The mission of Melvin Feller Ministries is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of men, women and youth, as well as their families,to become loving and productive citizens of their communities.
"I was in prison and you visited me" — Matthew 25:36
The following is something to ponder if you don’t know what to be thankful for.
Melvin Feller is Truly Thankful
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep … you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace … you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness … you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation… you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
Melvin Feller Gives Thanks
If you can attend a church or synagogue meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death … you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If your parents are still alive and still married … you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful … you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder … you are blessed because you can offer a healing touch.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
According
to Melvin Feller CEO of Melvin Feller Ministries and President of
Melvin Feller Business Group, everyone deals with stress at some point,
and Christians are not immune to the pressures and pitfalls of life.
Feller has dealt personally with over 60 plus surgeries as well as both
Colon and Melanoma Cancer. On top of that he endured a divorce from Hell
where his ex-wife destroyed 3 companies and stole more than 2 million
dollars. So, when it comes to stress Melvin Feller has learned that true
peace comes from God!
Melvin Feller
Stress
tends to hit us when we’re overtired, when we’re sick, and when we’re
outside of our safe and familiar environment. When we’ve taken on too
many responsibilities, during times of grief and tragedy, when our
circumstances spin out of control, we feel stressed. And when our basic
needs are not being met, we feel threatened and anxious.
Most
Christians share the belief that God is sovereign and in control of our
lives. We believe he has given us everything we need for living. So,
when stress dominates our lives, somewhere along the way we have lost
our ability to trust in God. That’s not meant to imply that a
stress-free existence in Christ is easy to obtain. Far from it.
Maybe
you’ve heard these words from another Christian in one of your moments
of stress: “What you need to do, bro, is just trust God more.”
If only it were that easy.
Stress
and anxiety for a Christian can take on many different shapes and
forms. It can be as simple and subtle as slowly backsliding away from
God or as debilitating as a full-blown panic attack. Regardless, stress
will wear us down physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We need to
be armed with a plan for dealing with it.
Melvin Feller
Do
you find life more stressful than it was even a few years ago? If so,
you are not alone. Even in the United States — a nation currently
enjoying a financial upturn — stress is a dominating influence in the
lives of many. In its Global Emotions 2019 report, the Gallup
organization noted, “Even as their economy roared, more Americans were
stressed, angry and worried last year than they have been at most points
during the past decade” (“Americans’ Stress, Worry and Anger
Intensified in 2018,” Gallup.com, April 25, 2019).
The
New York Times reported the details: “In the United States, about 55
percent of adults said they had experienced stress during ‘a lot of the
day’ prior, compared with just 35 percent globally.… About 45 percent of
the Americans surveyed said they had felt ‘a lot’ of worry the day
before, compared with a global average of 39 percent” (“Americans Are
Among the Most Stressed People in the World, Poll Finds,” New York
Times, April 25, 2019). A healthy economy, it seems, is no insurance
against the burden of stress and worry.
As
we accelerate our technology and pace of life in the 21st century,
millions experience increasing stress, depression, and physical illness.
The Washington Post featured an article with this headline: “Not only
are Americans becoming less happy — we’re experiencing more pain too.”
The article reported on research by David Blanchflower of Dartmouth
College and Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick, who examined
“cross-country data on the experience of pain.”
In
2011, the International Social Survey Program asked respondents in over
30 nations how often they had experienced bodily aches and pains in the
past month. Americans were the most likely to report frequent pain,
with 34 percent saying they experienced it “often” or “very often.” The
average across all countries surveyed was just 20 percent. “As the US is
one of the richest countries in the world, and in principle might be
expected to have one of the most comfortable lifestyles in the world, it
seems strange — to put it at its mildest — that the nation should
report such a lot of pain,” Blanchflower and Oswald write (Washington
Post, December 6, 2017).
Melvin Feller
Yes,
stress affects us in profound ways! But while health experts can give
us useful strategies for coping with stress, there is another source
that has been proven for millennia to be filled with the best guidance
of all — God’s word. Yes, your Bible reveals powerful ways to overcome
stress, fear, frustration, and anxiety.
SEEK THE HIGHER GOALS!
The
book of Proverbs reminds us to pursue true values. We read, “Receive my
instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for
wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot
be compared with her” (Proverbs 8:10–11). Those who seek money, luxury,
and glittering possessions must always worry about holding on to what
they have and acquiring even more. But our Savior, Jesus Christ,
commented on those who worry about gaining possessions:
“Therefore do
not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or
‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For
your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew
6:31–32). If you trust in God and follow His guidance, you will gain
wisdom and will not find yourself worrying about the obsessive search
for more physical things. You will be seeking something far higher. Read
it in your own Bible: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew
6:33). God is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). He
has promised to fulfill our needs (Philippians 4:19). Do you believe
Him? Confront your stress by seeking the highest goal: God’s Kingdom.
STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES!
In
today’s fast-paced world, do you ever stop to take a deep breath? Do
you take a moment from your activity to “smell the roses”? You may start
your workday stressed in congested commuter traffic. Then, with one
appointment or stop after another, you may only take time for a quick
snack for lunch — if you don’t skip lunch entirely. “Soccer moms,” as
they are called, transport their children to and from school and from
one activity to another. Some people work two jobs just to keep their
heads above financial water.
Some
are so addicted to technology that they stay online constantly and lose
touch with their environment. Many in the U.S. may think of Internet
activity as a problem unique to their country, yet we find otherwise in
an eye-opening report from the London Telegraph: “British teenagers
spend more time on the internet than virtually anyone else in the world,
leading them to become unhappier and more susceptible to mental health
problems, a new report has found. Nearly one in four pupils in the U.K.
are now considered ‘extreme’ internet users, with tens of thousands
spending three times longer online than the average dwell-time of
children living in the rest of the developed world” (“British children
are online more than almost any other developed nation — and are
unhappier as a result,” April 19, 2017).
Melvin Feller
What
does God offer as an alternative? We read, “The heavens declare the
glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). To
reduce or even prevent stress, try to connect with nature. Take a break.
If you can, find a rosebush or some other source of beauty in nature
that you can appreciate. At night, pause to consider the awesomeness of
the stars above. And take the time to stop and pray for a moment,
telling God of your appreciation for the marvels of His creation. God
tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the
nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:10–11).
PRAY!
Are
you what some call a “worrywart”? Do you let your fears and worries
produce emotional and physical stress in your life? The patriarch Job
lamented, “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I
dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25). What should he have done? The
Apostle Paul made it plain: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made
known to God” (Philippians 4:6). In other words, share your worries,
your fears, and your concerns with God in prayer!
Perhaps
you are worried about your needs. Again, go to God! Jesus tells us that
God knows your needs even before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8), but He
wants you to ask in order to develop a closer relationship with Him.
Are
you worried about the state of your country? In an article discussing
its “Stress in America” survey, the American Psychological Association
reported, “Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63 percent) say the future of
the nation is a very or somewhat significant source of stress, slightly
more than perennial stressors like money (62 percent) and work (61
percent)” (“US at ‘Lowest Point We Can Remember;’ Future of Nation Most
Commonly Reported Source of Stress,” November 1, 2017). As diverging
ideologies continue to polarize people, many in the last few years have
faced the stress of losing long-held, valued friendships. So, what
should you do if you are feeling stress about the governance of your
nation? Your Bible gives the answer: Pray about it!
Melvin Feller
Certainly,
we should pray that rulers in government show mercy to those faithfully
seeking to obey God, allowing them to live in peace. We read this in
the Apostle Paul’s advice to the young evangelist Timothy: “Therefore I
exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in
authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). However, there is another aspect that
many people, even Christians, too easily neglect. If you are feeling
stress because you do not like your nation’s leader, you need to
understand just who arranged for or allowed that person’s rule. “Let
every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no
authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed
by God” (Romans 13:1). When you understand that God is in charge, you
can let go of your personal stress about your nation’s leaders and focus
on praying for God’s will to be done.
And
how should you pray? Notice that Paul said to pray “with thanksgiving”
(Philippians 4:6). Yes, ask for what you need and what you want, but do
not forget to thank God for all your blessings. As you learn to
recognize your blessings and not only your challenges, you will learn to
see your problems in a bigger context — and that larger perspective
will reduce your stress.
GOD’S PROMISES!
As
you pray, do not be shy about also claiming God’s promises for you!
Your Bible is a treasure house of His sure and wonderful promises. The
Apostle Peter gives us powerful encouragement! He writes to us:
Grace
and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our
Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to
life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory
and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and
precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust
(2 Peter 1:2–4).
Melvin Feller
As
you claim God’s promises in prayer, you can overcome stress. What are a
few of those promises? God has promised to answer our prayers (Matthew
7:7–8); He has promised to fulfill all our needs (Philippians 4:19); He
has promised to guide our lives (Proverbs 3:5–6); He has promised to
give us the desires of our heart, if we delight in Him (Psalm 37:4–5);
He has promised us peace of mind (Philippians 4:6–7); He has promised
the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Luke 11:13); He has promised us
the gift of His love (Romans 5:5); and He has promised us eternal life
(1 John 2:25). Those are just a few. There are many more promises in the
Bible for you, your friends and loved ones, and for all human beings on
the earth — if you will come to God in prayer and in faith, through our
Savior Jesus Christ.
ALWAYS PLAN AHEAD!
Is
stress all bad? Endocrinologist Hans Selye defines stress as “the
nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it” (Stress
Without Distress, p. 14). This definition accounts for “good” types of
stress or “eustress,” such as the stress that comes with a job
promotion, as well as “bad” stress or “distress,” such as what you
experience when you discover you have bounced a check. Physiologically,
both types of stress are the same: They result in increased blood
pressure, increased respiratory rates, increased digestive activity,
increased sugar and fatty acids in the circulatory system, increased
metabolism, increased sodium retention, and decreased immune function.
When
we make plans, we can use stress in a positive way. Indeed, we need
positive stressors in our life to make it fun and interesting, and
certain stressors also help us be more productive. Deadlines and rewards
for completing tasks, for example, motivate us. Health researcher
Jerrold Greenberg emphasizes this: “The goal of stress management is not
to eliminate all stress…. Our goal should be to limit the harmful
effects of stress while maintaining life’s quality and vitality”
(Comprehensive Stress Management, pp. 12, 14).
For
many, even planning a few days ahead can seem a big challenge, and
setting a consistent schedule with steps toward our major goals can
change our attitude for the better. You may have heard the
time-management tip that when you are faced with what seems to be a
difficult task, you should break it down into many smaller tasks that
are each manageable. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by one huge
challenge, you can then overcome a series of smaller challenges.
Melvin Feller
But
what is the greatest project of all, the greatest challenge? As we
discussed earlier, our most important plan should be to seek the Kingdom
of God. As regular readers of this magazine know, God has planned for
us a wonderful future as members of His Family — a plan that can seem
almost unimaginable in our present state. But it is within our grasp if
we use what God has given us. We can have the power of Christ to help us
achieve our goals! For, as Scripture states, “God has not given us a
spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy
1:7). Remember the Apostle Peter’s admonition on the day of Pentecost:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the
Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Have you repented of your sins? Have you
received proper biblical baptism?
SUSTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE!
How
do your personal challenges compare with those of the Apostle Paul? He
told the Corinthians about the stress, trials, and tribulations he had
endured: “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.
Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was
shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep” (2 Corinthians
11:24–25). How did he cope with those stresses? He focused on
maintaining a positive attitude. Even while Paul was in prison, he
encouraged others to do this as well: “Finally, brethren, whatever
things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things
are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned
and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace
will be with you” (Philippians 4:8–9).
Think
about those things that are true. What is true? Jesus prayed to the
Father, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
The Bible, God’s word, is truth. Think about those scriptures that are
important to you. Read your Bible. Mark, highlight, or underline those
verses that mean something special or significant to you! Dear reader,
you and I must read the Bible. I encourage you to read your Bible every
day! God’s word will inspire you. It will help clean up your thoughts
and mind. As Jesus said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have
spoken unto you” (John 15:3, King James Version).
Paul
also asks us to meditate on “whatever things are lovely” (Philippians
4:8). Sometimes, when I want to counteract stress, I focus on lovely,
picturesque scenes that I have seen in my travels. I think of the
sunsets I have seen around the world. I think of lakes and mountains and
beautiful rainbows. Meditate on the positive and you will reduce
stress!
FIRST COMMANDMENT IS TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR!
Selfishness
is a major cause of stress. An excessive focus on self only adds to the
stresses in life. Your Bible emphasizes a simple but profound
principle. The Apostle Paul experienced many trials in his life, but he
emphasized this key principle as given by the Lord: “I have shown you in
every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And
remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed
to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).
Melvin Feller
Perhaps
you know the story of the Good Samaritan. A lawyer had correctly
answered a question Jesus had asked him, implying that he understood
God’s command that we love our neighbors as our own selves (Luke
10:25–28). But notice: “But he, wanting to justify himself, said to
Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10:29). In response, Jesus
recounted the story of a priest and a Levite — respected members of
society — who chose to walk past a man who had been attacked by thieves,
neglecting to offer help. Instead, the injured man received the help he
needed from a Samaritan — a man looked down upon by the Jewish
population of the day — who was even willing to pay his expenses to
recover from the thieves’ attack (vv. 30–35). Jesus then pointedly asked
the lawyer, “‘So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him
who fell among the thieves?’ And he [the lawyer] said, ‘He who showed
mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise’” (vv.
36–38).
When
we love our neighbors and help those in need, our own stresses diminish
and we have a more positive perspective on life. Even if we ourselves
are suffering, we need to do good to others. We read, “Therefore let
those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him
in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:19). Or, as it
states in the New International Version, “So then, those who suffer
according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful
Creator and continue to do good.” Yes, God expects us to love our
neighbors and continue to do good to others, even while under stress —
and we can benefit from shifting our focus toward the needs of others.
Even
in the workplace, some companies are discovering that concern for their
workers’ stress is good for the “bottom line.” Mark Bertolini, former
Chief Executive Officer of the Aetna insurance company, was sobered to
learn that the most stressed 20 percent of workers at his company spent
$1,500 more annually on health care than did less-stressed workers.
Bertolini responded by making changes to company policy. To help reduce
stress, Aetna not only addressed financial stress by raising entry-level
wages and helping workers to pay back student loans, but the company
also instituted a $300 bonus for employees who were able to get 7.5
hours of sleep for 20 consecutive nights. What was the result? Not only
did employees report subjectively less stress, the company increased its
operating margin from 8 percent to 9.1 percent (“Stressed-out workers
spend $1,500 more on health care each year,” CNBC.com, June 19, 2019).
Yes, the principle of Luke 6:38 — give, and it will be given to you —
applies even in the business world. When we practice the “way of give,”
we can reduce our own daily stresses and those of others around us!
Love
is outgoing concern. When we practice a “giving” way of life, we can
thrive amidst our daily stresses. This is also stated in the second
great commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew
22:39).
Melvin Feller
We
must pray and obey! This means we make a commitment not to live based
on the culture around us but by the leading of the Holy Spirit, who
lives in us as born-again believers in Christ. Our mind-set should be:
With God’s help, I’m ready to make a change. Then as we do what He shows
us to do (or what He shows us not to do), we’ll be able to live in peace.
Pursue
the peace Jesus is offering you today. It’s not the kind the world
gives — the kind you have as long as your circumstances are the way you
want them to be. The peace Jesus gives makes you calm and undisturbed on
the inside, in your soul, no matter what’s going on around you. Study
other scriptures about peace, like Philippians 4:6–7, Colossians 3:15
and 1 Peter 3:11. Put your trust in God completely and enjoy the life
Jesus died to give you. Through Christ, you can learn how to manage the
stress of this world, instead of letting stress manage you!
In today’s society, children witness behaviors that are completely
unacceptable, often on a daily basis. That is why Melvin Feller has
developed this curriculum and wants to share it on all levels with
anyone and everyone! Melvin Feller believes in improving lives as a
long-term goal!
These
actions could be as simple as a rude comment, a lack of courtesy or it
could be much worse. Some kids will see or experience verbal, physical,
and/or sexual abuse. Young people are very good at hiding their
problems, so don’t assume a child is doing fine, based on his/her
appearance.
Melvin Feller
Melvin Feller
If
they are not experiencing these behaviors in person, they see it on
television, in their music, and in their video games. After viewing
these behaviors enough, these Children and Teenagers begin to think the
actions are acceptable or at the very least — normal. Unfortunately, the
next step in their progression is to begin acting out what they see. If
they do this enough, it becomes a habit. This is such a vicious cycle.
Several
years back, I decided that something needed to be done about it. I
can’t remove the students from their experiences, but I can provide them
with good, nurturing experiences. This was the basis for my creation of
Your Character Counts Program.
Each
week students receives a new goal. For example, during the first week
the students’ goal is: “Goal #1: Try to give a good compliment to three
different people this week. Your kind and uplifting words make more of a
difference than you could possibly imagine.
Once
I give the students their goal, we discuss the goal (what it means,
what it looks like, and ideas to act it out). I try to provide solid
examples of the goal — either through my experiences or I share goals
that other students acted out.
Melvin Feller
I ask the students to do a few tasks when accomplishing most of their goals.
1.
The students are to thoughtfully consider how they will act out the
goal. In the case of the above goal, the student would write down the
what they want to say and run it past me to make sure it is a real
compliment (no saying “great shoes” for example). The goal should be
tailor made for the recipient — as if it would work only for that
person. One child said “ You are one of the smartest people I have ever
met. Every day you come in here, do your work, and complete your goals.
Good job!”
2. The students are given all week to accomplish their goal. They are welcome to exceed the limits I set.
3.
At the end of the week we either have a class discussion regarding
their experiences or I will ask them to write in their character
journal. Journal entries should state who the goal was aimed at, what
was said/done specifically, what the reaction was of the recipient, and
how did it make you feel.
Last
year the students really enjoyed the process. My advice is stick with
it. Time always seems like an issue, though I believe we can give up 5
minutes a few days a week if it leads to creating good people. I would
also encourage you to try out any goal you will ask your students to
try. By experiencing the goal, you will have more authentic input to
share and you will have a better understanding of any issues the
students might encounter. I have listed some of the Character Goals I
have used in the past.
Melvin Feller
Goal
#1: Try to give a good compliment to three different people this week.
Your kind and uplifting words make more of a difference than you could
possibly imagine.
Goal
#2: With all of the new gadgets that are available, the gift everybody
still enjoys most is gratitude. This week we would like you to say thank
you to any person that does anything for you.
You would be surprised at
the amount gratitude one could give in one day. Give it a try!
Goal
#3: In today’s fast-moving society, we often times forget to say the
most valued word in the English language. This word is please. The word
please tells others that you are thoughtful and not expectant. This
simple word can take you far in life.
Goal
#4: Regardless of what you might think, everybody struggles and needs
encouragement from time to time. This week we would like you to offer
some encouragement to one person that looks like he or she could use it.
This person can be a friend or foe or somebody you would normally not
talk to.
Goal #5: This week’s goal is simple, yet classic. Open a door for somebody today.
Goal
#6: This week’s goal is to show your teachers that you value their
efforts, the lesson they are teaching, and the other students in the
classroom. You can do this by participating in class, by raising your
hand when you would like to speak, and by listening when a teacher or
another student speaks. There is not one person in your class that would
not appreciate your efforts…guaranteed!
Goal
#7: This week’s goal may be the hardest one to complete as of yet. Try
to make it the entire day without complaining. You and everybody around
you will appreciate your effort!
Goal
#8: In middle school, EVERYBODY feels self-conscious from time to time.
This week, make it your goal to tell two people, friends or classmates,
one quality you like about them. It may seem silly, but the one
compliment can go a long way.
Melvin Feller
Goal
#9: This week’s goal is a bit different than all the goals we have set
thus far. Make it your goal to tell one or more family member(s) why you
love them. Often times we take our loved ones for granted. It is
important that they know we love them and why.
Goal
#10: Everybody should have at least one person in his life that makes
him feel special and many of us have many more than just one person.
Think about who makes you feel special. Take a moment to thank this
person for whatever he or she does for you.
Once again, it is very easy
to take people for granted. Let your person know just how important he
or she is to you.
