Mindset Madness

Freaking out about the apocalypse? We're not. Here is some encouragement. It is "silly" to think from an apocalyptic mindset. This is what I mean by that. If you live every day dwelling on impending doom, fear will very easily stop you from doing things that make you grow. Dwelling on impending doom stops people from living life well. After all Jesus says the following in Matthew 6:22-23.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Jesus compares the eye to a "lamp." His word, the Word of God, is the oil that Keeps our "lamp" burning with true light, the light of Life.

• Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

• Luke 11:35 (NLT) Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness.

Is the "Light you think you have" actually darkness? Is what you are listening to bearing the evidencing itself as peace?

• Proverbs 1:33 But the one who always listens to me will live undisturbed in a heavenly peace. Free from fear, confident and courageous, that one will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life.”

• Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

• Mark 4:24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

What are you listening too? How is it affecting you?

You can easily become complacent if you stop thinking long term. There have been studies of individuals who are poor, and studies of individuals who were wealthy. Studies show a defining factor between the two groups. The poor were short term thinkers, only considering or planning for the next day. Whereas the wealthy thought and planned long term. Often, the plans of the wealthy were years in advance, and were clearly conceptualized. What am I saying? Success in life requires careful thought, consideration, prayer, use of wisdom, and planning. Don't let doomsday fear distract you from living life excellently. Don't let fear stop you from planning, moving forward in faith, and doing what God has called you to do. Here is some biblical reference on the subject of planning and building your life on Jesus's teaching.

• Luke 14:28-30 – For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.'

• Psalms 20:4 – May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!

• Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

• Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Have a vision for your life, and go after it! Seek God and ask Him to reveal purpose to you. Well, how do you have vision? Vision can be had, by dedicating time to writing down that what your heart desires. Don't limit yourself. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Don't say to yourself, "that surely can not be the life that was intended for me." Let yourself be inspired by God and the stories of his mighty power working through the mighty men and women of faith in the bible. Have faith in the mighty God of creation. God's will is to be glorified doing a work through you.

• Philippians 2:13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

• Hebrews 13:21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

• Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Hold on to the inspirations and hope's of life. Let go of all fear.

• Psalm 37: 4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

• Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
  

Sincerely, your brother in christ Marshall Hayden