photo credit: *TreMichLan*

Many who recieved God’s saving Grace spoke of immediate Joy entering their lives. We witnessed Witch Doctor’s, spirit mediators, self-proclaimed Apostles and Prophets confess Christ and denounce their practices with demons! I have never experienced anything more powerful to this point in my faith walk. The prayers of God’s people prior to our visit and during it, was what brought the success. The fruit of souls just fell into our hands when we asked if they wanted to receive this wonderful gift from Heaven.

Thanks to everyone who supported our trip with prayer and finances. You certainly invested in a worthy and successful Mission for the Kingdom of God!

His Servant,

Jeff

photo credit: Dean Terry

I was studying a scripture in God’s Word (the Holy Bible) and I gained great understanding as to the power of thought in our lives and the dire importance of protecting our mind as to what we allow to enter therein. The scripture  I would like to discuss is found in Proverbs 23:7 and it states, “Whatever a man thinks in his heart so is he.” I would like to concentrate on two words in this short but powerful scripture.

First, the word, thinks, does not mean a fleating thought or concept that passes through your mind. This word describes the thought as deep meditation or concentration. It is taking a concept or idea and mulling it over and over again in your mind in a way of workingout a problem.

The second word which I want to spend most of my time on is the word heart. In the Old Testement this word is synonomous with the word soul and not the Cardia of a fleshly organ that pumps blood through our bodies. We now have a better understanding of the soul from the Apostle Paul in his New Testement writings that man is actually a spirit that has a soul that lives in a body. The soul and spirit of a man are so closely connected that only God Himself can differentiate the two. In the book of Hebrews chapter 4 vs 12 the Bible states, “The Word of God is quick (living) and powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing between the sould and spirit, joints and marrow and is a diserner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Our spirit is truly who we really are. When God breathed into Adam the Bible says that Adam then became a living being. In simple terms God, who is life, through His breath turned on the power switch in Adam’s soul and he became a living, breathing,  and animated being. Your soul is where your concience and conciousness resides. It is also the seat of your emotions. When we make decisions based soley on our emotions we are making decisions out from that fallen part of our humanity. This is why, as a Christian, we must base all of our decisions on what God says about the situation. We should never trust our emotions. Our emotions or feelings will get us into a mess real quick!

Now, you are asking, “what does this all have to do with the word heart/soul.” Well, when I studied this word, ‘heart,” from this scripture I found that this unique Hebrew word was used only once in all of the Bible in reference to the human heart/soul. In the Old Testement it was used in context to describe a city gate. In the Old Testement era the city gate was where all of the city Elders (officials) met to make legal, civil, propety and even criminal decisions. Here at the city gate travelers would desire to enter to sell their wares so the Elders would decide whether to give them entrance or not. What God is trying to tell us in this scripture is, that our heart (soul) is the city gate to our mind and we must be very careful of the decisions we make as to what we allow to enter that gate as it will infect the whole city! So, accompanied with the word, ‘thinks,” we need to make sure we do not take worldly thoughts and concepts and work them out in our minds because we will begin to allow the Worlds fallen and corrupt approaches to become who we are and how we live. The book of James tells us that, “when lust (personal cravings in the mind) have conceived they bring forth sin, and sin when it is birthed brings forth death.”  (James Ch. 1 vs. 15). In Romans Ch. 12 vs. 2,  Paul tells us as Christians, “be not conformed (molded) to this World (system) but you be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I would give a word of encouragement here and say that this is NOT saying that you have sinned if you have a sinful thought. I like the analogy I heard and I believe it came from Martin Luther which compares sinful thoughts to the activity of a bird. You cannot keep a bird from flying over your head but you can keep that bird from landing on your head and making a nest and living there. Even Jesus Himself was tempted with sin but He overcame the enemy by the written Word of God!

Finally, Paul wirites in the book of Philippians Ch. 4 vs. 8 says, “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 a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

What I have found practical in my life is when I find myself having impure thoughts I begin to sing a spiritual hymn, quote a scripture or think about my Lord’s sacrifice for me or His soon return. It turns my thoughts onto things that, if visually displayed, would not bring embarrasment to myself or others around me.

It is my prayer for you and myself that we adopt and apply this teaching and not allow these Worldly thoughts to gain entrance into the citygate of our hearts (soul/mind) but wash them away by consistantly reading and applying the truths of God’s holy and pure Word!

His Sevant,

Jeff

When I was a little boy I was painfully shy and incredibly insecure. I would never raise my hand in school to answer a question, even if I was 99.999% sure of  having the correct answer. It was that small margin of error of, “what if I am wrong,” that kept me from participating in life. I know that many of you reading this may say, “so what if your wrong, nobody knows everything!” However, those of us who deal with inferiority issues know very well that if we answer the question wrong or we do not measure up to the, “standard,” everyone will know what we have thought for years, that we are worthless to humanity and do not deserve the next breath of air!

You see, the true tragedy with those who suffer from an Inferiority Complex is that  many times they do not have the strength, confidence, or  the strong encouragement from others to take the first step of faith and share  their gifts, talents and abilities  with the world. Their fear of failure or being, “ found out”, keeps them in a self-imposed prison. So, they set on the sideline of life and watch life go on without them.

Speaking of  the power of encouragement, you never k now how it can set the stage for something great. When I was in the fifth or sixth grade we would have what was called, “Field Days.” This event took place the last couple of days at the end of the school year. Each child would sign up to compete in various races like potatoe sack races, throwing the ball the fartherst, broad jump and a foot race and many other events. Well, everything within me wanted to run and jump that day but I just could not bring myself to compete. On this fate filled day I had one of my first encouragers to help me. A young boy in my class named Tracy Bass told me that I could win the jump and foot race. I still refused to do it even with his encouragment. Tracy did not stop there. He spoke to the teacher and told her that I wanted to run and jump then he asked her to call on me to do it. The teacher did call on me and I can tell you the only reason I participated that day was out of  respect of that authority figure.  It was that day that I won my first two, “First Place Blue Ribbons”! You can see a photo of the ribbons and “Jeff’s Story” at http://www.jumpingjeffclay.com/pages/jeffs_story.html Tracy is still one of those unique encouragers today as he is a local Minister in our County. I am thankful that someone cared and went the extra mile for me. I always wonder had I not received the encouragemnt from Tracy that day and of others through my life,   would I now be in the unique position of encouraging others today!

My encouragement to someone dealing with the issue  of Inferiority or maybe someone reading who has a close friend, spouse, relative or significant other that deals with this Hidden Handicap, would be to tell you from personal experience that the Lord has placed in every person gifts, talents and abilities. He desires these gifts to be used for the betterment of mankind. You also need to know that most everyone deals with a small measure of feelings of inferiority and fear of failure. Anyone who has embarked on a new career, started a new business, invented a new product or changed schools and moved to a new neigborhood has dealt with feelings of inferiority, thoughts of failure and of not being accepted by others. The Bible tells us that we are ALL failures in a sense. In the Psalms and again in the book of Romans the Lord says, there is none good, no not one. In Isaiah He says that man’s rightousness (good deeds) are like filthy rags. So, guess what? We are all in the same boat, so to speak ,when it comes to failure. Lets not stop there because ther is hope for us all. In the book of Ephesians the Lord tells us that as Christians, “we are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus.”  The Apostle Pauls tells us that, “we are MORE than Conquerers through Christ who loves us ,”and then “l can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me (you),” and lastly, “If God be for us WHO can stand against us.” It was His Word, grace , strength and Sovereign guiding hand that made it possible for me to break this evil bondage of inferiority. However, the  Lord needs a willing vessel to work with. I encourage and challenge you today as you are reading this, that you will have a made-up and determined mind to take the first step of faith and ask the Lord to strengthen you by His Holy Spirit so as to enable you to unlock the keys of that prison door and walk out a free person in Jesus name! AMEN!!!

In Christ we stand,

Jeff

photo credit: alicepopkorn

photo credit: freeparking

I praise the Lord for the wonderful work that He does in the lives of us who were once his enemies. This young lady just this past weekend made a public profession of her new found relationship with the Lord Jesus by being baptised. She shared her story so well, saying that she formerly did not want to give up her life because she thought she would have to give up the fun. She went on to say that now she realizes that what she traded was hurtful to her and now she has real joy in her life. I have personally experienced joy over her salvation as well. It has given me a new zeal to share Christ when the opportunity presents itself. Speaking of joy I remember the scripture that says, ” Likewise, I (Jesus) say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents (turns from their sin).” Luke 15:10  If you read this correctly, it is not the angels rejoicing, but there is joy in their presence. I have a strong feeling, that the joy here is that of the Father and of His Son Jesus!

Help me to continue to pray for Michelle. We know that the enemy comes immediatly to steal away the Seed of God’s Word. Pray that the Lord would protect and cultivate His Seed. That Michelle will have an insatiable desire for understanding the Bible and that she will be surrounded by Godly and mature Christians!

Jeff

11-17-08

The S.E. TN Fellowship of Christian Athletes 2009 Annual Breakfast
Good morning and thank you for the honor of speaking with you today!

“In life you will have trials, troubles and even tragedies but I believe, and am persuaded, that through faith, and a made-up mind you can find a way through IT, around IT, or LIKE ME, Just Get Over IT!” Jeff Clay

“The Clay Mold for Setting & Attaining Goals”

1.) Write down your goals- This creates a contract between three people. Me, myself and I! This gives your goals purpose and life. This becomes a personal contract.
Former Gov. of NY, Rudy Juliani in his campaign for the Presidency said, “Hope is NOT a strategy!”
Note: Post your goals where you can see them daily

2.) Visualize IT- “Where there is no vision people perish.”(Proverbs 29:18)
“I will meditate upon your Word day and night.” (Psalm 1)
Not from a “New Ageism” approach at all-Be careful of this.
It’s alright to hope and dream but “Visualizing” is actually seeing yourself accomplish IT in your mind’s eye and it prepares the body to ready itself to make it happen.
• “If IT’s in the mind IT’s in the body.” Jeff Clay
• “Imagination is greater than knowledge.” Albert Einstien
• Rehearse your goal in your mind and see yourself doing it time and again.

3.) Believe in and encourage yourself – “Whatsoever a man thinks in his heart (soul) so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)
• If you think you are a champion and a victor you will be.
• “I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me.”(Romans 8:37)
• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
• Note: You may be the only person that can believe for BIG things in your life, family ,and among your friends. So, be ready for negative Nellies!

” Man who say IT cannot be done is, probably interrupting man doing IT.” (Chinese Proverb)

4.) Obtainable Goals: I would like to personally walk on the moon but I know it is not possible to fly there in a bathtub!!!
• Make measurable goals.
• Educate yourself about your goal.
• Make sure you have the skill set to accomplish it.
• Don’t ask your mama her opinion of your ability because she will lie to you!

5.) Create initial steps that will move you closer to your goal

Note:Having Keys to a car won’t getcha movin. You gotta turn the ignition to start the motor and put it into drive!
• Write out three initial steps you will take to make this goal a reality
• When these are completed and your goal is not reached create three more strategies
• When these three are extinguished write out three more……..

6.) Unremitting Determination- Let nothing or no one deter you from achieving your goals.

Note: You will have resistance from others, obstacles, and slammed doors in your face but remember, it takes the “resistance” created by the wings of an airplane to make it lift from the ground and soar to a high altitude!
The Lord also uses this “ resistance” in life to shape and mold us into His Sons image and character. So don’t fight it! Allow it to be the lift in your life!

Emerson says, ‘It is not those things that lie before us or behind us, but it is that which lies within us that truly matters.”

7.) Remember God and others- Along the path of attaining your goals extend your hands to others that need help reaching their goals!

• Give and it shall be given to you….(Luke 6:38)
• Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Matthew 7:12)

• Seek the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness FIRST” and “THEN” all these things will be added unto you. (Luke 12:31)

Note: As  High School Seniors you are carrying the baton for Christ and soon you will have to pass this baton to your under-classmen. Teach them how to carry it with power, honor, compassion and humility!
8.) Finish Well
• It’s not over till it’s over-Half a school year left and then you begin again on a new path
• I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course… (II Timothy 4:7)
• Have this same like passion with me-Desire to leave an indelible mark upon your classmates, school, friends, family, college, work, clubs, city, county, state and wherever God takes you!!!
Remember “when you have trials, troubles , obstacles and hurdles come your way, with faith and a made-up mind, find a way through IT, around IT or do like Jumping Jeff,
Just Get Over IT!”
Thank you and may God bless you!

You see, I know personally how we can endure trying times in our lives. Sometimes life just seems to fall apart on us. I have been guiltyof sulking and try to throw a pity parties for myself in some of these situations. It is in these difficult times that there comes a moment ,whether it is several days, months or even years,  where you have a decision to make. The decision is do I continue to set here and have a pity party, or set in a depression, or serious funk, or do I say to myself, “self, Just Get Over IT!!!” “Self, it is time to get on with life and stop allowing life to get on without you.”

There are times when you can have significant issues at school, work, relationships,  family and spiritual dilemmas that seem to control the majority of your thought life. This is when you use my motto of, “Just Get Over IT! “ Stop allowing things to control you, you must take control over them. Certainly from a spiritual sense I would encourage you that it is only through Jesus Christ whereby you can have ultimate and complete victory in life;however, I have found that speaking to myself frankly helps me to kick IT into gear!

So when life is trying to kick down your door and it seems that everything is against you, remember what I say, “In life you will have trials, troubles and unfortunately even tragedies, but with faith and a made-up mind, you can find a way through IT, around IT, or do like Jumping Jeff , “Just Get Over IT!!!”

Jeff Clay