More Power Than You Think : Anatomy of a Christ-like Mind

This is an excerpt taken from Episode 33. You can find the full episode here. There is a lie in Christian circles, specifically in Christian/Biblical counseling, that if pressure reveals thoughts that are not Christ-like, you ARE those thoughts and you need to confess. This subtle deception completely removes the fact that Jesus died to give us "a way of escape." We can resist temptation! We do not have to be who our heart wants us to be.  We have the God-given power to choose because of the shared victory we have as believers in children of God. Thus the entire meaning behind "guide thine heart in the way." WE get to lead our heart, not be led by it. We get to choose! If you believe the truths I talk about in this episode excerpt, your life will be completely changed! **I do briefly discuss mental health in this excerpt. I am not a mental health professional, but I am a suicide attempt survivor and speak from first-hand experience of living with a mental illness called Bipolar Type II. If you are having an emergency, please call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Information on this podcast is not to be taken as medical advice or as a replacement for professional care but is for educational purposes only. Download your free mental Health Resource Guide Here https://jenniferskaw.ck.page/resourceguide2022 Jennifer's Online Bible Study - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

For 3 1/2 months you have heard me say I have had to "temporarily divert my time to other priorities." Well, today I reveal the secret of what those priorities were and what I have been doing these past months. Thanks for tuning in!   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

On this one-year anniversary of the More Power Than You Think Podcast, I want to share one of the most vital, life-changing mind set shifts we must make in order to truly keep God in charge of our lives and to avoid resisting His plans for us. And that is, your position is not your purpose. Positions change, your purpose does not. Don’t let yourself believe the subtle lie that your security or purpose is in a position. If you do this, your loyalty, surrender, and devotion are misplaced. Let God use you in whatever position HE chooses. Let yourself be the surrendered vessel in the Potter’s Hands. Trust that if God changes your position/ path/ course, that the new path will bring more glory to God, have more eternal impact, and more fulfillment to you and others than any path you could have chosen for yourself.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

Have you ever said “hurry up and learn” to yourself? Have you ever poured your time and energy into pursuing knowledge and then realized what you’ve learned is just a drop in the bucket of what you should know? This can lead to some anxiety and probably some discouragement. Is there even time for us to learn all that we feel we need to know? As Pastor Scott Pauley says, let’s enjoy the journey! Today I talk about how to get this learning racing stripe off our back so we can instead savor the learning process.   Listen to the song from this episode https://lnk.to/Immanuel-JenniferSkaw   Watch the video of this song here. Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

Today's episode is not an attack on fallen leaders, but rather encouragement and instruction for those disheartened or discouraged by leadership that has gone astray or caused harm. ​I pray what God has led me to share will inspire you or a loved one to continue on as a soldier for Jesus Christ, with focus on our faithful God, all the way to the finish line, regardless of what happens around us.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

I love the examples God gives us in Scripture. They offer a roadmap for us, so we can stay encouraged and on course. God used Joseph, Moses, David and Paul to minister to me. God did not expect perfection from them, only the next step of obedience as He continued to reveal their path. He does the same for us. I hope to encourage you today that you don’t need to know the whole plan, just the next step.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

It is so important that we learn to be content with loneliness. If we don't learn this skill, our relationships will suffer, our ministry will suffer, and our walk with God will suffer. Even in the best relationships, there is still a hunger in the soul only Christ can fill. We can be surrounded by people that genuinely love and care for us and still be lonely. And sometimes, we truly are alone. No one can meet the intricate needs of our soul like God can. Let’s Learn to be so dependent on God that He becomes enough.   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers  

It is easy to lose sight of who our God is when the world seems so out of control. But God hasn't changed. God is alive and working in this world. The devil may think he is winning, but you and I have a Light and message that he can never dim!! Amen! I pray this post renews your spirit or encourages you in the power of our God. Maybe you already have strength right now.  Praise the Lord! Pass it on! If not, may this be a comfort.   Listen to the song from this episode https://lnk.to/YouAreMine-JenniferSkaw   Watch the video of this song here. Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

Sometimes we designate a trial in our life as a time to be “off duty” from being a light for Christ. Suddenly, we seem to have blinders on and all we can see is how our trial is affecting US.  But if we can view our trials through God's lens, many blessings surface. We lose many blessings when we isolate our interactions and trials to only be about us. Consider our Savior. Even facing death and abandonment, Jesus made His trial about others. Nothing He went through was for Him alone, but rather was for the glory of His Father and the benefit of mankind. Let’s talk about seeing beyond our trial, with a vision for serving others even during the most difficult hardship.   Listen to my song "Beautiful Are the Scars" here Watch the YouTube video of this song here. Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

King David had a dream of building God’s temple and was ready to take action, but God gave him a hard, “No!” Has God done this to a dream in your life? Said NO. How did you handle that? What became of the dream? There is a difference between suppressing our dreams, which leads to discontentment, and surrendering our dreams, which leads to peace. At the core of this surrender is trust. The more we trust God, the less painful surrender will be. The more we trust God, the more assurance we have that His plans are better than ours could ever be. Most of us have things we wish the Lord would allow but for some reason He hasn’t. The more we trust His wisdom, the less painful those things will be that He keeps from us. Today I’m talking about the two very different outcomes these two subtle but very different actions of suppress vs. surrender can bring.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

Scripture tells us that we can be God's friend. What an incredible honor and privilege. Several years ago, God helped me understand a way we can love Him with even more of our heart, soul, and mind so that we become a true friend of God. It is amazing that our Holy God condescends to our level to share friendship with us. Let’s uncover an obstacle to this friendship so that we can avoid it and God can continue to call us His true friend.   Listen to the song from this episode https://lnk.to/ReturnToYou   Watch the video of this song here. Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

Many believe that the idea of existing for the sole purpose of glorifying God is a ridiculous concept. Most have a perspective that following God is more like a hobby, and they see a relationship with Christ as optional. It is a given that for a lost soul to go to heaven, Christ is not optional, but there are also Christians who are living as if Christ is optional. Are we content with salvation and pursuing nothing more? A Christian loses so much by not pursuing Christ beyond salvation. Untold blessings are forfeited by living a redeemed life without a relationship with the Redeemer. Let’s shine some light on this deception from the evil one and get strengthened by the truth that for the lost or the saved, Christ is not optional. Listen to my song "Were it Not for Grace" here Watch the video of this song here. Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

God doesn't always choose to remove affliction. Perhaps you will agree that looking back on certain trials in your life you can see at least one way you benefited from the trial.   People yearn for proof and examples that God really is enough for their trial. When we choose to keep living abundantly regardless of hardships and afflictions, we are giving others hope that scripture really is true, and that God really is enough. If we look from God's perspective, trials are a gift. This episode is about affliction, but not the woeful side of affliction, the beautiful side. There is hope and joy and mending and purpose when we let God be a part of our story, whether in the valley or on the mountain top.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

Trials give God an opportunity to gently minister to us and give us an opportunity to savor resting in His care. We find His peace when we trust Him regardless of the storm around us. This week’s episode title comes from Psalm 116:7-8. “Return unto thy rest, O my soul; For the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” I want to encourage you in this episode that you don’t have to wait for your circumstance to change or for a prayer to be answered to have God’s peace.  You can have it this very moment.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

We don't have to know the person we’re praying for or the outcome. If we really tune in, I believe we will consistently hear God's whisper prompting us to pray all throughout our day for strangers. Everywhere we go and look, we will find someone who has a need. Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Any labor we do for the Lord is worth it all if just one life is enriched spiritually as a result. This week's episode is about your worth, my worth and the worth of every life we intersect. It is about sacrifice and how reaching, investing in, and enriching another life for Christ is worth ANY cost. We are so valuable that Jesus considered us worth the cost of His suffering and shame. Now we get to follow His example. Every day we get opportunities to make a difference.   Together, let’s consider it worth the cost to invest in each other.  Let’s consider it worth the cost and a success when we make a difference in even one life.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

This week’s episode is called At His Table. It is God who is meeting you there. You quiet your thoughts and listen to hear your Father’s soft voice reminding you of His truth. As bitterness and discontentment knocked at your door this week, you had to really listen for that comforting voice. Your Father’s whisper tells you that you can trust Him. It tells you to be content with His plan. He reminds you that you have no need to fret or feel like you are missing out compared to someone else’s adventure or path. He reminds you that your work is important, and He sees you.  In this week’s episode we focus on trusting the path God has allowed, and that any work He calls us to do is important work.   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

What should you do when the devil is attacking you? There are many tactics that bring success, but I want to share a tactic that brought me victory last week when the destroyer was trying to get me out of God’s will. Listen to my song "What Love Really Means" here Watch my video for this song here.    Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Early on in dementia, the patient has an awareness of things changing.  They know that some of their thoughts are not quite right. They have an awareness that there are parts of their thinking process that they are losing control of. Our mental battles can be very similar.  You have one foot hanging off the edge of sanity, while the foot on solid ground has an awareness that something is wrong, but doesn’t have the control to fix the problem. What do we do when we are on that edge of confusion? What is God’s plan to help us with our mind when it seems we are losing it? Let’s find out one of God’s remedies in Scripture. Listen to the song in this episode here https://lnk.to/MyHidingPlace Watch this song's video here.   Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

God is always teaching! I'm back after 9 days in lovely Samara, Costa Rica.   I tried to remember to invite God to everything and was leaning in to hear His voice. Join me as I share some spiritual and not-so-spiritual memories from my amazing trip.   Listen to the song from this episode https://lnk.to/Beautiful-JenniferSkaw   Watch the video of this song here. Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

Of all the episodes from this series, this last one pulls at my heart the most. I spend more time on stigma in this episode than any of the others. It is a sad topic, but it is the truth of what’s going on in our churches. I also am forthright about the harm in the approach many take in counseling, an approach that has much truth but is mixed with very little mercy, grace, or heavenly wisdom. I begin this episode by briefly going over the 6 key things that God used to bring me to stability from suicidal depression and bipolar.  I spend quite a bit of time talking about how we all handle stress differently.  For some, stress becomes illness and disease. For others, it leads to mental symptoms. We all respond to stress differently based on a variety of factors. We all have a different reserve of strength and health. This reserve, or lack thereof, affects how vulnerable we are to the consequence of life’s stressors. When it comes to trauma, I address how some biblical curriculums teach that any negative effects from these traumas reveal a spiritual problem. I don’t believe that is a balanced or realistic perspective and explain my thoughts on this teaching. I address the division, harm and discord the devil has been successful in achieving among the body of Christ. I emphasize that no matter the origin of any mental or physical battle we face, God’s Word and renewing the mind is part of the answer. Toward the end, I give my final thoughts, including identifying the real enemy, the father of lies. And I encourage folks that even if they don’t see eye to eye with their leadership on the topic of mental health, we can still have a wonderful relationship, stay teachable, and receive the blessings God will give through our leadership in other areas. I end this episode by highlighting our Savior, as He spent His last hours in the garden, heavy with physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, yet fully trusting and without sin.  He again, is our example in all things.   I am not a mental health professional, but I am a suicide attempt survivor and speak from first-hand experience of living with a mental illness called Bipolar Type II. If you are having an emergency, please call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Information on this podcast is not to be taken as medical advice or as a replacement for professional care but is for educational purposes only. Download your free Mental Health Resource Guide Here Listen to my song "Goodness of God" here Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

This is part 2 of my discussion on counseling. Today I reveal my concerns about both secular and Biblical counseling. Neither one can be blindly followed and neither one needs to be automatically excluded.  I point out that none of the counseling types are intentionally trying to steer you away from truth, but I do highlight things you need to be aware of in both secular and Biblical counseling that could be harmful. I especially highlight the harmful Biblical counseling that says you must accept who your heart wants you to be while it emphasizes the sin rather than the provision of our new identity in Christ. (This portion begins at 24:07) I warn that if you are not an avid student of Scripture, you will have a lack of knowledge and may fail to see where your counseling, whether secular or spiritual, is steering you out of alignment with God’s Word. I give advice on what the spiritual outcome of your counseling should be. I advise you on the confidentiality level of the different counseling types. I talk about the availability struggles you may have finding a counselor. I talk more about the harmful blanket statement that mental health battles mean you are not right with God and use my own self as an example of how my failures this week with anxiety and depression does not mean I completely failed or that I was overall simply not right with God or living in the world as the stigma states. This episode definitely provides a lot to chew on and think about! Next week I will bring one more episode on this topic of mental illness before resuming back to my normal content.   I am not a mental health professional, but I am a suicide attempt survivor and speak from first-hand experience of living with a mental illness called Bipolar Type II. If you are having an emergency, please call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Information on this podcast is not to be taken as medical advice or as a replacement for professional care but is for educational purposes only. Download your free mental Health Resource Guide Here https://jenniferskaw.ck.page/resourceguide2022   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

The discussion on counseling will cover two weeks. In today's episode, Part 1 on counseling, I start by giving a bird’s eye view of the different kinds of counseling that is available in both the Christian and secular community.  I talk about price, credentials, availability, and what kind of confidentiality you can expect amongst the different counselors.  I talk about mental health professionals that specialize in a specific area and why that may be beneficial to you. I discuss how counseling is a relationship where you have a say in your care. You and the counselor get the freedom to communicate your needs.  You are not “stuck” with a counselor that isn’t working for you.  You have the freedom to discontinue working with them if they end up not being a good fit. I talk about how you can communicate your needs with a secular counselor to facilitate a relationship that helps your needs get met in a way that aligns with your faith.  I end Part 1 addressing some of the all-or-nothing statements regarding counseling. These statements are harmful and may keep someone from getting the care they need to be safe, live a better quality of life, or even stay alive. Part 2 will air next week, June 4th. I am not a mental health professional, but I am a suicide attempt survivor and speak from first-hand experience of living with a mental illness called Bipolar Type II. If you are having an emergency, please call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Information on this podcast is not to be taken as medical advice or as a replacement for professional care but is for educational purposes only. Download your free mental Health Resource Guide Here https://jenniferskaw.ck.page/resourceguide2022   Listen to the song from this episode https://lnk.to/YouAreMine-JenniferSkaw   Watch the video of this song here. Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

My plan today was to talk about all things counseling… secular, spiritual, and Biblical counseling. But God has given me more homework.  More studying and reading one more book before He has me address this topic. The topic of counseling is serious and causing a lot of division in our churches. It’s even possible that lives have been lost based on counseling that was in error. God has challenged me to fine-tune my beliefs, and to be very careful about presenting information until I have researched it fully and present it as truth. I believe this is a challenge He has for all of us. Our beliefs should not be founded on emotions, our own agenda, the fear of man or on tradition but founded on truth. It is something we need to continually evaluate ourselves on, but especially as we spread opinions and beliefs on these topics around mental illness. This episode is an honest update on the behind-the-scenes preparation for these episodes as I continue to study for the remainder of Mental Health Awareness Month. There will be at least two more episodes, possibly three, on this topic before we return to our regular content. Do you have something you want me to address? Let me know. I am open to your feedback or questions! Email me at [email protected] I am not a mental health professional, but I am a suicide attempt survivor and speak from first-hand experience of living with a mental illness called Bipolar Type II. If you are having an emergency, please call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Information on this podcast is not to be taken as medical advice or as a replacement for professional care but is for educational purposes only. Download your free mental Health Resource Guide Here https://jenniferskaw.ck.page/resourceguide2022   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

Is taking drugs for mental health reasons a lack of faith? Not in my opinion! The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month.  I don’t normally talk exclusively about mental illness on this podcast, but I am taking the entire month of May to specifically address this topic. Not only are people suffering and dying, but unnecessary division is being caused in our church communities against those that are struggling. There is much harm being caused from stigma, a lack of knowledge, a judgmental, pious spirit, and passed down beliefs that have no scientific backing. There is also a lack of knowledge amongst those suffering. When we don’t know the power and promises of the word of God, we become victims to our minds and thoughts, remaining powerless over them. I don’t claim that the word of God will erase mental illness, but I have proved in my own battle with bipolar and suicidal depression that including scripture in the battle for the mind is of paramount importance, and for me, was lifesaving. This month as we discuss mental illness, I will address stigma, counseling, medication, suicide, and so much more. Do you have something you want me to address? Let me know. I am open to your feedback or questions! Email me at [email protected] I am not a mental health professional, but I am a suicide attempt survivor and speak from first-hand experience of living with a mental illness called Bipolar Type II. If you are having an emergency, please call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Information on this podcast is not to be taken as medical advice or as a replacement for professional care but is for educational purposes only. Download your free mental Health Resource Guide Here https://jenniferskaw.ck.page/resourceguide2022   Listen to the song from this episode https://lnk.to/HeGivethMoreGrace   Watch the video of this song here. Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month.  I don’t normally talk exclusively about mental illness on this podcast, but I am taking the entire month of May to specifically address this topic. Not only are people suffering and dying, but unnecessary division is being caused in our church communities against those that are struggling. There is much harm being caused from stigma, a lack of knowledge, a judgmental, pious spirit, and passed down beliefs that have no scientific backing. There is also a lack of knowledge amongst those suffering. When we don’t know the power and promises of the word of God, we become victims to our minds and thoughts, remaining powerless over them. I don’t claim that the word of God will erase mental illness, but I have proved in my own battle with bipolar and suicidal depression that including scripture in the battle for the mind is of paramount importance, and for me, was life-saving. This month as we discuss mental illness, I will discuss stigma, counseling, medication, suicide, and so much more. I am open to your feedback or questions! Email me at [email protected] I am not a mental health professional, but I am a suicide attempt survivor and speak from first-hand experience of living with a mental illness called Bipolar Type II. If you are having an emergency, please call 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Information on this podcast is not to be taken as medical advice or as a replacement for professional care but is for educational purposes only.   Download your free Mental Health Resource Guide Here https://jenniferskaw.ck.page/resourceguide2022 Listen to Jennifer's song "Field of Grace" here Watch the video of the song in this episode here.   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Have you ever felt your day was uneventful with nothing really happening in the spiritual realm? Maybe you felt nothing was accomplished, you didn’t grow, or God seemed quiet and distant. Thankfully, scripture tells us that even on the most mundane of days, God does behind-the-scenes miracles on a constant basis, and is always making our day spectacular! Even if you spent your whole day sick in bed, God was doing a plethora of beautiful things for you! In this episode, I give you lots of scripture promises. Plus, in a very hodge-podge way, I share how God has been working in the past 10 days. Maybe my blessings can bless you too! I hope so! The blog post where all these promises for a mundane day can be found is below. Blog Post – Not Such a Mundane Day Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

The devil wants us to believe that we have to wait for circumstances to change before we can experience joy, peace, abundant life, and happiness. Praise the Lord that is not the case! In this episode we look at trails through the lens of Motive Faith Renewing the Mind Prayer Time Bible Time God Becoming Enough Abundant life in Christ is not dependent on circumstances, so no need to wait. It is just one thought and one choice away!   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

In this episode I talk about deepening our fellowship and praise of God during busy seasons of life. Please join me as we unfold the following 5 mindsets. Time is never wasted at Jesus’ feet. God can do more in a moment that we can in a lifetime. (Scot Pauley quote) God is the God of detail and the ultimate life planner. God has peace right now. So can we. God, I see You. Listen to my song "Goodness of God" Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

There is a subtle but powerful lie the devil is telling us that tremendously limits our impact for Christ. This lie keeps us full of enough fear to prevent us from taking action, thus preventing God from demonstrating His power in us and through us. If I said, “I prayed and asked God to teach me patience,” what would most people say in response? “Oh you are really asking for it now!” “You have no idea what you have done!” “That was foolish!” But why are we responding this way? Why is there such opposition and negativity towards praying such a prayer? The devil wants us to believe that if we ask God a bold prayer such as teaching us patience then 1) We are on our own and 2) The process will be a horrible ordeal. Well, let’s kick his lies to the curb and view this kind of bold prayer from God’s perspective! Listen to Jennifer's song "I'm Amazed" here Watch the video for this song here. Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

The power of positive thinking alone, from a bird’s eye view, is scriptural. It is part of renewing the mind.  Thinking positive thoughts and choosing to see the good in circumstances aligns with scripture.  But, gaining peace by thinking positive things alone, without the correct motive, anchor, or compass of the word of God can lead to error and get us out of alignment with Christ. We aren’t just to focus on good, happy things but on the eternal, living God. “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” Acts 17:28a In this episode, we look at traps we can fall into if we are simply thinking positively without anchoring our purpose for those positive thoughts in the word of God.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

“We are not loving ourselves because of who we are, but Whose we are and who we are in Him!” There is so much we need to add to our last discussion on self-love (Episode 21) to make sure we are staying in alignment with scripture. We want to be sure we are not applying this truth in a worldly way because then it will be mixed with error. In this episode, I clarify what loving ourselves is not, and bring in scriptures that help us get a clearer picture of how to apply self-compassion into our lives. I also address the bondage of staying in condemnation and living with a cast-down spirit. We are not trapped in a sin we have committed. We have provision through Christ to acknowledge, repent, and receive forgiveness for our daily sin.  We then get to move immediately back into abundant life with the Savior. When we struggle to recover in our spirit for a sin we have committed, we can stay out of the despair of our sin by yes, acknowledging our sin, but then focusing on the provision instead of the failure. Focusing on God’s power, instead of our weakness. I end this episode with the song Via Dolorosa and an Easter reminder to include into your life the provisions God offers us as a result of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. This episode has the potential to help you get unstuck in many ways! Listen to my song "Via Dolorosa" here. Watch the music video here. Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Has a big trial entered your life and you feel like everything is now standing still? Is there something you are waiting for and life feels stuck until it arrives? Feeling stuck, trapped, or paralyzed by circumstances is not where God wants us to live.  Have you considered that the trial or what you are waiting for is not a roadblock, but is actually part of the journey and that you don't have to wait for it to be over to move forward? Our trials can flow along the highway of life with us rather than keeping everything at a standstill. It all has to do with perspective. In the midst of trials or in the midst of waiting, we still have life in us and around us.  We don't want to miss it!   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

I had a rough morning over the weekend, with a lot of bullying going on in the battleground of my mind. I had to make a decision in those moments to either stay in a pit of defeat or put forth the energy to renew my mind.  I chose to renew my mind and take a more compassionate mindset toward myself. Listen in as I contemplate how God wants us to feel about ourselves.  Disclaimer: How to carry out this truth of loving ourselves in combination with all the principals scripture entails will take much more study and unfolding on my part. We are to be selfless, and God’s mercy does keep us from being consumed.  Without Christ we are nothing. There are many instructions in scripture on humility, servanthood, selflessness, etc.  But that does not mean we are to condemn ourselves, trash-talk ourselves, or walk with our head down.  There is a balance and I am on the journey of figuring out what that is.  Today’s episode is only the beginning of the unfolding of me studying how God wants us to feel about ourselves in a way that aligns with the abundant life Christ wants us to have.  Please give me grace as I share what I learn and trust that God has the answer in His precious word.  He wants us to know this answer! Listen to Jennifer's song "Field of Grace" here Episodes mentioned in this episode. 02 | Exactly HOW to Cast Your Thoughts Down: The Greatest Weapon in Your Arsenal! 04 | Our Thoughts Have Superpowers! Rewiring the Brain - The Miracle of Neuroplasticity. 06 | Valuable or Worthless? Are You Letting Someone Else Determine Your Value?   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

I got to spend some time talking with a friend last week, and she mentioned briefly that some people hold the belief that God doesn’t want to make us happy, He wants to make us holy. My friend believes scripture supports the idea that God wants us happy, and so do I. But that statement got my wheels ‘a turnin.’   Is our purpose to be holy, or is being holy the fruit of fulfilling our purpose? What IS our purpose?   And as we try to be holy, what happens if we have the wrong motive?   Have you ever served with all your heart but still felt lean in your soul or relationship with God? I pray this episode can help bring some clarity on why that might be and how to fix it.   In my Online Bible Study, I talk about the subject of motive extensively because a correct motive is vital to our Christian lives. It is the difference between bondage and freedom, and is the key to having a best-friend relationship with God. You can find that Bible Study here www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Sermon link - Dr. John Van Gelderen (Sermon is from 16:49 – 57:15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M2_B9WgdbI&list=PLddar8ylrRcMeFChWLLmHnWuPdiBvQIN0&index=6&t=1013s   Listen to the song in this episode https://lnk.to/Amen-JenniferSkaw Watch the video of this song here. Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

This week God revealed His subtle wisdom found in an ordinary moment of my life by using the chaotic ambiance of my coffee shop as a backdrop for a lesson on carrying burdens and taking on the stress around us. Are you shouldering the burdens of loved ones and the world and finding it too heavy to bear? Are you sacrificing your well-being for burdens that aren't yours to carry? If you've ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders, this episode is a gentle reminder to reassess the burdens we carry. Not all burdens are meant for us. And what about the car ride? Well, I couldn’t wait till I got home to push record on this episode, so I recorded it on my way home. And the part about being sick? Well, I promise my voice won’t always sound this way! (Although I am starting to wonder…) Week 5 of being unwell but I still wanted us to hang out and learn together! Join me as we try to discern which burdens are meant for us to carry and which ones we must set aside.   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Do you ever get discouraged when you don't see much fruit from your labor for Christ? God doesn't always allow us to see the results of our ministry, our service, our parenting, our sacrifice. This can make it feel we are not having an impact on those around us. It can make us feel that our work is wasted, unseen, or in vain. But God has some very encouraging scriptures that He includes in His word that confirm He is working and fruit is happening. Along with some great scriptures, in today's episode I use my own salvation testimony to highlight the ways that God used faithful servants to bring me, as a young girl, to Christ. The servants I mention never got to see the fruit of their labors, the end of the story... a girl that grew up to serve the Lord fully. But God saw their labor! And it bore fruit!! God doesn't just use people to plant seeds, but also uses circumstances that will eventually lead to Him. Are you wondering how God will reach your loved one? In my salvation testimony I highlight some interesting circumstance God used to reach me. And if He did it for me, He will do it for your loved one! I pray you will be encouraged by this episode. God sees you! He sees your labor and service, even if He doesn't allow you to see the fruit or impact that it brings. Keep believing that God is working! He is faithful!   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

When we have stress that has compounded over time, it can cause the limbic system to malfunction, resulting in a chronic stress response which then results in symptoms.  Renewing the mind is a key factor in disrupting this stress response.  When we combine renewing the mind with prayer and breathing, we can help this healing process take place on an even deeper level. This benefits both our physical health and our relationship with God.   In today's episode, I take you through a 24 minute guided breathing and prayer session that can help relieve and disrupt the chronic stress response. It serves as an example of an additional way you can pray to incorporate renewing the mind with the proven benefits of breath exercises and gratitude. The audio you hear today has a video that accompanies it. You can find the  video here  https://youtu.be/pKam8oiynnk?si=IT5XkYLQsYtLTO7N   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

How does revival happen? When we look at how our world is today and we say, “Our country needs revival,” are we expecting someone else to start it? Are we thinking it’s someone else’s job? Are we wondering how it can even be done?   In today’s episode, we talk about how revival actually starts with us, one person at a time. It starts with you. It starts with me.   And the exciting thing is that we have the tools to begin revival today!   Find out the one thing that kills revival before it can even start and learn how to avoid it. Get encouraged that that our amazing God is not limited to bring revival to us, our family or our world. With God, all things are possible. Let’s go back to believing that truth. I pray after today’s episode you are encouraged to believe big, pray big, and be revived in your heart that the power we see in biblical times is still available to us today because our God is still the same. God is still the God of the impossible!   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

Have you ever felt like you are supposed to live everyday as if it were your last? That you are supposed to make every decision as if it was your final chance to have an impact for Christ? Have you felt the pressure of living with the same zeal and energy you would live if it really was your last day? But then have you realized that maintaining that level of zeal on an ongoing basis is exhausting and you wonder where the balance is? How do we go all in for Jesus but not drive ourselves into the ground with our super cape and racing stripe to go a hundred miles an hour and accomplish every task to perfection?  That’s what I am addressing in today’s episode. I pray it brings you some clarity, balance, and freedom as you strive to live fully for Christ. . Resources Mentioned in This Episode . Song “While You Wait https://youtu.be/awv3yP6BOxg?si=j8yve1JrNRhKqend . Jennifer’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw/featured . Bonus Episode Part 1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/46-overcoming-anxiety-depression-stress-and-emotional/id1686501147?i=1000643354576 . Bonus Episode Part 2 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-overcoming-anxiety-depression-stress-and-emotional/id1686501147?i=1000643498020   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw   Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop

I learned so many things the hard way. But perhaps you don’t have to!   Use these parenting tips from my 27 years of being a mama to build trust and avoid heartache with your young or adult children.   In Part 2, I talk about How apologizing brings healing and avoids confusion. Teaching to respect authority but NOT follow blindly when leadership is sinning. Showing compassion and teaching the skills our children need to manage life’s stressors in a Christ-like way. Being intentional to not exclude training their inward, spiritual needs and not over focusing on outward compliance only. Forgiving yourself for the parenting mistakes of the past and inviting God to heal the consequences of mistakes. Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

I learned so many things the hard way. But perhaps you don’t have to! Use these parenting tips from my 27 years of being a mama to build trust and avoid heartache with your young or adult children.   In Part 1, I talk about Not underestimating our children’s potential How to build trust by respecting their privacy as we build their reputation. Avoiding burning bridges by choosing battles wisely, especially in your adult children. Not forcing your child to have physical contact with others. Blog Post - Blinded: Abuse in the Church   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Victory doesn’t mean only winning battles and overcoming huge obstacles. Victory most commonly happens in micro-moments and mini-victories over the course of your lifetime. In this episode, hear examples of the everyday moments of victory we might be missing.   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Making plans for the new year? Are you setting goals, putting new systems in place, planning to reinforce what is already working? I believe God designed us to love new beginnings. Even in salvation we are given a new beginning. In this episode I share the following tips to consider as you view the year ahead and the goals you may be making. It’s OK to be where you are, but not to stay there. Setbacks, trials, and failures are an integral part of the work God has for you. Your future is built by what you do today! Your plans are a roadmap that God gets to alter according to His perfect will. . Associated Blog Post - Not Perfection, Just the Next Step  Associated Podcast Episode - 49 | Not Perfection, Just the Next Step   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Here is your promised coffee break! Today I give you a chance to slip away for 30 minutes and focus on the Savior. I have a soothing, peaceful scripture reading for you that will allow you to unite with your Savior before you head back to the hustle and bustle of the day after Christmas. Listen to the song from this episode https://lnk.to/WhatChildIsThis-JenniferSkaw  Watch "What Child is This" on YouTube here. Jennifer's Online Bible Study www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course Email - [email protected] Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw Buy Jennifer’s Music Here https://www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/musicshop  

Have you ever disagreed with God? How did you handle it? Have you ever had someone not like you? Have you ever dreaded a future battle and wondered how you could prepare? I have! Today I'm sharing my tips on how you can navigate through these trials.   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw    

Have you ever been trapped in the blinding lies of the evil one? That was my story this past week. As the devil fired his darts, he also got out his magnifying glass, shined it on my insecurities, and blew them so out of proportion that my perception of reality was completely distorted. What was the culprit? Could it happen to you? I have a few tips for you incase you find yourself in the same battle. P.S. I’m not quitting!   Free Course Start - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com/course   Email - [email protected]   Website - www.morepowerthanyouthink.com   Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferSkaw  

Helping ourselves recover from pain or trauma, should never empower us with pride, self-reliance, or vengeance. Although strength does come from overcoming adversity, that strength should be carried out in meekness with a strength that is restrained, not flaunted and rebellious. . As you heal from the wounds caused by others, learn how to closely monitor your motive and spirit so that your new-found strength and resilience stays in alignment with Christ’s meek and gentle spirit.   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

We often wear an identity that was given to us by someone else. But do we have to conform to the value placed on us by others? Are we destined to only live up to the potential others think we are capable of? To Christ, our value is so great that we were worth dying for. But to humans, our value varies drastically based on whose eyes are viewing us. Whose perception do we believe and pattern our life after? Let's address this issue so we can begin to let go of the shame and worthlessness others may have tried to put upon us.   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers

Today I am giving you 8 valuable tips taken from my Diving Deep Online Bible Study that you can apply right away. Tips on how to remain teachable, how to not cause harm with your motive, how to avoid doubt during big trials, how to be content with loneliness and 4 more great tips to help you get victory in your Christian life right away.   Listen to Jennifer on Spotify Jennifer's Online Bible Study Email - [email protected] Sign up for my newsletter Jennifer’s Website Jennifer’s YouTube Music Channel Buy Jennifer’s Music Heaven… If you died this moment, would you be in heaven? How do you get there anyway? What relationship does Jesus offer you personally? Watch my YouTube video HERE to find these answers