CURSE OF ADDICTION

It felt as if the walls were caving in on me as I walked down the long, narrow hall leading to the psychiatric ward extension of Wuesthoff Hospital. I was there to visit George Robinson, who was court ordered to receive psychiatric treatment. A creepy feeling overcame me when the security guard locked the door behind me. Shock overwhelmed me as I stared into the faces of what looked like three hundred neurotic deranged human beings. Even though I had only spoken to George a few times prior to this visit, I was there at his request. I came to help him overcome his sixteen years of alcohol addiction. As I walked through the crowd, looking for George, I saw people engaging in elaborate conversations with the walls, while others stared silently into space. Paranoia eased from me when a few "normal" people nodded and said hello. I remember thinking as I looked across the Ward, "this is the curse of addiction." If nothing else gave me reason to thank God I was not a drug addict, that experience did. As I gazed at the crowd of men and women, young and old, it became evident to me that drug addiction destroys the mind, separates families, and leaves the addict functionally helpless.
One of the first things alcohol and other drugs do to a person's mind is destroy virtually millions of irreplaceable brain cells. (According to the Center for Drug and Alcohol Treatment of America). From my experience at Wuesthoff Psychiatric Ward, I did not need many facts or statistics to prove to me that drug addiction destroys the mind. Drug addiction is a slow death, according to Dr. John B. James of Johns Hopkens Alcohol Research Center in Baltimore, Maryland. It was clear to me, after talking with George Robinson, that sixteen years of alcoholism had almost stripped him of his self worth and esteem. Even his conversation seemed to jump from one subject to another. I found it hard to make sense of what he was trying to say. It was evident that drug addiction was a psychological curse.
Another way that I saw drug addiction as a curse was the way it separated families. As I talked to George that day, he revealed to me that his addiction had driven a deep wedge between him and his father. George confessed that he lost every friend that he ever had. Drugs had destroyed almost every promising relationship George ever had. At thirty years of age, George Robinson had no real friends, no plans of marriage, no children, and no loving relationship with his mother or father. I was a preacher he had only met four or five times, and he said that I was the only one he could call for help. This brought new meaning to the latest government reports that found drug addiction to be one of the leading causes for divorce in America.
Finally, not only does drug addiction destroy the mind and relationships, it also renders the addict virtually helpless in securing a meaningful future. George Robinson had a bachelor's degree in agriculture. He was a skilled carpenter, a wind surfing champion, and a very skillful surfboard designer. George, at one time, owned a very successful surfboard manufacturing business, and alcohol addiction had taken it all away. I didn't need all the facts and figure that day to convince me that drug addiction would destroy a man's future success. If George was ever to enjoy a successful future, alcohol would have to go. Clearly, drug addiction was a curse to him.
It took George eight months of hard work to overcome his addiction. After nine years of drug free living, George Robinson has his right mind, is happily married and is a successful businessman in Melbourne, Florida. My experience with helping George overcome his addiction has revealed to me, the unforgettable curse of addiction.

12 Ingredients of a Perfect Day

Time is the most valuable commodity in your life. Time is more valuable than money, things, stuff, goods or prestige. If you lose your house, you can always get another one. If you lose your friends, you can make new ones. If you lose your time, you can never replace it. Cherish your time above everything that is given to you.
Energy is powerful substance you have been given with regard to your assignment. If you learn your purpose, educate yourself to accomplish it and network all the friends and family to assist you, but you run out of the energy to follow through, all your resources’ become in vain. You must always be conscious of your energy level – measured by passion, health, excitement, ambition and activity.

1. PURPOSE – what is that single most definite purpose in life that you were place on earth to accomplish? Why were you born? If you cannot articulate that in detail, then list the Single most important thing that you MUST do this year. What is it that you want to DO, ACCOMPLISH, HAVE, REACH this year? What is that one thing that you and you alone can and must do? Start with this. Every day of your life must be centered on your PURPOSE. If you don’t, you’ll spend a lifetime of doing stuff that matters NOTHING to you or yours. “To this end was I born and for this purpose I came (John 18:37).
2. PRAYER – converse with God daily about what it is that HE wants of you and for you. Never start a day without first “checking in with God.” It is a major mistake to go to God after you messed up something, asking his help to FIX it, than it is to go to God before you DO for direction on what and how to live. Prayer is getting the mind of Christ before your thoughts so you can KNOW what and how to do. “Everything by prayer (Phil 4:6).
3. PRESCRIPTION – To lay down as a guide or rule of action, to direct the use of something as a remedy. A written direction: (medical term = plan of cure). A LIST of what you want to accomplish towards your ultimate goal. Prescription is meant as preparation. Put all the stuff you want to accomplish on paper and sift through it before you plan. “Steps of a good man are order by God (Ps 37:23).
4. PLAN – written down outline or steps you must take to get you to your desired goal. This “plan” should only be two or three things per day that you MUST accomplish. Never write out more than three things. If you were able to accomplish just one a day, in one year, you would have accomplished 365 powerful plans – steps that took you towards your ultimate purpose in life. “Failing to Plan is a sure Plan to Fail.” “Set your house in order (Isa 38:1).
a. WRITE down your plan of action: “Success Schedule, To Do List, Action Plan, etc. but whatever you call it, you must write it down:
5. PRIORITIZE - Every plan must have some order to it of priority or you will simply move with your plan in mind – thinking you are getting things done. Obviously, you must put the first and most important thing you HAVE to do this day or else – if you are going to be successful with your time and energy. Place the first things first. If you have 10 things down on your list and stayed busy all day and all you did was drive, drycleaner, grocery, gas, mop, etc., but failed to DO your purpose, you will have wasted your day. “Seek first the Kingdom (Matt 6:33
6. ORGANIZE – Put your plan down in an order, such as 1, 2, 3, or by Hours, or Morning, Afternoon, Evening, or Action, Phone calls, Paper, etc. There is no way that your purpose, plan or priority will become a reality unless you organize it. You must put your purpose down in an ORDERLY fashion. What to do first?
7. NETWORK – Above communication, you need to network. Networking means touch bases with all those in your life you NEED in order to accomplish your single most definite purpose in life. Communicate with everyone you need to, connect with your mentor (person or paper), recap what your superiors have put in your IN box, ask, ask, ask what it is that you need, they demand, etc. = success.
8. EDUCATE – Every day should always have in it a book, audio or some source of tool that ADDS value to your Spirit, Soul and Body. If you are not GROWING daily, you are SHRINKING. Always keep a book, audio lesson, article, memory, etc. on your person, car, bathroom, work, etc. so you can access it when you have the time. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). “You shall know the truth, make you free (John 8:32). Use your activities, failures, short falls and successes to educate you also. Recap your day and learn from it.
9. EXERCISE – Your brain will only last as long as your body. Your health is the key to your endurance. Physical health is paramount to your emotional health. If your body is sluggish, so will be your brain. 8 minutes a day of some form of exercise can and will keep you on the top 10% of the world. Stretch, Move & use your daily routine to exercise: Squats, Pick-up, Posture, Leg movements, etc.
10. FELLOWSHIP – unlike networking, fellowship is for human development. While networking is meant for your purpose success, fellowship is for your personal success. Fellowship is with your spouse, children and friends. Fellowship is used to recap priorities, assist you with keeping things in perspective. Fellowship forces you to accomplish your purpose with others in mind, not a selfish motive.
11. ENTERTAIN – We all need to Replenish our mind from the daily depletion. Entertainment is a time to laugh, reprise, refuel, and refresh your soul and mind. Some can use exercise as entertainment while others use reading a book. Some use a hobby while others use sports or show. Mix it up if you can.
12. REST – Proper sleep will add up to 8 years to your life. Babies need 10-12 hours, youth need 8-10 hours and adults 6-8 hours of sleep. Each hour before midnight is worth more than 2 hours after midnight. If you sleep 10-12 hours and wake up, you will be sluggish all day. Why? Unhealthy. “Come aside and rest (Mark 6:31). I will give you rest (Matt 11:28).
By Dr Tim McClure

Promiseland Newsletter 4-10

THE SCIENCE OF BREAKTHROUGH
If anyone dares step into a Spirit filled church or listen to a dynamic speaker, be he a preacher or motivational speaker, one will hear something along the line of pressing through where ever they are right now and into where they wish to be. “Press toward the mark of the high calling of God” Paul admonishes. “Forgetting those thing which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before” Paul again challenges. Jesus even proclaimed, “No one who has put his hand to the plow and looked back is fit for the Kingdom.”
Webster attempt to define Breakthrough as “an offensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line in warfare, an act of breaking through an obstacle, a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique.” I must admit that after 18 years of growing up in a Baptist preacher’s home and the next 36 years in Pentecost, I have heard 200-300 sermons on “Breakthrough.” However, far too little was given to me of a “step by step” practical system or explained principle of exactly HOW to experience a genuine “Breakthrough.” I’ve heard cheesy gimmicks like, “Turn around three times and shout Jesus.” Or, “tonight if you will just stand on your feet and dance for Jesus, you will dance you way out.” Sorry, but the most common on Christian Television would be something like; “You can give your way into your breakthrough.”
Please, the last thing I wish to do is to offend anyone who holds dear to some of those moments of spiritual euphoria. Maybe it just comes from my years of practical experience and decades of Biblical knowledge, but no one can read very far into the Bible and not acknowledge that God is not some hap-hazard, off the cuff weirdo. God has designed a planet, solar system and universe that has more laws of nature and universe than it seems we can discover. If I have found anything about God in my past 54 years of life circumference about God is He works according to principle.
I have found that if one is going to actually experience a “Breakthrough” in anything of their life, spiritual, relational, emotional, physical or financial, one MUST learn the absolute fundamental principles of HOW to experience such a breakthrough. I call it the “Science of Breakthrough.” If one is going to break through the obstacle of health that is holding one back from health, proper weight, free from disease, then one will be forced to activate the Biblical principles that guarantee such a break through. Such as the Law of Faith (Rom 3:27). The Law of your Mind (Rom 7:23). Such principles as Jesus explained, “I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23).
Please, can we grow up? Stop this foolishness of spin around three times, jump up and down and shout NO at the devil and you will get your breakthrough. I’m not against your shouting or jumping. I do that and love it. But to suggest that our human antics or aerobics will break through the obstacle of sin, Satan or stupid is absurd. It will take nothing less than the absolute laws of God to retrieve the particular “breakthrough” that we need. Let us learn, love and leverage the divine Science of Breakthrough and live the life God intended us to on the other side of whatever it is that’s holding you back.
By Dr. Tim McClure

A Quick Recipe for A Church Split
Take two good rumors, add a little spice, beat in several old accusations, pour in several dissatisfied church members, season to taste and then beat until firm. Spread out the mixture as far as possible throughout the church (the fact that it is thin is okay). Bake at a high temperature until you think it’s done. Serve when ready. This is a meal that should never be found upon our plate.

Proverbs to live by:
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks
Life is not so much a matter of position as of disposition.
The best vitamin for making friends: B-1.
Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.
Seek joy in what you give not what you get.

COMING EVENTS
April 2010 – Breakthrough – Theme for April, 10:30 AM Sunday’s
April 4 – Easter Play - In the Shadow of the Cross – 10:30 am – Promiseland
April 7, 14, 21, 28 – APEX classes for all leaders & ministry involved @ 7 PM
April 11 – Couple’s Social – Mark Gungor @ Promiseland Café – 6 PM
April 16-18 – Fellowship groups – @ a place near you – call 321-216-8030
April 24 – Take a Stand @ Lipscomb St Park – call Kent 321- 750-9925
April 25 – Generation Changers Youth Sunday @ Promiseland 10:30 AM
May 9 – Mother’s Tribute – Women’s Sunday @ Promiseland 10:30 AM

Promiseland Church
1855 Lansing St. Melbourne, FL 32935
www.promiseland.org
http://drtimmcclure.blogspot.com/
http://www.drtimmcclure.maxous.com/sp2/
http://www.thehomebusinessacademy.biz

In the Shadow of the Cross

In the Shadow of the Cross Easter Passion play / drama this year is going to be a dramatic presentation of a step by step of the High Priest sacrifice in the Tabernacle of the Wilderness on Passover. Once a year, Moses would go through the ceremony of offering a lamb sacrifice to God for the sins of the whole nation of Israel for Atonement.

Each step had a significant meaning then and also a prophetic meaning to the times of Christ. And the ultimate application to you and I here today is still affecting us and will for all eternity. The first step was the sacrifice on the Altar. The significance of this is found in Jesus' death for us as a substitute. The second step was to wash at the Laver. This was significant of when Jesus died and when they pierced his side and out came water and blood. A type of water baptism when the blood of Jesus Christ washes our sins away. The third step was in the Holy Place where the Table for the Candle stick, and the table of the Bread then the Altar of Incense. Each held a significance of Jesus being the Light of the World, the Bread of life and praying for us as our intercessor. The the final and most important was past the Vail into the Holy of Hollies where the Ark of the Covenant was. This was where Moses stepped into and sprinkled blood on the four horns of the Mercy seat for the offering of the sacrifice to God in heaven. Upon this, God would accept the sin offering and pour out his glory in the tabernacle and the whole nation would see the glory of God shining down upon the Tabernacle. This signified that God accepted their offering and forgave them of their sins.

Join us this Easter Sunday for one of the most powerful presentations of the significance of the Cross of Jesus Christ and the true meaning of Easter. You will learn some of the most powerful biblical principles ever. You will get an Associate Degree in Theology in one illustrated sermon. The visual effects and power point will leave you awe struck. We promise you will be glad you took time this Easter to come experience one of the most powerful presentations on Easter you will ever witness.

HOW TO HANDLE STRESS IN OUR TIMES

STRESS CAUSED BY WORK
When Elijah did not see the results in others, he became very stressed out. Strange, isn’t it? Just when you find yourself right in the middle of the place you wanted to be for years, it seems like it didn’t give you what you “Expected.”
This is where “Stress” comes to knock you off course. Work attracts attack.
Stress hits the people who want something out of life. Men and women who AIM for something or try to become something are the ones who experience stressed.
I have a “Quick Fix” cure for all stress: “Plan nothing, Desire nothing, Reach for nothing, Have nothing and Do nothing.” The people who get criticized are the people who “Have” something, “Do” something & “Are” something. If you don’t want criticism, Do nothing, Have nothing and be nothing. Notice, it was when Elijah “had done...” he was attacked I King 19:1-4

Get to doing something and the devil will show up to kill you. If he can’t kill you, get you to backslide, get you to quit - he’ll just give you STRESS !!!!!!!
FOUR DOWN-STEPS OF STRESS
Notice again, Elijah’s Stress Signs: “When he saw what Jezebel ...” Elijah got his eyes off of revival at Mt. Carmel and focused on what Jezebel was saying she was going to do. Notice, the “Seduction of Stress:”
IKing 19:1-4 ..Elijah had done ... 2 Jezebel put hit out on Elijah 3 “when he saw that”, he ran for his life, and left his servant. 4 went into the wilderness, and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested to die; and said, It is enough;[it’s too much] now LORD.
1.) One of the first things “Stress” will do is cause you to “Leave” your co-workers and spiritual support. Stress irritates until one doesn’t want to be around another person. This is called neurosis in psychology. [It’s my fault]. What was it that Elijah’s servant did that caused Elijah to want to leave him? Nothing! The servant had nothing to do with it. The same thing happens to we today if we let “Stress” get to us.
2.) The second thing which Stress does to us is makes us desire to get alone and “Pout.” Elijah left and went into the wilderness and “Sat” under a Juniper tree. Stressed out people find it easy to make excuse to “Quit” - sit down. Juniper means a pole, stem, broom, yoke, bind.
3.) Thirdly, stress will bring a person to a place where he or she sees no worth or reason of their place in the Kingdom. Not only a give up and quit spirit, but stress takes us so far that we can not see our purpose of living this way of life anymore. “What’s the use?” spirit sets in. The spiritual suicide demon takes over like it did with Cain, Saul, Judas...
4.) Fourthly, stress brings a person to a place where one says, “It’s too much.” This spirit of hoplessness destroys all faith. Healings can’t come to you, miracles have no effect and salvation has lost all power to save. “Stress” is an evil spirit.
INTERNAL ATTACK OF STRESS
Ps 42:1-6
DISQUIETED (H) raw-gaz; to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear): be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, rage, trouble.
Depression is an internal pressure. Oppression is an outside pressure. Oppression is caused usually by the devil; “Jesus healing all that were oppressed of the devil” (Acts 10:38). Oppression is caused by enemies “Jesus was oppressed and afflicted by the Jews” (Is. 53:7). However, depression comes from within. This can be caused by outside pressure until one believes what they say and now join the pressure. “David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him “ (1 Sam 30:6). When his men blamed David, it caused David to feel guilty and depression set in. Saul was depressed over his jealousy of David, God leaving him and Philistines war against Israel. Saul blamed himself = depression (1 Sam 28:15). Depression killed Saul’s destiny. Depression stopped Elijah’s future ministry cold:

Rediscovering Church

“Upon this Rock, I will build my church” (Matt 16:18). Church is defined as; n 1. A building for public worship 2. People who demonstrate their love for God by loving and serving others. Tabernacle in the Wilderness was a “type and shadow” metaphor of the Church that Jesus Built. No, the church is not perfect, but the designer is.
Angie pulls into the parking lot as she does every Monday night, but on this night she drives past her usual parking area and parks her car by the maintenance building. Walking back toward the church, she silently thanks God – again for the mechanics who volunteer their time & talent on Monday nights. While Angie attends the ministry for single mothers and her daughter attends a class for children of divorce, a grease smeared hero replaces her U-joints on her car. This is church
Peanut butter, Spaghetti, Baked beans, Powdered milk, Coffee, Cereal, Soup, Diapers, Shampoo, Toothpaste… Sue continues down the list, buying three of each item requested. The checkout clerk comments on her triplicate buying, but Sue just chuckles. On Sunday, Sue wraps the bags of groceries in garbage bags and leaves them on the pavement behind her car while she attends church. During service, volunteers gathers them all and stocks the food pantry for needy families. This is church
The young man weeps as he reveals a story of child hood abuse so cruel that its victim, his wife buried the memories in her subconscious mind for 15 years. But now the surfaced tormented memoires shattered the tranquility of their home till it is now threatening the security of their marriage. Both husband and wife are leaders but feel helpless. The husband sits alone in the middle of his peers. When he finishes his story, one man reaches out and tests his hand on his shoulder, while another grips his arm. Soon he’s wrapped in a corporate embrace. With passion they all begin to pray for over an hour while tears soak him with deep heartfelt love. This is church
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to guilt. Therefore is you are offering your gift before God and you remember that your brother has been wronged by you, leave your gift there and go to your brother and be reconciled, then come back to the altar and worship God.” You know what these words mean, the pastor asks? Can we honestly love God while we hold a grudge against someone? As he speaks the rustle begins in the pews. Within minutes hundreds have left their seats. Some are weeping with each other asking for forgiveness, while others kneel at the altar making things right. This is church
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to communion and prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and did business, they gave to the ministry of need. Every day they continued to meet together in the church. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47) This is church

HIDDEN FEDERAL TAXES YOU PAY EVERY DAY

Whether you're making a PBJ sandwich or an airline reservation, you're coming into close contact with invisible charges that make goods and services more expensive. Everyone knows there are federal taxes on tobacco and alcohol, but did you know the feds take a bite out of your afternoon candy bar? There are plenty of unexpected taxes that raise the price of goods and services -- sin taxes, import duties, user fees and excise taxes on things as varied as gas guzzlers, firearms, communications services and air travel. "The less visible a tax is, the less likely taxpayers will be aware of it, unsettled by it and advocate against it," says economist Jared Bernstein of the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. You may feel lucky in Las Vegas, hit the lottery or have a good day at the racetrack, but all winnings are taxable as regular income. There's a tax on the life insurance policy that your employer so generously gives you as a benefit if it is over $50,000. "Most of the hidden taxes pertain to products we buy rather than wages we earn," adds Pete Sepp, a spokesman for the National Taxpayers Union, a watchdog group in Washington, D.C.
Think going “American First” is better, well look closer and find the Government tax policy is part of the problem of destroying “America First.” Goods from brooms to bicycles may carry excise taxes to make them more expensive. It's one way the government keeps the price of imported products artificially high and makes it easier for domestic ones to compete for business. "You are paying more than you would otherwise pay," says Patrick Fleenor, an economist for the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C., group. Here are some items whose prices are jacked up with import taxes: Bicycles at 11%, School supplies 5%, Hammock 15%, Infant formula 18%, Linens 12%, Flashlights 18%, Brooms 32%, Girdles 24% and Peanut Butter 143%.
Our own Federal Government is manipulating our economy so much till there is almost no such thing as a “Free Market.”