Mental Hygiene: The Mind of the Matter

 

"The mind is hungry. The mind wants to be good, we get so many negative thoughts in our mind, it's almost overwhelming to be positive." Mike Tyson

    Before I begin, this article isn't about mental illness or disorders. This article is about how to keep a healthy mind in an evil world as a believer and why it is important.  I recently watched an interview with Mike Tyson and this quote stuck out to me when he said this. We are bombarded with hundreds, maybe even thousands of thoughts and messages within a days span. We are over loading on messages from social media: Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. Then the news media is sending messages of what's going on in the world around us. Then we have our family, friends, coworkers, etc. Then we have ourselves to deal with as our own thoughts begin to flow. Our mind is processing so much on a daily basis. What's even worse is that most of what we process is negative or unrighteous. This brings me back to Mike Tyson's quote. It's almost as if negativity and wickedness is the new "normal" and to live a Godly life is almost impossible. This is where Mental Hygiene plays very important role in keeping our mind healthy and clean.

The Mind: The Center of the Soul

The mind is very complex. This is our soul center where our mind, Will and emotions function. Our soul is who we are and this is the part of us that God sent his son to save. This is also the part of us that the adversary wants to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).  Our soul receives information through our body from our senses: Touch, Taste, Sight, Hearing and Smell. Through our mind is where we make decisions through using our Will. The Will is very powerful because it gives us the ability to choose right or wrong. What comes through our senses through our body is what influences those decisions. I believe this is why God wanted to guard us in the Garden of Eden. God wasn't deceiving Adam and Eve, he was protecting them from evil/bad/wrong. If all that comes in through your senses is good, you don't have to protect your mind/soul because no negativity is coming through. Nevertheless, once mankind was deceived the Spiritual Warfare began. Now we have to fight to keep our mind/soul pure because negativity and wickedness is at an all time high and we must stay on guard. The Bible tells us in 1Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant (watchful). Then Peter goes on to us why it's important to be clear minded and watchful. Peter says our adversary the devil is like a roaring lion that walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Lions actually don't go for the strong, they look for the weak, alone and sick animals. They look for those that are not alert and easy to take down. These are the instructions that the kingdom of darkness has been given to take us down if possible. How do we keep that from happening?

Godly Mental Hygiene

Great News!!! God has given us all the tools we need to keep our mind/soul from being corrupt by the wickedness in this world :) Now listen even though God has given us the tools, we must be mindful to use them. Paul tells us to not conform to the world systems but allow God to renew our mind to be changed into who God made us to be. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God . Conformed in the Greek means to assume a certain form or figure. To conform your mind and character to another pattern. Social Media is telling us who we should be, but this is not who God said we should be. Millions are struggling with their identity because of what they allow to go through their eye and ear gates. Now they are confused because they know they should do one thing but social media says different. Not only that but it seems that everyone agrees with it and that's where the struggle comes in at. Do Not change to what the world says is right because it's not. Always search the Word/Holy Scriptures to see what God says. Remember our mind is where decisions are made. This is why it is vital that we allow God to continuously renew our mind through sanctification of his Word and through Prayer. We can't walk in God's Will if our mind is aligned with the world's Will. Transform in this scripture means change of moral character for the better. To change after being with God. This renewal is only achieved by God's power. God does a complete change in us when we turn to him through his son Jesus Christ. 

Mental Self Care

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

God tells us what type of things to keep our mind on. Below is some changes you can make to so some mental Spring Cleaning :)

• First and Foremost, Repent(turn from the world's systems and evil desires and look to God and choose him)
• If you have not already done so, get baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit
• Read your Bible daily. If possible in the morning and before bed.
• Pray daily: Whenever God crosses your mind talk to him
• Choose television programming wisely
• Unplug from all Social Media at least twice a week to give your mind a break
• Make better choices when following people on Social Media. 
• Most music is filled with sex, drugs, demonic messages and murder, so filter the music you listen to
• Do not forsake the assembly of the believers. It is strength in numbers. Filter the people you talk to on a daily basis. It is important to converse with like minded people.
• Be sober/clear minded. Stay away from intoxication and mind altering drugs unless prescribed by a physician.

In Conclusion,

It's difficult sometimes as a believer living in an evil world. When we see all the madness that is happening it can be discouraging at times. Let's be honest, we are human and we have emotions. God knows this. He created us to care about the world like he does, but we can't get entangled in it. We can't follow what everyone else is doing. We must stand out and be different because we are different. If we follow the instructions of the Bible our mind will stay in a spiritually healthy state. Isaiah 26:3 thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is                                                                                    stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

 

The Kingdom of Darkness: We Must Protect our Children

I ask you for a moment to take a look at these children. Their beautiful smiles are radiant. Look at the purity and joy that illuminates from them. Now, imagine them being taken advantage of to do unconceivable things. Imagine those smiles are now frowns filled with darkness and void. Their hearts have been turned to stone. These precious children have been made agents for the kingdom of darkness. {disclaimer]I prayed as I typed this that none of those things had happened to these childern. In the Bible, Jesus shows a deep sincere love for children. He had a protective nature when it came to the little ones. Matthew 18:6-7 says: 6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. We see in this scripture that if anyone causes a child to sin they will truly pay for defiling the pure nature of the innocent. In another scripture we see that Jesus understands the power in being like a child. We sometimes overlook children but there is much we can learn from them. In Matthew 18:2-5 Jesus shows us this: 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 

The Nature of Children

Jesus said that Children are humble. I looked up the word humble, the synonyms for humble are: meek, respectful, submissive, unassertive, resistless and unpresuming. This tells me that children will submit to their leaders. Children will not assert their will over yours. They don't resist what you are teaching them. I'm also a fifth grade teacher so I see these traits with children everyday. They believe what you tell them for the most part. They may ask why to get more clarity, but will submit. This is how we must be to enter the kingdom of Heaven. We should not try to assert our Will over God's Will for our life. We are to submit to God by repenting and turning from anything that is unlike him. We do not resist God but surrender our Will to him. 

The Kindom of Darkness Desires to Recruit Our Children

Satan and his agents are working nonstop. He too knows the humble nature of children and how easy it is to trap and turn them. He has demons in every part of this world promoting wickedness through lies and deciet. I recently watched two videos of young ladies who were in Satanism and are now followers of Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! I thank God for their deliverance. I also thank God for their testimonies. The Bible says that we will overcome the devil by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimonies. Through these young ladies sharing what they experienced in the kingdom of darkness I now have a better understanding of satans plan. I found out that his goal is to recruit young people. Both of these ladies were recruited in their teen years. They explained how they target young people. In one case there was a man that would stand outside the school to talk to young girls and recruit them. Clothes, music, false prophets, movies, social media, etc. are use to snare our children to forfeit their soul. These ladies were made to kill people, do human sacrifices, sexual immorality and more. Many of our missing children are taken for this purpose according to these ladies. They are stripped of all innocense and made to be killing and sex machines void of feelings. This breaks my heart as I type these words knowing we have some fault in this. Nevertheless, my hope comes from knowing that there is a way of escape for matter. God does not leave us ignorant. He makes a show of the enemy by bringing his tactics to the forefront. Now it is our time to act. 

Defense Strategy

The Bible says: Train up a child in the way that they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. Many Christians are failing at this for a few reasons. First, we are taking our children to Church and leaving it up to them to train our children. The church is the village that helps, but they are not to do the parent's job. As parents we have to practice what we preach. In Deuteronomy God instructed parents to put Him first in all they did and teach their children to do the same. We are to follow God's word in action and not just words and teach our children to do the same. Many of us are merely church goers with no action behind it which in turn teaches our children nothing about the foundation of our faith. Therefore our first defense strategy is to lead by example. God should be taught at home along with prayer.  Our children should know who Jesus is because at his name everything will bow. Secondly, we are allowing our children to hear and see wicked things created to snare them. Our eyes and ears are open doors to our soul. When we as parents listen to sexual immoral music, Watch sexual immoral videos and movies, curse and use God's name in vain and any other act that involves sin, we open our children up for possession. Therefore our second line of defense is to first make a conscious decision to eliminate those things from your life. Remember we must lead by example. Children do what we do not what we say. We must show our children how to live a Godly life and why it's important. You and your child may learn the reasons together and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact that is beautiful to learn the fullness of God along with your child. Third, pray without ceasing, which means pray all throughout the day. We must cover our children in prayer. This will keep them protected by angels sent by God.  We must take this walk more seriously if we want to save our children. There are children being left open with no defenses because we are not praying and teaching them the right way. This causes them to fall for the kingdom of darkness lies. We must teach our children the name of JESUS! We must teach them how to pray. The Bible is what teaches us how to discern the difference between evil and righteousness. How will they know without you reading with them?

Our job is to protect our children. Pray for any children that are around you. Pray for the abducted children to be returned safely. Pray for believing parents to begin to walk righteously in front of their children, that their children may follow and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Teach them the importance of Jesus and what his sacrifice did for them. Let's take our children back from the hands of the enemy. Stop freely giving them over by allowing them to see and hear anything because of your fleshly desires. Make a decision to be hot or cold. I pray you be hot for Jesus and teach your children to be the same. My prayer is that through your walk with God, your children will begin to teach other children that they encounter. My prayer is that you will begin to form prayer groups with other parents. My prayer is that you will teach the blue print of the Bible which is to Repent, be Baptised and Filled with the Holy Spirit. Be Blessed☝ Feel Free to leave any questions in the comments.

Vision Board: Why I Threw Mine Away

My Vision Boards Through the Years

I began making Vision Boards in 2014. Before then I really didn't have any dreams and aspirations, I had low self esteem and self doubt. Let me go back and bring you up to now :) In 2009 God rocked my world by telling me to go to college to be a Teacher. I was at church and the members were giving testimonies. It seemed that every testimony was about education in some manner. Suddenly, I heard a voice say go to school for teaching. I hadn't been thinking about this in any way, shape of form. In fact, I had one more semester before graduating from Community College in Business Information Technology. I questioned God a couple times because I thought he was tripping lol or making a mistake (he never makes mistakes). Then I begin to think what will my husband say and my children are going to think I'm crazy, but God had the final say. I listened, changed my major and graduated from Community College with a Liberal Arts Associates Degree.

In 2010 I enrolled in Marygrove College undergraduate education program. I didn't really know what to expect but I knew God told me to do it. While in the program I was learning so much about myself. I was seeking God more than ever before,  building my relationship with him and continuing to learn who I was in him. In 2013 I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Language Arts and decided to return for my Masters in Education w/certification. I had never really had goals before this, I was just living and hoping to get it right. During this time it became popular to do Vision Boards and I became a big advocate on setting goals and accomplishing them. In the lower left corner is my first vision board for 2014. As you can see I love colors, I put a lot of thought in the final product as I stood in the Dollar Store arts and crafts section. I thought of everything I wanted to accomplish that year and wallah my first vision board was born. This became an annual thing for me as you can see in the top photo.

     This year I learned about The Law of Attraction and this changed my whole outlook on Vision Boards. The Law of Attraction comes from the New Age Movement. "The New Age comprises countless theologies that often center on religious tolerance.. but it is opposed to the narrow mindedness of Christianity that teaches Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal salvation". (allaboutspirituality.org)  In this definition we can see that God has nothing to do with this. The Law of Attraction is basically what you focus on consciously and subconsciously will directly effect what you get in life from the universe. What you give your attention to results in what your reality is going to be, you create your happiness. You are in control of your life, you are a god, therefore you have the power to create the outcome of your life. If you focus on negative the universe will give you negative, if you focus on positive the universe will give you positive. Sidenote: The universe is a created thing. The universe along with everything else was created by the Most High God. The universe is not the source of all things. The Law of Attraction has been around a long time. It became popular with the book: The Secret. Jesus says: Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, we should never be looking or seeking other sources. 

Where is Jesus in all this?

First of all just let me say my blessings come from God not the universe. Jesus has no part in this, therefore God has no part in it. I know this because God told me himself concerning me. I even made a Vision Board this year (bottom right hand corner). I'm a lifelong learner by nature. I research and question God often and most times he answers quickly. When I learned about the Law of Attraction and New Age I didn't even think about the Vision Board. Usually when I learn something new I ponder for a while to allow God to reveal to me his wisdom, knowledge and revelation. I don't ever want to move on my own. As I pondered the Holy Spirit said "Vision Boards" I thought hmmm vision boards. Really? I looked on Youtube and instantly saw a young lady who said God told her to take down the vision board. What really compelled me though was the countless videos on Vision Boards/ Law of Attraction and how to make your board come true. Check for yourself. Then I start seeing Christian Vision Boards. Once again we think because we put the word Christian in front of something (like Yoga) it's of God. God is a jealous God who doesn't like to share. He's in a category all by himself he doesn't need any help. I immediately wept and repented and the next day I got that thing out my house and didn't look back. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the father, but by me. 

I don't want nothing to do with anything that doesn't allow Jesus to the party. Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Where there is no instruction from God the people perish. The vision is God's word, it's not pictures of what you want to come to pass, the same for Habakkuk (write the vision and make it plain), God answered a question that Habakkuk had and told him to write his answer down on tablets and show the people so they would know what GOD said concerning them. How many Vision Boards do you think are direct words from God's mouth? Most boards are our wants and desires that we want to constantly look at in hopes that we get what we want. Don't get me wrong I was like most Christians where Vision Boards are concerned. I always had scriptures on mine. I always had a theme I felt like was God ordained. I made my boards in a way that there was no question who I served. Nevertheless, God still told me to get it out. Remember we always want our will to line up with God's will for our life. Sometimes what we want isn't what God wants no matter how much we ask for it. Our faith is credited to us as righteousness. Our faith is in Jesus Christ and his father, we don't will the universe to work on our behalf, we are not gods, we are the children of God. Yes we can speak things into existence but it should always be led by the Holy Spirit. If you have a Vision Board I'm not judging you. What I am saying is ask if he is pleased with you making them. Once we know better we do better. I still write down everything but not on boards 😂😂😂.

Activation of the demonic realm has nothing to do with your intentions, it has everything to do with your actions. Vision Boards are demonic and can open up a world that you don't want to find yourself mixed up in. 

Nag Hammadi Scriptures: Should they be apart of a Christian's Library?

This is an age of Knowledge. Everyone wants to "Know" and be aware of all things. The Bible speaks of a time such as this. Dan 12:4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. I believe we live in that time Jesus warned Daniel about. Knowledge increases daily and they're coming up with new ways to make even more knowledge accessible. You can find yourself with a case of knowledge overload. As a believer in Christ we must test everything by the spirit. We can't just run and pick up any and everything. I've stated before that I read and watch documentaries that others wouldn't because of the calling on my life. Nevertheless, I don't advise many to do the same. These different things can shatter your faith into pieces if you are not grounded. My calling is to teach and make believers aware of what God requires of us and the schemes of the enemy. I never study anything without praying and making sure I'm asking for God's revelation knowledge. I don't want knowledge from anything ungodly. This will happpen if you don't cover yourself through prayer. You will be deceived out of your inheritance just like Eve in the Garden of Eden. Daily I'm asking God if there is anything I need to strip or release to have a closer walk with him. I don't want anything blocking my communication with him. Discernment is very important in these end times.

What are the Nag Hammadi Scriptures?

These writings were found in 1945 in Nag Hammadi Eygpt. They are also called early Christian Gnostic gospels. They have the gospel of Thomas, Peter, the origin of creation, etc. just to name a few. The creation story is totally different from what we believe. It states that the mother god Sophia is the almighty god and that our God is ignorant because he doesn't know that she is above him. It also states that she bore our God, which would mean he has a beginning of days. This is not true. It states that he did create the earth which made him arrogant and because of that he wanted everything to worship him (also not true). The Nag Hammadi goes on to say more about our God but you get the picture. In addition, it also depicts Jesus totally different. It says that he was closer to his women devotees vs. the 12 disciples. The Gnostics and Mystics often push the mother goddess. It's no different here. These scriptures have no place on your shelves unless God instructs you to read them. They are completely different from the Holy Bible. The Bible doesn't contradict itself. Scripture interprets scripture. Just like today there were groups who wrote their own gospels and made religions to suit their lifestyles. Historians don't believe Thomas and Peter actually wrote these by the way.  These texts simply show there is nothing new under the sun. The devil has been lying and deceiving since the beginning. This is one of his deception tactics to confuse the body. He wants to steal, kill and destroy us spiritually. He wants to strip us of our inheritance from the father through our faith in Jesus. Our faith is credited to us as righteousness just like Abraham, if we lose faith we lose righteousness and only the righteous will see God. The devil is clever but our God knows all , sees all and has all power. He doesn't leave us ignorant and defenseless. This is why he has certain individuals in the body to study and  reveal this to us, to make his children aware of the coming deception. 

 I have these two here because they go hand in hand. Gnosticism is a modern name for a variety of ancient religious ideas and systems, originating in Jewish-Christian( don't let the word Christian trick you) milieux in the first and second century AD. Gnosticism comes from the Greek: gnosis which means knowledge. Some religions and sects mostly in the few hundred years before and after Jesus are said to be gnostic or practice gnosticism. In Their beliefs they constructed an evil God and beings of the Old Testament to explain the ​creation of the world (matter) and considered Jesus Christ a wholly spiritual God. They also believe we are all gods. We must look within for the answers not above.  In Mysticism , they learn that there is a higher, holistic reality. This reality can be understood as a higher consciousness that encompasses everything and permeates everything. This is where Yoga, Terot cards, spirit guides, ect. come in. Yes I said Yoga. This is what the New Age teachings are all about, gnosticism and mysticism . I will go more in depth about New Age teachings in a later blog. 

What Should We do?

Take the advice of Paul Colossians 2:4,8,10 (4)And this I say, lest any man should beguile (deceive) you with enticing words. (8)Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments(elementary religious teachings coming from the world) of this world, and not after Christ. (10)For we are complete in him which is the head of all principality and power. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down every imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. I believe we are in the endtimes. They are no longer coming, they are here. We have a lot ahead of us as believers in Christ. We must pray without ceasing, Read the Holy scriptures, Hold fast to what is good and abstain from all forms of evil (1 thessalonians 5:17,21,22)

History of Christmas Decorations: Jesus or Pagan

Before I started this blog I knew that Christmas was from pagan roots like most things. I felt as long as my heart was on Jesus I was fine. God showed me that wasn't so. But I didn't know that everything about Christmas came from idols. The only thing we added was a different name calling it Christmas instead of Saturnalia. We also added Jesus instead of Tammuz, Baal, Molech. We think we did something by them including us in their festivities. The more I studied the more I became disgusted. Remember I'm only speaking for myself. I don't judge anyone because like I said this is my first year not celebrating it. It was not easy by any means either, but the more I studied the easier it became. I learned so much and really understood why God asked me "Why do I have to share?" He's right! Why should the Almighty creator and his son who came in flesh and died for our sins share with idols? This is demonic wrapped up in angelic. I know some will say  "In my heart I celebrate Jesus💗". Gods answer to that is I told you don't celebrate as the heathen do (Duet.12:4, Jer.10:2). Don't look at them and say "I will do that very same thing" but say it's for God. When we do that we are only fooling ourselves. The occult know that this is their holiday. To this day they still do spells around this time. A lot of my information came from their websites. Some of them even use Bible scriptures to justify their sun god. Everyone know Christians shouldn't have a part in this but the Christians. We must stand apart and not be conformed to the world any longer. Below I have given the history of Christmas decorations. I just want to give you a full picture before you decide. Please feel free to comment and ask questions.
Santa and Krampus
Santa Claus ability to fly through the sky comes from Ancient Greek & Egyptian Mythology. In Egyptian Mythology the sun god Osirus was born Dec 25. During his sunbirth anniversary he would ride through on his chariot. In Greek mythology the sun god Helios is also said to be born on Dec.25th and on his sunbirth anniversary rode through the sky on his chariot pulled by horses.   
 St Nicholas was said to be a gift-giver from Church history and folklore,  St Nicholas (known in Dutch as Sinterklaas), then merged with the English character Father Christmas and finally created the  character known to Americans and the rest of the English-speaking world as "Santa Claus" In other parts of the world Krampus was known to accompany Santa Claus for any children that was bad. He was a demon that would punish the bad children while Santa gave gifts to the good children. In Germany they still have Krampus parades and festivals. 
The Christmas Tree
The Fir tree was said to be magical because it stayed green all year long. It was decorated with fruit in some cultures to symbolize new life because of the sun rebirth. In other cultures they decorated it with 12 candles to honor the sun god. Today we sing to it (Oh Christmas Tree) just like they did in pagan rituals. This sun god worship has been going on since before Jesus came. In Jeremiah 10:2-5, God is reprimanding the Israelites for worshiping trees and hanging silver and gold on them. God isn't talking about a "Christmas tree" because Christ wasn't on the scene. He was talking about the tree they had cut down to take in their homes to worship. God said we should have no other god before him. Nevertheless we put everything before his commandments.
God says NO! to this in his word📖
 I couldn't believe I had never been taught about this scripture at church. I also hadn't learned that the sun god that's in the Bible is celebrated on Dec.25th. I'm not saying church is wrong of bad. I learned so much during my time at church. What I am saying is that it's so much we don't get taught. A lot of it is pure ignorance because no questions are being asked. We just do what they tell us to do without questioning it. Then we grow up to pastor and do the same thing. The cycle continues. We parish for the lack of knowledge. Why do we celebrate this? Is it in the Bible? Do I feel God is leading me to do this? Is this Jesus birthday and if not when is his birthday? Are we instructed to celebrate  his birthday? etc. We just do without thinking. I'm the first to raise my hand✋
Christmas Bulbs
The ornaments represent the testicles of the sun god that went on the shaft of the erected tree. No pun intended😕
Boughs of Holly
They would use this to decorate their homes as an offering to the fertility god/sun god. In Britian they decorated their homes with it to invite spirits in. "Romans sent boughs of holly and gifts to their friends during Saturnalia, a custom which early Christians adopted" (witchipedia) Saturn is worshipped as the sun god, thus you have Saturnalia. Saturnalia was a time of drunkedness, orgies, sacrifices and gifts. I don't believe Jesus would want to be associated with this. Holly is still used at "Yule" to bring spirits into the occult homes. 
Mistletoe
This is a picture my husband and I took a few years ago. Looking at the smile on my face, you can see how much I loved this time of year. The mistletoe has long been believed to have magical powers. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. The Celtic people offered it up to their gods. During Saturnalia the Romans hung mistletoe all over and had their orgies because it was said to increase fertility. Sooo this is why we kiss under the mistletoe. 
Yule log
Yule, the winter solstice, is a time of great symbolism and power. It marks the return of the sun, when the days finally begin to get a little longer. Yule Is from Dec 21st- Jan 1st. The Yule log was burned for 12 days as that was the length of Saturnalia. In Scandinavia they would sacrifice animals or slaves each night in the fire to keep spirits away and celebrate Tammuz the sun god.
After knowing all this can you continue to celebrate this holiday that has nothing to do with Jesus. He is definitely not the reason for the season.