Conquer that Mountain!

January 30, 2021 Gaspar Anastasi

Finding significance in life, Making positive change

Do the problems you face loom larger than life? Are they also greater than the God you serve? Sadly, for too many of us, the answer is yes.

However, the mountains in our lives are actually blessings in disguise. On the one hand, they reveal how powerless we are to move them. On the other hand, they offer an incredible opportunity to discover how great and awesome God really is.

Your mountains will shrink dramatically when you:

Get a fresh revelation of God. When King Uzziah died, the prophet Isaiah faced a leadership crisis both personally and politically.

But God met him in an amazing way! “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1)”

God overwhelmed the prophet with a vision of His greatness and, in an instant, discouragement evaporated, changing Isaiah’s life forever. He understood that what was impossible for him was no match for the great and mighty God he served.

Ask God for a mountain-moving strategy. Get alone with God and take advice from the Lord’s brother James: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)” Keep a pen and paper with you and write down the best 4 or 5 possible solutions. God’s promises are true and, when applied, they will release His power against your problems. He says: “I will hasten my word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:12)”
Act in faith. With humility, prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit, step out in faith and act on one of those solutions. Trust God to close some doors and to open others, unveiling even more possibilities. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)”

Connect with solution-oriented people. Don’t hang out with those who just sympathize with you. It’s worth seeking them out! Unfortunately, there aren’t many visionaries in the world today who see the end from the beginning. Be careful to guard your heart from adopting a victim mentality.

No matter what mountains overshadow you—relational, marital, financial, emotional or physical—God has the solution. It’s just a matter of getting His download. The Lord loves to work with people who know they need His strength. “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)”

Don’t get overwhelmed and give in to defeat! Move that mountain! You know a great big God who can!…

Are we there yet?

January 23, 2021 Gaspar Anastasi

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Finding significance in life, Making positive change, Success & victory

“Are we there yet?” That’s the question we always asked as kids on a long car ride. As long as we could envision the destination, we could tolerate the monotony and discomfort of the trip. But what happens when the goal is still far away?

We start looking at the road and focusing on how hard life is. Giving up on our dream becomes a viable option. That’s why you must stay focused on the bigger picture, the reason you were created.

Of course, the journey plays an important part: It prepares you to be successful when you reach your destination. Sadly, too many people get off track along the way. They get their eyes off the prize, quit along the way and then never fulfill their life’s purpose.

Keeping the bigger picture in mind (the end goal, the destination) helps us to press on.

Focus on the end game

Walt Disney was fired from his newspaper job because he “lacked ideas” and went bankrupt several times. When he tried to fund the development of Disneyland, over a hundred banks turned him down.

When Thomas Edison was 4 years old, his teacher sent a note home saying, “Please remove Thomas from this school because he is too stupid to learn.” That opinion didn’t keep him from going on to invent the incandescent light bulb, becoming history’s most prolific inventor or having 1,093 U.S. patents as well as many in the UK, France and Germany.

Then there’s Lou Ferrigno who, as a child, developed an ear infection resulting in hearing loss in one ear. His father was very critical of him because of his hearing loss, believing he would never achieve success. Yet, at the age of 20, Ferrigno became the youngest body builder to win the Mr. Universe title and then became a legend on the TV show “The Incredible Hulk”. He once said, “If I hadn’t lost my hearing, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” It forced him to stay focused on the bigger picture (his desire to be successful) and maximize his potential.

There are many others who stayed focused on the end game in spite of obstacles they faced on the journey. Early teachers considered Albert Einstein an un-teachable fool and Wayne Gretzky (the most famous hockey player to play the game) was said to be “too small, too slow and would never make it in the NHL.” The experts considered Beethoven hopeless as a composer.

Pursue the prize ahead

These men had two things in common: 1). They never quit when it seemed like the only option and 2). they stayed focused on the bigger picture. They kept their eyes fixed on their destination—not just the journey. They accepted that life isn’t fair and doesn’t give you what you deserve. (But they obviously believed it gives you what you demand.)

Don’t let past failures deter you from pursuing your God-given dreams. There is a prize ahead, so press on toward your goal. Like the Apostle Paul said:

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14).

If this blog has been a blessing to you, please comment.…

Living Vertical

January 9, 2021 Gaspar Anastasi

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Making positive change

Too often, our perspective on life is horizontal. What I mean is: We’re people-focused, not God-focused. You and I work very hard to please the people in our lives. We want to earn their approval for various reasons, and some of those reasons are good. Sometimes we’re motivated by a real love and compassion for our fellow human beings.

We want to benefit them and protect them from a destiny of destruction. Of course, some reasons may be more selfish, like wanting to get a promotion or a raise on the job; or desiring something they have.

Both kinds of desires represent a “horizontal lifestyle”. The focus is on us and other people, instead of God (a vertical lifestyle).

Vertical is more durable

Both lifestyles are necessary, but the horizontal should flow naturally out of the vertical. They should not be two separate lifestyles. When our lives are vertical, (focused on knowing and loving God) the natural by-product is caring for others with a pure heart. Faulty motives should have no place.

Even as Christians, we live mostly horizontal. Yes, we share the gospel with more people today than before, but what we’re presenting isn’t life-changing. We’re reproducing ourselves instead of reproducing Jesus!

We are called to re-present Jesus here on earth, but that’s only possible if we are filled with Him. God can’t work through us what He hasn’t first worked in us. If your life isn’t vertical enough, you can only give others what’s inside of you (which quickly runs out).

Keys to vertical living

How can we turn this around, be more vertical than horizontal? Here are some very practical, life-changing steps.

Pray at least once a day, asking God to give you a pure heart and right motives. (Matthew 5:8). That prayer lines up with God’s will for you and He will answer it.
Make it a priority to worship the Lord three times a day. Just two or three minutes several times a day releases your love and adoration for God. It strengthens your spirit-man. As your spirit goes, so goes your whole life!
Remind yourself daily how God has delivered you and where He has taken you. Bringing back to your conscious mind how God’s miracles have changed your life and destiny will make you immensely more vertical-minded almost immediately. I’m sure that, like me, Jesus has delivered you many times since He came into your life as your Lord and Savior. Bring to mind your latest life-changing breakthrough.
Now share that testimony with one person every day. Make it a habit to share God’s glory with someone each day.
Refuse to get offended! When someone hurts you, and they will, choose to deal with it immediately. Don’t stuff it down in your heart.

These few steps will keep you vertical, not just horizontal. I assure you that when you live a vertical lifestyle, your horizontal life will be very successful as well!…

You can have the life you demand!

December 12, 2020 Gaspar Anastasi

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Making positive change, Success & victory

Every one of us, over the course of our lives has been dealt a bad hand. When it happens we wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?” Finally, we conclude: “Life ain’t fair!”

However, that fact doesn’t disqualify you from the abundance of great blessings that God has promised you. I used to think that the Bible was just a good story and that God wouldn’t fulfill His promises to me until I got to heaven!

It’s true that life doesn’t give you what you deserve, but it WILL give you what you demand. Let me explain.

Since God created everything by His spoken word, (and Jesus IS the Word) everything in creation MUST submit to the authority of its Creator. God said, “Let there be”…and it was so!

His way of doing things hasn’t changed because He never changes: “For I am the LORD, I do not change (Malachi 3:6a,).” “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).” “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).”

Now you can pass your existence blaming other people and complaining about how unfair life is. Or you can take responsibility for the outcome.

If you want to see the Bible come alive, refuse to be a victim! When you own God’s promises and command your circumstances to bow to the Living Word of God, they must yield to the Creator and His word. Here are some keys:

1. Own God’s promises. He wasn’t teasing when He said, “I will supply all of your needs according to My riches in glory.” He loves it when you hold Him to His word. It proves you believe Him.

2. Don’t quit. Too many believers stop short of the manifestation of those promises because they lack patience. “God’s promises are always “yea and amen” and they will come to pass because God is not a liar. His word will prosper wherever He sends it!

3. Go to war. Satan will resist you. So, aggressively submit to God (His word) and resist the devil. The devil is just testing to see if you really believe God’s promises. Praise God in the “night” because joy comes in the morning.

4. Be passionate. You may start out zealously standing on God’s promises, but it’s easy to get distracted and lose focus. Jesus said in Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

And this isn’t just about you. Be selfless in your walk with God so your victories will overflow to others. They will learn from your life. Keep the fire burning in your heart by being a true worshipper of God.

Truly, life won’t give you what you deserve, but it will give you what you demand. Demand God’s promises! Boldly stand on the firm foundation of His Word and refuse to be moved by the circumstances. Start living the abundant life. It’s already bought and paid for by the precious blood of His Son!…

This changes everything!

November 21, 2020 Gaspar Anastasi

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Making positive change, Success & victory

A captain navigates a huge ship with a tiny rudder. A rider masters a powerful horse with a small bit in his mouth. In the same way, the words you and I speak direct the course of our lives (James 3). Think of it!

God created everything by His words and the whole universe operates on a word system. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, (Hebrews 1:3, 11:3).

Amazingly, God has given us the same power over our own lives and the world in which we live. What a privilege!

Learn to master your words (making sure they agree with God’s words) and you will find yourself living a more peaceful, fulfilling and successful life. Jesus said in Luke 21:33, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

How our words affect us and those around us:

Our words hurt people’s feelings. We hurl them carelessly without taking thought of the consequences. We don’t recognize the powerful force for good or evil our words carry. Your words also have equal power to create a friendly, rather than hostile atmosphere.
Our words shape our destiny. Today, you are the sum total of every word you first believed and then spoke about yourself. There’s no getting away from it: Our words make us our own best friend or worst enemy. Instead of trying to change people’s perception of you by changing your clothes or hairstyle, try changing your words.
Our words sink ships. Stop undermining your personal relationships and career by speaking negative things about yourself. So often we knock ourselves, thinking that we’re being humble. We don’t see how this bad habit negatively impacts our destiny, the way people view us and consequently treat us.

How to live better, be liked more and succeed

Weigh your words. Words are a gift from God, so carefully weigh them before you release them. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21). Ask yourself: “Who is Lord over the words I’m about to speak: Jesus or satan?
Don’t abuse the power of speech. Satan can’t curse you, but he does everything he can to get you to curse yourself. He uses your circumstances to convince you to speak negative words about yourself, others and your future. Instead, find out what God has to say about you and speak that.
Listen to the Holy Spirit. Because, with your words you choose life or death, blessing or curses; be led by the Holy Spirit. Trust His warnings and promptings before you speak. Remember, loose lips can sink your ship!

Change the way you speak and you will quickly improve everything in your life. By adding just one godly confession about yourself and your destiny every day for a week, you will experience immediate improvement. However, this change won’t go unchallenged. The devil knows the power of your words. The question is: Do you?

We love to hear from you! If this blog post has been a blessing to you, please comment!…

Don’t let your past control your future

November 14, 2020 Gaspar Anastasi

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Getting past the past, Making positive change

Whenever we bring up past hurts, continually rehearse our failures and agonize over things we should have done but didn’t, we’re tying ourselves to our past. We’re also assuring that our present and future won’t be much different. So, in reality, our past isn’t the past.

Your own worst enemy

We spend so much energy trying to get people to sympathize with us and understand why we are where we are today. Our past excuses why we can’t possibly do better. We spend countless hours telling the story of our past, trying to convince ourselves and others that life could have been different if certain things never happened.

Speaking and thinking this way makes us our own worst enemy by binding us to the past. That, in turn, hinders our present and future. Fortunately, you can get released from the curse of the past.

During my 36 years as a Christian counselor, I have seen the following steps successfully unlock the prison gate for a person stuck in the past, freeing them to enter into God’s great destiny for their life. It’s not too late to get free from the torment of the past.

Let go of yesterday

Step 1: Forgive yourself for your role in your past: wrong decisions and even thoughts and desires. We often deflect the full responsibility of our pain onto others. We can’t deal with the self-rejection and guilt that comes from admitting our part. Remember, “The truth will set you free. (John 8:32)“. Although this first step is difficult, the alternative is this: Your history will become your destiny.

Step 2: Forgive everyone who caused you pain and bad memories. It’s not enough just to forget them or not mention them again. They still hold a place in your heart, allowing Satan to keep you tied to the bad memories. You know you’ve forgiven them if hearing their name no longer triggers that uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach. Release the forgiveness God placed in you to them. Chords to the past will be broken and Satan’s assignment of tormenting you with past memories will disappear. It’s worth the effort!

Step 3: Make a conscious effort to stop bringing up your past. Scripture says that words have the power of life and death. Bringing up the past in some fashion releases a curse over your present and future. You may even be unaware that you do this. To stop it, consider asking someone close to you to point out when you bring up the past.

Step 4: Get free of shame and guilt. From time to time, we all feel guilt for things that happened in the past. Until you deal with this deep level of hurt it will undermine your faith to get free. Find someone who can pray for this deep healing. Left un-dealt with, shame and guilt will sabotage the first three steps.

I highly recommend the Stop Hurting Start Healing ministry to deal with deep inner hurt and shame. Go to BreakingFreeCC .com and start to take back your life from the enemy.

If you let it, history will repeat itself in your life. But with you and God…NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!…