Wednesday, August 28, 2019

What is your Default Emotion?

What is your Default Emotion?
 
Kyle D Christensen DC 2019

Ever notice the guy or gal who always seems to have a smile on their face? Even when things are rough, they don't stay down long but before you know it are smiling and cheerful again. How about you? What is your default emotion - frustration, irritation, melancholy or JOY!
 
Children, by nature, fail time and again in their attempts to walk, talk, feed themselves and just about every other new pursuit. They never quit trying AND are never discouraged for very long. Why, because it is in their nature. They do not base their attitude or emotions on their past experience but rather on becoming like their parents. They see mom and dad, brothers and sisters, walking and talking and just know they will someday do the same. They accept correction, not as criticism but as encouragement and teaching. 
 
Those on the Christian path unfortunately fail to realize that we too are striving to become like our heavenly parents. We are taught to look forward with faith. Faith is visionary. Faith looks to the future through the eyes of our imagination. Far too many of us see ourselves through the lens of our past, our weakness, our troubles and failings. Our lives are fraught with anxiety, stress and depression because we fear our future may be more of the same. However, the gospel path teaches us that we are to become new creatures in Jesus Christ. We, like the growing child, are in the process of becoming. Failings and fallings are all part of the process. Too many look to the objective of "be ye therefore perfect" that they cannot experience the joy and the victories of the process of becoming. Just as good parents do not critically judge the tumbling toddler, so too Heavenly Parents do not condemn the faltering fledgling wannabe disciple who stumbles. 
 
We are taught that it is through our mind that a total transformation of who we are can occur. (Romans 12:2) The mind is made up of two parts; The conscious mind (what is readily accessible to our awareness) and the subconscious mind (the part that controls everything behind the scenes such as the beating of the heart, our breathing and our emotions).  The conscious mind is trained by learning, observing and experiencing. This is what we have direct control over. I choose to read the book, watch the movie, think about baseball, etc. The subconscious mind learns or is directed by practice and repetition. This is why the athlete or musician practices, repeating again and again until the performance becomes a reflex or a subconscious response. Once something becomes ingrained into the subconscious, it does not become dislodged or replaced easily.
  
Developing the Subconscious Mind
The great American Philosopher, Henry David Thoreau said "As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives."
 
Giving attention to and focusing on an event that causes strong emotions (fear, shame, anger or love, joy and deep satisfaction) will build strong neurologic pathways in the brain. Persist in your chosen line of thinking and these neurologic pathways can grow into neurologic super highways, which can become the theme and tone of your emotional state. The more you focus on and experience the emotions as a result of your thoughts, the greater the neural pathway will be developed in your brain. In training or re-training our brains, we must allow our minds to dwell on the positive joyful thoughts long enough for positive emotions to arise. It is vitally important that emotion is achieved. Repetitive affirmations without emotional intensity will not our desired result especially if there is an undercurrent of disbelief. For example: I repeat the affirmation "Good things happen to me" - but the subconscious mind says "Who are you kidding - don't you remember what happened last time you tried this."
 
Neural pathways are built through rehearsing and re-imagining. Unless you rehearse the joy of success, you lose the impact for it to help develop your identity. Remember, it is the emotionally charged memories and thoughts that most effectively create neural pathways! 
 
The Secret to Lasting Joy and Happiness
Herein lies the secret to lasting joy and happiness. If you wish to be happy you MUST rehearse in your mind again and again thoughts of joy and happiness with emotion. If in your mind you repetitively repeat past traumas, disappointments, injustices or sorrows your subconscious mind will appropriately generate the fruits of these thoughts, which are fear, anxiety, worry and stress. Duh! If on the other hand, our mind looks forward with the eye of imaginative faith to blessings promised by God, then we will reap joy, peace and hope. You must see yourself living in the future described for those who fully accept what is scripturally promised. The fruits of joy, peace and hope that all will be as it should be in the end can be yours. Mind you, we are in training and often training can be rigorous and difficult.
 
Hope, joy, and peace are meant to be the natural state of being for born-again Christians. If we want to have those emotions as our default or natural state, then our beliefs must be based on God's Word - who He says we are. Most peoples identities of themselves are based on their past experience, performance and what they are told by others.   
 
How do we develop faith in Gods promises? The key is to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us instead of allowing our emotions to lead us. We are not who our emotions say we are. In reality, we are not battling who we are, but what we believe. Your actions and your past does not create your identity, your Heavenly Father does. You are who God says you are, not who the world says you are. The goal is to develop into your eternal identity.
 
The Role of Your Imagination
What would happen if you submitted your imagination to God? If you made it your course of study to ferret out who God says you really are, particularly in view of your Christian beliefs, then ponder or let your imagination run with it.
 
Too often we try to make changes in our lives based on willpower. What I have discovered is that willpower or working on yourself doesn't work. What does work however, is imagination, visualization and faith. It is only when we can vividly imagine or see our future through the eye of faith that we almost effortlessly gravitate into that reality. When the will and the imagination are in opposition, the imagination always wins. Our will has great difficulty trying to change something that our mind cannot imagine changed. Sheer willpower is hard work and is difficult to obtain and maintain.
 
Imagination is the womb of faith. Faith is visionary and needs the imagination.
Most people tend to mostly rehearse past negative events; therefore, their subconscious can only imagine a negative future. It is time to dwell on and rehearse a future with freedom and joy. This will bring about a renewed mind!
 
 
Leading the Charge vs Defending your ground
The solution is not fighting off the negative, but emphasizing the positive. Instead of defensively trying to stop believing negatively about ourselves, our focus should be on the truth that we are who God says we are. Strive to fill your mind with so much good (positive) that there is no room for the bad (negative). Stop fighting against something and begin fighting FOR something. 
 
Why You are so Tired
The number one source of energy loss for people is negative emotions. When we change what we believe (that you really are a child of God and that all things will work together for your good), we not only stop the energy drain, we also become energized by what we do. It is worth the effort to work to establish the belief that God still has a future and a hope for you.  The goal is to challenge our experiences with the Word of God, not challenge the Word of God with our experiences. (Read that sentence again and wrap your mind around it!) You will know that you have the right perspective and mindset when your fears and worries melt away and you feel like you can handle anything with God!
 
So spend some time in self-assessment. What is your default emotion? If you are really brave, ask someone who knows you well. If you are not where you'd like to be, I invite you to get to work. Remember, the subconscious mind does not change or shift quickly. This will be a process and take some time. But keep at it. I promise, it will be worth it and truly transformative. 
 
Here are a few Strategies to Begin with
  1. Remember a time in your life when you experienced joy. The joyful pinnacles of your life (to date).  Re-imagine and re-experience with all the emotion and detail you can. Spend 10 minutes each day with the emotions of the experience. Re-live this event for at least 10 consecutive days.
  2. Spend 10 minutes each day dreaming with God. Imagine in your minds eye your bright and joyful future. Create (through the help of God and the Spirit) what your life could and will be as your God-led life unfolds. Do this for 30 days. 
  3. Write down 5 things you are thankful for. Spend at least one minute reimagining one thing on the list and bask in the emotion of gratefulness.
 
Recommended Study:      
Victorious Emotions: Creating a Framework for a Happier You by Wendy Backlund
Victorious Emotions Journal: A 30-day Journey to Rewire Your Brain by Wendy Backlund
 
Blessings,
 
 
 
 
Dr Kyle Christensen  2019

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Who You Are in Christ


Who You Are in Christ

The best way to renew your mind and experience inner transformation is by knowing, thinking and speaking out loud Who You Are In Christ

You are not just an ordinary person; You are a child of the living God. You are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. You are not just a sinner; You are a NEW creation in Jesus. You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. YOU are one of God’s CHOSEN people.

Please feel free to print and copy and duplicate this list! Repeat it and rehearse it and remember it. THIS is who you are in Christ! Use these references as a jumping point to your scripture journal study. Speak out on this daily until your mind is renewed and you develop a healthy self-image.  The following compilation of scripture is to get you started and is not a religious ritual. 

 “I am a precious woman (or man) of great value and worth because Jesus, the King of kings, died and paid a great price for me. I am a royal daughter (or son) for I have a crown of glory and honor on my head, and I am wearing Jesus’ royal robes of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 8:5). God accepts and approves of me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139). There is no condemnation against those who are joined in  Christ. (Romans 8:1). Therefore I accept myself, and love who I am and the way I am made. 

Father, I am who You say I am: I am called by God, not because of any good that I have done, but by his divine pleasure and marvelous grace. (2 Timothy 1:9). I was chosen by God before the foundations of the world to be set apart for Him. (Jeremiah 1:5). (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; John 15:16). I am God’s child. (Romans 8:15 -16). I am born again of the Incorruptible seed of the living Word of God that endures forever. (1 Peter 1:23). I am forgiven of all my sins and the blood of Jesus has washed away my guilt and shame. (Ephesians 1:4 & 7; 1 John 2:12; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 1:14). I am a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am holy and blameless in God’s sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. (Ephesians 1:4). I am the righteousness of God, which means that I am approved, acceptable and in right relationship with Him.(Romans 3:21). I have full access to the Father. (Ephesians 2:18) and can fearlessly, confidently and boldly draw near to His throne. (Hebrews 4:16). I am blessed and I am God’s favorite. (Galatians 3:9). I am the apple of God’s eye and my name is inscribed on the palm of His hand. (Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8; Isaiah 49:16). I am stamped with the seal of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13). I am established to the end. (1 Corinthians 1:8). I am being changed into His image and He Who began this good work in me will bring it to completion. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6) I am God’s workmanship, recreated in Christ for good works. (Ephesians 2:10). I am an ambassador for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20). I am complete in Him. (Colossians 2:10). I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19). I have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5).

I am a joint heir with Christ and He has qualified me to share in His inheritance. (Romans 8:17; Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:11). I am redeemed from the curse of the law and Abraham’s blessings are mine. (Galatians 3:13). I am redeemed from the futile way of life inherited from the tradition of my forefathers and am purchased with the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19). I have been delivered from the control and dominion of the devil and have been translated into God’s kingdom of love. (Colossians 1:13). I am set free. (John 8:36; Galatians 5:1; John 8:31 – 34). I am dead to sin and alive with Christ. (Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:5). I am raised up with Christ and am seated with Him in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:6).    
Because I am born of God the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18). I have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness and I am a partaker of His divine nature. (2 Peter 1:3-4). I am blessed with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer. (Ephesians 1:3). I am firmly rooted, built up and established in my faith (Colossians 2:7) and I have faith that can move mountains. (Mathew 16:20). 
Father, I can do what You say I can do: I am a victorious over-comer (1 John 5:4; Revelations 2:11), a mighty woman (or man) of valor, a champion overcoming warrior, who possesses dignity and honor. (Judges 6:12). I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:35). All circumstances are under my feet. (Psalm 8:6). In all things I gain a surpassing victory (Rom 8:37) and in all things God leads me to triumph in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14). Through my union with God, I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10). I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me. I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency. (Philippians 4:13). Everything I put my hand to prospers. (Psalm 1:1 – 3). I am the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath. (Deuteronomy 28:13). Greater is He that lives in me than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4). Because I believe in, lean on, trust and rely on God, I do the things that Jesus did, and greater things will I do, for His Spirit within me knows no limit. (John 14:12 – 14). Therefore I believe that all things are possible and limit not the Holy One within me. (Philippians 4:13). I received power when the Holy Spirit came upon me, so every place I go and all I do, I do in the power of the Spirit: I have power to lay hands on the sick and see them recover (each and every one), and at my command, in the Name of Jesus all demonic powers are cast out and all people are set free; I have authority over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt me. (Mark 16:17–18). As Jesus is, so am I in this world (1 John 4:17) and the immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing power of God is on the inside of me! (Ephesians 1:19). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me! (Ephesians  1:20)


Who You Are in God’s Eyes

The best way to renew your mind and experience inner transformation is by knowing, thinking and speaking aloud Who You Are in Gods Eyes. (This may seem similar to who you are in Christ, but spend the extra time and do both of these exercises)
Reaffirm who you are in God’s eyes.  Write an affirmation that applies specifically to you.  Read it every day.  Tweak it, adjust it, re-write it, learn it, believe it and internalize it.  Get a spiritual witness from God through the Holy Spirit of its truthfulness.  If you just read words but don’t feel of their truthfulness then you aren’t getting it.  Drive the truth of your life and your purpose from God deep into your soul.  A testimony is in your head, but conversion is in your heart. You may also want to draw on the help of someone who knows you very well. Through the spirit of prophecy, insight can be revealed by an inspired friend or family member who can help you understand who you are in God’s eyes. Incorporate inspired revealed knowledge into your written affirmation.

Here is an example to get you started.
God has a plan, not simply a grand scale plan, but a plan for me individually. My Heavenly Father loves me. That love never changes. It is not influenced by my appearance, my possessions, or by the amount of money I have. It is not changed by my talents or abilities. Just as a parent continues to love a misbehaving or struggling child, God loves me because I am his daughter, or his son. He loves me and will be patient with me. He will work with me and never give up on me, because I am His. I have within me the eternal spark of the divine.

In my pre-earth life existence (Jeremiah 1:5) I exhibited “exceeding faith and good works.” I fought with my faith and testimony to defend the plan that was presented by God. I knew the plan was good, and I knew that the Savior would do what He said He would do—because I knew Him! I stood with Him, and I was eager for my opportunity to come to earth. I knew what was going to be required of me. I knew it would be difficult, and yet I was confident not only that I could accomplish my divine mission but that I could make a difference. And as Jesus touches hearts and lives, one by one, so too can I make a difference to the one.