If we are bitter and resentful, it's because we are allowing ourselves to remain that way. We've all had negative things happen to us. If you look hard enough, you can easily find reasons to have a chip on your shoulder. Anyone can make excuses and blame the past for his or her bad attitudes, poor choices, or hot temper.
You may have valid reasons for feeling the way you do. You may have gone through things that nobody deserves to experience in life. You cannot use past emotional woulds as an excuse for making poor choices today. You dare not use your past as an excuse for your current bad attitude, or as a rationalization for your unwillingness to forgive somebody. Let go of the past.
It's time to allow emotional wounds to heal, to let go of your excuses and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's time to get rid of your victim mentality. Nobody - not even God - ever promised that life would be fair. Quit comparing your life to somebody else's, and quit dwelling on what could have been, should have been, or might have been.
Instead, take what God has given you and make the most of it. You may have suffered much, endured great hardships, or been through a lot of negative things. You may have deep scars from emotional wounds, but don't let your past determine your future. You can't do anything about what's happened to you, but you can choose how you will face what's in front of you. Don't hold on to feelings of bitterness and resentment and let them poison your future. Let go of those hurts and pains. Forgive the people who did you wrong. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made.
You may even need to forgive God. Perhaps you've been blaming Him for taking one of your loved ones. Maybe you are angry at God because He didn't answer your prayers, or some situation didn't work out the way you had hoped. Regardless, you will never be truly happy as long as you harbor bitterness in your heart. You will wallow in self-pity, always feeling sorry for yourself, thinking that life hasn't dealt you a fair hand. You must let go of those negative attitudes and the accompanying anger. Don't let your mind or your emotions drag you down into despair. Instead, dwell on the good things God has done in your life.
If you've had something painful happen to you, don't let that experience be the focal point of your life. Stop talking about it; stop bringing it up to your friends. You must get beyond it. Unless you let go of the old, God will not bring the new. It is natural to feel sorrow and to grieve, but you shouldn't still be grieving five or ten years later. If you really want to be whole, if you really want to get well, you need to move on with your life. Remember, your emotions follow your thoughts.
Too often we keep reliving the painful memories of the past, negating God's desire to bring healing. Just as we are about to heal, we start talking about our painful experience again. We start reliving it, seeing it in our imagination. All of a sudden, we can feel those same emotions all over again, as though we were tearing open the old wound. When you dwell on painful experiences in your past, your emotions go right back there with you, and you feel the pain in the present. You can relive something in your mind and feel it today just as vividly as when it happened. Refuse to go back there emotionally; refuse to dredge up negative emotional memories. They will do you no good; in fact, strongly felt negative emotions can hold the potential to severely stifle your progress.
I think many people today have lingering disorders. Their maladies may not be physical; they may be emotional, but they are deep-seated, lingering disorders nontheless. They could stem from being unwilling to forgive, holding on to past resentments, blaming the past for their behavior, or other emotional wounds. These lingering disorders can affect your personality, your relationships, and your self-image. Stop making excuses; stop blaming people or circumstances that disappointed you. Instead, start forgiving the people that hurt you. Today can be a turning point in your life, a time of new beginnings. Trust in God, and accept the fact that there will be some unanswered questions. Keep in mind, just because you don't know the answer doesn't mean that one does not exist. You simply haven't discovered it yet.
Each of us should have what I call an "I Don't Understand It" file. When something comes up for which you have no reasonable answer, instead of dwellling on it and trying to figure it out, simply place it in your I Don't Understand It file. In the meantime, you must muster enough faith to say, "God, I don't understand it, but I trust You. And I'm not going to spend all my time trying to figure out why certain things have happened. I'm going to trust You have my best interests at heart. You promised that all things will work together for my good." That is faith, and that is the attitude God honors. Your adversities can make you bitter or they can make you better. They can drag you down and make you a sour person, or they can inspire you to reach for new heights. Your past does not have to determine your future. If we want to live in victory, we need to shake off self-pity and move on with our lives.
Sometimes we go through things we just don't understand. Through it all, we must learn to keep a good attitude and trust that God is still in control of our lives, even when events are not going the way we had planned or hoped. People may have mistreated you. Somebody may have walked out on you, or maybe you prayed fervently, yet God didn't answer your prayer the way you had anticipated. That's over and done. You cannot change the past; there's nothing you can do about it now. But you must make a decision. Are you going to keep reliving all those painful memories, or are you going to stay in an attitude of faith? God is asking, "Do you really want to get well?"
If you do, you must walk out of any emotional bondage in which you have been living. Nobody can do it for you. You must rise up out of those ashes. You must forgive the people who have hurt you. You have to release all those hurts and pains. Leave the past behind. When you go through situations you don't understand, don't become bitter. Don't question God. Just wash your face, keep a good attitude, and move on. Get ready for the new things God has in store for you.
If you will stay in an attitude of faith and victory, God has promised that He will turn those emotional wounds around. He'll use them to your advantage, and you will come out better than you would have had they not happened to you.
We all have unfair and unjust things happen to us; that's a part of life. When we are hurt, we can choose to hold on to that pain and become bitter, or we can choose to let it go and trust God to make it up to us.
People who harbor anger often don't realize it, but they are poisoning their own lives. When we don't forgive, we're not hurting the other person. We're not hurting God. We're only hurting ourselves.
If you want to live your best life now, you must be quick to forgive. Learn to let go of the hurts and pains of the past. Don't let bitterness take root in your life. It doesn't do any good to go around hating somebody. Nor does it make any sense to stay angry for what somebody's already done to you. You can't do anything about the past, but you can do something about the future. You might as well forgive and start trusting God to make it up to you.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
There Is Power In Your Words-Speak Life Changing Words
We get what we say. Our words become self-fulfilling prophecies. If you allow your thoughts to defeat you and then give birth to negative ideas through your words, your actions will follow suit. That's why we need to be extremely careful about what we think and especially careful about what we say. Our words have tremendous power, and whether we want to or not, we will give life to what we're saying, either good or bad.
Words are similar to seeds. By speaking them aloud, they are planted in our subconscious minds, and they take on a life of their own; they take root, grow, and produce fruit of the same kind. If we speak positive words, our lives will move in that direction. Similarly, negative words will produce poor results. We can't speak words of defeat and failure yet expect to live in victory.
When you say something often enough, with enthusiasm and passion, before long your subconscious mind begins to act on what you are saying, doing whatever is necessary to bring those thoughts and words to pass. Sadly, most people insist on saying negative things over their lives. They continually denigrate themselves with their own words. They don't realize that their own words will decimate their confidence and destroy their self-esteem. If you are struggling with low self-esteem, you need to go overboard in speaking positive, faith-filled words of victory about your life. Get up each morning and look in the mirror and say, "I am valuable. I am loved. God has a great plan for my life. I have favor wherever I go. God's blessings are chasing me down and overtaking me. Everything I touch prospers and succeeds. I'm excited about my future!" Start speaking those kinds of words, and before long, you will rise to a new level of well-being, success and victory. There truly is power in your words.
We have to be particularly careful about what we say during times of adversity or hardship, when things aren't going our way. How you respond in the adversities of life and what you say in the midst of your difficulties will have a great impact on how long you stay in those situations. As a rule, the more positive your thoughts and words, the stronger you will be and the sooner you will get over whatever ails you. To get through a tough time quicker and with better results, we must learn to speak as positively as possible. If there's ever a time you must guard what you say, it's in times of trouble. Your subconscious mind picks up your words, treats them as true, valid statement, and then sets about trying to fulfill them. When that happens, you have nobody to blame but yourself; you've been undermined by your own thoughts and words.
If you're in a storm today, now more than ever you need to guard what you say and not allow any negative, destructive words to come out of your mouth. You create an environment for either good or evil with your words, and you are going to have to live in that world you've created. If you're always murmuring, complaining, and talking about how bad life is treating you, you're going to live in a pretty miserable, depressing world. You may be tempted to merely use your words to describe negative situations, but God wants us to use our words to change our negative situations. Don't talk about the problem, talk about the solution.
Start calling yourself healed, happy, whole, blessed, and prosperous. Stop talking to God about how big your mountains are, and start talking to your mountains about how big your God is! Quit worrying and complaining about the obstacle, and start speaking to it. Quit complaining about poverty and lack and start declaring, "God supplies all my needs in abundance." Quit complaining that nothing good ever happens to you and start declaring, "Everything I touch prospers and succeeds." We must stop cursing the darkness. Let's start commanding the light to come.
There is a miracle in your mouth. If you want to change your world, start by changing your words. When times get tough, don't give in to murmuring, disputing, and complaining. Speak to those problems. If you'll learn how to speak the right words and keep the right attitude, God will turn that situation around.
We serve a supernatural God. He is not limited to the law of nature. He can do what human beings cannot do. He can make a way in our lives where it looks as if there is no way. Maybe you are facing a "hopeless" situation. Don't give up. God is a miracle-working God. He knows what you're going through, and He will not let you down. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. If you will trust in Him and start speaking words of faith, your circumstances will begin to change.
Of course, we don't have to be in life-threatening situations to use God's Word. We can speak God's Word in our everyday lives. Just as it is imperative that we see ourselves as God sees us and think about ourselves as God regards us, it is equally important that we say about ourselves what God says about us. Our words are vital in bringing our dreams to pass. It's not enough to simply see it by faith or in your imagination. You have to begin speaking words of faith over your life. Your words have enormous creative power. The moment you speak something out, you give birth to it. This is a spiritual principle, and it works whether what you are saying is good or bad, positive or negative.
In that regard, many times we are our own worst enemies. We blame everybody and everything else, but the truth is, we are profoundly influenced by what we say about ourselves. You must learn to guard your tongue and speak only faith-filled words over your life. This is one of the most important principles you can ever grab hold of. Simply put, your words can either make you or break you.
Words are similar to seeds. By speaking them aloud, they are planted in our subconscious minds, and they take on a life of their own; they take root, grow, and produce fruit of the same kind. If we speak positive words, our lives will move in that direction. Similarly, negative words will produce poor results. We can't speak words of defeat and failure yet expect to live in victory.
When you say something often enough, with enthusiasm and passion, before long your subconscious mind begins to act on what you are saying, doing whatever is necessary to bring those thoughts and words to pass. Sadly, most people insist on saying negative things over their lives. They continually denigrate themselves with their own words. They don't realize that their own words will decimate their confidence and destroy their self-esteem. If you are struggling with low self-esteem, you need to go overboard in speaking positive, faith-filled words of victory about your life. Get up each morning and look in the mirror and say, "I am valuable. I am loved. God has a great plan for my life. I have favor wherever I go. God's blessings are chasing me down and overtaking me. Everything I touch prospers and succeeds. I'm excited about my future!" Start speaking those kinds of words, and before long, you will rise to a new level of well-being, success and victory. There truly is power in your words.
We have to be particularly careful about what we say during times of adversity or hardship, when things aren't going our way. How you respond in the adversities of life and what you say in the midst of your difficulties will have a great impact on how long you stay in those situations. As a rule, the more positive your thoughts and words, the stronger you will be and the sooner you will get over whatever ails you. To get through a tough time quicker and with better results, we must learn to speak as positively as possible. If there's ever a time you must guard what you say, it's in times of trouble. Your subconscious mind picks up your words, treats them as true, valid statement, and then sets about trying to fulfill them. When that happens, you have nobody to blame but yourself; you've been undermined by your own thoughts and words.
If you're in a storm today, now more than ever you need to guard what you say and not allow any negative, destructive words to come out of your mouth. You create an environment for either good or evil with your words, and you are going to have to live in that world you've created. If you're always murmuring, complaining, and talking about how bad life is treating you, you're going to live in a pretty miserable, depressing world. You may be tempted to merely use your words to describe negative situations, but God wants us to use our words to change our negative situations. Don't talk about the problem, talk about the solution.
Start calling yourself healed, happy, whole, blessed, and prosperous. Stop talking to God about how big your mountains are, and start talking to your mountains about how big your God is! Quit worrying and complaining about the obstacle, and start speaking to it. Quit complaining about poverty and lack and start declaring, "God supplies all my needs in abundance." Quit complaining that nothing good ever happens to you and start declaring, "Everything I touch prospers and succeeds." We must stop cursing the darkness. Let's start commanding the light to come.
There is a miracle in your mouth. If you want to change your world, start by changing your words. When times get tough, don't give in to murmuring, disputing, and complaining. Speak to those problems. If you'll learn how to speak the right words and keep the right attitude, God will turn that situation around.
We serve a supernatural God. He is not limited to the law of nature. He can do what human beings cannot do. He can make a way in our lives where it looks as if there is no way. Maybe you are facing a "hopeless" situation. Don't give up. God is a miracle-working God. He knows what you're going through, and He will not let you down. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. If you will trust in Him and start speaking words of faith, your circumstances will begin to change.
Of course, we don't have to be in life-threatening situations to use God's Word. We can speak God's Word in our everyday lives. Just as it is imperative that we see ourselves as God sees us and think about ourselves as God regards us, it is equally important that we say about ourselves what God says about us. Our words are vital in bringing our dreams to pass. It's not enough to simply see it by faith or in your imagination. You have to begin speaking words of faith over your life. Your words have enormous creative power. The moment you speak something out, you give birth to it. This is a spiritual principle, and it works whether what you are saying is good or bad, positive or negative.
In that regard, many times we are our own worst enemies. We blame everybody and everything else, but the truth is, we are profoundly influenced by what we say about ourselves. You must learn to guard your tongue and speak only faith-filled words over your life. This is one of the most important principles you can ever grab hold of. Simply put, your words can either make you or break you.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Reprogramming Your Mental Computer
Sometimes you simply have to choose to see the bright side of situations. When things don't work out as you planned, rather than complaining, look for something good in your circumstances. Fill your mind with good thoughts.
Your mind is similar to a computer. What you program into it dictates how it will function. We were created in the image of God. Before we were ever formed, He programmed us to live abundant lives, to be happy, healthy, and whole. But when our thinking becomes contaminated, it is no longer in line with God's Word. We make serious mistakes and wrong choices. We go through life with low self-esteem, worries, fears, feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Making matters worse, we pass on our negative attitudes to others.
When you recognize these things happening, you must reprogram your computer. You must change your thinking. Understand, you are not defective. God made you, and He has programmed you for victory.
If you go around thinking sad thoughts all the time, you're going to feel sad. If you go around thinking angry thoughts, you're going to be angry. But if you go around thinking happy thoughts, thoughts of victory, you're going to be happy. You're going to be victorious. You cannot go around all day long thinking about the people who have hurt you and all the mistakes you've made, and expect to live any kind of happy, positive life. You've got to let go of the past and start dwelling on the fact that God has a great future in store for you. He has a new beginning for you. Start dwelling on the fact that God has promised He will turn this situation around and use it to your advantage. Choose to think on good things. You have to reprogram your mental computer, and when you do, your emotions will follow.
We must choose to dwell on the positive, choose to dwell on the good. The negative is always going to be around us. We have to choose to dwell on what's right, rather than on what's wrong. Choose to dwell on what you have, not on what you don't have. Choose to think the right thoughts. You cannot prevent negative thoughts from knocking at your door, but you can control whether or not you're going to open the door and allow them to come in. You can have peace in the midst of your storms if you'll simply learn to choose the right thoughts. That means in the tough times of life, instead of dwelling on your problems, you must decide that you will dwell on your God. Dwell on the fact that Almighty God is on your side. Dwell on the fact that He's promised to fight your battles for you. Dwell on the fact that no weaon formed against you can prosper. If you start thinking these kinds of thoughts, you will be filled with faith and confidence, no matter what comes against you in life.
You may have gone through some disappointments, and things in your life may not have turned out as you had hoped. People may have treated you wrong. You may have suffered some major setbacks. But you never come to a dead end with God. He always has a new beginning available for you. Start dwelling on the solution. Dwell on the fact that God still has a great plan in store for your life. When one door closes, God will always open up a bigger and better door. But you have to do your part and stay in an attitude of faith, stay filled with hope.
Understand, this is an ongoing battle. We never get to a place where we don't have to deal with negative, destructive thoughts. So the sooner we learn how to guard our minds and control our thought lives, the better off we will be. No matter how many years we have trusted in God, or how positively we live, we all will occasionally be susceptible to discouragement. That's part of the price we pay for living in a sinful world.
When we're always worried, upset, or depressed, all we're really doing is delaying God in bringing the victory. God works where there's an attitude of faith. When you are going through a tough time in your life, even if you don't feel like keeping a positive attitude - which, at times, you probably won't - you should do it anyway, knowing that every minute you allow yourself to lapse into a negative attitude is a minute that God cannot work in that situation.
When negative thoughts come, reject them and replace them with God's thoughts. When you're in that attitude of faith, you are opening the door for God to work in your situation. You may not see anything happening with your natural eyes, but don't let that discourage you. In the unseen realm, in the spiritual world, God is at work. He is changing things in your favor. And if you'll just do your part and keep believing, at the right time, God will bring you out with the victory.
The key is to choose the right thoughts, to keep your mind set. Not just when you feel good, not just when things are going your way, not just when you don't have any problems, but even in the tough times of life--especially in the difficult times--you must keep your mind set on the good things of God. Stay focused. Stay full of faith. Stay full of joy. Stay full of hope. Make a conscious decision that you are going to stay in a positive frame of mind.
Your mind is similar to a computer. What you program into it dictates how it will function. We were created in the image of God. Before we were ever formed, He programmed us to live abundant lives, to be happy, healthy, and whole. But when our thinking becomes contaminated, it is no longer in line with God's Word. We make serious mistakes and wrong choices. We go through life with low self-esteem, worries, fears, feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Making matters worse, we pass on our negative attitudes to others.
When you recognize these things happening, you must reprogram your computer. You must change your thinking. Understand, you are not defective. God made you, and He has programmed you for victory.
If you go around thinking sad thoughts all the time, you're going to feel sad. If you go around thinking angry thoughts, you're going to be angry. But if you go around thinking happy thoughts, thoughts of victory, you're going to be happy. You're going to be victorious. You cannot go around all day long thinking about the people who have hurt you and all the mistakes you've made, and expect to live any kind of happy, positive life. You've got to let go of the past and start dwelling on the fact that God has a great future in store for you. He has a new beginning for you. Start dwelling on the fact that God has promised He will turn this situation around and use it to your advantage. Choose to think on good things. You have to reprogram your mental computer, and when you do, your emotions will follow.
We must choose to dwell on the positive, choose to dwell on the good. The negative is always going to be around us. We have to choose to dwell on what's right, rather than on what's wrong. Choose to dwell on what you have, not on what you don't have. Choose to think the right thoughts. You cannot prevent negative thoughts from knocking at your door, but you can control whether or not you're going to open the door and allow them to come in. You can have peace in the midst of your storms if you'll simply learn to choose the right thoughts. That means in the tough times of life, instead of dwelling on your problems, you must decide that you will dwell on your God. Dwell on the fact that Almighty God is on your side. Dwell on the fact that He's promised to fight your battles for you. Dwell on the fact that no weaon formed against you can prosper. If you start thinking these kinds of thoughts, you will be filled with faith and confidence, no matter what comes against you in life.
You may have gone through some disappointments, and things in your life may not have turned out as you had hoped. People may have treated you wrong. You may have suffered some major setbacks. But you never come to a dead end with God. He always has a new beginning available for you. Start dwelling on the solution. Dwell on the fact that God still has a great plan in store for your life. When one door closes, God will always open up a bigger and better door. But you have to do your part and stay in an attitude of faith, stay filled with hope.
Understand, this is an ongoing battle. We never get to a place where we don't have to deal with negative, destructive thoughts. So the sooner we learn how to guard our minds and control our thought lives, the better off we will be. No matter how many years we have trusted in God, or how positively we live, we all will occasionally be susceptible to discouragement. That's part of the price we pay for living in a sinful world.
When we're always worried, upset, or depressed, all we're really doing is delaying God in bringing the victory. God works where there's an attitude of faith. When you are going through a tough time in your life, even if you don't feel like keeping a positive attitude - which, at times, you probably won't - you should do it anyway, knowing that every minute you allow yourself to lapse into a negative attitude is a minute that God cannot work in that situation.
When negative thoughts come, reject them and replace them with God's thoughts. When you're in that attitude of faith, you are opening the door for God to work in your situation. You may not see anything happening with your natural eyes, but don't let that discourage you. In the unseen realm, in the spiritual world, God is at work. He is changing things in your favor. And if you'll just do your part and keep believing, at the right time, God will bring you out with the victory.
The key is to choose the right thoughts, to keep your mind set. Not just when you feel good, not just when things are going your way, not just when you don't have any problems, but even in the tough times of life--especially in the difficult times--you must keep your mind set on the good things of God. Stay focused. Stay full of faith. Stay full of joy. Stay full of hope. Make a conscious decision that you are going to stay in a positive frame of mind.
Choosing Right Thoughts
Thoughts determine actions, attitude, and self-image. Really, thoughts determine destiny. We must be extremely careful not only about what we ingest through our eyes and ears, but what we think about. If you dwell on depressing thoughts, you will live a depressing life. If you continually gravitate toward negative thoughts, you will gravitate toward negative people, activities, philosophies, and lifestyles. Your life will always follow your thoughts.
Almost like a magnet, we draw in what we constantly think about. If you're always thinking positive, happy, joyful thoughts, you're going to be a positive, happy, joyful person, and you will attract other happy, upbeat, positive people.
Our thoughts also affect our emotions. We will feel exactly the way we think. You will never be happy unless you first think happy thoughts. So much of success or failure in life begins in our minds and is influenced by what we allow ourselves to dwell on.
Many don't realize it, but we can choose our thoughts. Nobody can make us think about something. God won't do it, and the enemy can't do it. You decide what you will entertain in your mind.
Anyone can be temporarily discouraged and depressed. Life is tough, and it sometimes takes a toll on us. We all get knocked down occasionally. But you need not remain down. If you are depressed, you must understand, nobody is making you depressed. If you're not happy, nobody is forcing you to be unhappy. If you're negative and you have a bad attitude, nobody's coercing you to be bored, uncooperative, sarcastic, or sullen. You are choosing to remain in that condition, and the first step out of that mess is to recognize that the only person who can improve the situation is you!
We must take responsibility for our own actions. As long as we keep making excuses and blaming the family tree, our environment, past relationships with others people, our circumstances, and attributing blame to God, satan, anyone, or anything, we will never be truly free and emotionally healthy. We must realize that to a large extent, we can control our own destinies.
Acutally, your circumstances don't have you down. Your thoughts about your circumstances have you down. Obviously, we can't ignore problems and live in denial, pretending that nothing bad ever happens to us. That is unrealistic. Bad things do sometimes happen to good people, just as good things often happen to bad people. Pretense is not the answer. If you are sick, it's okay to admit it; but keep your thoughts on your Healer. If your body is tired, if your spirit is weary, fine; we all understand that. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to get some rest.
Tough times come to all of us. God doesn't say that troublesome time won't come; He says that when they do, we can choose our attitudes. We can choose to believe that He is greater than our problems; we can choose the right thoughts.
As you dwell on the promises of God's Word, you will be filled with hope. You will develop a positive attitude of faith, and you will draw in the victory. You must cheer up first, then God will turn your situation around. As long as you harbor that poor, defeated outlook, you will continue to live a poor, defeated life.
The first place we must win the victory is in our own minds. If you don't think you can be successful, then you never will be. If you don't think your body can be healed, it never will be. If you don't think God can turn your situation around, then He probably won't. When you think thoughts of failure, you are destined to fail. When you think positive, excellent thoughts, you will be propelled toward greatness, inevitably bound for increase, promotion, and God's supernatural blessings.
If you are going to live God's way and be the person He wants you to be, you must line up your vision with His and learn to live in a positive frame of mind. Learn to look for the best in every situation. No matter what you're going through, if you look hard enough and keep the right attitude, you can find something good about the experience.
You must make a choice to keep your mind focused on the higher things. It's not going to automatically happen. You must be determined and put forth some effort if you're going to keep your mind set on the good things of God and experience His best.
We must be especially on guard during times of adversity, in times of personal challenge. When troubles strike, often the first thoughts that come to mind are not higher thoughts; they're not positive thoughts. Negative thoughts bombard us from every possible angle. Right there, we must choose to trust God for good things and not allow ourselves to be down and discouraged or just give up.
Stay focused on the positive things in life. If thoughts of joy, peace, victory, abundance, and blessings dominate your thoughts throughout the day, you will move toward those things, drawing them to yourself at the same time. Your life will follow your thoughts. God will help you, but you are going to have to make quality decisioins every day, choosing the good, rejecting the bad. Determine to keep your mind set on the good things of God. Start expecting good things. Get up each day knowing that God has great things in store for you. Our thoughts contain tremendous power. Remember, we draw into our lives that which we constantly think about. You are setting the direction of your life with your thoughts.
The only thing that limits God is your lack of faith. There is not such thing as the wrong side of the tracks with our God. If you will put your trust in Him, God will make your life significant. God longs to make something great out of your life. If you can catch a glimpse of how much confidence God has in you, you will never again shrink back into an inferiority complex. You will rise up with boldness. When we know that somebody we respect has confidence in us, it often inspires us to believe better of ourselves. More often than not, we'll rise to the occasion and meet that person's expectations. When somebody has confidence in you and believes in you, things once thought impossible become possible.
The enemy in your mind says you don't have what it takes; God says you do have what it takes. Whom are you going to believe? The enemy says you're not able to succeed; God says you can do all things through Christ. The enemy says you'll never get out of debt; God says not only are you going to get out of debt, you will lend and not borrow. The enemy says you're never going to get well; God says He will restore your health. The enemy says you'll never amount to anything; God says He will raise you up and make your life significant. The enemy says your problems are too big, there's no hope; God says He will solve those problems; moreover, He will turn those problems around and use them for your good.
Almost like a magnet, we draw in what we constantly think about. If you're always thinking positive, happy, joyful thoughts, you're going to be a positive, happy, joyful person, and you will attract other happy, upbeat, positive people.
Our thoughts also affect our emotions. We will feel exactly the way we think. You will never be happy unless you first think happy thoughts. So much of success or failure in life begins in our minds and is influenced by what we allow ourselves to dwell on.
Many don't realize it, but we can choose our thoughts. Nobody can make us think about something. God won't do it, and the enemy can't do it. You decide what you will entertain in your mind.
Anyone can be temporarily discouraged and depressed. Life is tough, and it sometimes takes a toll on us. We all get knocked down occasionally. But you need not remain down. If you are depressed, you must understand, nobody is making you depressed. If you're not happy, nobody is forcing you to be unhappy. If you're negative and you have a bad attitude, nobody's coercing you to be bored, uncooperative, sarcastic, or sullen. You are choosing to remain in that condition, and the first step out of that mess is to recognize that the only person who can improve the situation is you!
We must take responsibility for our own actions. As long as we keep making excuses and blaming the family tree, our environment, past relationships with others people, our circumstances, and attributing blame to God, satan, anyone, or anything, we will never be truly free and emotionally healthy. We must realize that to a large extent, we can control our own destinies.
Acutally, your circumstances don't have you down. Your thoughts about your circumstances have you down. Obviously, we can't ignore problems and live in denial, pretending that nothing bad ever happens to us. That is unrealistic. Bad things do sometimes happen to good people, just as good things often happen to bad people. Pretense is not the answer. If you are sick, it's okay to admit it; but keep your thoughts on your Healer. If your body is tired, if your spirit is weary, fine; we all understand that. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to get some rest.
Tough times come to all of us. God doesn't say that troublesome time won't come; He says that when they do, we can choose our attitudes. We can choose to believe that He is greater than our problems; we can choose the right thoughts.
As you dwell on the promises of God's Word, you will be filled with hope. You will develop a positive attitude of faith, and you will draw in the victory. You must cheer up first, then God will turn your situation around. As long as you harbor that poor, defeated outlook, you will continue to live a poor, defeated life.
The first place we must win the victory is in our own minds. If you don't think you can be successful, then you never will be. If you don't think your body can be healed, it never will be. If you don't think God can turn your situation around, then He probably won't. When you think thoughts of failure, you are destined to fail. When you think positive, excellent thoughts, you will be propelled toward greatness, inevitably bound for increase, promotion, and God's supernatural blessings.
If you are going to live God's way and be the person He wants you to be, you must line up your vision with His and learn to live in a positive frame of mind. Learn to look for the best in every situation. No matter what you're going through, if you look hard enough and keep the right attitude, you can find something good about the experience.
You must make a choice to keep your mind focused on the higher things. It's not going to automatically happen. You must be determined and put forth some effort if you're going to keep your mind set on the good things of God and experience His best.
We must be especially on guard during times of adversity, in times of personal challenge. When troubles strike, often the first thoughts that come to mind are not higher thoughts; they're not positive thoughts. Negative thoughts bombard us from every possible angle. Right there, we must choose to trust God for good things and not allow ourselves to be down and discouraged or just give up.
Stay focused on the positive things in life. If thoughts of joy, peace, victory, abundance, and blessings dominate your thoughts throughout the day, you will move toward those things, drawing them to yourself at the same time. Your life will follow your thoughts. God will help you, but you are going to have to make quality decisioins every day, choosing the good, rejecting the bad. Determine to keep your mind set on the good things of God. Start expecting good things. Get up each day knowing that God has great things in store for you. Our thoughts contain tremendous power. Remember, we draw into our lives that which we constantly think about. You are setting the direction of your life with your thoughts.
The only thing that limits God is your lack of faith. There is not such thing as the wrong side of the tracks with our God. If you will put your trust in Him, God will make your life significant. God longs to make something great out of your life. If you can catch a glimpse of how much confidence God has in you, you will never again shrink back into an inferiority complex. You will rise up with boldness. When we know that somebody we respect has confidence in us, it often inspires us to believe better of ourselves. More often than not, we'll rise to the occasion and meet that person's expectations. When somebody has confidence in you and believes in you, things once thought impossible become possible.
The enemy in your mind says you don't have what it takes; God says you do have what it takes. Whom are you going to believe? The enemy says you're not able to succeed; God says you can do all things through Christ. The enemy says you'll never get out of debt; God says not only are you going to get out of debt, you will lend and not borrow. The enemy says you're never going to get well; God says He will restore your health. The enemy says you'll never amount to anything; God says He will raise you up and make your life significant. The enemy says your problems are too big, there's no hope; God says He will solve those problems; moreover, He will turn those problems around and use them for your good.
Become What You Believe
Our thoughts and expectations wield tremendous power and influence in our lives. We don't always get what we deserve in life, but we usually get no more than we expect; we receive what we believe. Unfortunately, this principle works as strongly in the negative as it does in the positive.
You can believe for good things. Expect God to supernaturally turn things around. Quit expecting to fail. Start believing that you are going to succeed. It is crucial that we see ourselves as God sees us, since we will never rise above the image we have of ourselves. If we see ourselves as barely making it, always having problems, never happy, we will subconsciously move toward that sort of life. To move forward in life, we must change our focus. We must believe.
Understand this: God will help you, but you cast the deciding vote. If you choose to stay focused on negative elements in your life, if you focus on what you can't do and what you don't have, then by your own choice you are agreeing to be defeated. You are conspiring with the enemy by opening the door and allowing destructive thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes to dominate your life.
On the other hand, if you'll get into agreement with God, if you'll focus on your possibilities, your faith can cause God to show up and work supernaturally in your life. Your faith will help you overcome your obstacles and allow youto reach new levels of victory. But it's up to you. It depends on your outlook.
Nobody can have faith for you. Certainly, other people can pray for you, they can believe for you, they can quote the Scripture to you, but you must exercise faith for yourself. If you are always depending on somebody else to keep you happy, somebody else to encourage you or to get you out of trouble, you will live in perpetual weakness and disappointment. You must make a decision that you are going to be a believer. Take charge of your life. What you believe has a much greater impact on your life than what anybody else believes.
God wants you to have a good life, a life filled with love, joy, peace, and fulfillment. That doesn't mean it will always be easy, but it does mean that it will always be good. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. Believe for joy and peace and happiness. Start believing for increase and abundance. Become a true believer, knowing that you will become what you believe.
Maybe you have endured terrible disappointments. Unspeakable negative things may have happened to you, to the point that you have ceased believing for anything good to occur in your life. You've lost your dreams. You are drifting through life, taking whatever comes your way. No matter how many setbacks you've suffered, God still has a great plan for your life. You must get your hopes up. If you don't have hope, you won't have faith. And if you don't have faith, you can't please God, and you won't see His power revealed in your life. Keep hope alive in your heart. Don't ever give up on your dreams. Don't allow discouragement or other setbacks to keep you from believing what God says about you.
If you will keep the right attitude, God will take all your disappointments, broken dreams, the hurts and pains, and He'll add up all the trouble and sorrow that's been inflicted on you, and He will pay you back with twice as much peace, joy, happiness, and success. If you'll just believe, if you'll put your trust and confidence in God, He will give you double for your trouble. God wants the latter part of your life to be better than the first part of your life. You are never too far gone with God. Nothing is too hard for our God.
God will not get tired and quit halfway through the process; nor will He renege on His promises. He will continue until you get to where He is taking you. God doesn't want you to be "a little" happy. He doesn't want you to be slightly blessed. He doesn't want you to be partially healed. God wants your life to be characterized by joy, and He wants your joy to be full. He wants you to live in abundance. He wants to give you the desires of your heart. He wants you to be complete and content.
When times get tought or things don't go your way, keep your confidence up. When discouragements come or when people tell you that your dreams are never going to come to pass, you're never going to be happy, and you can never change, boldly remind yourself who is at work in your life. God is turning things around in your favor. God is opening doors of opportunity for you. He is restoring relationships; He is softening people's hearts toward you. God is completing what He started. You may not see anything happening with your natural eyes, but you must believe that in the unseen world, God is at work on your behalf.
Remember, no weapon formed against you is going to prosper. That doesn't mean that there will not be opposition in your life; there will be weapons formed against you, and they may be formidable and frightening. But they cannot ultimately hurt you. Your future is intact with God. You will not go under, you will go through. The Bible says when you've done all you know how to do, just keep on standing strong. You've got to show your enemy you are more determined than he is. Keep praying, keep believing, keep singing songs of praise. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. If you do that, God promises to bring you out with the victory.
You've got to believe good things are on their way. You must believe that God is at work in your life, that He is restoring you to your rightful place. In other words, you've got to see those things coming to pass. It has to be conceived in your heart. Look at life through your eyes of faith into that invisible world and see your dreams coming to pass.
You may not be able to perceive anything positive happening in your life with your natural eyes today. In fact, everything may be falling apart - your finances, your health, your business, your family. You may have all kinds of problems, and in the natural order, it doesn't look as though anything is turning around. But don't be discouraged. Look into that invisible world, into the supernatural world, and through your eyes of faith, see that situation turning around. See your joy and peace being restored.
The world tells you, "You need to see it to believe it." But God says just the opposite. Only as you believe it will you ever see it. You've got to look out through your eyes of faith and see it. Once you see it by faith, it can come into existence in the physical world. God wants to do a new thing in your life. Don't limit Him with your small thinking. Have a big vision for your life. Dream bigger dreams. Live with faith and expectancy. You will become what you believe.
God is trying to plant the new seed of victory inside us. He's trying to get us to conceive. He knows if we don't conceive in our hearts through faith, it will never come to pass. Too many times, we delay God's promise and favor because of our limited thinking. The condition of our hearts is not right. We're filled with doubt and unbelief. The tragedy is, if we don't change our believing, we could go through our entire lifetimes missing out on the great things God has in store for us.
Please stop limiting God with your narrow-minded thinking. Learn how to conceive. Keep the image of what you want to become in front of you. You're going to become what you believe. Stop focusing on what you can't do, and start focusing on what God can do. You don't have to figure out how God is going to solve your problems. You don't have to see how He's going to bring it to pass. That's His responsibility; that's not your job. Your job is to be a believer. Your job is to live with faith and expectancy. Just turn that situation over to God and trust Him to take care of it. God is a supernatural God. God can do what human beings cannot or will not do. He is not limited to the laws of nature. And if you'll let that seed take root so it can grow, put your trust and confidence in the Lord, God will surely bring it to pass. If you can see the invisible, God will do the impossible.
Don't restrict your vision; instead, begin seeing yourself as God's child. See yourself as receiving good things from your heavenly Father. If you'll do your part by believing, having a big vision for your life, living with faith and expectancy, and seeing yourself as God sees you, God will take you places that other people said were impossible to experience this side of Heaven. You will become what you believe!
You can believe for good things. Expect God to supernaturally turn things around. Quit expecting to fail. Start believing that you are going to succeed. It is crucial that we see ourselves as God sees us, since we will never rise above the image we have of ourselves. If we see ourselves as barely making it, always having problems, never happy, we will subconsciously move toward that sort of life. To move forward in life, we must change our focus. We must believe.
Understand this: God will help you, but you cast the deciding vote. If you choose to stay focused on negative elements in your life, if you focus on what you can't do and what you don't have, then by your own choice you are agreeing to be defeated. You are conspiring with the enemy by opening the door and allowing destructive thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes to dominate your life.
On the other hand, if you'll get into agreement with God, if you'll focus on your possibilities, your faith can cause God to show up and work supernaturally in your life. Your faith will help you overcome your obstacles and allow youto reach new levels of victory. But it's up to you. It depends on your outlook.
Nobody can have faith for you. Certainly, other people can pray for you, they can believe for you, they can quote the Scripture to you, but you must exercise faith for yourself. If you are always depending on somebody else to keep you happy, somebody else to encourage you or to get you out of trouble, you will live in perpetual weakness and disappointment. You must make a decision that you are going to be a believer. Take charge of your life. What you believe has a much greater impact on your life than what anybody else believes.
God wants you to have a good life, a life filled with love, joy, peace, and fulfillment. That doesn't mean it will always be easy, but it does mean that it will always be good. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. Believe for joy and peace and happiness. Start believing for increase and abundance. Become a true believer, knowing that you will become what you believe.
Maybe you have endured terrible disappointments. Unspeakable negative things may have happened to you, to the point that you have ceased believing for anything good to occur in your life. You've lost your dreams. You are drifting through life, taking whatever comes your way. No matter how many setbacks you've suffered, God still has a great plan for your life. You must get your hopes up. If you don't have hope, you won't have faith. And if you don't have faith, you can't please God, and you won't see His power revealed in your life. Keep hope alive in your heart. Don't ever give up on your dreams. Don't allow discouragement or other setbacks to keep you from believing what God says about you.
If you will keep the right attitude, God will take all your disappointments, broken dreams, the hurts and pains, and He'll add up all the trouble and sorrow that's been inflicted on you, and He will pay you back with twice as much peace, joy, happiness, and success. If you'll just believe, if you'll put your trust and confidence in God, He will give you double for your trouble. God wants the latter part of your life to be better than the first part of your life. You are never too far gone with God. Nothing is too hard for our God.
God will not get tired and quit halfway through the process; nor will He renege on His promises. He will continue until you get to where He is taking you. God doesn't want you to be "a little" happy. He doesn't want you to be slightly blessed. He doesn't want you to be partially healed. God wants your life to be characterized by joy, and He wants your joy to be full. He wants you to live in abundance. He wants to give you the desires of your heart. He wants you to be complete and content.
When times get tought or things don't go your way, keep your confidence up. When discouragements come or when people tell you that your dreams are never going to come to pass, you're never going to be happy, and you can never change, boldly remind yourself who is at work in your life. God is turning things around in your favor. God is opening doors of opportunity for you. He is restoring relationships; He is softening people's hearts toward you. God is completing what He started. You may not see anything happening with your natural eyes, but you must believe that in the unseen world, God is at work on your behalf.
Remember, no weapon formed against you is going to prosper. That doesn't mean that there will not be opposition in your life; there will be weapons formed against you, and they may be formidable and frightening. But they cannot ultimately hurt you. Your future is intact with God. You will not go under, you will go through. The Bible says when you've done all you know how to do, just keep on standing strong. You've got to show your enemy you are more determined than he is. Keep praying, keep believing, keep singing songs of praise. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. If you do that, God promises to bring you out with the victory.
You've got to believe good things are on their way. You must believe that God is at work in your life, that He is restoring you to your rightful place. In other words, you've got to see those things coming to pass. It has to be conceived in your heart. Look at life through your eyes of faith into that invisible world and see your dreams coming to pass.
You may not be able to perceive anything positive happening in your life with your natural eyes today. In fact, everything may be falling apart - your finances, your health, your business, your family. You may have all kinds of problems, and in the natural order, it doesn't look as though anything is turning around. But don't be discouraged. Look into that invisible world, into the supernatural world, and through your eyes of faith, see that situation turning around. See your joy and peace being restored.
The world tells you, "You need to see it to believe it." But God says just the opposite. Only as you believe it will you ever see it. You've got to look out through your eyes of faith and see it. Once you see it by faith, it can come into existence in the physical world. God wants to do a new thing in your life. Don't limit Him with your small thinking. Have a big vision for your life. Dream bigger dreams. Live with faith and expectancy. You will become what you believe.
God is trying to plant the new seed of victory inside us. He's trying to get us to conceive. He knows if we don't conceive in our hearts through faith, it will never come to pass. Too many times, we delay God's promise and favor because of our limited thinking. The condition of our hearts is not right. We're filled with doubt and unbelief. The tragedy is, if we don't change our believing, we could go through our entire lifetimes missing out on the great things God has in store for us.
Please stop limiting God with your narrow-minded thinking. Learn how to conceive. Keep the image of what you want to become in front of you. You're going to become what you believe. Stop focusing on what you can't do, and start focusing on what God can do. You don't have to figure out how God is going to solve your problems. You don't have to see how He's going to bring it to pass. That's His responsibility; that's not your job. Your job is to be a believer. Your job is to live with faith and expectancy. Just turn that situation over to God and trust Him to take care of it. God is a supernatural God. God can do what human beings cannot or will not do. He is not limited to the laws of nature. And if you'll let that seed take root so it can grow, put your trust and confidence in the Lord, God will surely bring it to pass. If you can see the invisible, God will do the impossible.
Don't restrict your vision; instead, begin seeing yourself as God's child. See yourself as receiving good things from your heavenly Father. If you'll do your part by believing, having a big vision for your life, living with faith and expectancy, and seeing yourself as God sees you, God will take you places that other people said were impossible to experience this side of Heaven. You will become what you believe!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Understanding Your Value
We all have areas in which we need to improve. We can't become so focused on our faults that we cease to enjoy who God made us to be. He's not dwelling on our faults. God focuses on the things you're doing right; He sees the best in you. You've got to be happy with who you are right now and accept yourself, faults and all.
An important factor in seeing yourself God's way is to understand your intrinsic sense of value, whether you make the right moves or the wrong moves. Too often we focus on our faults, weaknesses, past mistakes, and failures. Rejection and other painful experiences steal our self-esteem and make us feel unwanted and insecure.
Your sense of value cannot be based on your achievements, how well you perform, how somebody else treats you, or how popular or successful you are. Your sense of value should be based solely on the fact that you are a child of the Most High God. As His unique creation, you have something to offer to this world that nobody else has, that nobody else can be.
It's vital that you accept yourself and learn to be happy with who God made you to be. If you want to truly enjoy your life, you must be at peace with yourself. Many people constantly feel bad about themselves, living with all sorts of self-imposed guilt and condemnation. No wonder they're not happy; they have a war going on inside. They're not at peace with themselves. And if you can't get along with yourself, you will never get along with other people. The place to start is by being happy with who God made you to be.
Don't be so hard on yourself! Certainly, there may be some things in your life that you aren't happy about; you may have some habits you need to break. But remember, God is not finished with you. He's in the process of changing you.
Throughout our lives, God is continually shaping and molding us into the people He wants us to be. The key to future success is to not be discouraged about your past or present while you are in the process of being "completed". Whether you realize it or not, right now God is moving you onward toward greater things.
When you are tempted to get discouraged, remind yourself that according to God's Word, your future is getting brighter; you are on your way to a new level of glory. You may think you've got a long way to go, but you need to look back at how far you've already come. You may not be everything you want to be, but at least you can thank God that you're not what you used to be.
You may think there is a lot wrong with you, but there is also a lot right with you.
The great news is that God knows everything about you, both good and bad, and He still loves you and values you unconditionally. God does not always approve of our behavior. He is not pleased when we go against His will, and when we do, we always suffer the consequences and have to work with Him to correct our thoughts, words, actions, or attitudes. And while you should work to improve in the areas where you fall short, nothing you do will ever cause God to love you less...or more. His love is a constant you can depend on.
Understand, your value in God's eyes never changes. God is a forgiving God. He is a God of second chances. No matter how many times you fail Him or how many mistakes you make, your value in God's eyes remains exactly the same.
Don't let other people, systems, or circumstances influence your estimation of your value. You may have gone through some traumatic, painful experiences in which somebody mistreated you, used you, or rejected you. Maybe your husband or wife walked out on you and you went through a bitter divorce. Maybe a good friend turned on you for no reason, and now you feel alone and worthless. Or, maybe you felt rejected as a child, and you are living with feelings of guilt and shame. Perhaps you've even convinced yourself that the negative things that happened in your past are all your fault, that you deserve nothing but heartache, pain, guilt and condemnation. Friend, nothing could be farther from the truth.
God wants to put a new song in your heart; He wants to fill you with hope. He wants you to know that He loves you more than you can imagine and He can turn your dashed dreams into something beautiful.
God knows your value; He sees your potential. You may not understand everything you are going through right now. But hold your head up high, knowing that God is in control and He has a great plan and purpose for your life. Your dreams may not have turned out exactly as you'd hoped, but the Bible says that God's ways are better and higher than our ways. Even when everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with His arms open wide. He always accepts you. He always confirms your value. No matter what you go through in life, no matter how many disappointments you suffer, your value in God's eyes always remains the same. You will always be the apple of His eye. He will never give up on you, so don't give up on yourself.
An important factor in seeing yourself God's way is to understand your intrinsic sense of value, whether you make the right moves or the wrong moves. Too often we focus on our faults, weaknesses, past mistakes, and failures. Rejection and other painful experiences steal our self-esteem and make us feel unwanted and insecure.
Your sense of value cannot be based on your achievements, how well you perform, how somebody else treats you, or how popular or successful you are. Your sense of value should be based solely on the fact that you are a child of the Most High God. As His unique creation, you have something to offer to this world that nobody else has, that nobody else can be.
It's vital that you accept yourself and learn to be happy with who God made you to be. If you want to truly enjoy your life, you must be at peace with yourself. Many people constantly feel bad about themselves, living with all sorts of self-imposed guilt and condemnation. No wonder they're not happy; they have a war going on inside. They're not at peace with themselves. And if you can't get along with yourself, you will never get along with other people. The place to start is by being happy with who God made you to be.
Don't be so hard on yourself! Certainly, there may be some things in your life that you aren't happy about; you may have some habits you need to break. But remember, God is not finished with you. He's in the process of changing you.
Throughout our lives, God is continually shaping and molding us into the people He wants us to be. The key to future success is to not be discouraged about your past or present while you are in the process of being "completed". Whether you realize it or not, right now God is moving you onward toward greater things.
When you are tempted to get discouraged, remind yourself that according to God's Word, your future is getting brighter; you are on your way to a new level of glory. You may think you've got a long way to go, but you need to look back at how far you've already come. You may not be everything you want to be, but at least you can thank God that you're not what you used to be.
You may think there is a lot wrong with you, but there is also a lot right with you.
The great news is that God knows everything about you, both good and bad, and He still loves you and values you unconditionally. God does not always approve of our behavior. He is not pleased when we go against His will, and when we do, we always suffer the consequences and have to work with Him to correct our thoughts, words, actions, or attitudes. And while you should work to improve in the areas where you fall short, nothing you do will ever cause God to love you less...or more. His love is a constant you can depend on.
Understand, your value in God's eyes never changes. God is a forgiving God. He is a God of second chances. No matter how many times you fail Him or how many mistakes you make, your value in God's eyes remains exactly the same.
Don't let other people, systems, or circumstances influence your estimation of your value. You may have gone through some traumatic, painful experiences in which somebody mistreated you, used you, or rejected you. Maybe your husband or wife walked out on you and you went through a bitter divorce. Maybe a good friend turned on you for no reason, and now you feel alone and worthless. Or, maybe you felt rejected as a child, and you are living with feelings of guilt and shame. Perhaps you've even convinced yourself that the negative things that happened in your past are all your fault, that you deserve nothing but heartache, pain, guilt and condemnation. Friend, nothing could be farther from the truth.
God wants to put a new song in your heart; He wants to fill you with hope. He wants you to know that He loves you more than you can imagine and He can turn your dashed dreams into something beautiful.
God knows your value; He sees your potential. You may not understand everything you are going through right now. But hold your head up high, knowing that God is in control and He has a great plan and purpose for your life. Your dreams may not have turned out exactly as you'd hoped, but the Bible says that God's ways are better and higher than our ways. Even when everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with His arms open wide. He always accepts you. He always confirms your value. No matter what you go through in life, no matter how many disappointments you suffer, your value in God's eyes always remains the same. You will always be the apple of His eye. He will never give up on you, so don't give up on yourself.
Who Do You Think You Are?
How you see yourself and how you feel about yourself will have a tremendous impact on how far you go in life and whether or not you fulfill your destiny. The truth is, you will never rise above the image you have of yourself in your own mind.
God wants us to have healthy, positive self-images, to see ourselves as priceless treasures. He wants us to feel good about ourselves. God knows we're not perfect, that we all have faults and weaknesses; that we all make mistakes. But the good news is, God loves us anyway. He created us in His image, and He is continually shaping us, conforming us to His character, helping us to become even more like the person He is. Consequently, we must learn to love ourselves, faults and all, because that's how our heavenly Father loves us. You can hold your head up high and walk with confidence knowing that God loves you unconditionally. His love for you is based on what you are, not on what you do.
God has a specific purpose for your life. He didn't intend for you to go through life miserable, depressed, lonely, sick and defeated. You may be so beaten down by the struggles in your life that you've grown accustomed to being discouraged. Perhaps you've been deceived into accepting a life that is far less than God's best.
God is a good God, and He gives good things to His children. No matter who has denigrated you or how much pain you've experienced in life, no matter how many setbacks you have suffered, you cannot allow yourself to accept that as the way life is supposed to be. No, God has better things in store for you. You must reprogram your mind with God's Word; change that negative, defeated self-image, and start seeing yourself as winning, coming out on top. You must see it through your eyes of faith, and then it will begin to happen.
Learn to guard your mind, control your thought life, and begin to dwell on the good things of God. If you always think little, believe little, and expect little, then you will receive little. Don't let your past determine your destiny or influence your self-image. See yourself the way God sees you. Picture yourself experiencing the wonderful things God has in store for you.
You might be shocked if you really understood how much God wants to bless you. God wants you to accomplish great things in life. He wants you to leave your mark on this world. He's put incredible potential, gifts, and talents within you, ready for use as you start seeing yourself as God sees you, stepping out in faith and acting on the dreams and the desires that He's placed in your heart.
God wants us to have healthy, positive self-images, to see ourselves as priceless treasures. He wants us to feel good about ourselves. God knows we're not perfect, that we all have faults and weaknesses; that we all make mistakes. But the good news is, God loves us anyway. He created us in His image, and He is continually shaping us, conforming us to His character, helping us to become even more like the person He is. Consequently, we must learn to love ourselves, faults and all, because that's how our heavenly Father loves us. You can hold your head up high and walk with confidence knowing that God loves you unconditionally. His love for you is based on what you are, not on what you do.
God has a specific purpose for your life. He didn't intend for you to go through life miserable, depressed, lonely, sick and defeated. You may be so beaten down by the struggles in your life that you've grown accustomed to being discouraged. Perhaps you've been deceived into accepting a life that is far less than God's best.
God is a good God, and He gives good things to His children. No matter who has denigrated you or how much pain you've experienced in life, no matter how many setbacks you have suffered, you cannot allow yourself to accept that as the way life is supposed to be. No, God has better things in store for you. You must reprogram your mind with God's Word; change that negative, defeated self-image, and start seeing yourself as winning, coming out on top. You must see it through your eyes of faith, and then it will begin to happen.
Learn to guard your mind, control your thought life, and begin to dwell on the good things of God. If you always think little, believe little, and expect little, then you will receive little. Don't let your past determine your destiny or influence your self-image. See yourself the way God sees you. Picture yourself experiencing the wonderful things God has in store for you.
You might be shocked if you really understood how much God wants to bless you. God wants you to accomplish great things in life. He wants you to leave your mark on this world. He's put incredible potential, gifts, and talents within you, ready for use as you start seeing yourself as God sees you, stepping out in faith and acting on the dreams and the desires that He's placed in your heart.
Increasing In Favor-Living Favor Minded
Regardless of how many people tell you that what you're attempting can't be done, if you'll persevere, declaring the favor of God and staying in an attitude of faith, God will open doors for you and change circumstances on your behalf.
God wants to make your life easier. He wants to assist you, to promote you, to give you advantages. He wants you to have preferential treatment. But if we're going to experience more of God's favor, we must expect God's special help and release our faith, knowing that God wants to assist us.
In no way should we ever be arrogant, thinking that we are better than somebody else, that everybody owes us a living or ought to bow down to us. But as God's children we can live with confidence and boldness, expecting good things. We can expect preferential treatment, not because of who we are, but because of whose we are. We can expect people to want to help us because of who our Father is.
As odd as it may sound, when you live favor-minded, declaring God's goodness, you'll be amazed at how people will go out of their way to help you. They may not even know why they're doing it, but you'll know that it is because of the favor of God.
Anytime you get in a situation where you need favor, learn to declare it. You don't have to loudly broadcast it to the world. You can whisper it, if you prefer. The volume of your voice is irrelevant; it's your faith that makes the difference. Even in the mundane aspects of life, you will not be imposing on God's goodness by declaring His favor. He wants you to act on it.
No matter what does or doesn't happen, keep believing for the favor of God in your life. Live favor-minded. Get up each day and expect it and declare it. Don't sit back passively. You do your part, and God will do His part. And you'll have everything you need.
God wants to help you in every area of your life, not just the big matters. When you live favor-minded, you'll begin to see God's goodness in the everyday, ordinary details. When you are living favor-minded, you won't be able to outrun the good things of God. EVerywhere you go, things are going to change in your favor. Every time you turn around, somebody's going to want to do something good for you, to assist you in some manner. They may not even know why. But it's the favor of God that causes you to stand out in the crowd.
The favor of God can cause people to go out of their way to want to help you. The favor of God can cause people to make exceptions for you. The favor of God can bring you out of your difficulties and turn your adversities around for good.
If you can learn to stay in an attitude of faith, and in your darkest hour boldly declare the favor of God, then nothing is going to be able to keep you down. You may be in a situation today that looks impossible, but don't rule out the favor of God. One touch of God's favor can turn everything around in your life.
Keep on believing, expecting, declaring. Keep living favor-minded, and God promises that good things will come to you. If you will keep your hope in the Lord, God says divine favor is coming. You may not be able to see it right now. Things may not look good in the natural, but the good news is that if you keep expecting it and declaring it, God's favor will show up. And when God's favor shows up, things are going to change. The favor of God will cause you to rise up out of your problems.
God wants to make your life easier. He wants to assist you, to promote you, to give you advantages. He wants you to have preferential treatment. But if we're going to experience more of God's favor, we must expect God's special help and release our faith, knowing that God wants to assist us.
In no way should we ever be arrogant, thinking that we are better than somebody else, that everybody owes us a living or ought to bow down to us. But as God's children we can live with confidence and boldness, expecting good things. We can expect preferential treatment, not because of who we are, but because of whose we are. We can expect people to want to help us because of who our Father is.
As odd as it may sound, when you live favor-minded, declaring God's goodness, you'll be amazed at how people will go out of their way to help you. They may not even know why they're doing it, but you'll know that it is because of the favor of God.
Anytime you get in a situation where you need favor, learn to declare it. You don't have to loudly broadcast it to the world. You can whisper it, if you prefer. The volume of your voice is irrelevant; it's your faith that makes the difference. Even in the mundane aspects of life, you will not be imposing on God's goodness by declaring His favor. He wants you to act on it.
No matter what does or doesn't happen, keep believing for the favor of God in your life. Live favor-minded. Get up each day and expect it and declare it. Don't sit back passively. You do your part, and God will do His part. And you'll have everything you need.
God wants to help you in every area of your life, not just the big matters. When you live favor-minded, you'll begin to see God's goodness in the everyday, ordinary details. When you are living favor-minded, you won't be able to outrun the good things of God. EVerywhere you go, things are going to change in your favor. Every time you turn around, somebody's going to want to do something good for you, to assist you in some manner. They may not even know why. But it's the favor of God that causes you to stand out in the crowd.
The favor of God can cause people to go out of their way to want to help you. The favor of God can cause people to make exceptions for you. The favor of God can bring you out of your difficulties and turn your adversities around for good.
If you can learn to stay in an attitude of faith, and in your darkest hour boldly declare the favor of God, then nothing is going to be able to keep you down. You may be in a situation today that looks impossible, but don't rule out the favor of God. One touch of God's favor can turn everything around in your life.
Keep on believing, expecting, declaring. Keep living favor-minded, and God promises that good things will come to you. If you will keep your hope in the Lord, God says divine favor is coming. You may not be able to see it right now. Things may not look good in the natural, but the good news is that if you keep expecting it and declaring it, God's favor will show up. And when God's favor shows up, things are going to change. The favor of God will cause you to rise up out of your problems.
God Has More in Store-Break The Barriers of The Past
What you will receive is directly connected to how you believe and what you expect. If you want God to do the extraordinary, then you must start believing Him for bigger things.
God's dream for your life is so much bigger and greater than you can imagine. If God showed you everything He had in store for you, it would boggle your mind.
God is your source, and His creativity and resources are unlimited! God may give you an idea for an invention, a book, a song, or a movie. God can give you a dream. One idea from God can forever change the course of your life. God is not limited by your education or lack of it. He's not limited by what you have or what you don't have. God can do anyting, if you believe. He can do anything, if you will simply stop limiting Him in your thinking.
Stop settling for mediocrity. Quit settling for the status quo. God has more in store for you. Much more! Dream bigger dreams. Enlarge your vision. Live with expectancy. Make room in your thinking for the great things God wants to do. Your best days are ahead of you. God wants to do more than you can even ask or think, but remember, it's according to the power that works in you.
You will never go beyond the barriers in your own mind. If you think you can't do something, then you never will. The battle is in your mind. If you are defeated in your mind, you've already lost the battle. If you don't think your dreams will ever come to pass, they never will.
You've been wallowing where you are long enough. It's time to move on, to let go of past hurts, pains, or failures. It's time to believe for bigger things. It's time for increase, time for promotion, time for supernatural favor.
No matter what you've gone through in the past, no matter how many setbacks you've suffered or who or what has tried to thwart your progress, today is a new day, and God wants to do a new thing in y our life. He has great things in store for you. Don't let your past determine your future. Don't inhibit the great future God has for you by dwelling on the pains in your past.
If you'll keep the right attitude, God will pay you back double for your trouble. He'll add up all the injustice, all the hurt and pain that people have caused you, the abuse and embarrassment, and He'll pay you back with twice as much joy, peace, and happiness. That is God's desire for you. But you must do your part and start expecting good things. Keep your mind moving in the right direction. You can't have a victim mentality and expect to live in victory. You can't live in a perpetual pity party and then wonder why situations aren't improving in your life.
God is just. He knows when people aren't treating us right. He knows when we're doing the right thing, yet the wrong things keep happening to us. He knows when we're operating with integrity, and yet somebody comes along and cheats us out of what should have been ours. God sees every time you've been taken advantage of. He sees every time you turn the other cheek and let an offense go by. He sees every time you forgive, or attempt to restore a broken relationship, even though it wasn't your fault. God sees all that; He's keeping a good record. And He's promised to take all the evil that's come into your life, turn it around, and use it for your good.
Change starts right here. If you will change your thinking, God can change your life. You can't go around thinking thoughts of defeat and failure and expect God to fill you with joy, power, and victory. You can't go around thinking thoughts of poverty and lack and expect God to fill you with abundance. The two concepts are incompatible.
Don't let anybody convince you that God wants you to barely get by in life. God is saying get ready for more. Make room for increase. Don't become satisfied with where you are. God works by faith. You must believe first, and then you'll receive. Maybe you've been waiting on God to make a move, but God is waiting on you to stretch your faith. Make room in your own thinking, and then you'll start experiencing some of His supernatural increase.
Have some determination; ask God to put some fire in your spirit. Begin speaking in terms of victory rather than defeat. Your words have amazing power, so quit talking about what you can't do, and start talking about what God can do. Keep your mind focused on God's goodness. Stay in an attitude of faith and victory, and you will no longer live under the bondage that's been passed down from previous generations. Don't just accept whatever comes your way in life. You were born to win; you were born for greatness; you were created to be a champion in life.
God's dream for your life is so much bigger and greater than you can imagine. If God showed you everything He had in store for you, it would boggle your mind.
God is your source, and His creativity and resources are unlimited! God may give you an idea for an invention, a book, a song, or a movie. God can give you a dream. One idea from God can forever change the course of your life. God is not limited by your education or lack of it. He's not limited by what you have or what you don't have. God can do anyting, if you believe. He can do anything, if you will simply stop limiting Him in your thinking.
Stop settling for mediocrity. Quit settling for the status quo. God has more in store for you. Much more! Dream bigger dreams. Enlarge your vision. Live with expectancy. Make room in your thinking for the great things God wants to do. Your best days are ahead of you. God wants to do more than you can even ask or think, but remember, it's according to the power that works in you.
You will never go beyond the barriers in your own mind. If you think you can't do something, then you never will. The battle is in your mind. If you are defeated in your mind, you've already lost the battle. If you don't think your dreams will ever come to pass, they never will.
You've been wallowing where you are long enough. It's time to move on, to let go of past hurts, pains, or failures. It's time to believe for bigger things. It's time for increase, time for promotion, time for supernatural favor.
No matter what you've gone through in the past, no matter how many setbacks you've suffered or who or what has tried to thwart your progress, today is a new day, and God wants to do a new thing in y our life. He has great things in store for you. Don't let your past determine your future. Don't inhibit the great future God has for you by dwelling on the pains in your past.
If you'll keep the right attitude, God will pay you back double for your trouble. He'll add up all the injustice, all the hurt and pain that people have caused you, the abuse and embarrassment, and He'll pay you back with twice as much joy, peace, and happiness. That is God's desire for you. But you must do your part and start expecting good things. Keep your mind moving in the right direction. You can't have a victim mentality and expect to live in victory. You can't live in a perpetual pity party and then wonder why situations aren't improving in your life.
God is just. He knows when people aren't treating us right. He knows when we're doing the right thing, yet the wrong things keep happening to us. He knows when we're operating with integrity, and yet somebody comes along and cheats us out of what should have been ours. God sees every time you've been taken advantage of. He sees every time you turn the other cheek and let an offense go by. He sees every time you forgive, or attempt to restore a broken relationship, even though it wasn't your fault. God sees all that; He's keeping a good record. And He's promised to take all the evil that's come into your life, turn it around, and use it for your good.
Change starts right here. If you will change your thinking, God can change your life. You can't go around thinking thoughts of defeat and failure and expect God to fill you with joy, power, and victory. You can't go around thinking thoughts of poverty and lack and expect God to fill you with abundance. The two concepts are incompatible.
Don't let anybody convince you that God wants you to barely get by in life. God is saying get ready for more. Make room for increase. Don't become satisfied with where you are. God works by faith. You must believe first, and then you'll receive. Maybe you've been waiting on God to make a move, but God is waiting on you to stretch your faith. Make room in your own thinking, and then you'll start experiencing some of His supernatural increase.
Have some determination; ask God to put some fire in your spirit. Begin speaking in terms of victory rather than defeat. Your words have amazing power, so quit talking about what you can't do, and start talking about what God can do. Keep your mind focused on God's goodness. Stay in an attitude of faith and victory, and you will no longer live under the bondage that's been passed down from previous generations. Don't just accept whatever comes your way in life. You were born to win; you were born for greatness; you were created to be a champion in life.
Enlarge Your Vision - Raise Your Level of Expectancy
We have to conceive it on the inside before we're ever going to receive it on the outside. If you don't think you can have something good, then you never will. The barrier is in your mind...You must conceive it and believe it is possible if you ever hope to experience it.
To conceive it, you must have an image on the inside of the life you want to live on the outside. This image has to become a part of you, in your thoughts, your conversation, deep down in your subconscious mind, in your actions, in every part of your being.
What you keep before your eyes will affect you. You will produce what you're continually seeing in your mind. If you foster an image of defeat and failure, then you're going to live that kind of life. But if you develop an image of victory, success, health, abundance, joy, peace and happiness, nothing on earth will be able to hold those things from you.
With God on your side, you cannot possibly lose. He can make a way when it looks as though there is no way. He can open doors that no man can shut. He can cause you to be at the right place, at the right time. He can supernaturally turn your life around.
What you expect is what you will get. If you dwell on positive thoughts, your life will move in that direction; if you continually think negative thoughts, you will live a negative life.
You must make a conscious decision, an act of your will, to maintain an attitude of expectancy and keep your mind filled with thoughts of hope.
If you'll develop an attitude of faith and expect events to change positively, then at the right time, that situation will turn around. Admittedly, sometimes good things don't happen quickly as we would like, but instead of slouching into negative expectations, we must keep out minds set on God. Your attitude should be, "God I know that You are at work in my life. Although the miracle I've been watching for didn't happen today, I know I'm one day closer to it! I'm one day closer to my answered prayer, and I'm not going to get upset. I'll not allow myself to become discouraged. I know that Your timing is perfect, so I'm going to stay in an attitude of faith and keep trusting You to do what is best."
Start believing that things are going to change for the better, not because you deserve it, but simply because God loves you that much!
Your actions will follow your expectations. Low expectations will trap you in mediocrity. You must think positive thoughts of victory, thoughts of abundance, thoughts of favor, thoughts of hope; good, pure, excellent thoughts.
We move toward what we see in our minds. If you can't see it, it is not likely to come to pass in your life. If you can see it, it can come to pass.
Quit sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Quit worrying about how nothing is ever going to get better in your life. Instead, go find somewhere you can dream. It may be in a church; it may be along the banks of a stream or at a park. Find someplace where you can dare to dream big dreams; a place where your faith will be elevated. Get out of that negative environment and get into an atmosphere of victory, where people build you up rather than tear you down. Find a place where people will encourage you and challenge you to be the best you can be. You have to envision good things happening to you before they ever will.
Let me encourage you to raise your expectations; start seeing yourself receiving good things. Expect the favor of God. Expect His blessings. Expect to increase. Expect promotion. Get up and face each day with enthusiasm, knowing that God has great things in store for you.
To conceive it, you must have an image on the inside of the life you want to live on the outside. This image has to become a part of you, in your thoughts, your conversation, deep down in your subconscious mind, in your actions, in every part of your being.
What you keep before your eyes will affect you. You will produce what you're continually seeing in your mind. If you foster an image of defeat and failure, then you're going to live that kind of life. But if you develop an image of victory, success, health, abundance, joy, peace and happiness, nothing on earth will be able to hold those things from you.
With God on your side, you cannot possibly lose. He can make a way when it looks as though there is no way. He can open doors that no man can shut. He can cause you to be at the right place, at the right time. He can supernaturally turn your life around.
What you expect is what you will get. If you dwell on positive thoughts, your life will move in that direction; if you continually think negative thoughts, you will live a negative life.
You must make a conscious decision, an act of your will, to maintain an attitude of expectancy and keep your mind filled with thoughts of hope.
If you'll develop an attitude of faith and expect events to change positively, then at the right time, that situation will turn around. Admittedly, sometimes good things don't happen quickly as we would like, but instead of slouching into negative expectations, we must keep out minds set on God. Your attitude should be, "God I know that You are at work in my life. Although the miracle I've been watching for didn't happen today, I know I'm one day closer to it! I'm one day closer to my answered prayer, and I'm not going to get upset. I'll not allow myself to become discouraged. I know that Your timing is perfect, so I'm going to stay in an attitude of faith and keep trusting You to do what is best."
Start believing that things are going to change for the better, not because you deserve it, but simply because God loves you that much!
Your actions will follow your expectations. Low expectations will trap you in mediocrity. You must think positive thoughts of victory, thoughts of abundance, thoughts of favor, thoughts of hope; good, pure, excellent thoughts.
We move toward what we see in our minds. If you can't see it, it is not likely to come to pass in your life. If you can see it, it can come to pass.
Quit sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Quit worrying about how nothing is ever going to get better in your life. Instead, go find somewhere you can dream. It may be in a church; it may be along the banks of a stream or at a park. Find someplace where you can dare to dream big dreams; a place where your faith will be elevated. Get out of that negative environment and get into an atmosphere of victory, where people build you up rather than tear you down. Find a place where people will encourage you and challenge you to be the best you can be. You have to envision good things happening to you before they ever will.
Let me encourage you to raise your expectations; start seeing yourself receiving good things. Expect the favor of God. Expect His blessings. Expect to increase. Expect promotion. Get up and face each day with enthusiasm, knowing that God has great things in store for you.
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in Love
Above all else, adopt an attitude of kindness. Make it your highest priority to practice it every day. Kindness is one of the primary ingredients in nourishing a warm feeling between two people. In fact, it can be the centerpiece of your entire relationship. It does everything from keeping you close and connected when all is well, to keeping arguments from turning into fights. Being genuinely kind is not about smiling when you don't feel like it or acting cheerful when you're low. Rather, it's about treating your partner the way you would like to be treated.
It's important to treat your partner with the same kindness that you would give your very best friend. You start with the little things - listening from the heart and being respectful and thoughtful. Being kind means asking permission, when appropriate, and saying "I'm sorry" when you're wrong or when you make a mistake.
People are like mirrors of one another. For the most part, we get back that which we put out.
The feeling of love is contagious. When your heart is open and you're busy sharing your love with others, you draw more love of all kinds in your direction.
When we are filled with loving feelings, whether those feelings are directed toward humans, animals, God, nature, or simply a love of life, we put ourselves in a position to attract love. When our heart is filled with love, and we are sharing that love, we become kinder, gentler, and more patient. Our perspective is enhanced and we become more satisfied.
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and, ultimately, your relationship is to know your own value, to feel secure that you are special, unique, and important. There isn't a person in this world who is just like you, and no one could take your place. Your contribution is important, and the gifts and value you bring to your relationship are significant and irreplaceable.
People need, thrive on, and appreciate compliments. We are also partially motivated by them. After all, if we don't know what our partner loves about us, it's far more difficult to please them.
When two people fall in love, they often become the center of each other's lives. They listen to and respect one another, and above all, they are compassionate. When one isn't feeling well, the other is by their side; when one is hurt - physically or emotionally - they share in the pain of their partner. They want to hear about each other's days and the experiences that have shaped their lives. They do so, not out of obligation, but out of love. It's seen as a privilege and a source of joy to hear each other's stories, to learn from one another and to share their experiences.
Without question, one of the simplest, most peaceful, and, we believe, most leveraged ways to maintain a loving connection is to practice the art of sitting together, in silence. This beautiful yet seldom used practice brings forth compassion for one another while simultaneously strengthening the bond between you.
Few couples, regardless of how many years they spend together, will set aside any time whatsoever to simply sit quietly together, without saying a word. Yet, this silent communication may be one of the most important things you can do together as a couple. It can also be one of the most powerful and effective ways to communicate.
The practice itself is remarkably simple. You simply sit next to one another in a quiet, comfortable location. You can hold hands if you wish, but that's entirely up to you. You then close your eyes and clear your minds as well as you can. Breathe together, slowly and peacefully. Just sit, quietly and lovingly. You can do this together for a few minutes or longer, if you so desire.
Something magical happens when two people who share a connection sit together in silence. Defenses tend to drop and hearts open wide. By the time you open your eyes, you'll feel more peaceful and loving - to one another as well as to yourselves.
Many of us have been taught that "communication" is critical in order to secure a good relationship - and this may be true. It's ironic, however, that one of the best and most loving ways to communicate is to do so without saying a word. So enjoy the silence, as well as the peace and warm feelings that come with it.
Ultimately, you and you alone are responsible for making yourself happy. When your life isn't working, you need to make changes or see things differently. You may have to make difficult choices, have painful or uncomfortable discussions, or compromise in some way - but you have to take responsibility for your own level of happiness. There isn't a relationship good enough to do it for you.
While your relationship is absolutely a top priority and your love of your partner is immense, you have the power and the ability to make yourself happy.....Your happiness isn't entirely dependent on your partner's acting in a very specific, predetermined way.
Nothing keeps a relationship fresh, alive, and nourishing than genuine feelings of gratitude. It is one of the primary ingredients of a mutually nurturing relationship.
Everyone loves to know (and hear) that they are appreciated and valued. In fact, when someone feels taken for granted, or underappreciated, resentment or apathy is usually not too far away. A lack of gratitude is a major factor in a relationship becoming stagnant and boring. Couples stop caring so much because they don't feel acknowledged and appreciated.
By being consitently grateful and by expressing your feelings of gratitude, you are reinforcing the fact that your relationship is a gift - which it is.
Are you aware of your partner's dreams - what he or she really wants out of life? Do you know what her secret fantasies are - what she sees herself doing, her ideal life, what would make her feel complete? Are you sure? Or are you simply assuming that you know? Have you asked?
Many people have virtually no idea, beyond the superficial, of what their partner's personal dreams really are. This tendency seems to increase in direct proportion to the length of a relationship. When you first fall in love, you zero in on your partner's dreams. As time goes by, however, they fade into the background, until at some point they all but disappear.
Obviously there are many aspects to a relationship. From the perspective of feeling connected, however, one of the most enjoyable and nourishing is the sharing - back and forth - of dreams. There is something so rich and pleasurable about telling someone your vision, what you'd like to do, where you would like to go, and the contributions you'd like to make. And when the person you're sharing with is "right there with you", sharing your dreams, truly listening with interest and respect, your dreams come alive and your shared expressions can be almost magical.
When a person feels comfortable sharing their dreams - when they are able to share them - there is a degree of safety, satisfaction, and aliveness that is felt and experienced.
There doesn't seem to be any way to get through life without saying some pretty stupid things. Unless you are unique, you're going to slip up every once in awhile - when you're tired, insecure, grumpy, or just in an old-fashioned bad mood. Every once in awhile, regardless of how nice a person you are or how pure your intentions, you're likely to say something insensitive, condescending, arrogant, mean-spirited, or just plain uncalled-for. The fact is, you're human.
But so is your partner! And humans make mistakes.
If you can make allowances for the fact that your partner, like you, is going to mess up every once in awhile, you'll have an edge that very few seem to enjoy. What's more, you're accepting attitude will virtually guarantee that the number of times this happens will be minimal.
When someone doesn't feel pressured to be perfect, the most common response is to lighten up, open the heart, and act more loving.
Some of us feel a little shy, awkward, or embarrassed when someone gives us a compliment. We might respond by lowering our head, blushing, or saying something to minimize the kind words.
It takes thoughtfulness, courage, and kindness to give someone a genuine, heartfelt compliment.
Jealousy stems from insecurity, and insecurity comes from feelings and thoughts of inadequacy. There seems to be two essential ingredients that will help you cast jealousy out of your life. First and foremost, it's important to accept the fact that there is always going to be someone out there who has something you do not - more money, better looks, greater charisma, a longer list of achievements, or whatever. So what? Good for them. Stop comparing yourself to others and you'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel about yourself.
Second, in your relationships, try to embrace the idea that one person will not fill all of your needs, nor will you fill all of theirs. And that's okay.
We are here to share our life energy with others; to grow and be nurtured, to nurture and grow. Sometimes that means having relationships and friendships of the opposite sex even though we are committed to our partner. I am, of course, speaking of platonic relationships. Allowing your partner to choose his or her friendships based not on gender, but on preference, is one of the greatest gifts you can give. You don't own your partner; you are merely fortunate to be chosen as the most special person in his or her life to spend time with.
One of the most life-affirming, love-enriching messages you can send to your loved one is the message, "I treasure you." When someone knows they are treasured, they feel important and valued. The best way to let someone know you treasure them is to tell them. Be sure to let your partner know, frequently, what you like about them. Be specific. If you like their smile, their laugh, something they do, whatever, let them know.
It's important to treat your partner with the same kindness that you would give your very best friend. You start with the little things - listening from the heart and being respectful and thoughtful. Being kind means asking permission, when appropriate, and saying "I'm sorry" when you're wrong or when you make a mistake.
People are like mirrors of one another. For the most part, we get back that which we put out.
The feeling of love is contagious. When your heart is open and you're busy sharing your love with others, you draw more love of all kinds in your direction.
When we are filled with loving feelings, whether those feelings are directed toward humans, animals, God, nature, or simply a love of life, we put ourselves in a position to attract love. When our heart is filled with love, and we are sharing that love, we become kinder, gentler, and more patient. Our perspective is enhanced and we become more satisfied.
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and, ultimately, your relationship is to know your own value, to feel secure that you are special, unique, and important. There isn't a person in this world who is just like you, and no one could take your place. Your contribution is important, and the gifts and value you bring to your relationship are significant and irreplaceable.
People need, thrive on, and appreciate compliments. We are also partially motivated by them. After all, if we don't know what our partner loves about us, it's far more difficult to please them.
When two people fall in love, they often become the center of each other's lives. They listen to and respect one another, and above all, they are compassionate. When one isn't feeling well, the other is by their side; when one is hurt - physically or emotionally - they share in the pain of their partner. They want to hear about each other's days and the experiences that have shaped their lives. They do so, not out of obligation, but out of love. It's seen as a privilege and a source of joy to hear each other's stories, to learn from one another and to share their experiences.
Without question, one of the simplest, most peaceful, and, we believe, most leveraged ways to maintain a loving connection is to practice the art of sitting together, in silence. This beautiful yet seldom used practice brings forth compassion for one another while simultaneously strengthening the bond between you.
Few couples, regardless of how many years they spend together, will set aside any time whatsoever to simply sit quietly together, without saying a word. Yet, this silent communication may be one of the most important things you can do together as a couple. It can also be one of the most powerful and effective ways to communicate.
The practice itself is remarkably simple. You simply sit next to one another in a quiet, comfortable location. You can hold hands if you wish, but that's entirely up to you. You then close your eyes and clear your minds as well as you can. Breathe together, slowly and peacefully. Just sit, quietly and lovingly. You can do this together for a few minutes or longer, if you so desire.
Something magical happens when two people who share a connection sit together in silence. Defenses tend to drop and hearts open wide. By the time you open your eyes, you'll feel more peaceful and loving - to one another as well as to yourselves.
Many of us have been taught that "communication" is critical in order to secure a good relationship - and this may be true. It's ironic, however, that one of the best and most loving ways to communicate is to do so without saying a word. So enjoy the silence, as well as the peace and warm feelings that come with it.
Ultimately, you and you alone are responsible for making yourself happy. When your life isn't working, you need to make changes or see things differently. You may have to make difficult choices, have painful or uncomfortable discussions, or compromise in some way - but you have to take responsibility for your own level of happiness. There isn't a relationship good enough to do it for you.
While your relationship is absolutely a top priority and your love of your partner is immense, you have the power and the ability to make yourself happy.....Your happiness isn't entirely dependent on your partner's acting in a very specific, predetermined way.
Nothing keeps a relationship fresh, alive, and nourishing than genuine feelings of gratitude. It is one of the primary ingredients of a mutually nurturing relationship.
Everyone loves to know (and hear) that they are appreciated and valued. In fact, when someone feels taken for granted, or underappreciated, resentment or apathy is usually not too far away. A lack of gratitude is a major factor in a relationship becoming stagnant and boring. Couples stop caring so much because they don't feel acknowledged and appreciated.
By being consitently grateful and by expressing your feelings of gratitude, you are reinforcing the fact that your relationship is a gift - which it is.
Are you aware of your partner's dreams - what he or she really wants out of life? Do you know what her secret fantasies are - what she sees herself doing, her ideal life, what would make her feel complete? Are you sure? Or are you simply assuming that you know? Have you asked?
Many people have virtually no idea, beyond the superficial, of what their partner's personal dreams really are. This tendency seems to increase in direct proportion to the length of a relationship. When you first fall in love, you zero in on your partner's dreams. As time goes by, however, they fade into the background, until at some point they all but disappear.
Obviously there are many aspects to a relationship. From the perspective of feeling connected, however, one of the most enjoyable and nourishing is the sharing - back and forth - of dreams. There is something so rich and pleasurable about telling someone your vision, what you'd like to do, where you would like to go, and the contributions you'd like to make. And when the person you're sharing with is "right there with you", sharing your dreams, truly listening with interest and respect, your dreams come alive and your shared expressions can be almost magical.
When a person feels comfortable sharing their dreams - when they are able to share them - there is a degree of safety, satisfaction, and aliveness that is felt and experienced.
There doesn't seem to be any way to get through life without saying some pretty stupid things. Unless you are unique, you're going to slip up every once in awhile - when you're tired, insecure, grumpy, or just in an old-fashioned bad mood. Every once in awhile, regardless of how nice a person you are or how pure your intentions, you're likely to say something insensitive, condescending, arrogant, mean-spirited, or just plain uncalled-for. The fact is, you're human.
But so is your partner! And humans make mistakes.
If you can make allowances for the fact that your partner, like you, is going to mess up every once in awhile, you'll have an edge that very few seem to enjoy. What's more, you're accepting attitude will virtually guarantee that the number of times this happens will be minimal.
When someone doesn't feel pressured to be perfect, the most common response is to lighten up, open the heart, and act more loving.
Some of us feel a little shy, awkward, or embarrassed when someone gives us a compliment. We might respond by lowering our head, blushing, or saying something to minimize the kind words.
It takes thoughtfulness, courage, and kindness to give someone a genuine, heartfelt compliment.
Jealousy stems from insecurity, and insecurity comes from feelings and thoughts of inadequacy. There seems to be two essential ingredients that will help you cast jealousy out of your life. First and foremost, it's important to accept the fact that there is always going to be someone out there who has something you do not - more money, better looks, greater charisma, a longer list of achievements, or whatever. So what? Good for them. Stop comparing yourself to others and you'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel about yourself.
Second, in your relationships, try to embrace the idea that one person will not fill all of your needs, nor will you fill all of theirs. And that's okay.
We are here to share our life energy with others; to grow and be nurtured, to nurture and grow. Sometimes that means having relationships and friendships of the opposite sex even though we are committed to our partner. I am, of course, speaking of platonic relationships. Allowing your partner to choose his or her friendships based not on gender, but on preference, is one of the greatest gifts you can give. You don't own your partner; you are merely fortunate to be chosen as the most special person in his or her life to spend time with.
One of the most life-affirming, love-enriching messages you can send to your loved one is the message, "I treasure you." When someone knows they are treasured, they feel important and valued. The best way to let someone know you treasure them is to tell them. Be sure to let your partner know, frequently, what you like about them. Be specific. If you like their smile, their laugh, something they do, whatever, let them know.
Monday, January 26, 2009
50 Life Lessons
Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does.
Pay off your credit cards every month.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
It's okay to get angry with God, He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
It's okay to let your children see you cry.
Don't compare your life to others, you have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry, God never blinks.
Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living or get busy dying.
You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
The most important sex organ is the brain.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone, everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. You friends will. Stay in touch.
Believe in miracles.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
Your children only get one childhood. Make it memorable.
Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we all threw our problems ina pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
If you don't ask, you don't get.
Yield.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does.
Pay off your credit cards every month.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
It's okay to get angry with God, He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
It's okay to let your children see you cry.
Don't compare your life to others, you have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry, God never blinks.
Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living or get busy dying.
You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
The most important sex organ is the brain.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone, everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. You friends will. Stay in touch.
Believe in miracles.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
Your children only get one childhood. Make it memorable.
Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we all threw our problems ina pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
If you don't ask, you don't get.
Yield.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Coping with Sickness
How do I cope? The news of my illness has been hard to take, but I lift us my eyes and heart to You, God, to forever remind me of Your mercy and to soothe me with the healing balm of Your love. If I remain centered in the grace of Your will for me, I know I can find the strength inside to live and to experience healing that my doctors would call a miracle. My faith is strong, and I know this experience will only serve to make it stronger. In You, God, let me find wholeness and freedom from this disease.
Do you need strength today? Sometimes it's easy to get down and discouraged when you're constantly looking at the circumstances of life. You may feel tired and weary from a long battle. But when you wait on the Lord, the Bible says, your strength will be renewed. Waiting on the Lord means you're putting your trust and hope in Him. You're living with an attitude of faith and expectancy.
God desires that you have victory in every area of your life. No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restorations and peace. Are you facing a need - physically, spiritually, or emotionally? God wants to give you provisioin and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.
I don't think I've ever been more scared than when my doctor told me about my condition. If I've needed Your help to get out of this bed and get on with my day, now is the time. I don't know why this is happening to me or what the ultimate outcome will be, but I am turning it all over to You. I know You will only give me what I can handle, and I trust that there is a higher reason behind this challenge I am about to face.
I don't know how to handle this illness that has taken over my body. I am so tired and down all the time, even after a good nights sleep. My way is simply not working toward healing, and I need to change my approach. Instead, I am putting You in charge of my body, my energy, and my healing. In return, I promise to have faith, keep my wits about me, and continue to give up control when I find I am holding on too hard to what is just not working.
Do you need strength today? Sometimes it's easy to get down and discouraged when you're constantly looking at the circumstances of life. You may feel tired and weary from a long battle. But when you wait on the Lord, the Bible says, your strength will be renewed. Waiting on the Lord means you're putting your trust and hope in Him. You're living with an attitude of faith and expectancy.
God desires that you have victory in every area of your life. No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restorations and peace. Are you facing a need - physically, spiritually, or emotionally? God wants to give you provisioin and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.
I don't think I've ever been more scared than when my doctor told me about my condition. If I've needed Your help to get out of this bed and get on with my day, now is the time. I don't know why this is happening to me or what the ultimate outcome will be, but I am turning it all over to You. I know You will only give me what I can handle, and I trust that there is a higher reason behind this challenge I am about to face.
I don't know how to handle this illness that has taken over my body. I am so tired and down all the time, even after a good nights sleep. My way is simply not working toward healing, and I need to change my approach. Instead, I am putting You in charge of my body, my energy, and my healing. In return, I promise to have faith, keep my wits about me, and continue to give up control when I find I am holding on too hard to what is just not working.
Lost Love
Broken promises are deeply painful. Disappointment, shame, fear, mistrust, anger, grudges, even estrangement can come from someone not keeping his or her word. We've all had someone break a promise made to us, and on the flip side, most of us have broken a promise to someone else. If enough promises are broken - whether our own or those of the other person - what was a close relationship will invariably fracture. Trust may die and, with it, hope. But there is One who has never broken a promise and Who never will. His promises bring trust and hope back to life in us - comforting and healing our aching hearts.
As this love relationship comes to an end, my heart grieves for my loss. There are mornings when I awaken and feel like I don't know how to get through the day. But Your love reminds me that I am still alive and worthy of a new life. One day, I know that I will find a new love, someone who will make my heart feel light. With Your strength to carry me through this day, I know I can manage the pain and see the possibilities that are waiting just around the corner.
Just as each cloud is lined with silver, so , too, is each painful experience lined with the miracle of lessons learned and wisdom gained. God never takes something from us without giving us something else in return.
Lord, when my loved one died I thought I could never go on, but with each new morning I find that by turning to you and giving control of my life to you, I am renewed with the strength I need to get by. I know the path ahead is filled with suffering, loss, grief, and anguish, but I am moving on with the help of your grace and love. And in those moments when all is dark and bleak, I will give my burdens up to you, knowing you will always receive them from me and lighten my load.
As this love relationship comes to an end, my heart grieves for my loss. There are mornings when I awaken and feel like I don't know how to get through the day. But Your love reminds me that I am still alive and worthy of a new life. One day, I know that I will find a new love, someone who will make my heart feel light. With Your strength to carry me through this day, I know I can manage the pain and see the possibilities that are waiting just around the corner.
Just as each cloud is lined with silver, so , too, is each painful experience lined with the miracle of lessons learned and wisdom gained. God never takes something from us without giving us something else in return.
Lord, when my loved one died I thought I could never go on, but with each new morning I find that by turning to you and giving control of my life to you, I am renewed with the strength I need to get by. I know the path ahead is filled with suffering, loss, grief, and anguish, but I am moving on with the help of your grace and love. And in those moments when all is dark and bleak, I will give my burdens up to you, knowing you will always receive them from me and lighten my load.
Facing Difficulties
Every person goes through adversities or times of difficulty. Maybe you didn't get a promotion you deserved, or you lost a loved one, a friend betrayed you. It's easy to get negative and bitter and lose your enthusiasm for life, but understand today, you are not defined by your past, you are prepared by your past. Every challenge you've been through, every adversity you've faced, God has deposited something on the inside of you. Your character was being developed. Strentgh was being increased. Your vision was being enlarged.
With every difficulty, you can experience a new level of God's goodness! You may have had unfair things happen, but remember, all things work together for good when you love the Lord! It doesn't say that all things are good, but God will turn your test into a testimony. No matter what challenge you may be facing now, no matter what you've experienced in your past, if you'll stay in faith God will turn it around for your good!
Have you ever felt backed into a corner about a particular situation, and you couldn't see a way out? We're all felt overwhelmed by the circumstances of life at one time or another. Be encouraged today because the Bible says in Isaiah that when you cry to God for help, as soon as He hears, He will answer you! He will give you strength when you are weary and increase your power when you feel weak.
No matter what is going on in your life today, God is greater than any obstacle or difficulty you may be facing. Do you need strength today to overcome a challenge in your life? Do you need power to stand strong in the midst of a storm? Call on Him and He will hear you. The answer is on the way while the words are still on your lips!
With every difficulty, you can experience a new level of God's goodness! You may have had unfair things happen, but remember, all things work together for good when you love the Lord! It doesn't say that all things are good, but God will turn your test into a testimony. No matter what challenge you may be facing now, no matter what you've experienced in your past, if you'll stay in faith God will turn it around for your good!
Have you ever felt backed into a corner about a particular situation, and you couldn't see a way out? We're all felt overwhelmed by the circumstances of life at one time or another. Be encouraged today because the Bible says in Isaiah that when you cry to God for help, as soon as He hears, He will answer you! He will give you strength when you are weary and increase your power when you feel weak.
No matter what is going on in your life today, God is greater than any obstacle or difficulty you may be facing. Do you need strength today to overcome a challenge in your life? Do you need power to stand strong in the midst of a storm? Call on Him and He will hear you. The answer is on the way while the words are still on your lips!
Letting Go
When one door closes, another one opens. But often we stand there so long looking at the closed door, that we do not see the one that has opened.
When people can walk away from you, let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left you. People leave you because they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean they are a bad person, it just means that their part in the story is over. If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth....let it go!!! If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship...let it go!!! Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
Many people come into our lives. Some come in for a reason, some for a season, and some for a lifetime.
When people can walk away from you, let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left you. People leave you because they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean they are a bad person, it just means that their part in the story is over. If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth....let it go!!! If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship...let it go!!! Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.
Many people come into our lives. Some come in for a reason, some for a season, and some for a lifetime.
Press Forward
Are you living every day filled with hope and expectancy? Are you living life to the fullest? So many people today have simply lost their enthusiasm for life. At one time, they were excited about their future. They were pursuing their dreams, but along the way, they hit some roadblocks. Things didn't work out, and now they're just going through the motions of life. They quit dreaming. They quit pursuing their goals. They lost their purpose. Don't let that be you! make the choice to stay alive your whole life by keeping your dreams in front of you. Remember, you have a purpose. You have a destiny. On the inside of you right now, there are dreams and desires put there by the Creator of the universe. Don't let the pressures of life push those dreams down. Stir up those dreams. Stir up those gifts. Shake off every disappointment and press forward. This is a new day. Get a new vision. Make up your mind that no matter what comes your way, you're going to keep pressing forward. You're going to keep growing. You're going to keep learning. You're going to stay active. If you will stay passionate about life, knowing what your purpose is and being your best every day, God will pour out His blessings and favor on you.
No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don't have to stop and live in the tough times. They are only temporary. Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don't give up! Press on and walk through! Begin to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has in store for you.
No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don't have to stop and live in the tough times. They are only temporary. Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don't give up! Press on and walk through! Begin to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has in store for you.
God's Guidance
Emotional trauma drains people of their energy. The devil wants to steal your joy because he knows that joy is your strength. He wants you to be weak so that you won't resist the turmoil he sets against you. That is why sometimes we need each other. Some days God will send messengers to build you up in faith and renew your joy. Some days He will send you to someone else who is in a weakened condition because satan has been pounding on them. Be someone's friend today. They may need a friend to stand beside them and encourage them and to lift them up and pray for them.
Be careful when somebody makes a suggestion that sounds good; not every good idea is a God-idea. Don't rush into making a decision or accepting a new responsibility without praying about it first. Slow down long enough to ask God for wisdom, and listen for His guidance. Take a little bit to time to see if you have peace about the idea. If you don't have peace, you don't even have to understand why you don't have peace. Just don't do it!
Trying to figure everything out before you obey God will steal your joy. God doesn't have to answer you when you ask, "Why, God, why?" Trust means that you won't always have answers when you want them. Sometimes you just have to get to the other side of a situation to see the whole picture of what God is doing in your life. God may be trying to separate you from some influence in your life that is keeping you from receiving the better plan He has for you. Use uncertain times to demonstrate your faith by trusting Him.
Life is not just one long party; there will always be hard things and easy things mixed together in the events of your life. Regardless of what today brings, you can still have joy in the Lord, and that joy will give you strength to handle whatever comes your way on any given day. God will lead you to know what to do, and He will energize you to do what needs to be done. You won't feel drained by life, but will grow through both the trials and the triumphs as you walk with God today.
Be careful when somebody makes a suggestion that sounds good; not every good idea is a God-idea. Don't rush into making a decision or accepting a new responsibility without praying about it first. Slow down long enough to ask God for wisdom, and listen for His guidance. Take a little bit to time to see if you have peace about the idea. If you don't have peace, you don't even have to understand why you don't have peace. Just don't do it!
Trying to figure everything out before you obey God will steal your joy. God doesn't have to answer you when you ask, "Why, God, why?" Trust means that you won't always have answers when you want them. Sometimes you just have to get to the other side of a situation to see the whole picture of what God is doing in your life. God may be trying to separate you from some influence in your life that is keeping you from receiving the better plan He has for you. Use uncertain times to demonstrate your faith by trusting Him.
Life is not just one long party; there will always be hard things and easy things mixed together in the events of your life. Regardless of what today brings, you can still have joy in the Lord, and that joy will give you strength to handle whatever comes your way on any given day. God will lead you to know what to do, and He will energize you to do what needs to be done. You won't feel drained by life, but will grow through both the trials and the triumphs as you walk with God today.
Quotes From Joyce Meyer
The best days you live are the ones you spend loving other people.
You will do yourself a favor if you start thinking right thoughts so that you will choose right actions.
God will never put you in a position to do something without giving you the strength and the ability to do it.
God gave you your emotions, so it doesn't work to ignore them completely. You make a big mistake if you refuse to meet any of your emotional needs. If you are tired, you need rest. If you are stressed, you need some fun. If you need encouragement, spend time with someone who knows how to build you up.
You will do yourself a favor if you start thinking right thoughts so that you will choose right actions.
God will never put you in a position to do something without giving you the strength and the ability to do it.
God gave you your emotions, so it doesn't work to ignore them completely. You make a big mistake if you refuse to meet any of your emotional needs. If you are tired, you need rest. If you are stressed, you need some fun. If you need encouragement, spend time with someone who knows how to build you up.
Listening to God
We all need to learn to "stick it out" until God's promise comes to pass. We make the mistake of holding on to good things that keep us from the better things God has in mind for us. We arrive at our destination one step at a time, not all at once. Something that was once the will of God may not continue to be His will forever. He is progressive, and He leads us on to higher places. Sometimes we are so entangled and engrossed in what we are doing that we don't hear God when He is telling us to move on or step out. Take time to listen to God, and when you sincerely believe He is speaking to you, take the steps of obedience He requires. And remember that progress requires investment. God takes what we are willing to give up for Him, and multiplies it back to us in a bigger and more wonderful way than we could ever have imagined.
We all need to hear from God each day, about many different issues, but there are critical times in our lives when we especially need to know that we are hearing clearly from Him. It's not always easy to know if we are hearing from God or if we are hearing from our own emotional reasoning. Sometimes God speaks by opening or closing a door to something we want to do. God can open doors of opportunity that no one can close, and He can also close doors that we simply cannot open. There are times in life when we must take a step forward in order to find out, one way or the other, what we should do. Some doors will never open unless we take a step toward them.
God is always listening for the sound of your voice calling out to Him. Develop a ready ear for His voice too. Whatever you have to do today, do it with the Lord. Acknowledge Him and talk to Him about everything. You will greatly enjoy His company.
We all need to hear from God each day, about many different issues, but there are critical times in our lives when we especially need to know that we are hearing clearly from Him. It's not always easy to know if we are hearing from God or if we are hearing from our own emotional reasoning. Sometimes God speaks by opening or closing a door to something we want to do. God can open doors of opportunity that no one can close, and He can also close doors that we simply cannot open. There are times in life when we must take a step forward in order to find out, one way or the other, what we should do. Some doors will never open unless we take a step toward them.
God is always listening for the sound of your voice calling out to Him. Develop a ready ear for His voice too. Whatever you have to do today, do it with the Lord. Acknowledge Him and talk to Him about everything. You will greatly enjoy His company.
Conviction
When God works in people's lives, He condemns the sin, but He never condemns the sinner. His Word demonstrates love for the individual and nurtures and encourages him or her to come up out of that sin and to press on. God condemns the sin, but He gives mercy to the sinner, so we never need to be afraid to let God show us what we are doing wrong. When conviction comes on us, it is God speaking to us because He wants to help us in some area. He is not condemning us, but He's trying to let us know that He wants us to live a long and healthy life. When the Holy Spirit speaks to your conscience about changes that are needed, pray right then. Ask God to deliver you and bring about those changes through your faith in Jesus.
If our heart is right, and we do the best we know to do when we hear from Him, God will redeem us and honor our steps of obedience. If we move in child-like trust to obey what we believe in our heart He has told us to do, even if that decision is wrong, God will take that mistake and work it our for our good.
If you want God's will in your life more than anything else, if you've done everything you know to do to hear from Him, then you have to take a chance, step out, and believe. Many people are afraid to move because they think that if they make a mistake, God will be angry with them. But this is where trusting His character is so vital to walking in faith. People who are too afraid to obey are so miserable anyway that they couldn't get any worse off by stepping out and trying to do what God is telling them to do.
If our heart is right, and we do the best we know to do when we hear from Him, God will redeem us and honor our steps of obedience. If we move in child-like trust to obey what we believe in our heart He has told us to do, even if that decision is wrong, God will take that mistake and work it our for our good.
If you want God's will in your life more than anything else, if you've done everything you know to do to hear from Him, then you have to take a chance, step out, and believe. Many people are afraid to move because they think that if they make a mistake, God will be angry with them. But this is where trusting His character is so vital to walking in faith. People who are too afraid to obey are so miserable anyway that they couldn't get any worse off by stepping out and trying to do what God is telling them to do.
Listening to Our Conscience
We must learn to obey our own sense of right and wrong and resist doing things our inner conscience is uncomfortable with doing. God gives or takes peace from our conscience to let us know we are on track.
Being faithful in little things is important to God. When we are willing to be faithful and obedient in little things, then God can trust us to be faithful over much greater things. Being faithful to the small things God requires gives us faith for the greater things because our conscience is entirely clear. Obedience to our inner conscience brings the power of God into our life.
Many of God's people are powerless because they continually do things their conscience tells them not to do. When we don't
Starting Your Day Right
Our happiness and joy are not dependent on whether or not other people do what we want them to do. We may never be able to influence anyone else to do what we think is right. But with God's help, we can change ourselves to bring about the results we want in life. If you want your life to be different, ask God to show you how you need to change. Accept others for who they are, and see how God works in you to complete your joy.
God can strengthen us to the point that we can make progress even during trouble. Trials and testing do not come to cause us to lose stability. They are opportunities to prove the strength of God. We don't have to waiver in our confidence. Nothing will keep us from making progress today because God is our strength.
We need to be strengthened and renewed on a daily basis. We need to be strengthened physically, mentally, and emotionally. We need to be strong so we do not fall apart every time we have to face some situation we had not planned on. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, and He expects us to develop stability in our lives. We can be strengthened and renewed by drawing strength from God, by exercising our faith, and by doing what He tells us to do.
Don't wait until you are in trouble to seek God. Ask Him to keep you from being tempted to sin.
Avoid getting negative when you look at your circumstances. Actively wait on God to give you strength to walk in the fruit of the Spirit. Wait with purpose, silently listening for Him to speak, eagerly watching for Him to act.
Some people feel their lives are an emotional mess, but they have a right to stability. There is stability, peace and power in the presence of God. People don't have to let their emotions control them; they can learn to dwell in the secret place of the Most High.
God has a plan for each of us, and the good things that happen to us are not just a coincidence. All good and perfect gifts come from God. It is exciting to have a relationship with God when we are aware that He is carefully leading and guiding us to His blessings. If you don't understand something the first time God speaks to you, He will give you another chance and will continue to teach you until you know clearly the way you should go. This means that He will find you if you go astray.
Instead of chasing after blessings, we need to chase after God. If we chase God, He will chase us with blessings. God's economy doesn't work the way we think it would. First is last, and last is first. If we want more, we are to give away some of what we have. To be great in God's Kingdom, we must serve the needs of others. And if we want blessings, we must get our minds off of them. God knows what we want and what we need. He wants to give us blessings that we haven't even verbally asked for.
Everything that we receive from God comes by faith. When you are waiting for Him to speak to your heart, just believe that He will speak to you, even if you don't hear anything right that minute. Believe that because you have acknowledged Him, you can expect to see His hand moving in your life all day long. Then step forward, knowing that He will keep you on the right path because you have asked Him to do so. Watching God's hand of favor move on your behalf is one of life's greatest delights.
Our contenment won't last if we are not obeying God by seeking Him with our whole heart. God wants us to really talk to Him and pay attention to His answers. Spend enough time with Him to walk in victory all day.
When you receive to truth of God's Word in your heart, it automatically takes root and begins to work in your life! You may not always see it right away. You may not always feel it, but know that God began a good work in you, and He is faithful to complete it. When you are faithful to receive His Word, it opens the door for Him to work.
Remember, you made your schedule, and you can change it. Pray about your day, your week, and your life goals to find out what God wants you to do, and what He doesn't want you to do. If you don't do what God is telling you to do, you may let people control and manipulate you to do what they want you to do. You may end up doing things for which you are not anointed. If you do what God tells you to do, He will bless you with joy, peace, rest, and wonderful relationships.
We all have gifts and talents far beyond what we use, but many of us are so worn out that we don't feel like doing anything. Stop working all the time, and enjoy yourself. If you don't rest, you are going to cut down your production and stifle your creativity. You don't have to work at God's plan for you; He will cause it to come to pass. Rest in Him. If you are worn out all the time, it will affect your spiritual life because you won't want to pray, study the Word, or walk in the fruit of the Spirit. If you are tired, it is time to re-energize your life. Wait on God to lead you, and get the rest you need to enjoy your walk with Him.
Don't work so hard that you miss your time with God. Rest is important for your spiritual and physical life. The need for rest can't be ignored; it is a law of God. Find time to be still on a regular basis. It is in moments of rest that you are most likely to hear God speak to you.
It is not how much we do, it is the quality of what we do that makes the difference. Most people will admit that they need to spend more time developing good relationships. You can't be a good friend to somebody if you never put any time into your relationship. Ask God to bring someone to mind that He would like for you to bless today. Then follow through and let that person know that God brought them into your heart.
Each morning we need to come clean with God. If there is anything between un and God, when we try to pray and get into His presence, it will bother us until we deal honestly with it. God wants us to confess our faults. We don't really like to confront wrongdoing as we should. Most of us like to make excuses, but excuses keep us deceived. An excuse is a reason stuffed with a lie.
People beg God for forgiveness but forget to say, "I receive that forgiveness right now, I believe I am forgiven." Mercy is a free gift. You can't earn it, you can't deserve it, and you can't buy it. The only thing you can do is receive it. Just humble yourself, and accept God's forgiveness.
Even when we have the best intentions to do good, we still fall short. God tells us to receive, not strive to get, but just to receive new mercy for each day.
By faith, we take the step God has shown us, and then He gives us the next one. At times, we may fall down and must get back up; we may stumble, but He always helps us. We continue on by His strength and His grace, knowing that every time we face a fork in the road, God will guide us.
Don't just go to God and talk to Him when you want or need something; also spend time with Him just listening. He will open up many issues if you will be still before Him and simply listen.
Everything that is right for our lives has a place on the inside of us, where it is going to settle comfortably. God may call us to do something we don't always like in the flesh, but deep inside it will give us pleasure if it is truly a calling from God.
God has a will and a plan for everyone. Each peron needs to find out what it is God wants him or her to do, then wait on His timing to do it.
God can strengthen us to the point that we can make progress even during trouble. Trials and testing do not come to cause us to lose stability. They are opportunities to prove the strength of God. We don't have to waiver in our confidence. Nothing will keep us from making progress today because God is our strength.
We need to be strengthened and renewed on a daily basis. We need to be strengthened physically, mentally, and emotionally. We need to be strong so we do not fall apart every time we have to face some situation we had not planned on. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, and He expects us to develop stability in our lives. We can be strengthened and renewed by drawing strength from God, by exercising our faith, and by doing what He tells us to do.
Don't wait until you are in trouble to seek God. Ask Him to keep you from being tempted to sin.
Avoid getting negative when you look at your circumstances. Actively wait on God to give you strength to walk in the fruit of the Spirit. Wait with purpose, silently listening for Him to speak, eagerly watching for Him to act.
Some people feel their lives are an emotional mess, but they have a right to stability. There is stability, peace and power in the presence of God. People don't have to let their emotions control them; they can learn to dwell in the secret place of the Most High.
God has a plan for each of us, and the good things that happen to us are not just a coincidence. All good and perfect gifts come from God. It is exciting to have a relationship with God when we are aware that He is carefully leading and guiding us to His blessings. If you don't understand something the first time God speaks to you, He will give you another chance and will continue to teach you until you know clearly the way you should go. This means that He will find you if you go astray.
Instead of chasing after blessings, we need to chase after God. If we chase God, He will chase us with blessings. God's economy doesn't work the way we think it would. First is last, and last is first. If we want more, we are to give away some of what we have. To be great in God's Kingdom, we must serve the needs of others. And if we want blessings, we must get our minds off of them. God knows what we want and what we need. He wants to give us blessings that we haven't even verbally asked for.
Everything that we receive from God comes by faith. When you are waiting for Him to speak to your heart, just believe that He will speak to you, even if you don't hear anything right that minute. Believe that because you have acknowledged Him, you can expect to see His hand moving in your life all day long. Then step forward, knowing that He will keep you on the right path because you have asked Him to do so. Watching God's hand of favor move on your behalf is one of life's greatest delights.
Our contenment won't last if we are not obeying God by seeking Him with our whole heart. God wants us to really talk to Him and pay attention to His answers. Spend enough time with Him to walk in victory all day.
When you receive to truth of God's Word in your heart, it automatically takes root and begins to work in your life! You may not always see it right away. You may not always feel it, but know that God began a good work in you, and He is faithful to complete it. When you are faithful to receive His Word, it opens the door for Him to work.
Remember, you made your schedule, and you can change it. Pray about your day, your week, and your life goals to find out what God wants you to do, and what He doesn't want you to do. If you don't do what God is telling you to do, you may let people control and manipulate you to do what they want you to do. You may end up doing things for which you are not anointed. If you do what God tells you to do, He will bless you with joy, peace, rest, and wonderful relationships.
We all have gifts and talents far beyond what we use, but many of us are so worn out that we don't feel like doing anything. Stop working all the time, and enjoy yourself. If you don't rest, you are going to cut down your production and stifle your creativity. You don't have to work at God's plan for you; He will cause it to come to pass. Rest in Him. If you are worn out all the time, it will affect your spiritual life because you won't want to pray, study the Word, or walk in the fruit of the Spirit. If you are tired, it is time to re-energize your life. Wait on God to lead you, and get the rest you need to enjoy your walk with Him.
Don't work so hard that you miss your time with God. Rest is important for your spiritual and physical life. The need for rest can't be ignored; it is a law of God. Find time to be still on a regular basis. It is in moments of rest that you are most likely to hear God speak to you.
It is not how much we do, it is the quality of what we do that makes the difference. Most people will admit that they need to spend more time developing good relationships. You can't be a good friend to somebody if you never put any time into your relationship. Ask God to bring someone to mind that He would like for you to bless today. Then follow through and let that person know that God brought them into your heart.
Each morning we need to come clean with God. If there is anything between un and God, when we try to pray and get into His presence, it will bother us until we deal honestly with it. God wants us to confess our faults. We don't really like to confront wrongdoing as we should. Most of us like to make excuses, but excuses keep us deceived. An excuse is a reason stuffed with a lie.
People beg God for forgiveness but forget to say, "I receive that forgiveness right now, I believe I am forgiven." Mercy is a free gift. You can't earn it, you can't deserve it, and you can't buy it. The only thing you can do is receive it. Just humble yourself, and accept God's forgiveness.
Even when we have the best intentions to do good, we still fall short. God tells us to receive, not strive to get, but just to receive new mercy for each day.
By faith, we take the step God has shown us, and then He gives us the next one. At times, we may fall down and must get back up; we may stumble, but He always helps us. We continue on by His strength and His grace, knowing that every time we face a fork in the road, God will guide us.
Don't just go to God and talk to Him when you want or need something; also spend time with Him just listening. He will open up many issues if you will be still before Him and simply listen.
Everything that is right for our lives has a place on the inside of us, where it is going to settle comfortably. God may call us to do something we don't always like in the flesh, but deep inside it will give us pleasure if it is truly a calling from God.
God has a will and a plan for everyone. Each peron needs to find out what it is God wants him or her to do, then wait on His timing to do it.
God's Grace
Grace is God's unmerited favor. It's kindness from Him that we don't deserve. Grace empowers us and strengthens us. No matter what has happened in your past, you can receive God's grace and forgiveness and start fresh today. You can hold your head up high because His grace is enough. You may not be perfect, but you are forgiven.
When you go around holding on to your past mistakes or think you have to try to make things up to God, it's like saying that His grace isn't enough. Jesus has already paid for your mistakes. All you have to do is receive His grace today and thank Him for His favor and empowerment in your life.
When you go around holding on to your past mistakes or think you have to try to make things up to God, it's like saying that His grace isn't enough. Jesus has already paid for your mistakes. All you have to do is receive His grace today and thank Him for His favor and empowerment in your life.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friendship
When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults, you don't look for answers, you don't look for mistakes. Instead, you fight the mistakes, you accept the faults, and you overlook the excuses. Never abandon an old friend, you will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.
The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've ever had.
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway.
A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
The greatest challenge in being a friend is not listening when words are spoken, but hearing and feeling even though there is nothing but silence.
When it hurts to look back and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be there.
A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.
The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've ever had.
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway.
A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
The greatest challenge in being a friend is not listening when words are spoken, but hearing and feeling even though there is nothing but silence.
When it hurts to look back and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be there.
Forgiveness
Everyone has been hurt, offended, betrayed and mistreated at some point. Sometimes those wounds are small and easy to move past, but other times they are deep and take time to heal. The important thing is that we choose to forgive so that we can open the door to God's forgiveness in our own lives.
Forgiveness is such a powerful tool. It sets you free and draws you closer to your Heavenly Father. Whenever you pray, invite the Lord to search your heart. Choose to forgive anyone that has hurt you. As you walk in forgiveness, you'll experience His hand of blessing in ways you never thought possible.
Forgiveness is such a powerful tool. It sets you free and draws you closer to your Heavenly Father. Whenever you pray, invite the Lord to search your heart. Choose to forgive anyone that has hurt you. As you walk in forgiveness, you'll experience His hand of blessing in ways you never thought possible.
Life
Life doesn't always go the way you want or plan that it will go. It hardly ever looks the way you first envisioned that it would look. It rarely feels comfortable or as if you have it under control, and quite often there are things that you cannot control! That's life! Life is usually what happens just when you are planning something else.
It moves at its own pace, which is usually faster or slower than you would like it to. It moves in its own direction,which is often not the direction in which you are going. It opens up when you least expect it and shuts itself down at the most inopportune moments. It gives for no reason and takes the same way. It starts abrubtly and stops just short of the goal. It changes. Then it refuses to change. It runs smoothly, then hits a bump. It feels good for days, weeks or months at a time. Then, all of a sudden, it makes you sick. It loves you. Then it leaves you high and dry. It will help you out when you need it most, then knock you down and roll right over you. It will present you with an answer. Then it will present you with questions that do not match the answer you have been given. It is good for awhile. Then it sucks all of the goodness out of you. That's life!
It moves at its own pace, which is usually faster or slower than you would like it to. It moves in its own direction,which is often not the direction in which you are going. It opens up when you least expect it and shuts itself down at the most inopportune moments. It gives for no reason and takes the same way. It starts abrubtly and stops just short of the goal. It changes. Then it refuses to change. It runs smoothly, then hits a bump. It feels good for days, weeks or months at a time. Then, all of a sudden, it makes you sick. It loves you. Then it leaves you high and dry. It will help you out when you need it most, then knock you down and roll right over you. It will present you with an answer. Then it will present you with questions that do not match the answer you have been given. It is good for awhile. Then it sucks all of the goodness out of you. That's life!
On That Day....
God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.
God won't ask the square footage of your home; He'll ask how many people you welcomed into it.
God won't ask what kind of clothes you had in your closet; He'll ask how many people you helped to clothe.
God won't ask what your highest salary was; He'll ask if you compromised your character or trampled over any people to obtain it.
God won't ask what your job title was; He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
God won't ask how many friends you had; He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived; He'll ask how you treated your neighbor.
God won't ask about the color of your skin; He'll ask about the content of your character.
God won't ask why it took you so long to seek salvation; He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in Heaven and not to the gates of hell.
God won't ask what social class you were in; He will ask what kind of class you displayed.
God won't ask how many material possessions you had; He will ask whether or not those material possessions dictated your life.
God won't ask how much overtime you worked; He will ask if you worked overtime for your family.
God won't ask how many promotions you received; He will ask what you did to promote others.
God won't ask how many times you didn't run around on your spouse; He will ask how many times you did.
God won't ask how many degrees you had; He'll ask how many people you thanked for helping you get those degrees.
God won't ask what your parents did to help you; He'll ask what you did to help your parents.
God won't ask what you did to help yourself; He'll ask what you did to help others.
God won't ask what you did to protect your rights; He'll ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
God won't ask how many times you told the truth; He'll ask how many times you told a lie.
God won't ask the square footage of your home; He'll ask how many people you welcomed into it.
God won't ask what kind of clothes you had in your closet; He'll ask how many people you helped to clothe.
God won't ask what your highest salary was; He'll ask if you compromised your character or trampled over any people to obtain it.
God won't ask what your job title was; He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
God won't ask how many friends you had; He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived; He'll ask how you treated your neighbor.
God won't ask about the color of your skin; He'll ask about the content of your character.
God won't ask why it took you so long to seek salvation; He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in Heaven and not to the gates of hell.
God won't ask what social class you were in; He will ask what kind of class you displayed.
God won't ask how many material possessions you had; He will ask whether or not those material possessions dictated your life.
God won't ask how much overtime you worked; He will ask if you worked overtime for your family.
God won't ask how many promotions you received; He will ask what you did to promote others.
God won't ask how many times you didn't run around on your spouse; He will ask how many times you did.
God won't ask how many degrees you had; He'll ask how many people you thanked for helping you get those degrees.
God won't ask what your parents did to help you; He'll ask what you did to help your parents.
God won't ask what you did to help yourself; He'll ask what you did to help others.
God won't ask what you did to protect your rights; He'll ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
God won't ask how many times you told the truth; He'll ask how many times you told a lie.
Bounce Back
Life is full of things that try to push us down. We all face disappointments and setbacks. Maybe you got some bad news concerning your health or maybe a relationship didn't work out. That was a setback. It's easy to get discouraged or lose your enthusiasm or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we're going to see God's best, we have to have a "bounce back" mentality. That means when you get knocked down, you don't stay down, you get back up again...There is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith, then God will turn what was mean to be a stumbling block into a stepping stone.
Today Is The Day
God has planted seeds of greatness on the inside of you, and He has predestined that those things in your heart come to pass. You may have had more than your share of unfair things happen in your life. You probably have plenty of reasons to just settle where you are. But understand, the depth of your past is an indication of the height of your future.
If you've been through a lot of negative things in the past, it just means that your future is bigger and brighter and greater than you can even imagine. It's your time to step out and embrace all that God has for you! Are there dreams and promises that you've let go of? Are there things that God has placed in your heart, but because of time, because of disappointments, you've given up on them?
Today is the day to give your dreams a new beginning. Today is the day to allow faith to rise in your heart. Remember, what's happened to you is not nearly as important as what's happened in you, and you are stronger and wiser than ever before. It's your time, it's your season to move forward into the destiny that God has prepared for you.
If you've been through a lot of negative things in the past, it just means that your future is bigger and brighter and greater than you can even imagine. It's your time to step out and embrace all that God has for you! Are there dreams and promises that you've let go of? Are there things that God has placed in your heart, but because of time, because of disappointments, you've given up on them?
Today is the day to give your dreams a new beginning. Today is the day to allow faith to rise in your heart. Remember, what's happened to you is not nearly as important as what's happened in you, and you are stronger and wiser than ever before. It's your time, it's your season to move forward into the destiny that God has prepared for you.
People In Our Life
God will bring the right people in your life at the right time, and He'll also allow the right people to leave at the right time. You see, it's God's desire for us to continue to grow in Him, and to take every opportunity that's put before us to use for His glory. Sometimes, there are people in our lives that can keep us from being our best and can actually keep us from our God given destiny.
By seeing change in the right way and realizing when God closes a door, it's because He has something better in store, we won't get bent out of shape and have our joy stolen when these changes happen. When a person has served their purpose in our life, if we don't freely let them go, it's going to keep us from the new things God wants to do.
By seeing change in the right way and realizing when God closes a door, it's because He has something better in store, we won't get bent out of shape and have our joy stolen when these changes happen. When a person has served their purpose in our life, if we don't freely let them go, it's going to keep us from the new things God wants to do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
