Stop Overthinking

If you are like me, you tend to overthink everything. I dwell on things, wanting to know the possible outcome.

I have this neighbor who insists on parking in front of my mailbox. He had a freight truck there for 2 weeks. The mailman brought my mail to the door my mailbox was not accessible. He would not be delivering my mail, any longer. I over thought a few day. Reluctant to.talk to my neighbor because he is a hot head and gets violent at the tip of a hat. I ended up calling to police, I had thought and over thought about every possible outcome. Ready to have to talk with him with the officer there. The encounter was peaceful, and the vehicle moved for now.

I learned a few strategies to help me break free from overthinking over the years but, a failed to follow my strategies. So I thought I would write them down to help me remember.

  • Practice Mindfulness:

Engaging in activities that bring you to the present moment like deep breathing, or paying attention to your surroundings.

  • Be Mindful of Your Thoughts:

Acknowledge when you’re overthinking and try to observe your thoughts without judgment.

  • Challenge Your Thoughts:

Question whether your thoughts are valid and helpful to your negative or anxious thoughts.

  • Rescheduled Overthinking:

Set aside specific times for reflection and rumination then move on with your day.

Focus on solutions and action:

  • Focus on Solutions:

Instead of dwelling on problems, actively seek solutions and take steps to address them.

  • Embrace imperfection:

Recognize that perfection is unattainable and focus on progress rather than outcomes.

  • Let Go of Control

Acknowledge that you cannot control every situation and focus on what within your influence.

  • Assume Good Intent:

Try to interpret situations and people‘s actions with a positive perspective rather than assuming the worst.

It’s important to engage in activities that shift your your focus, such as exercise hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

  • Change the Channel:

When you notice yourself getting stuck in a overthinking loop, consciously, if your to something else.

Remember, most situations are not as dire as they seem. Try to see the bigger picture.

Jobs For Free

What job would you do for free?

Some people do jobs for free or little to no money because of the intangible perks -the blessings that got deeper than cash.

I would choose something to do with animals just for the pure joy of seeing a happy, thriving animal. Or maybe teach someone how to cope with life’s defeats or depression. Knowing I helped someone is a blessing, but God also likes to bless those who do something good in His eyes.

The Great Restrainer

“Now you know what is restraining him, to the end, and he may be revealed in his own season. For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until He is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of His mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming” -2 Thessalonians 2:6-8

If Satan has been waiting to introduce the antichrist to the world, what is stopping him from allowing this evil leader to step onto the platform of the world stage right now? Why is it taking so long for the devil to finally bring this man to public attention?

The apostle Paul answered this question when he wrote 2 Thessalonians 6-8. The one who now restrained will be taken away, and then all the wicked will be revealed.

The apostle Paul only spent a few months with the Thessalonian Church, we can therefore see from this passage of scripture, the importance he attached to their ability to understand and time events.

If Paul used this part of his brief to the Thessalonian church to teach them about the events that will occur in the last days, doesn’t this tell us about our understanding on the subject It should be a high priority?

We just can’t shut our eyes to the truth of scripture. If Paul considered this so important that he would introduce it to a group of believers, how much more do seasoned believers need to grasp what the Bible teaches about the last days.

Paul told the Thessalonian believers that are force with holds the anti-garage from being revealed. The grease does not specifically say the identify id of the restraining force, but it seems to suggest that Paul is referring to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

Think of it, what if the power of the Spirit of God was suddenly withdrawn and removed from the Earth? It will only be a brief matter of time before Satan consummated his dream of world domination. The Holy Spirit is a great restrainer, and He is holding back this evil from coming to pass in the world today.

It is clear that this is an evil so horrendous that it must be held down, held back, or suppressed let it be loose to release a wide range of wicked effects. The supernatural force that Paul refers to is stalling, delaying, and postponing the evil that is craving to be fully released and set into operation.

In 2 Peter 3:9, Paul says that God is,

“ the Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

God is holding back to ultimate day of evil to give unbeliever more time to come to Him in repentance. But a day is soon coming when the greatest restrainer will “be taken out of the way it” (2 Thessalonians 2:7)

When this day comes, the hindering Power that has continuously delayed, the worldwide domination of evil and lawlessness will be removed. It will be as though He suddenly lifted out in the middle of everything. At that moment, the evil forces that have been long been suppressed will suddenly be freed, and their wicked plans, purposes, and desires will be abruptly energized. When a supernatural hindering force is removed, these events will quickly come to pass with no hesitation, for the restrainer will be out of the picture.

Once the Restrainer is gone, the antichrist will be revealed. When the Holy Spirit restraining power has been withdrawn, there will no longer be any force president to holdback the evil forces. Therefore, this evil leader who has been concealed and hidden from public view, will suddenly appear in a moment, it will seem as if a stage curtain is being pulled out of the way so that he can make his grand appearance to the world.

Spiritual Wealth Over Material Wealth

Possession of material things is temporary, a person’s character and relationship with God are what truly matters. Jesus values a person’s inner self and spiritual state over material wealth.

The idea that Jesus carries more about “who you are” and “what you own” emphasizes the importance of character, integrity, and spiritual growth.

God put us on earth for his purposes. To live a life of faith, strive for spiritual perfection, and to serve Him rather than accumulating material possessions.

It is not it should not be interpreted as an endorsement for laziness and disregard for responsible, stewardship of resources.

In the Bible there’s a parable of the rich young ruler: Jesus, talent of wealthy man to give away his possessions and follow Him, suggesting that material wealth can be a hindrance to spiritual growth.

In the sermon on the mount: Jesus just thought about storing treasures up in heaven rather than earth, emphasizing the importance of focusing on spiritual values.

The Olympics

What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?

I have no desire to watch the Olympics. I feel like it’s a drain on tax payer money with the 2025 Olympics coming to America a budget has already been set for $6.9 billion for the entire budget.

People are struggling right now to pay bills and buy groceries. I may be the only one to say this but average everyday people should be put first to some above average people we are extra well at a sport.

Vampire Christians

What is a vampire Christian?

Think of a mythical creature, a vampire who wants blood from helpless victims. Once they get a few ounces of blood from their victims neck, they are usually content.

A vampire Christian is someone who just wants a little bit of the blood of Jesus. Just enough to get them into heaven. They don’t want a blood transfusion of the character of Jesus, and they show little to no desire for a complete life transformation of abiding in Jesus Christ.

“The whole purpose for which we exist is to be taken into the life of God. Wrong ideas about what that life is will make it harder” -C.S. Lewis

Churches are filled with undisciplined Christians. Jesus call us all to count the cost of following Him (Luke 14:27-29), still many think following God means to check off the box when asked about religion on a registration form. Some may believe, “If I think the right thrusts or have the right doctrine, I’m good right?

Everyone wants a Savior to forgive their sins. But, no one wants to submit to the Lord. But here’s the thing, if you can’t accept Jesus as your Lord, then you can’t make Him your Savior either.

Salvation that emphasizes forgiveness of sins over a lifelong journey to oneness with God is not the full picture of salvation.

Jesus calls us to abide with Him, to repent (John 15, Matthew 4:17), to follow Him (Matthew 4:19), to obey His commands, to learn from Him, to deny ourselves (Matthew 7:24, 11:28-30, John 14:15), to love God and love others (Matthew 22, 37-40, Luke 14:12-14). to make disciples and so much more. This does not give room for vampire Christianity.

The Bible says if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10, 9). We are saved by grace, not our works. But this is not the complete picture of the gospel of Jesus.

We can’t just decide to enjoy Jesus’s costly forgiveness and then have nothing to do with Him.

Being a disciple of Jesus brings transformation of thought, feeling, and character.

“The only way to transformation is through transfusion.” -Gary Moon

We have to accept all of Jesus’s blood to have a Holy Spirit transformation.

Improving Your Community

How would you improve your community?

For over 14 years I have worked volunteer either being a facilitator for a mental health support group, worked at a drug recovery center, and also volunteered for a veterans organization to help give money for war veterans who needed food, household items or just talking. I was able to help my community for a long time. Now I’m just taking care of me for a change.

Helping your community strengthens social bonds, fosters personal growth, and contributes to a better future for everyone. It offered a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives.

Changes that Covid brought

How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic?

I still live my life as I did when Covid was running rampant. I didn’t believe the masks or staying 6 feet away was the answer. And from what I’ve seen the vaccines have caused more health issues.

I didn’t change my life when Covid ran its course and I don’t now. Eating well and using sanitizers and trusting God was how I lived my life then and what I do now.

To see so many people living in fear was crazy. The government used covid to bring fear and then could lock up and dictate how they lived their lives. It was heartbreaking to watch.

Middle East Revelations

There are some key themes and interpretations between the Middle East and the Book of Revelation.

  • Jerusalem as a focal point:

Jerusalem is a central location for both conflict and ultimate peace, with nations gathering against it before Jesus’s return.

  • The Kings from the East:

The Bible speaks of “kings from the east” who will move westward across the Euphrates River, potentially signifying a large army or coalition of nations.

  • The Euphrates River:

The drying up of the Euphrates River is mentioned as a sign of the end times, preparing the way for these “kings from the east.”

  • The Return of Jesus:

Many believe that the events in the Middle East will culminate in the return of Jesus who will then establish a kingdom of peace and justice.

  • The Valley of Jehoshaphat:

This Valley is mentioned in Joel 3:2 as a place where God will gather the nations for judgment and is often interpreted as a location for the “battle of Armageddon.”

  • The Millennium:

After the event of the end times, a period of peace and prosperity known as a millennium, is expected with Jesus rolling from Jerusalem.

  • Nations and Israel:

Some interpretation suggest that in the end times, nations will come to Jerusalem to worship and learn from the Jewish people about their God.

  • The role of the Antichrist:

Some interpretation suggest that I figure known as the antichrist will play a key role in the event leading up to the end times, potentially setting up a military headquarters in the region.

If you’re wondering why so much unrest and chaos is happening in the world, this may be why. No one knows the time of the end, except for God Himself.

Bible prophecy, envisions peace in the region and two stages. First, there will be a fault peace engineered by a false messiah. Then we will see, and even greater and enduring peace between nations created by the true Messiah, and this peace will endure forever.

I believe getting ourselves ready for Jesus’s return is more important than ever.

Morning Ritual

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

My morning routine usually begins with coffee with Jesus.

I begin with a prayer of gratitude and acknowledging His blessings and seeking His guidance for the day as well as expressing my love towards Him.

Psalm 5:3 says,

“Lord, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and I will watch expectantly.”

I spend my time with Jesus and then do my daily prompts and then go get myself showered and get along with my day.

Don’t Let The Enemy In

“Neither give place to the devil” -Ephesians 4:27

You and I never have to fall prey to the devil. If we can shut every door, close every window, and seal every place in our lives through which the enemy would try and access us, we can prevent him from getting into the middle of our lives.

We can become so discouraged in life that sometimes we seek solutions in unhealthy places. When we are in pain physically or mentally, all we want is relief, and if we’re not careful we can let the devil in unknowingly. Then our only hope is to run to the Father and hide in Him.

Psalm 20:1-2 tells us in times of trouble,

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high, send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion.”

We shouldn’t allow negative feelings or thoughts to overtake us. Emotions are good passengers, but not good drivers. Never trust your feelings. Satan and his minions uses feelings to derail us from God’s purposes for our lives.

Remember that you are loved by God, beyond what you can imagine. The favorite of God is over your life, and God gets pleasure in pouring His grace over your life. God is 100% pleased with you because of Jesus.

As I child I always thought If I did everything “perfect” my mother would love me. The problem was that I was never “perfect” enough for her.

But God looks at us through His eyes which make us perfect because Jesus took our sin. It’s the enemy’s job to keep feeding us lies about ourselves and to convince us that God is not pleased with our lives.

There are 5 common lies the enemy tell us:

  1. The church is not effective.

The Bible says God will send you help from the sanctuary. It is in the church where we get our strength in fellowship with like minded believers. The joy of the Lord remains our strength. This happens when we are connected to a good church.

2. God will not be faithful to you.

God will not keep His promises is a lie from the pit of hell. God always keeps His promises to His children.

“Let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” – Hebrews 10:23

God is so faithful to His word, the Bible tells us,

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful. For He cannot deny Himself” -2 Timothy 2:13

3. God is not going to answer your prayers.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” -James 5:16

The word “fervent” means having or displaying a passionate intensity. While God is hearing us, some have stopped praying with passion and intensity.

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” -Psalm 34:15-19

We are righteous because of what Jesus has done for us, and every time we open our mouths the Father hears us.

4. Your sins are not forgiv…

This is the reason Jesus came to earth. His complete purpose was to forgive us and take away our sins. Our sins are forgotten once we repent and ask for forgiveness. We can stand before God without a single fault.

“Yet not he had reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without defect and blameless before Him” – Colossians 1:22

Jesus canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). We are never as holy as after we take communion. We are forgiven our sins and able to turn away from them.

5. We are not worthy of God’s love and blessing.

“See how much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are” -1 John 3:1

Never believe the lies of the enemy. You are perfect in the sight of God.

What Makes Us Unique

Which aspects do you think makes a person unique?

I am not like anyone. I am unique in my own way. God made me that way.

Each of us are unique to reflect the vases of divine creativity in love. We are cracked into the distinct purpose, like pieces of a grand mosaic-different, yet part of a whole system.

Psalm 139:13-14 tells us that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made,” each of us knit together with intentionality.

We all have our diverse, perspectives, gifts, and quirks.

Our differences could nudge us towards a connection needing each other strengths to thrive. But all too often they drive us apart.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 Paul wrote,

“For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being, are one body, so also in Messiah.”

Jesus told us to love other like-minded people and fellowship with them. The body is not the church, but the people in it make up the church. We are supposed to work our unique gifts to make up the body as a church and do God’s work.