Throwback Thursday | September 1st, 2013 | Like and subscribe!

Main message: God may be calling you to get off the busy "treadmill" of activity and performance, let him cleanse and redirect your life, and intentionally become available to serve him rather than living by your own or your brain's impulses. The pastor illustrates this through his sabbatical, spiritual/physical experiences, and personal losses that produced clarity and change.

Key points:

• The sermon begins with Matthew 12:22 and Jesus casting out a demon, but the speaker clarifies not all illness or hardship equals demon possession; the passage points to the arrival of God's kingdom.
• The pastor took a 90-day sabbatical because he felt his life/ministry was on an unhealthy treadmill; God honored his intent and began cleansing before the sabbatical began.
• He describes an unusual spiritual/physical incident (white smoke/brown ash) as a sign of an "uncleanness" God wanted removed, not as proof Christians can be demon-possessed.
• A brain scan revealed he has ADD and that his thinking patterns needed management; he changed diet, exercise, and habits to serve his calling rather than be driven by his brain.
• Personal trials (learning Spanish, his father's illness and death) were part of refinement that confirmed he must not return to the old treadmill; he urges saying no more often and trusting God with the next step.
• Practical challenge: identify your treadmill (job, relationship, pattern), step off into God's hands, take thoughts captive, and make yourself available to what God wants.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 12:22-28