TURNING POINT TUESDAY:15 HINDRANCES TO A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. Turn Obstacles Into Victories!

As promised I am continuing the topic of developing the relationship with God we long for and need.  Dealing with the inconsistency of Loving God and being thankful for his Blessings, but not being motivated about having a True Relationship with Him.  This is a continuation of last week's message, so please take time to read the previous blog post.  Again I want to thank one of the supporters of this blog for being honest enough to request that I address this subject.  Below I have put together a list of 15 Hindrances to a True Relationship With God along with questions to assess where we stand.  Please review the list and evaluate if you are being challenged in any of these areas.  I would like to spend some time on these hindrances (avoid breezing over).  For this reason, over the next couple of months I will take time to deal with each one.  Yes, there are  more obstacles but I am sharing the ones the Holy Spirit gave me.  In order to Solve a Problem and achieve RESULTS we must first Identify What the problem is.  Uncovering these obstacles will allow us to know immediately what we are up against and rely on wisdom from God to devise plans to defeat the plots of the enemy.  I do not profess to be a Bible Scholar, I am only a child of the True and Living God on fire to fulfill the Great Commission through writing.  The Great Commission is a command to all those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. (Matthew 28:18-20).  My hopes for the readers of this blog is encouragement that God will use WHOEVER He wants (believer without a title), HOWEVER  He wants (unique gifts) to spread the Word of God (the Master has Great Plans for You).  Before I write I pray for the precious Holy Spirit to take over my mind, heart, and fingers to communicate a word that will encourage readers to Accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and live according to His Holy Word.  For this reason, I pray that these messages will IGNITE each of you to be a Sell Out for Jesus Christ and live the rest of your days  believing, trusting, depending, obeying, and following God (Walk With Him).  Please Note when I refer to God I am also referring to Jesus Christ.  Life Application Study Bible John 10:30 I and My Father are one.

Here we Go.  Can You Identify with Any of these Hindrances?


"The Obstacles of Your Yesterday Hold the Keys to Unlocking the Dynamic Destiny of Your Today." 

15 Hindrances to a

True Relationship with God

1. UNBELIEF - Do you DOUBT God's Ability and Power in Your Life and overall circumstances?
2. ACCOUNTABILITY- Are you Planted amongst a Local Group of Believers (church membership) or are you only accountable to Yourself?
3. GOD'S PROMISES - Do You Really Know What God has Promised you according to his Holy Word?  If the answer is yes, What is one Promise and Where Can it be found in the Bible?
4. UNWILLING TO GIVE UP UNHEALTHY HABITS - Are you continuously doing something that is unhealthy for your spirit and is it taking the place of your time with GOD?
5. PERCEPTION OF GOD - Who do you Really think God Is?  ( a spirit, Jesus Christ, not sure, a figure of your imagination) Must KNOW Who GOD IS...
6. TOO BUSY - Are you Carving out Time in Your Busy Schedule for God or giving Him what is left over?
7. "WHY SYNDROME" - Are you still asking Why something Happened in Your Life and wanting to GET ANSWERS from God? (brought about by tragedy, grief, abuse, hurtful situations, etc.)
8. UNKNOWN IDENTITY- Do you know who you are according to God's definition of You (not the world's definition)?
9. RELIANCE- Are you relying on others for Spiritual Direction and Truth? (Only learn about God through Pastor, Family Members, Friends: All learning is Outsourced instead of Insourced)
10. SIN- What Habitual SINS are taking the place of your relationship and time with God?
11. THE PAST- Are you Still allowing your Past to Control your Future? (Broken Record of your past sins playing in your head)
12. PLAIN OLD LAZINESS- Do you put any EFFORT towards walking with God or do you expect GOD to do all the work?
13. PRIORITIES- What are your Priorities in Life and is God at the Top or Bottom of the List?
14. RELATIONSHIPS - Are you trying to work on a Relationship with God without resolving the Broken Relationships you have with all of Gods sons and daughters (relatives, friends, co-workers, church members)?
15. PRIDE - Are you Depending on God or Yourself? (Hint: If you have not talked with God lately you are probably depending on yourself to get things done)

* Don't forget I will address each Hindrance over the next couple of months....
Thanks and All Glory to GOD that you are reading this post. Please, Please make the enemy mad and pass this message to other people that are struggling in these areas (start reaching the world with God's message versus passing on messages that Glorify Satan).  Just know you are not alone in these hindrances.  God is dealing with me in these areas as well and I thank Him in Advance for the Deliverance!  If you are not having ANY OBSTACLES in your relationship with God and you think this information is not relevant to you, make sure you are NOT ALREADY in RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH SATAN!  Satan Does not want the ones He already has.  Continue to pray to GOD for strength in the areas that are keeping you away from him.  Press Into his Word because it is LIFE!  If you know you are struggling start asking God to give you a Plan that involves his Word and not Yours.  I know even right now the enemy is afraid because he knows WE (me too) are going in the right direction to Mature in Christ.  Thank you God for helping us Walk with You!

Psalm 73: 25-28 NIV

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?



And earth has nothing I desire besides you.


26 My flesh and my heart may fail,


but God is the strength of my heart


and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;


you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.


28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.


I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;


I will tell of all your deeds




Love You and God Bless,

Dynamic Destiny
Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!

TURNING POINT TUESDAY: ARE YOU TRYING TO HIDE FROM GOD? RELATIONSHIP LEADS TO DESTINY!

God's creations blow my mind! This insect is called a Phobaeticus Chani and researchers have given it the title of the world's longest insect. It measures nearly two feet long and can be found on the remote rainforests of Borneo. I just love to research and learn about amazing animals and insects created by our Master! It proves without a doubt that life of all kinds could not just happen. How can NOTHING make SOMETHING? It is not possible. You can't have a CREATION without a CREATOR. When I look at this insect I think about how easily I would walk by it thinking it was nothing more than a stick or twig. As much as this insect can get away with hiding from me, it can't get away with hiding from its creator. I think you are getting my point. As much as we try to hide behind appearances, money, status, titles, and careers we cannot hide from the True and Living God. Why? Because he created us and he knows our footsteps before we make them!


Here recently I received a request to address, "How to become hungry for God when there is no hunger for Him?" Going to church and trying to do the right thing, but still not having a passion to learn and spend more time with God. Many readers of this blog can identify with this feeling at some point in life. If you will not admit it, then I will. I remember a season in my life when I was a born again believer, but I did not have an interest in KNOWING Jesus Christ (been saved for over 20 years). I wanted Jesus to be my Personal Savior but did not have a desire to have a Personal Relationship with Him. Even though I knew the price Jesus Christ paid for me on the cross I still was not compelled to read my Bible. Even though I witnessed firsthand God's protection from the enemy I still did not feel a need to have a prayer life. Even though God favored me with financial rewards I still was not overly excited about giving over and above my tithe (offering). If you haven't learned by now I have been called to "Keep It Real" so others can see that "Jesus Christ is the Real Deal." It is time out for believers to keep walking around acting like every single day of their lives they have been on their faces before God. Jesus Christ came and paid the price for everyone to be in Right Relationship with God. Being in Right Relationship with God does not mean being in a state of constant Perfection (we are not flawless but we should strive to be more like Jesus Christ).  If perfection was the key to having a relationship with God, then none of us would have a relationship with God (Jesus is Perfection: without Sin spotless).  Life Application Study Bible Matthew 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.  Again, this is referring to Christ like Character and how we should strive to be the Perfection of Christ in all that we say and do.  Yes, we should give it our all to live a life without sin and depend on Jesus to give us strength.  It probably will not happen over night so do not give up.  If you are a new Christian you will continue to Mature and Grow in Christ just like as a child grows, but do not let anyone make you feel like you are NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO BE SAVED. 

Let's examine how our human nature to hide from God all started in the book of Genesis. Life Application Study Bible Genesis 3: 8-10 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself." This story in the Bible is one that we are very familiar with. Adam and Eve sinned by eating of the forbidden fruit and they were ashamed so they hid from God. God told Adam and Eve which trees they could eat from, but the serpent (Satan) tempted Eve and she fell for it. Not only did she fall for it, but she convinced Adam to fall into the trap of Satan. God is ALL Knowing and even though he was fully aware of the sin of Adam and Eve he still wanted to Talk With and Have a Relationship with them. Compare it to the love we have for our children. As a parent our children are going to do some things we do not approve of. We might get upset, frustrated, or even angry with our children for not doing the right thing. However, that does not mean we do not want to Talk With and Have a Relationship with them. We realize that even though our children might not live up to our standards they are still our responsibility and God gave us the ability to physically give life to them. For this reason, Love cancels out any and all emotions that try to keep us from having a Relationship with our children. So the point is Stop Hiding from God because no matter what you did in your past or what you will do in the future God will ALWAYS want to have a Relationship with his Sons and Daughters. The enemy will make you think that if you do not have any money there is no need to attend church, because you do not have anything to offer. Satan will make you think that because you sinned on Saturday God does not want to be with you on Sunday. Satan will make you think you are too dirty to be around God when the truth is the Blood of Jesus is an Everlasting Bar of Soap capable of Cleaning you for a Lifetime! The enemy wants you to get sleepy when it is time to study your Bible and become wide alert when your favorite television show comes on.  Do not hide from God because this is the plot of the enemy trying to keep you from your Super Natural Breakthrough. 
The Great News is JESUS CHRIST has POWER over satan (small compared to the Master)! Life Application Study Bible Mark 1:23-25 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, "Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are -Holy One of God!" But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" You see the point is Jesus Christ WINS EVERY TIME OVER SATAN. For this reason, Press into the Word of God like your life depends on it, because IT DOES! When you are not hungry for a Relationship with God do it anyway because this is how you Fight the demons that are trying to tempt you to sin and take you Off the path to your Destiny! Demons are real and ready to keep you in a place of unhappiness, loneliness, defeat, fear, self pity, hatred, ignorance, sickness, wickedness, unforgiveness, bondage and the list keeps going. As the Apostle Paul instructed the Corinthians we have to fight for our mind to stay aligned with Jesus Christ (Spiritual Warfare). Life Application Study Bible 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. My prayer for each and every reader is that you will Fight those demons that plot everyday to take your mind off the importance of having a Relationship with God. I am a living testimony that when you Pray and ask God for help to get to know Him, he will answer your prayer. God already knows our thoughts, he just wants us to be completely honest with him and STOP HIDING! Just like any great relationship once you start spending time with someone you care for, you want to be around him/her all of the time. By that same token when you do not spend time with someone it becomes easier to go without them. We cannot afford to go on without a relationship with Jesus Christ! Every time I spend time with Jesus Christ I grow to love him more. When I read a scripture that fills a void in my heart I fall in love with Jesus all over again. There are plenty of people who have left this world who would give anything to be in your position right now. They didn't have a second chance to have an Intimate Relationship with Jesus Christ, but you do. So if there is anything or anyone keeping you from a relationship with Jesus Christ it is time to take action. Life Application Study Bible Matthew 18:9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. The bottom line is to remove any roadblock that is hindering your relationship with Christ. Anything that tempts you to sin is blocking the road to your DESTINY in JESUS CHRIST. Don't forget God loves you and wants you in his Life.                         
Call to Action: Stop Trying to Hide from GOD he already Knows your Location.






I pray this message has blessed you. Please pass it on and bless someone else. In the next blog I will continue with this topic and address some of the obstacles that stand in the way of a closer relationship with God.






Love You and Gods Loves you MORE,






Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!

TURNING POINT TUESDAY: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS: HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL GLORY BE TO GOD!

Psalm 100:4 Amplified: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise!  Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise his name! 
On November 25th many people will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.  This is a very joyous time spent with family and friends.  The grocery stores are packed with people lined up to buy ingredients for those delicious family favorite dishes.  Kids are having parties at school and the little ones get to make turkeys and dress up like Pilgrims and Indians (Thank God for the Harvest).  Excitement is truly in the air and people are traveling great distances to gather with loved ones.  With all this excitement I can't help but ask myself, "Why aren't people this excited about the Goodness of God Almighty ALL of the Time?"  Yes it is a holiday and we should be filled with joy.  However, we should walk around with a song of praise on our lips and a dance of thanksgiving in our feet for the Lord everyday we are blessed to witness a brand NEW DAY.  Over 150,000 people die each day, with at least 24,000 of them dying of hunger.  The other day I watched on television as a man dug eight tiny graves in his village.  The children had not died yet, but he was preparing for the inevitable.  As I stared with tears in my eyes ready to turn the television I was forced to watch as a child covered his frail body with a thin blanket.  As his innocent body laid on the hard ground he knew the time was close for his soul to leave this universe.  As tears rolled down my eyes I could hear the Holy Spirit telling me to be Thankful all the Days of my Life and Show it through my ACTIONS!

Today, before I dressed my son for school I asked him if he was ready for Thanksgiving.  He shouted, "Yes mom and I think we are going to have a party today!"  He then told me we should SHOW GOD how THANKFUL WE ARE! I asked him, "How can we SHOW God we are Thankful?"  He then raised both of his hands over his head (notice my 4 year old didn't SAY anything he SHOWED me with his ACTIONS).  At that moment I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit confirming what he told me after watching the starving child on television.  I thanked my son for sharing such an AWESOME word with mommy!  After dropping my son off at school I went to the grocery store.  Just as I was about to leave I saw a man that looked to be in his 80's greeting everyone.  As people walked by he would tell them, "Have a blessed day."  However, when I walked by he told me, "We should celebrate Thanksgiving all year long and ACT LIKE we are thankful for the favor of God, Amen."  I looked at him smiled and replied, "Amen I agree with you one hundred percent sir, have a Blessed Day."  The point I am trying to make is if you are reading this blog GOD is Not Done With you Yet in the area of your ACTIONS for and TOWARDS HIM.  Today is the day to Show God we are Thankful through the use of our Gifts, Talents, and the unique Ideas he has given us (Dynamic Destiny).  In addition, we must show him we are Thankful through our Attitudes and Actions.  Do you have an Attitude of Gratitude or do you Constantly complain about the cards you have been dealt?  I see so many people walking around like someone (even GOD)  owes them something.  To take it a step further these same individuals constantly complain about what's wrong in their life instead of thanking God for what is RIGHT in their life.  No matter how disturbing your current situation may appear, there are many individuals facing more trials than you.  Yes you might have lost your job, but someone in this world has lost his job, entire family, and sanity.  My son had a homework assignment last week to write down everything he was Thankful For on one piece of paper.  Of course we could not write everything down, because we would be writing for rest of our lives.  I think we should regularly carve out time in our schedules to physically write down how God has blessed us. To take it a step further beside of the blessing write down what we are doing to Give Thanks to God.  If we did this we would find that the list of God's Blessings would far outweigh what we are doing to show Thanksgiving in the way we LIVE.  Can we pay our Debts to God?  Absolutely not!  Jesus Paid Our Debts on the Cross Glory be to God.  However, that doesn't change the fact we can do our BEST to show God just how much we Adore and Appreciate Him.  It makes no sense to Thank God for his Financial Blessings and NOT Demonstrate Good Stewardship over our Money.  What about this one?  Thank God for Keeping us Healthy and turn around and use drugs.  We have to start showing God we are Grateful.  We do not Deserve anything and Everything God gives us is a Sweet Gift from above.  I love this quote by John F. Kennedy: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.  My question for you is, "Are you living by your words?"  If you are not living by your words it is not too late to strive to be more like Jesus Christ.  I am so Thankful for the Blood of Jesus and the sacrifice he made on the Cross for our Sins.  For this reason, I will SHOW my Appreciation by TELLING OTHERS ABOUT HIS SAVING GRACE, TRYING TO UPHOLD GODLY CHARACTER (fruit of the Spirit), PRAYING EVERY DAY ALL DAY, STUDYING THE WORD, USING THE GIFTS HE HAS BLESSED ME WITH, WORSHIPPING HIM, PRAISING HIM, OPERATING WITH INTEGRITY (list goes on)!  The bottom line is None of Us are Perfect, but that shouldn't give us an EXCUSE to operate outside of God's will for our lives.  God has given us POWER as Christians to Fight the Darkness of the world with the Full Armor of God.  We must wear and utilize our Armor instead of letting it sit in the closet and collect dust.  Do you know who you are and the image you are created in?  If the answer is yes, let's take a stand together and let our Actions speak Louder than Words by GIVING (Action Word) THANKS daily to the Almighty God.

Scriptures of Thanksgiving are Below.  I want to Thank All the Supporters of this Blog.  All those who have ever believed in me I say Thank You.  All those who Believe in Yourself I say Thank You.  All those who are Soldiers in the Army of the Lord I say Thank You.  I love you and I pray God's Blessings Upon you and Your Family during this Thanksgiving Holiday and everyday of Thanksgiving!

Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!

Holy Bible: New International Version

Praise the Lord.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.  Psalm 106:1

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.  Psalm 34:1

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.                                  1 Thessalonians 5:18   

Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
1 Corinthians 15:57

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
1 Chronicles 16:8

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:17

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.  Psalm 28:7

HAPPY TURNING POINT TUESDAY: RESTRAINTS KEEP US ACCOUNTABLE TO OUR DESTINY!

DO YOU WANT TO BE FREE TO DO THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO AND GO PLACES YOU WANT TO GO?  As a child our brains tell us it is "Our Right" to have "Our Way."  The familiar scene of children in a store pitching a fit because they can't get what they want! Some parents eventually give in to the WANTS of their kids.  While other parents are not so easily persuaded by their gullible smiles.  I want to make this message simple so bare with me.  Freedom is something we all strive for at some point in our life (ie: free country, freedom of speech, free to make decisions etc.)  Freedom is a Great when used in the Right Way (to fulfill God's Will).  The freedom given to us by Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of the need and importance to be free.  Isaiah 61:1 (NLT) The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to comfort the broken hearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.  We are so Thankful to Jesus Christ for setting us FREE!

The Opposite of Freedom is RESTRAINTS.  The definition of restraint is an INFLUENCE that INHIBITS or RESTRAINS, or a LIMITATION.  At first glance or thought it is natural to view a restraint as something negative that HOLDS US BACK.  In this message I want you to view RESTRAINT as a tool used to Keep You On the Road to Your DYNAMIC DESTINY.  Just imagine the world we live in today WITHOUT any RESTRAINTS (hard to think about it being any worse, read Old Testament).  What I find interesting is we enjoy the security of restraints in certain areas of our lives.  On the other hand, when it comes to having RESTRAINTS in our LIFESTYLES and CHARACTER we feel it is OUR BUSINESS and others should STAY OUT OF IT!  Might sound like this... "Drunk drivers deserve to be locked up with the key thrown away, but if I want to get intoxicated in my own house (with my kids seeing me passed out on the couch for hours) that's okay because I am in MY HOUSE!"  This comment sounds ridiculous right?  The sad truth is we live just like this when we avoid Restraints on our PERSONAL BEHAVIOR.  The Bible has given us everything we need to know about restraints.  Proverbs 29:18 (NLT) When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.  But whoever obeys the law is joyful.  Don't you want to wake up excited to  start a brand new day?  Start viewing God Given Restraints as Guidance that will HELP US and not harm us.  It is time out for the "I'm Grown Don't Tell Me What To Do Syndrome (start acting like it)."  There are people in your life that only want the BEST for YOU.  Jesus Christ is your greatest Supporter!  Jesus wants each and everyone of us to follow his Instructions and have a life filled with Purpose, Peace, and Prosperity to name a few.  If you are wondering why you are Mad, Depressed, Sad, Bitter, Overwhelmed, Tired, and Constantly Worrying. Then take a look at whether you are receptive (Open) to restraints (moral).  Continuing to do things your way is a sure way to live an unhappy and unfulfilled life.  Please read the story below by Wayne B. Lynn (Paints a Clear Picture of the Message).  Have a wonderful Turning Point Tuesday and a Blessed week!


Free To Soar :Lessons From Life, www.heartsnsouls.com/stories/e/5404.shtml

Chapter 12 - Free To Soar - Wayne B. Lynn
One windy spring day, I observed young people having fun using the wind to fly their kites. Multicolored creations of varying shapes and sizes filled the skies like beautiful birds darting and dancing in the heady atmosphere above the earth. As the strong winds gusted against the kites, a string kept them in check. Instead of blowing away with the wind, they arose against it to achieve great heights. They shook and pulled, but the restraining string and the cumbersome tail kept them in tow, facing upward and against the wind. As the kites struggled and trembled against the string, they seemed to say, "Let me go! Let me go! I want to be free!" They soared beautifully even as they fought the imposed restriction of the string. Finally, one of the kites succeeded in breaking loose. "Free at last" it seemed to say. "Free to fly with the wind."

Yet freedom from restraint simply put it at the mercy of an unsympathetic breeze. It fluttered ungracefully to the ground and landed in a tangled mass of weeds and string against a dead bush. "Free at last" -- free to lie powerless in the dirt, to be blown helplessly along the ground, and to lodge lifeless against the first obstruction.

How much like kites we sometimes are. The Lord gives us adversity and restrictions, rules to follow from which we can grow and gain strength. Restraint is a necessary counterpart to the winds of opposition. Some of us tug at the rules so hard that we never soar to reach the heights we might have obtained. We keep part of the commandment and (pardon the pun) never rise high enough to get our tails off the ground.


Let us each rise to the great heights our Heavenly Father has in store for us, recognizing that some of the restraints that we may chafe under are actually the steadying force that helps us ascend and achieve.


*Please be a Blessing and Share this Blog and Messages with friends and family that might need a Turning Point of Encouragement:>)

Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!

TURNING POINT TUESDAY: ARE YOU AVOIDING CHANGE? Change could open the door to your Dynamic Destiny!

WILL YOU KEEP DOING THE SAME THING ONLY TO REAP THE SAME RESULTS OR WILL YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE OF ACTION? There was a season early in my career when I found myself playing it safe. I avoided change because it was an unfamiliar route. Not to mention I was under the impression I was doing just fine my way. My Manager at the time did a Fantastic Job encouraging the employees to play an active role in the process of change. He solicited feedback and made the employees feel confident that Change was the best thing for the company and its employees. I knew my manager had our best interest in mind so I began to ask God for wisdom and strength to quickly ADAPT TO CHANGE. After embracing the realignment of company goals (CHANGE) I started providing a higher quality of customer service, increasing market share at a faster rate than my competitors, and my sales SKYROCKETED! I knew the RESULTS were due to the favor of God and Him answering my prayers to quickly Adapt to Change. Change can be POSITIVE if it blesses others and leads the way to your Prosperity.

Let me separate fact from fiction....ALL CHANGE IS NOT GOOD OR EVEN NEEDED. I am so thankful I serve a God that is UNCHANGING.

Numbers 23:19-20 (NIV) God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act: Does he promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

I am so thankful for God’s unchanging nature, for we do not know what to expect from people each and every day. One minute we are fine and the next minute flipping the script (allowing flesh to overcome spirit). That's why we have to rely on Jesus Christ to give us Perfect Peace so we can keep our minds stayed on Him (Sound Mind). Speaking of not changing, I don't know what I would do if the original    Chick-fil-A sandwich was altered in any way. I depend on that sandwich to have the SAME (UNCHANGING) mouth watering taste every time (smile break).

In all seriousness, we have to pray for wisdom in the area of change. God is faithful to give us direction and show us the way if we put our Total Trust in Him. I like this simple definition of change: To undergo Transformation or Transition. If the truth be told many of us are failing to fulfill our God Given Destiny because we do not want to partake in a transition. WE IDENTIFY TRANSITION AS LOSING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING WHEN MAYBE GOD IS MAKING ROOM FOR A SUPERNATURAL OVERFLOW OF BLESSINGS. If the foundation of a structure is stable without any cracks then wonderful, continue to build. However, if you identify cracks in the foundation go ahead and fix it (change) to ensure stability over time, and then keep building. Transition should not be categorized as a NEGATIVE EVENT that will make us worse. In order to fulfill our God Given Destiny (and GROW) we must transform (CHANGE) our beliefs, attitudes, and actions to line up with Jesus Christ.                   Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -his good, pleasing, and perfect will.


The Big Question is, "WHY DO WE AVOID CHANGE IF WE WANT TO BE BETTER INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS?" One major reason we avoid change is FEAR of the UNKNOWN. It feels more secure remaining in a comfort zone and knowing ahead of time what to expect. Structure and formality can be both Needed and Healthy! However, hanging our hats on structure only because we are AFRAID to try something different is Unhealthy and LIMITS our POTENTIAL. I love this quote by John Maxwell:

"If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone."

With that said we have to make up in our minds to try something different to get different RESULTS. I have two questions for you. 1) What CHANGE must you make to move to the next level in a specific area of your life?     2) Are you putting up a Wall to Avoid CHANGE? IF WE ARE NOT OPEN TO THE IDEAS GENERATED BY OURSELVES AND OTHERS IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO TRANSFORM AND BECOME BETTER! Life in this universe will one day come to an end. We do not know when we will take our last breath. For this reason, there is a sense of urgency to CHANGE our destination so it aligns with GOD'S WILL (Get Yourself out of the Picture and focus on what God wants).

If you are stuck in an unfavorable situation (emotionally, financially, spiritually, health related, relationship, career). What will you do TODAY TO START CHANGING YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? Transformation is not an event and it does not happen overnight. "RESTORATION of Heart Leads to TRANSFORMATION of Character Resulting in REVELATION of Destiny." We all know the life cycle (CHANGE) of a butterfly. The butterfly goes through a transformation that results in a Beautiful Destiny. Change should not cause people to become insecure, irrational, unpredictable, or dissatisfied. CHANGE IS AN EXCITING PROCESS WHEN WE VIEW IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BETTER OURSELVES, OTHERS, AND OUR ORGANIZATIONS.

Temperature Check....If you are in an abusive relationship, “What must you change to get the love and respect you deserve?” If you have a problem controlling your temper, “What must you change to have self control over your anger?” If you own a business and your customers are dissatisfied, “What business principles must change to increase customer satisfaction?” If you do not see yourself retiring at your current job, “What are you doing now to prepare for your next career?” If your children are being influenced by the wrong crowd, “What are you doing to train your children in the way they should go?”

The list could go on, but the point is we have to take a stand to become CHANGE AGENTS OF OUR DESTINY. Leaders in organizations know change is Inevitable in business, so they have Change Agents (HR) in Place to encourage smooth transitions that align with the companies realigned Goals. We as individuals are quite similar to the operations of a company. We are Change Agents of our current Circumstances. We all have a unique and powerful Destiny. On the other hand, we also have FREE WILL to make Decisions that lead TO or AWAY from our DESTINY.
CALL TO ACTION: View your Life in a Mirror (Magnified Side) and design a plan to CHANGE for the Glory of God and Move FORWARD IN LIVING OUT YOUR DYNAMIC DESTINY!

* Thanks for your SUPPORT of this blog! Use the share bar to encourage others to CHANGE for the GLORY of GOD!
Love & Blessings,
Kendra Canady

Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You

TURNING POINT TUESDAY: WHAT DOES YOUR SCALE READ? DESTINY DOES NOT WEIGH YOU DOWN.

How much do you Weigh?  This is a very personal question and if you would like to avoid conflict it is best that you refrain from asking anyone this question.  Why?  WEIGHT IS A VERY TOUCHY TOPIC.   The Weight loss market generates billions of dollars each year from Dietary Supplements, surgeries, medication, and gym memberships just to name a few.  The motive to lose weight varies from person to person.  Some people want to shed the pounds for themselves while others strive to reflect a certain image for the likes of others.  Where are you going with this one Kendra?  I thought you would never ask.  Our physical bodies are temples of the holy spirit and belong to God (does not belong to us, bought with a price) and we should honor God by taking great care of our bodies (Read 1 Cor 6:19-20).   For this reason, we should ALL strive to lose unhealthy pounds that are negatively effecting our precious temples.  However, I can't stop asking, "WHY AREN'T WE JUST AS CONCERNED ABOUT THE EXTRA WEIGHT WE ARE CARRYING IN OUR HEARTS AND SOULS?"  If we want to fulfill our Dynamic Destiny we must become just as motivated to have a Spiritual Cleansing to rid our souls of TOXINS and DEAD WEIGHT we have been carrying for years?

Go ahead and put up a front like you are in Spectacular Spiritual Shape (Been there, Done that, and Did it again).  If you are constantly going between happy and sad every day of the week and sometimes every other minute then there is something in your spirit that is WEIGHING YOU DOWN. Pray for JOY and DEFEAT the roller coaster of emotions that leave you drained and heavy.  Ladies we do a great job of hiding behind our nice hairstyles and flawless makeup.  Gentlemen your shirt is starched really nice and your shoes are well polished.  Trying desperately to portray an upstanding image to others because we are struggling to cover up the Weight of our PAST and CURRENT situations.  We are allowing these Life Events to suck the life out of our souls.  Take a look at the extra pounds below and see if you can identify with any of them. (We have to CONFRONT UNHEALTHY WEIGHT Head on if we want to be delivered and set free).
* Past or Current physical/sexual abuse that continues to play in your mind
* The death of  loved ones causing bitterness, anger, and confusion
* Those friends that turned their backs on you (betrayal)
* ABSENT PARENT: Mother or Father DID NOT play a vital role in your life
*  The time someone took advantage of you at a point of weakness
* Unhealthy habits/addictions that you can't seem to kick (drugs, alcohol, perverted actions/thoughts).  Your Bag of Secrets
* A nasty divorce that has you asking, "What did I do wrong?" (Directed at Child or Parent)
* The one person you trusted stomped all over your heart
* The hurtful names you are/were called (as adult or kid)
* Discrimination (ALL TYPES)
* Did not get that promotion or leadership position you thought your deserved
* Feeling left behind, while everyone else is getting ahead in their personal and professional lives
* LONELINESS (need I say more)
* TIRED (Lack of Energy) Physically Over Worked..
* Not able to Financially provide for yourself and  loved ones
* Beating yourself up because you do not have a college degree. (last time I checked one of the  wealthiest men in the world does not have one either)
* Physical and Mental Sickness
* Low Self Image/Esteem
* Unresolved Conflict with people we care about
* Constant fighting with Spouse or Children
* Constant Worrying
* Guilt because your Child is on a path that leads to Destruction
* UNFORGIVENESS, BITTERNESS, GRUDGES, ANGER, RESENTMENT, JEALOUSY


I could keep going but I will stop here.  If you do not fit into these groups or you have been Delivered from the weight of these situations Praise God!  However, don't get to comfortable because whether you like it or not tribulations in one form or another will enter your life as long as you live on earth.  Which means we have to constantly rid ourselves of the extra weight (burdens) we accumulate over time but know that these tribulations will make us stronger. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18(KJV) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  I feel such a strong pull to touch on this topic. I believe once people tap into the power of shedding dead weight (by Trusting in our Savior) the doors will crack open that lead to their GOD GIVEN DESTINY.  Carrying too much weight can slow us down, cause emotional turmoil, force us to stay in one place for too long, and tempt us to hide behind other things and people. 

How can you get rid of the weight your heart and soul is carrying?  Give it to Jesus!  It is just that simple.  We hold ourselves back when all we have to do is RELEASE it to our Heavenly Father.  For years I carried extra weight from numerous tragedies I endured in my life.  Even as a Christian I would Praise God on Sunday then sob in disbelief on Monday.  Getting rid of the weight means deciding you WILL NOT ALLOW THE ENEMY TO STEAL YOUR JOY!  If you are blessed to be in the land of the living one more time you have more time to get your life in order and encourage others to do the same.  I will never forget my experience on a retreat called "THE ENCOUNTER."  The church I was a member of sponsored the retreat.  I went expecting to leave that mountain a RENEWED person and that is exactly what happened.  At one point during the service I felt so HEAVY I could barely move out of my seat.  It was the enemy trying to keep me in a place of defeat, but the Holy Spirit went to battle on my behalf.  I could hear a small voice saying, "I TOOK IT SO YOU DID NOT HAVE TO CARRY IT." I looked around to see if anyone else heard the voice.  I could tell the women were in their own personal moments of worship.  Again I heard the small voice, "I TOOK IT SO YOU DID NOT HAVE TO CARRY IT."  At that moment I felt Lighter and Lighter.  I started jumping for Joy and I knew the weight and shackles were falling off in the spirit realm.  I will NEVER forget that experience.  It did not take years and years to get the weight off.  Instead Jesus did it for me in an Instant and I believe he can do the same for you if you TRUST HIM WITH ALL THAT IS IN YOU!  This is what I call CRAZY TRUST!  Did I have to go on a retreat to drop the the extra pounds? No!  Jesus will meet you where you are if you open the door for him to come in.  My additional weight was blocking the Door for Jesus to Enter and do HIS WORK IN ME.  Depend on GOD to ERASE your physical feelings and rid your soul of anything that is NOT contributing to your Destiny.  You might say Kendra it is not that easy.  My response is for some people it might not be.  Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, Praying, studying the word, having a relationship with Jesus, feeding your spirit with light verses darkness, surrounding yourself with the right people, living a life that Glorifies God.   All of these things and more help us to lose dead weight.  If you are addicted to alcohol and you hang around alcoholics chances are the bondage of alcoholism will continue to weigh you down.  If memories of abuse continue to play in your head and you HAVE NOT FORGIVEN the abuser, chances are the bondage of abuse will continue to weigh you down.  If you have suffered the loss of a loved one and you continue to ask WHY, chances are Grief will continue to weigh you down (was my stronghold).  The bottom line is you have to BELIEVE THAT GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS AND HE KNOWS THINGS WE WILL NEVER KNOW.  As a believer we have a solid foundation to stand on, Jesus Christ.  Jesus Paid the Price and HE TOOK IT (WEIGHT) SO WE DON'T HAVE TO CARRY IT!  HE PAID THE PRICE FOR EVERY WEIGHT AND ALL THE EXTRA POUNDS ON THE CROSS.  If you choose to be hurt then you will remain hurt.  YOU HAVE TO SEE YOURSELF WHERE YOU WANT TO BE.  Life is too precious to carry EXTRA WEIGHT that belong in the pits of hell.  Step into your DYNAMIC DESTINY and get rid of any and everything that is holding you down.  You deserve it, your family deserves it, and most importantly Jesus deserves it for what he did and is still doing for you.

Thanks for supporting the Turning Point Tuesday Messages and if you have a Topic you would like me to address send me an email: prosperity78@yahoo.com   I do not hold the title for Best Writer or Grammarian (in case you notice mistakes in the article).   All that matters to me is I am following the footsteps of my Heavenly Father.  Love You and God Bless.  Don't forget to use the share bar and bless someone else.
Below you will find Weight Loss Scriptures.
Psalm 68:19 Amplified: Blessed be the Lord who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God Who is our salvation! Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)!

1 Peter 5:7 NIV: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 55:22 NIV: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Matthew 11:28-30 Amplified: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and over burdened, and I will cause you to rest.  (I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.)  Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.  For my yoke is wholesome (useful, good-not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant) and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Matthew 6:14 NIV: For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Psalm 9:9-10 KJV: The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.  And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalm 37:23-24 Amplified: The steps of a (good) man are directed and established by the Lord when he delights in his way (and He busies Himself with his every step). Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.

Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!

TURNING POINT TUESDAY: WHAT DIRECTION ARE YOU HEADED? Finding Your Destiny Means Knowing Where You are Going.

Have you ever asked yourself, "Where am I going and when will I get there?"   Yes I have asked myself this question MANY TIMES in my life.  When I am confused about what turn to take I have to slow down and get back in the PASSENGERS seat.  Notice I did not say Drivers Seat, because that is God's Job.  We allow PRIDE to get in the way of heading in the right direction.  We easily forget we CANNOT DO ANYTHING WITHOUT JESUS CHRIST.  When we rely on GOD to LEAD, GUIDE, and DIRECT US we will NEVER GET LOST.  This means instead of just putting in our request to God when we pray, we must take time to listen to what he is saying back.  You cannot have a conversation with someone if you are the only one talking.  Same concept applies to our relationship with the Almighty Father.  If you are doing all the talking how are you going to FIND OUT what the next move is.  I am a Living Testimony of this.  For  years and years as a Christian I spent a great deal of my time just running off at the mouth to God then going about my little old business expecting GOD to follow my orders (answer my prayers).  Until one day I ran out of words to say and cried out to God for HELP.  Help was the only word I could say because my heart was so heavy from trying to carry the load all by myself.  Those four letters (HELP) was all it took for God to start whispering DIRECTIONS IN MY EAR.   GOD was just waiting on me to put my COMPLETE TRUST IN HIM.  Today when God directs me to read an article or talk to a person that is directly tied to my Destiny my Heart Rejoices (Holy Clues). 

The very First Step to Head in the Right Direction is to Follow God's Directions for your life! We have a Great Work to complete.  Jesus Christ knew the direction he was headed because he relied on the Father to lead the way.  We should strive to be LIKE CHRIST and that means completing the work we have been sent to do on earth.  We are not in this universe just to take up space.  There are plenty of animals and insects that can take up space.  As children of God we have a MIGHTY PURPOSE.  I want to be a copy cat of Jesus Christ and be able to say the same words in John 17:4 NIV: I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.  *Everyone has different work, which means we all have DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS that lead to our DESTINY.  I want to make this point clear before I ask you to consider a few more steps below.

I know that  unpredictable challenges and potholes in the road can get us off the road that leads to our hopes and dreams (Destiny).  Our lives have become so rehearsed that it appears impossible to take a detour from daily routines.  Rise in the morning, take the kids to school, go to work, eat lunch at 12:30pm, get off of work, pick up kids from practice, make a last minute dinner choice, carve out time to look at mail, and so on.  You get the point?  How much longer will we continue to WASTE the PRECIOUS TIME God has given us by being unaware of where we are going?  It doesn't take a genius to know if you are going on a trip without any directions you will waste gas, time, and energy to name a few.  To ensure we reach our destination we must have directions, which means FOLLOWING GODS DIRECTIONS AND DESIGNING A MAP THAT LEADS TO OUR DYNAMIC DESTINY. 

Drawing up directions means having GOALS.  Without goals you do not have a Destination.  A goal is defined as: The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective; the terminal point of a journey or race. Goals demonstrate just how motivated you are to run and win in the race of life (win heavenly rewards).  1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV : Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.   I am encouraging all the readers of this blog to carve out some time to WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS.  "Goals that are not written down are just wishes" -unknown author.  Start with what you would like to accomplish 6 months from now, 1 year from now, and 3 years from now (expand years as you get comfortable with the process).  I believe writing things down keep you Accountable to yourself.  Putting our desires in black and white force us to really think through where we are going.  You might ask, " How do I know what my goals are?"  My answer to that question is if you have Priorities in life, then you HAVE Goals.  For this reason, if you can't think of any goals start with your Priorities.  Yes I am encouraging you to write down your Priorities too.  In an earlier post I shared the importance of making Priorities an active part of your life instead of something just verbalized (don't talk about it be about it).  For this reason, knowing your Priorities in order of Importance will allow you to write down Goals that correspond.  If your kids are high on your priority list, then you should have a goal that SHOWS JUST HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE.  What do I mean?  You probably want to provide for, be an example, and motivate your kids to be all they can be.  How can you achieve these aspirations?  Your priority to provide could mean a goal of changing careers. Your priority to be an example could mean a goal of cleaning up your character.   Your priority to motivate your children could mean a goal of spending more quality time with them (one study stated parents only spend 3.5 minutes per week having meaningful conversations with their kids).  "Kendra you are not telling me anything I do not know."  Great, then stop complaining about a lack of direction in your life and depend on God to do something about it.  My heart is for everyone I meet to leave this world saying they have fully used every idea, gift, and ability that God has given them.  I care about you, but most importantly GOD YOUR CREATOR CARES ABOUT YOU. He wants you to be all he has DESTINED you to be.  It is Life Changing to live with a sense of Purpose and Direction verses drifting through this world like a lost puppy.

Once you establish your goals, it is time to do more writing and draft a PLAN.  Plans demonstrate we are PREPARED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.  The Bible depicts the importance of Preparation and not just "Winging It."  I Peter 3:15: Instead you must worship Christ as Lord of your Life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.  Our plans should have details of what we must do to accomplish our Goals.  If your goal is to have a better understanding of the Bible.  Your plan might involve setting aside a certain amount of time each day to read and study the bible.  It could also involve attending bible study each week instead of watching your favorite TV Show.  "Planting the Right Seeds in the Right Soil will Reap the Right Results."  What if you want to go back to school?  You know it is not too late.  Just ask the 95 year old lady that received her four year degree.  Your plans to go back to school could involve researching schools, programs, cost, financial assistance.  Talking to people that have degrees in the field you are interesting in.  Preparing to take preliminary exams to get into the school of your choice.  I can't go through the entire list, but the point is to be VERY SPECIFIC in your plans and leave no room for confusion.  Zoom in on your Goals like a laser and look at every delicate possibility of how you can accomplish your objectives with a Spirit of Excellence.

  

THOUSANDS of people WILL NOT LIVE to see another MAGNIFICENT DAY in this universe (approx 153,000 people in world will die today).  Yet you have been given another chance. 

My call to action is start taking an Active role in your Destiny by Listening, Following, and Sticking to the God Given Directions that Lead you there. 

I leave you with a quote: " Don't ask yourself what the world needs-ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. 

Harold Thurman Whitman

* Thanks for reading the entire blog.  Your support is felt and appreciated beyond what words can explain.  If this has been a blessing to you, please share and inspire someone else to Head in the Right Direction to their DYNAMIC DESTINY! Love and Blessings to you.  Kendra Canady

Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!

TURNING POINT TUESDAY: NO YOU ARE NOT CRAZY! THE TRUTH ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS.

Did you know that the first full week of October is designated by the U.S. Congress as Mental Illness Awareness Week and has been since 1990?  The goal behind this week is to inform, educate, and raise awareness about mental illness.  Today is the National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding.  I am asking the supporters of this blog to stand in agreement with me and dedicate time today to intercede in prayer on the behalf of our brothers and sisters who are suffering from the crippling effects of mental illness.  I am thankful that I can devote this Turning Point Tuesday to a cause that is often SWEPT UNDER THE RUG BY BELIEVERS AND NONBELIEVERS.  I am going to KEEP IT REAL, because I will no longer close my mouth while people I love and care about continue to THINK THEY ARE CRAZY and short change their Dynamic Destiny!  Thousands of people are Desperate and HURTING from the depths of their souls, but afraid to reach out for help.  Why? Many people do not know the facts about mental illness and still out of ignorance label people as BEING CRAZY( Not True).  I am very passionate about this topic because I do NOT WANT TO LOSE ANYONE ELSE THAT I LOVE AND CARE ABOUT all because someone told them, "Take a warm bath and you will feel better tomorrow."  Yes, people that I cared a lot about  resorted to taking their life because they struggled with a Disease of the Mind.  Mental Illness cannot be equated to just having a bad day.  For this reason,  as a BOLD WITNESS FOR JESUS CHRIST I count it an honor to shed light on the stigma that has floated around and is still floating around about mental illness.  I believe with all my heart that part of my GOD GIVEN DESTINY was my experience working as a Neuroscience Specialty Representative for 9 years.  God ordered my steps in this field because he knew I would take the information I learned to educate and encourage others that are battling with mental illness.  I was so blessed in my Career to learn Deep Disease State information about Mental Disorders.   Spending hours upon hours studying the Science Behind Mental Illness has definitely opened my eyes that were once shut around this topic.  In case someone did not know GOD IS THE CREATOR OF SCIENCE and he GIVES MAN WISDOM to understand some of HIS LAWS!  James 1: 5 Amplified:  If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God (Who gives) to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.  Have you ever flew on an airplane? God was in charge of that.  Have you ever been on an elevator? God was in charge of that? Have you ever taken medication and started feeling better? God was in charge of that.  Are you reading this blog on your computer? God is in charge of that.  God gives man wisdom and as Humans we make the mistake of using His wisdom in an UNGODLY way.   I feel the need to make this point because many believers have issues with any topic that deals with Science.  If Science is used to TRY to disprove the True One and Living God then we have EVERY RIGHT TO GET UPSET.  With that said I give ALL GLORY TO GOD because SCIENCE proves without a doubt that there is a True One and Living God.  Pick up a leaf today and I promise if you stare at it the Power of God will rise up in you due to its Perfect Design. The World Bible School Master Series does an excellent job of describing a LEAF (pg. 4 God Has Spoken: It is a Free Bible Course).  "It is far better than a house.  It has tiny openings for the flow of gases.  Its green coloring catches sunlight and uses it for energy.  Its veins carry watery food from the soil.  It is more like a highly ordered city! And that is just one leaf." Hebrews 3:4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.  For this reason, let's ask God for wisdom and start educating ourselves the way God intended us to.  God Built us and gave us a Brain which is the Most Complex organ in the human body.  If it was that important for God to make the Brain so Important, we should take the same steps in making sure we Keep the Brain working properly (MENTAL HEALTH, YOU FEEL WHERE I AM GOING).  Please take time to read this entire blog.  Mental Health must be addressed if we want to fulfill our Destiny and make sure the ones we love fulfill their Destiny!

Just recently I had a conversation with a lady about mental illness.  She was aware of my background in Neuroscience and wanted to know if it was normal to hear voices.  She then said there was a voice that played over and over in her head. Sometimes when she watched Television she heard people saying curse words on movies she had seen numerous times without cursing.  She was very frustrated because these voices were taking over her life.  I asked if she had ever told the doctor about these voices.  She stressed she was hesitant to talk to a doctor because her Pastor told her to just to pray about it.  The Pastor did not take time to pray with her, did not ask about her family history, and did not know where she was spiritually .  I am not blaming the Pastor, but we have to know that people are not in the same place spiritually and issues that are related to our health (mind and body) do sometimes require the expertise of a Healthcare Professional.  This is exactly why we have to do better to educate ourselves about mental illness.  Is there a Battle of the Mind? ABSOLUTELY! 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  This scripture speaks to the importance of making sure we line our thoughts up with Christ, because the enemy wants to take over our minds.  This is how we fight strongholds that have haunted some of us since childhood (low self esteem, fear, sadness, self hatred, anxiety, hopelessness, bitterness, anger, loneliness, rejection, doubt, the list goes go).  Should we Pray? ABSOLUTELY because prayer changes things. Phil 4:6 Amplified: Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (define requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.   

What am I trying to say?  We have to DISCERN whether or not someones emotional distress is a result of Spiritual Warfare, changes in Brain Chemistry/Function, or a combination of the two.  Whether we like it or not our bodies are very complicated.  I like the fact we are complicated because it demonstrates the Master Nature of God.  For that same reason, we have all types of things God designed in our bodies, like Chemicals and Neurotransmitters in our brain.  God gave us a Perfect Design!  However, situations and things we put in our body can cause our body not to work the way it was designed (traumatic events, types of food, lack of exercise, hereditary illnesses, drugs, etc).  We know without a doubt that Jesus has the ability to Heal all Disease.  He did it when he walked this land and He is still doing it today!   Jesus cast many demons out of people and deemed it important to do so (read in your personal time Luke 8:26-36).  Jesus knows better than anyone the power of unclean demonic spirits to take over our life if we do not plead the BLOOD OF JESUS over it .  After many tragic events in my life I remember a very Dark Season over My Mind.  Jesus Christ lifted me out of that darkness and he was my Counselor.   Jesus will use whatever and whoever he wants to Bless and Heal Us.  For this reason, God gives man wisdom to design medication as a way to treat Diseases.  It is so amazing to me how people do not judge someone if they take medication for high blood pressure or diabetes, but if they take it for a mental illness they are looked down on.  We are not to judge anyone.  Matthew 7:1-2: Amplified: Do NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you (use to) deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.  Just think about a person that does not know Jesus and has a chemical imbalance that is causing him to have Panic Attacks.  Do you think a person that does not know Jesus is going to pray and ask Jesus to heal him?  Probably not.  On the other hand, what if Jesus worked through a Doctor, Psychologist,  True Friend, Pastor, and even Medication to help him with the illness (God could use all of these methods if HE wants or another source, he is just that GREAT).  With help and a Sane Mind the person might start thinking clearly enough to start reading the Bible, attending Church, and learning about the Power of Jesus Christ.  We are so quick to tell people that don't even have a relationship with God to just take their little depression to the alter.  All I am saying is too many people are so caught up in trying to be "Holy for Show" that they are missing the true point of LOVING people and meeting them where they are in their CURRENT SITUATION.   

I close with some information below to educate you on mental illness.  It is debatable whether mental illness is under or over diagnosed (okay if you do not agree with figures).  What is not debatable is mental illness does exist and we have to start being part of solution instead of part of the problem by dismissing its impact on our brothers and sisters.  The men and women that are defending our country are facing higher rates of Mental Illness (estimated 20% of US soldiers return home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).  It is estimated that by 2020 Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease.  Depression is also linked to fatal coronary disease.  Children as young as  Pre School age are being diagnosed with depression and we are losing young people between the ages of 10-24 from suicide.  Mental Illness is a real issue and as believers we have to educate ourselves and pray for wisdom, healing, and deliverance in this area. 

* I dedicate this blog to all those who are struggling with Mental Illness and all those who have loss a loved one or friend due to a Mental Disorder.  Pass the word and do everything in your power to make sure the people in your life get the help they need.  God wants us to be WHOLE!

Mental Health Facts:
What is mental Illnees?  any disease of the mind; the psychological state of someone who has emotional or behavioral problems serious enough to require psychiatric intervention.

Please Read this Data Published by the World Health Organization:

Every year, almost one million people die from suicide; a "global" mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds.

In the last 45 years suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. Suicide is among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15-44 years in some countries, and the second leading cause of death in the 10-24 years age group; these figures do not include suicide attempts which are up to 20 times more frequent than completed suicide.

Suicide worldwide is estimated to represent 1.8% of the total global burden of disease in 1998, and 2.4% in countries with market and former socialist economies in 2020.

Although traditionally suicide rates have been highest among the male elderly, rates among young people have been increasing to such an extent that they are now the group at highest risk in a third of countries, in both developed and developing countries.

Mental disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use disorders) are a major risk factor for suicide in Europe and North America; however, in Asian countries impulsiveness plays an important role. Suicide is complex with psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors involved.

Types of Mental Illness: This Information was published on Web MD:www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-types-illness

There are many different conditions that are recognized as mental illnesses. The more common types include:

• Anxiety disorders: People with anxiety disorders respond to certain objects or situations with fear and dread, as well as with physical signs of anxiety or nervousness, such as a rapid heartbeat and sweating. An anxiety disorder is diagnosed if the person's response is not appropriate for the situation, if the person cannot control the response, or if the anxiety interferes with normal functioning. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
• Mood disorders: These disorders, also called affective disorders, involve persistent feelings of sadness or periods of feeling overly happy, or fluctuations from extreme happiness to extreme sadness. The most common mood disorders are depression, mania, and bipolar disorder.
• Psychotic disorders: Psychotic disorders involve distorted awareness and thinking. Two of the most common symptoms of psychotic disorders are hallucinations -- the experience of images or sounds that are not real, such as hearing voices -- and delusions -- false beliefs that the ill person accepts as true, despite evidence to the contrary. Schizophrenia is an example of a psychotic disorder.
• Eating disorders: Eating disorders involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors involving weight and food. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are the most common eating disorders.
• Impulse control and addiction disorders: People with impulse control disorders are unable to resist urges, or impulses, to perform acts that could be harmful to themselves or others. Pyromania (starting fires), kleptomania (stealing), and compulsive gambling are examples of impulse control disorders. Alcohol and drugs are common objects of addictions. Often, people with these disorders become so involved with the objects of their addiction that they begin to ignore responsibilities and relationships.
• Personality disorders: People with personality disorders have extreme and inflexible personality traits that are distressing to the person and/or cause problems in work, school, or social relationships. In addition, the person's patterns of thinking and behavior significantly differ from the expectations of society and are so rigid that they interfere with the person's normal functioning. Examples include antisocial personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder.

Please Do More Research on the Topic and Educate Yourself to Ignite a New You!

Determined Events Sent To Ignite a New You!