifetime to get to this moment...why are you racing from it?

Power Key #10

• You Must Cultivate A Teachable Spirit. Willingness to change is not necessarily a compromise of principles.

Setting Goals

I have been thinking a lot on mind management lately, if you haven't noticed. It is amazing what we can do if we just put our minds to it. There is so much good in the world that we can accomplish. There is a bunch of bad stuff we can do as well. I know for a fact that our minds are powerful. For over a year now I've been doing my best to erase the filth that I put in my mind for years. This is a task that would virtually be impossible without the Lord's help.

One of the keys for mind-management was setting goals for yourself. If you desire something so greatly, you set a definite goal for yourself. A goal you know you'll reach. Maybe not exactly when you thought you would reach it, but it will be done. Below you will see a goal I set for myself. Take in mind that it is not a serious, God oriented goal under divine guidance. Instead it is not important that I finish through with this. This way there will be no disappointments. Now, If I can complete this goal which is not under divine guidance, then how much more can we accomplish the serious goals that are. So many of us have goals for financial peace, losing an extra 20 to 40 pounds, getting into the Word of God more, and much more. All these things are available if we put our minds to it. God created us fearfully and wonderfully. The human brain is so awesome. It is so durable yet so fragile at the same time.
I received this one gallon jug of Jalapenos for Christmas just last year. Some people think they're reeeeaaalll funny. Thanks Jed. =)

Power Key #9

• Identify Your Dominant Distinction From Others And Build Your Thought Life Around It. Take a good look at yourself. You are accountable to God for developing your skills. Everyone's talents and gifts differ. Though a man is compensated by other men according to their need for his special gifts, God values every man's abilities and gifts equally. You must do the same. Value the greatness of your gifts. Invest time to improve them. The special talents God has given to you will generate everything you will need to be financially successful, but you must grow the seeds within you.

Power Key #8

• Stay Steadily Productive And In Movement. Time wasters grieve God. Idleness results in frustration, boredom and possibly even depression.

Power Key #7

• Invest In Yourself. Develop your mind, spirit and inner man. If a $20 meal makes your stomach feel good for four hours, think what it could do to your mentality and power-life, to invest $20 in tapes or books, that soak your mind and spirit in the anointing of God.

Hillbilly Heaven

Last night I went ice fishing with my Pastor and one of his friends. The fish weren't real active but we did catch five. It's been a while since I have driven out on the ice. I think I'm starting to get the feel of it again.

On our way in it was still light out and we saw several dozen deer in the fields. We left when it became to dark to see the ends of our poles. A few miles down the road a couple deer ran out in front of us. My Pastor being the deer hunter he is, stared at the deer as they ran into the other side of the ditch. Not paying attention to the fact that where there is one there is ten, BAM! Pastor Will smucked a deer and there we sat. Amazingly there was no damage to his truck. A bit of poop smeared across the passenger side door was all. These two guys were in hillbilly heaven, out there poking and prodding at the poor dead deer.

We sat on the side of the road for quite a while before the deputy sheriff finally came by. The officer wrote out a deer tag for Pastor and the deer got loaded in the truck. I got my first lesson on how to skin, gut, and part out a deer in a matter of minutes. Pastor and his friend gave me most of the deer to take home along with the fish.

I'm now realizing that I'm attending the red neck church. It's not so bad unless your squeamish. Now I have road kill in my freezer. I'm officially a red neck. At least the two deer legs in my freezer don't have hooves still attached. :=)

Power Key #6

• Schedule Time With Uncommon Achievers. Be a learner. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise," (Proverbs 13:20).

Power Key #5

• Discern The Spiritual Mentor That Most Increases Your Confidence In The Word Of God. Invest time in finding the right church and then be loyal. Attend consistently. Volunteer your time as a seed and God will honor you greatly.

Power Key #4

• Meditate in scripture. The mentality of God is absorbed through simply reading The Word of God. It gives you discerning ability for what is false and what is true.

Paper Cuts Hurt =(

I just got my first paper cut on my lip making out bills. I guess Pastor Kris was right about licking the envelope up and not across. I think I will go and treat my sore lip to supper at a nice drive thru restaurant. Perhaps ice cream will make it feel better.

It is drive thru difference Friday here in Iowa. Perhaps I will go and bless some stranger to get my mind off of me and my bloody lip. Here you can find a link to our drive thru difference letter in Iowa. And here you can find one in your area, maybe, I think.

Power Key #3

• Make Your Goals Balanced And Reasonable. Over-emphasis in one area will cause another area to deteriorate. "The Wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,"(Proverbs 14:8).

Mind Management....A Powerful Key To Success

Your Mind Is Your World.

Happiness begins in your mind. Your mind is the drawing room for tomorrow's circumstances.

Mind-management Is the key to success...energy.

Winners are simply ex-losers that got mad. They were tired of failure. The day you get angry at your failures is the day you start winning.

Winning does not start around you-it begins inside your MIND. Winning also attracts opposition.

Adversity Has Advantages.

• It reveals the depth of friendships.
• It will force you to search for more accurate information.
• It will help you decide what you really believe.

Power Key #2

• Set definite goals for yourself. You do not merely set your goals, but set them under Divine guidance.

One Year Anniversary

One quick note before I head to bed. Today, the 4th of February is in fact my one year anniversary of my rebirth and deliverance from drugs, alcohol, etc etc etc. You get the point. I am glad to share that it has been 365 days of joy and unspeakable peace in Christ that I have lived this last year. It can only get better. Right? Please tell me I'm right.

I have grown so much in this last year, I can feel it. Not that I'm bragging on myself, it is only God Who has worked in me and called me to greatness. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for me these coming years. The lessons that I will learn (hopefully not the hard way) while following His plan for my life are puzzles in my head ready to be put together. The revelations ready to be unraveled to me are anticipated greatly. Where is God going to take me? That's exciting to question over myself. I have no idea, that's what makes it so exciting. The doors that are going to be opened to me are unknown. May God grant me the courage to walk through them as they are.

Power Key #1 For Managing Your Mind

The next two weeks I will be sharing some power keys for managing your mind.

• Discern the true definition of success. Success is the progressive achievement of a God-given goal.

More On Giving

Last Friday I commented on the books of Exodus and Leviticus from the Bible. I was thinking of all the different sacrifices they were to give unto the Lord and how glad I am that we don't have to live like that anymore. Furthermore I think this shows exactly how God expects us to give our best. Our best in every matter of giving there is. The sons of Israel weren't asked to give up a lame bull for a sin offering. Nor were they asked to give up a sickly goat for there peace offerings and whatnot. The things of which were offered or sacrificed were with out blemish. Just as God gave His only son with Whom there was no blemish as a sacrifice. Let's give our best for He gave His.

Roasted Duck

I was looking through some cook books for a recipe to cook up some of my deer meat. Something simple not to complicated. I came across this recipe for duck with cherry sauce. Truthfully it sounds disgusting, and it made me chuckle a little, that's why I am sharing it here.

• 1 domestic duckling (4-5 pounds)

• 1 jar (12 ounces) cherry preserves

• 1 to 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• Bing cherries, star fruit and kale

If anyone is courageous enough to try this one, let me know. I think I know where to find the domestic duckling.

Prick skin of duckling and place,breast side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Tie drumsticks together. Bake, uncovered, at 325 for 2 hours or until juices run clear. Cover; let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Meanwhile, for sauce, combine preserves and vinegar in a small saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Serve with domestic duck. Garnish with fruit and kale.

My Desktop

This was what was on my desktop. It changes fairly frequently to suit my moods.This is the image being sported on my desktop as of now.

Young Adult Ministry

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