Mind Fest

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.Colossians 3:2

 What does your mind dwell on daily? Perhaps a movie or television show you watched or are watching. Maybe a book you are reading. Perhaps it is dwelling on problems. To get your mind off bad stuff you have to intentionally think on good stuff. To think on good stuff you have to make a habit of focusing on good. That is harder to do if in your spare time you fill your mind with junk. 

A mind controlled by the things of the spirit thinks on good things. A mind controlled by things of the flesh will dwell on wrong things. You must make it a point to fill your mind on what is good, uplifting, pure, peaceful, and loving. Don't get up and the first thing you do is to start worrying. Stop if you do that and start praising God and praying instead. Be careful what you choose for 'entertainment' if the shows are full of immorality, swearing, killing and the like. Better to turn off the television. 

Don't allow Satan to control your thoughts and make you become anxious. Talk out loud to him and say "Satan you have no power over me. I am a child of God. I refuse to think wrong thoughts.Be gone and leave me alone." Try it and see if you do not feel better. Before you know it you will have a mind fest of pure, wholesome, and positive thoughts and the other kind will be just a memory. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I purpose in my heart today to think on things above not my problems down here. I choose to think good thoughts and keep you in them. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Half Full??

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8

What kind of person are you? Do you consider the cup half full or half empty? I love Hampton Inn's encouraging words on paper cups, elevator doors and elsewhere throughout the hotel chain. This is what made me think of half full as that is what their drinking cups in rooms said. Their hotel chain has words of encouragement throughout their hotel.

A half full person is more of a positive sort and looks at things in a more promising way than say a half empty one who tends to think the worst of things and be on the doubting negative side. Even when things tend to not look hopeful I want to keep my mind positive and uplifted knowing the story is not over yet. There is always hope.

What do you need to adjust in your life to make you become a half full person?

PRAYER: Today and everyday I want to start out the day being positive and to try to turn conversations around that get negative or condemning. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DREAM BIG!

Do you have a half full or half empty approach to life? Do you look at every problem coming your way and get overwhelmed? Does your attitude need an adjustment? Do you look at a task and think it is impossible?

In a nearby community in Tennessee I was thrilled to see a new coffee shop open where another one had apparently not succeeded. I told the owner I was very happy and hope they did well. I said I loved seeing small businesses start up and be successful. He responded to me, "I do not plan to be small for long". What a tremendous positive outlook!. He did not respond "I hope we make it but I fear this economy" but instead was positive. That is the attitude all of us need to develop.

Now I do not know where this owner stands with Christ or even if he was a believer but he sure had a can do attitude and was full of hope and a good outlook on things. All of us could learn a lesson in that. For me as a writer wanting to have a book someday I need to know I can and will do it and not doubt. entertaining wrong thinking only brings a person down and makes the enemy happy because he has you paralyzed that you are incapable.

Let me leave you with Philippians 4:13(NIV) which says 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength.'

PRAYER: I thank you for hopes and dreams you have placed in my heart Lord. I thank you that with your help I can succeed. I thank you Lord that I have the mind of Christ and choose to stop doubting and look to you as my strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WRONG THINKING

Do you struggle with wrong thoughts? By this I do not mean are you thinking of perverted things but do you allow patterns of wrong thinking to come into your head to the point you can convince yourself they are true?

The enemy is good at messing with a believers mind. You may think you have it all together, so to speak, but then a thought creeps in such as "I do not think so and so likes me" and then you begin to dwell on this. It is absurd to think we know what another is thinking anyway. It is necessary you fill your mind with God's word and then you will be less likely to fixate on irrational thinking.

A helpful scripture to commit to memory is 2 Corinthians 5:10(NIV) which says 'We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.' The action verb there is to "take captive". Just as a police or soldier may take a prisoner captive and lock them up, we too need to capture wrong thoughts and make them come in line with the teachings of God's Holy word. Start each day with prayer and a good dose of scripture and tell Satan he has to flee.

PRAYER: I choose this day and every day to not allow wrong thoughts into my head. I am aware of the enemies schemes to cripple me and make me less effective for Christ and messing ith my thinking is of them I choose right thoughts. In Jesus' name. Amen.

JUNIOR MOMENTS ARE GREAT!

Since I am part of a group called "Hopelifters" I need to be spreading hope. That means being positive and joyful and trying to look up and be grateful and not look down in despair and anguish. Some of my readers may not be old enough to ever have used the term "senior moment" and may in fact think 40 is extremely old. It's not. My job today is to spread hope so no longer will we say "senior moment" or put yourself down when you forget some thing okay?

No matter what age you are I am certain you have misplaced keys, forgotten your sunglasses, locked your keys in the car, did not write a compete address on a letter and so on. I am sure we can add to the list.

If you are blessed with say fifty or more years do not keep saying "I am having a senior moment" but try saying "I am having a junior moment" instead. I did it the other day at a post office when I had to mail back a folder that came back to me with one number wrong in the address. Stuff happens okay?

We have the "mind of Christ" and I am pretty sure Christ would not be walking around making himself into a joke or putting himself down. Try to focus on positive things once again. If you are say 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and beyond you have much to contribute. You are not washed up. Even though our modern world likes to only highlight youthful people in their advertisements unless it is for some product like laxatives we are to be thinking on "things above".

Let me leave you with a verse to memorize. 'Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.' Philippians 4:8(NIV)

Now go out no matter what your age and make a difference in the world around you.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for each year of life and for the mind you have given me. Help me Lord to not be negative or put myself down but to rejoice and be glad in each and every day of life you have given me to shine for you. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Check out the following website:
Www.hopelifters.org

SPEAK AND THINK GOOD THINGS

 Do you often get in a negative mindset? Let's say you feel a sense of
doom and gloom and you talk about it. Maybe you talk about your
problems. You dwell on bad stuff and fears and therefore talk about
them. A feeling of despair comes over you. Why? Because of your words.
Words are something we all have to watch. If you continually speak
about the negative things in life and stuff that frightens you, it
stands to reason you would be stuck in a defeated state of mind that
would drag you right down in a pit. Our thoughts and our speech should
be the kind that glorifies God.

Proverbs 18:21(NIV) says 'Death and life are in the power of the
tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.' Simply
stated, what you continually talk about is what you get. If your mind
dwells on a consistent diet of bad thoughts then those thoughts often
are of elected in our speech.
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If this is an area you struggle with why not use this brand new year
to purpose in your heart to only let good thoughts and good things
come from your mouth. Luke 6:45(NIV) says 'The good man brings good
things out of the goodness stored in his heart,and the evil man brings
evil things out of the evil stored in his heart. For out of the
overflow of the heart,the mouth speaks.'
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> Our enemy, Satan,thrives in seeing believers all weak and caught up in wrong thinking, worry, and despair. When we are like this we become weak and powerless and almost disabled for the kingdom of God. Right now speak out loud to your enemy,Satan, and tell him you are a child of God and you want him to get behind you as you are God's child.
>
> It is through meditating on God's word on a daily basis and casting off wrong thoughts that you can have victory. 1 Corinthians 15:57( NIV) reminds us of this when it says 'And thanks be to God who gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Hallelujah!!
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> PRAYER: You oh Lord are mighty and powerful and your word, the Bible , keeps me on the right track in life. There are times when I have let Satan bog me down with wrong thinking and it is mainly when I am not in constant communion with your through your word. Forgive me Lord. Guide me as each and every day I need you to fight the battles in my path that the enemy my throw at me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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> OTHER RESOURCES: Pastor Gregory Dickow out of Chicago, IL has a website you should check out and commit to doing if wrong thinking is a problem of yours. Go to www.thinkingfast.org and commit to changing wrong thoughts.

SING PRAISES INSTEAD OF SPEAKING WORRIES

Our mouth is a powerful tool for good or bad. We can use it to uplift or to belittle. We can use it to hurt others or to praise them. When it comes to things we tend to worry about we can speak fear and worry or faith, hope, and trust.

God inhabits the praises of His people it says in Psalm 22:3. Matthew 12:37 says "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

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The Bible says in Colossians 3:2 to "set your mind on things above not about things on earth." Focusing on what terrible things might happen takes you further away from the Lord. He wants you to trust him that He will see you through.

What is bothering you today? Are you able to let this burden go knowing full well your useless worry makes you sick inside and brings glory to the enemy Satan who is a peace robber? The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 to "Cast all your cares on Him for he cares for you." Do you believe that? It is true!

The power of life and death is in the tongue it says in Proverbs 18:21. If you sit around only speaking negative that is probably what you will get and your mindset will be negative. For God's People to have peace you have to fill your mind with good thoughts! Remember is says in Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Today why not trust Him and know He has all things under control by His mighty hand and His outstretched arm. His love does endure forever. Let me leave you with this comforting scripture. Psalm 37:25 says "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." Trust Him today.

PRAYER: Father God when it seems the world is caving in around us I know Lord you are in charge. I know you love me with an everlasting love. I know you care. Father God help me to lean on you and forget the issues and problems of the day. Help me keep my television set off and instead pick up my Bible and start reading the Psalms and Proverbs. 'The Today Show' and 'Good Morning America' will not bring me peace and will waste a big chunk of my time. Lord your word brings me comfort. Help me to read it daily. Forgive me when I have forgotten to spend time with you. Father God the sun rises and sets each day whether I worry or do not worry. When I stay focused on you and your word it is much easier to have peace. When the world around me seems to be spinning out of control I know Lord you are there and will rescue me. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord.

http://youtu.be/aziNybUDDF0

A PRAYER VERSUS A SCARE

 

What scares you? What is it you fear? What makes you feel there is no way out? We are not to live fearful lives but faith filled lives. How do you get this faith filled life? The main thing you can do is pray and next it is to trust God. When you are praying and praising God you have little room for fear and worry.

Anything that is causing you fear is not from God. Is there something you can not keep from dwelling on in your mind? When you have a worry, concern, or fear that does not seem to want to go away the best way to get rid of it is to stay in an attitude of prayer and thanksgiving. Satan can have you paralyzed if you keep concentrating on things that scare you or seem to take you away from God.

Phillipians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." It is hard to have bad thoughts if you purposefully focus on good things. Are you able to make your mind dwell on good things?

When you are feeling wrong thoughts creeping into your mind start praising God. Say " I thank you Lord for the victory I have in you. I thank you Lord I do not need to listen to the lies of the enemy. I thank you that the things of the past are behind me. I thank you Lord for loving me and forgiving me. I give you Lord any of my worries and fears and choose to look to you for my strength."

God can turn bad things around. You need to stay focused on Him and His word. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to us "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

PRAYER; Lord God I am so very thankful that you are available 24/7. When friends forsake us you are there. When things go wrong you are there. When we feel a pity party coming on, you are there. I am thankful for your forgiveness in times when I have messed up. Thanks Lord for taking away my fears. In Jesus name. Amen.

STOP THINKING NEGATIVE. LOOK UP!

Have you ever noticed how it is easier to complain, gossip, gripe, and basically have a negative mindset than to be positive and uplifting? The  world is filled with hate, bickering, lawsuits, confusion, revenge, fear, misunderstandings, and division but we as believers are to shine the light of Jesus into the darkness and change the negative to positive. But if we are chiming in right along then we do not make much impact.

Sure there are times things make you upset,  but it is reacting in a calm fashion and not exploding that will not only keep you peaceful but will resolve the matters more effectively.

To be able to do this you must be intentional about not being conformed to the things in the world that tend to plant bad thoughts in your head. Try to have the mind of Christ. Let me give you the Bible verse I have used numerous times in these devotions and that is Romans 12:2 which says "Do not conform anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and prove what the will of the Lord is. His good, pefect, and pleasing will."  To do this your mind needs to be focused on God's thoughts to those of the world.  Philippians  4:8 reminds us "Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things." Commit this scripture to memory. It will help you stay happy, joyful, and positive in a world of negativity around you.

Let me end with Psalm 34:14 which says "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it."

PRAYER: Father I thank you that I can choose to be positive and peaceful in a world filled with fear and chaos. When I start to despair and the enemy tries to get me to succumb to the ways of the world help me remember I can turn to you. In Jesus name. Amen

DON'T FIXATE, SPECULATE, OR CONTEMPLATE!! MEDITATE!

What is on your mind today? Are you worried about something? The world is full of worriers and it is easy to fall into that trap if not careful. Giving your concerns and cares to the Lord sounds good but can we really, truly do it and make it happen on a regular basis? You can sit around speculating, contemplating, obsessing and fixating over some issue when really the real solution to this is to get on your knees in prayer and talk to God about what is bothering you. Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to "Cast all your anxiety on Him for he cares for you". "But you don't get it. Don't you know what is going on? How can I just not think about bad stuff?" Once again you have to set your mind on things above.  Colossians 3:2 reminds us of this when it says "Set your mind on things above not earthly things."  Purpose in your heart to not let your mind 'go there' and to not dwell on bad or wrong thoughts.  Why have a steady 'diet' of bad news and things that bring fear. If the news is getting you fearful turn the channel. Make up your mind to put good and pleasant things into your head. Do not just constantly feed on negative things. Do not believe lies of the enemy trying to get you to  dwell on tragedy and doom. Bad thoughts are not 'God thoughts'.  Put on some praise and worship music to help lift you out of the pit of despair. Refuse to entertain thoughts of fear. Philippians  4:8 is a good verse to commit to memory and it says "whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and any anything praiseworthy,meditate on these things." Also Matthew 16:23 tells us "Get thee behind me Satan for you are not mindful of the things of God but of the things of men". Start today and let God transform your thinking. The only way you will ever achieve success with this is to stay in God's word daily and meditate on the scriptures. 2 Timothy 2:15 says " Study to show thyself approved, a workman that need not be ashamed and shooter toy handles the word of truth." PRAYER: Father I know how crucial,it is to develop the 'mind of Christ' and I know I can not do this unless I saturate my mind with things of Christ found in the word of God.  Help me daily to stop making excuses about why I do not have time for you Lord. Forgive me. Today I intend to start filling my mind with your word which I find in the Bible. In Jesus name. Amen. Click on link below and worship the Lord in song. http://youtu.be/GsjJmk7tdk4

STAYING POSITIVE IN A NEGATIVE WORLD

If you focused strictly on the evening news broadcast you would not find much to rejoice about in the world. Newscasters have a way of putting fear in people's hearts. Seems to get better ratings. If you are one who has trouble staying upbeat and fearless you need to direct your energies and attention to positive things. Do not dwell on avalanches if your son skiis and lives in Colorado. Do not dwell on deaths in the war if your son or daughter is stationed in a war zone serving their country. Do not dwell on dying in a fiery crash on an ice covered highway if you have children living in winter weather areas where these road conditions are typical. Do not dwell on an elevator plummeting to the 1st floor from the 80th floor  if your child works in a sky scraper. Just because the doctor orders 'tests' do not speculate that you have  cancer. If you are afraid to fly do not assume every plane is going to drop from the sky. If you are in a convenience store or bank do not start wondering if it is going to be robbed by armed bandits while you are in there conducting your business. Fear can 'paralyze' you if you let it.


    You have to be intentional in thinking on uplifting things. It is easy to focus on tragedy and calamity as that is what the world seems to feast upon. But you have to make a point to get your mind out of the scary depressed worried pit it is in and purposely think on uplifting things. Constantly wondering if you or your loved ones are going to be in some sort of tragedy is certainly not good for maintaining peace now is it?

 There are many things to make us fearful and keep us in a negative mindset. Choose to focus on good things. The enemy will do all in his power to disable your joyful spirit by giving you enough things to worry about. Worry is not a fruit of the spirit but peace is. You say "Well I can not  help it. It's just the way I am."  If you do not have peace you need to work on achieving it. God can help you.

 Philippians 4:8 is  a good verse to commit to memory and it says "finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things."

Also in John 14:27 it says "Peace I leave you ,my peace I  give to you.I do not give yours the world gives.I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid."

So will you be prayerful and powerful or pitiful and puny? Take charge today by giving your fears to God.


PRAYER:Lord it is hard sometimes to trust completely. I believe you are able to give me peace, I choose to think on good things and stay away from negative thinking. In Jesus name. Amen.

ASSUMPTIONS, EXPECTATIONS, OBSESSIONS, SPECULATIONS

This devotion could be called the 'ions'. These four things listed in the title can really get us into trouble with people. Assuming, jumping to conclusions when we do not know the facts. Expecting something to be a certain way or like a norm of life and it turns out different can devastate some or burst their bubble. Obsessing over something you can not do anything about is sort of wasted energy. And finally speculating on why things happen the way they do.

These four things can be controlled once we get our mind under the control of the Holy Spirit. If we continually seek to think on 'things above' we will have little time to waste on unnecessary thoughts that drag us down and often make us blurt out things we do not mean. The verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to "..take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ." To do this it must be purposeful and takes discipline. There is that dreaded word again, discipline. Controlling out thoughts is extremely important as that is the doorway Satan can enter to drag us down into his little pit of destruction. We as children of God are not going to allow that to happen.

Today if you are plagued with these four 'ions' of life make up your mind you will not allow thoughts to come in that will dominate and cause you to worry, assume, expect or obsess over something. It will take practice and self control. Keep your mind on the word of God. Cast down wrong thoughts and even speak out loud, "get behind me Satan. I am not allowing you to make me dwell on unnecessary things."

Philippians  4:8 is a verse have used many times in my writing and it is a good one to commit to memory and especially useful in controlling these 'ions'. It says " Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Verse nine goes on to say what then will happen. "whatever you  have learned, heard, or received from me, put into practice, And the God of peace will be with you."

 It won't happen overnight. You have to want to receive victory in this area and ask for Gods'  help to help you overcome these problem areas.

 PRAYER: Lord I desire to have right thinking and to get bad thoughts out of my head. I know by keeping my mind focused on 'things above' I can have victory and win this battle. In Jesus name. Amen.

AFRAID? WORRIED? WHAT NEXT??

Does fear have its' grip on you? Do you worry about your tomorrow's? Do you fret over your children who are either small or grown?You hear stories of tragedies and worry that it will happen to them. It is hard to just trust God and relax. Being afraid would go hand in hand with worry. Moms, I know, are pretty good at worry. We try not to be, but it still happens. We have to discipline our minds to give situations we have no control over to God. It is the enemy who puts condemning wrong thoughts in your head. Bad scary fearful thoughts are for sure not from our heavenly father. You just have to try to get a grip on this area and truly give it over to God. Worry and fear will change nothing and only make you mentally and physically sick. You have said your prayers of protection and end them with something like "I thank you Lord that you love my children more than I do and I thank you for watching over them. I thank you that nothing happens to them that you are not aware of. I ask you Lord to keep them with right friends and in good places. Keep them from the paths of life they should not take. Help them to be safe in their activities and help me Lord to trust you that they will be safe.Amen". Or if it is worry over something else  same thing applies. Say "I thank you Lord that I am not afraid of what mere man can do to me. I thank you for loving me and watching over me and give you glory for all the wonderful things in my life." Now try to let go. You know that 'casting part' again mentioned in 1 Peter 5:7 where it says "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Another worry is being concerned we said the wrong thing to someone and offended them, when in fact we probably did not. We probably are jumping to conclusions and assuming things and imagining things. That alone can create unnecessary worry. What if they don't like me? Where do these thoughts come from? Perhaps wanting to be liked or approved of. But we have to give those to Jesus too.We can not take back spoken words and fretting over them once again is only going to take away your peace.

Now for the worry part, it could also include worry about the future, which once again is out of our hands. Give God your concerns and let it go. You may not have children but there still may be plenty you fret over. Why do we do this? How do we stop? Some worry even filters into the realm of what people are thinking about a certain thing? Who cares? God is God and He loves you and it does not matter what someone else thinks about something. Let them think, let them judge. It does not matter. What matters is are you giving the Lord your worries and fears or trying to bear them all yourself? By carrying these are you getting anywhere really? Choose right now today to let God have these. Start each day saying something like "I do not know what is coming my way but I can not sit around Lord and worry about things that may or may not happen. That shows  lack of trust in you and your provision for my future or for that of my children. Thank you for the plan you are working out in my life in your time or their life in your time. Keep me patient while I wait for things and give me the strength Lord to rely on you and let go of senseless concerns which only drag me down

Are you able to 'cast' or 'throw' your cares on God and let them go? It is a discipline. Think about the useless task of worry and how it does not accomplish anything except rob you of a peaceful spirit. Start today to truly let God take your fears and if they come back into your head say "get thee behind me Satan. I reject that fear in the name of Jesus!"  Our worries will not change anything. Commit to memory this verse as well. Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on you." Let go and let God! Above all keep praying!

PRAYER: Father I truly want to stop worrying. It is so easy to just fret and wonder about things .I need my mind focused on things of the spirit and not things of the flesh .It is the flesh that causes fears. I desire to look to you and cast off fear and worry. Help me do this Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.

CAPTURING THOUGHTS

Do you let your mind wander on  needless things? Do you worry, speculate, reason, and play the 'what if' game? The mind has to be gotten under control to have a life walking victoriously with Jesus Christ.  The enemy loves to come in and get you confused, make you believe lies, get you worried, perhaps allow your mind to have pity parties and just a gamut of other things. We have to get our thoughts under control. How do you do that? You intentionally focus on things above or in other words, think about 'heavenly' things. 

Philippians  4:8 says "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,  whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." By concentrating on good things it takes your mind off fears, concerns, worries, and a host of thoughts that can drag us down. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 it says "we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." this is intentional. You decide to purposefully get your mind off the junk that is dragging you down and focus on good positive things. It truly is a spiritual discipline and has to be done so Satan does not capture those thoughts instead.

In Colossians 2:8 it says not to " let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said." You can do it! Start today, January 16th making up your mind that when wrong thoughts come in to take you off course you can say something like "I reject that thought in the name of Jesus."  You can also say out loud "Get behind me Satan. I only believe God's truth."

Romans 8:6 says "The mind of the sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."  Finally Romans 12:2 is a good verse to memorize and it says " Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."


PRAYER: Lord I purpose this day to focus on you and your word and when the enemy tries to get me thinking wrong thoughts I will tell him to leave me alone. I know I have to keep my mind renewed with the word of God daily. Help me get things out of the way in my schedule that prevent me from spending time in the word of God. In Jesus name. Amen!

DECLARATIONS FOR 2012

This week I have been dealing lots with the New Year. With the New Year brings new hopes, new dreams, new opportunities. The chance to forget mistakes and move on to a new hopeful future. A time to change wrong attitudes and make amends with folks who may have been a thorn in your side, so to speak. A time for new challenges. It is always a wonderful chance to start change in a positive way. I was thinking we should make a list of declarations that we say out loud daily to start the year and the particular day on a positive note. Some I came up with are as follows:(Go ahead say them out loud if you are somewhere you can do this.) You can probably add to this list to make it a little more personal too. Here goes!

I will have a bright future.
I am not too old to try new things.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.(Philippians 4:13)
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.(2 Corinthians 5:21)
I will not be defeated.
I refuse to be cast down and depressed.
I will not believe the enemies lies.(John 8:44)
I am blessed.
I can be a blessing.
I have favor in Christ.
I have victory in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
I am seated with God in the heavenlies. (Ephesians 2:6)
I will resist the devil and he has to flee. (James 4:7)
I am the head and not the tail.(Deuteronomy 28:13)
I will not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:27)
I will maintain peace no matter what.(John 14:27)
I have the joy of the Lord.(Psalm 28:7)
I will forgive people even when they have not asked  to be forgiven.
I am a child of God and am special as God does not make junk.
I am set free from sins of my past.(Psalm 103:12)
I will not compare myself to others as you made me special and have a unique purpose for my life.
I know Lord you can open doors no man can shut.(Revelation 3:8)
I will not get sucked into the worlds ways of thinking(Romans 12:1-2)
I have hope in you.

Try starting your day each day reading a scripture from God's word and saying these things above out loud.Look up the verses above as well. The enemy seeks to destroy you and will do everything in his power to get you down on yourself and feeling like your life is not important. Whether you are highly educated or just a high school graduate God has a purpose and a plan for you on this earth. Go where he sends you with boldness and do not compare yourself to someone else no matter  how easy it is to do. Do not think you are not important because you are ''just' this or 'just' that. And for those of you in high places as the world sees it who are in important places stay humble and stay grounded. Know God has you where you are to serve Him and 'plant seeds' for Him. Never start thinking you are better than people or look out. (See Isaiah 2:17).

So dear friends go out into your day and thank God for each and every day he has given you to make an impact on the corner of the world He has placed you in.

Ephesians 3:20 was a verse I had hanging on my apartment wall back when I was single living in California and it has always been a favorite. It says "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us". Go make a difference in your world today! You are special to God!

PRAYER: Lord thank you for another day of life. Thanks for a brand new year to try new things and share your love with those around me. Thank you for where you have me in life. Help me to not ever get down on myself and think I do not matter as I know that is a lie from Satan. To God be the Glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Note: Enjoy the praise and worship song I have attached by Rush of Fools. Click on link to listen.
http://youtu.be/b-oZbBS_OhM

ARE YOU SAYING WHAT GOD SAYS YOU ARE?

Do you ever get down on life and on yourself? You have to think and say positive things to counter the lies of the enemy. Satan is our enemy and he will mess with your mind to bring wrong thoughts into it. The only way to get rid of these wrong thoughts and condemnation of the enemy who seeks to destroy you is to counter attack these lies with positive confessions from God's word about who you are.

Say out loud the following:
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.(2 Corinthians 5:21)
I am the head and not the tail.(Deuteronomy 28:13)
I am an overcomer.(Revelation 12:11)
I am forgiven.(Colossians 3:13)
I am set free.(John 8:36)
I am a child of the King(Ephesians 2:19)
I will fear no evil as God is with me.(Psalm 23:4)
I am loved by God.(1 John 4:7-8)
I am not afraid what mere man can do to me.(Psalm 118:6)
I am created by you for a special purpose.(Jeremiah 29:11)
I am your sheep and  you are my shepherd.(John 10:4)
I am a conqueror because of you Lord.(Romans 8:37)
I am made in your image.(Genesis 1:27)
I can overcome strongholds with your help. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
I am blessed.(Philippians 4:19)
I am redeemed.(Psalm 107:2)
I am God's friend.(John 15:15)
Also say "I will not allow others to bring me down or steal my joy."

Jeremiah 23:29 says "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" Philippians 4:7-8 says "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Make a deliberate effort to be focused on good and truth.


The accuser of the brethren is Satan. (See Revelation 12:10). Even well meaning people will not act Christlike at times and the saying goes 'hurting people hurt people." It is really important to stop and think before just always blurting out something. Our mouth can get us into trouble. Why not turn your mouth into a positive tool and speak these positive confessions above out loud to get your day started? Start being on God's side and work together against the enemy.

2 Corinthians 5:10 says "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." In other words you have to purposely decide to get rid of negative thoughts and things that drag you down. The enemy is the one who wants to see you defeated and pitiful. Things like that are not from God. Get up this day and take control of your thoughts by planting good things in your head.

PRAYER: Father I thank you for being Lord of my life. I want to think on good things and not things that bring me doubts and fears. Help me Lord to keep my focus on your and resist attempts from the devil to get me off course. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Worship God by clicking on the following link:
http://youtu.be/HUGZAHztq_s

ATTITUDE CHECK: SMILE, WHY DON'T YOU?

 Many things that seemingly are bad in life could be good if only we would change our attitude. Things are not as bad as they may seem all the time. Jumping to conclusions and assuming the worse can be our greatest downfall. Sometimes a person can tend to get overly emotional and not think things through or wait on the Lord. If only we would call on God and wait on the Lord things would be better. Sometimes if you are consumed with yourself and your problems your attitude about life will be in the pits. I have had times in my own life when my negative thinking has sent me into a pit of despair. You have to rise above that and be thankful for what you have. Do not look at the glass as half empty but look at it as half full.

Can't get a doctor appointment  when you want? At least you can eventually because right now in America we still have good access to health care. Complaining about the car you have and how it is not what you want? Well you at least have a car. Think your legs are ugly and your feet look funny? At least you have legs when some are amputees or can not even walk. Be thankful. Do not like what you are having for supper? Be thankful you have an abundance of food and grocery stores galore in the United States to shop in. Wish you had a bigger house? Be thankful you even have a roof over your head because in many Third world countries they live in shacks with dirt floors. Wish you could live somewhere else? Be grateful for where God has you as He has plans to use you there. Do not like how your  hair looks? The cancer patient would be thankful to simply have hair at all after going through chemotherapy. Wish you would have picked a different major in college? Be grateful you even got to attend college. You hate your job and have trouble getting along with your boss? At least you are employed when many are looking for work just so they can feed their family. It is all about attitude. How is yours?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus".  Philippians 2:5 says "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus".

When I was in college my dad ,being an educator, sent me a funny letter. Not sure where he got it so I am unable to give proper credit but I heard it re read on Joyce Meyer television show and it was basically a teenage daughter letter to her parents about keeping things in proper perspective. It went on to say something to the effect of ' the girl had been in a dormitory fire. She had jumped to safety from the second story window to escape flames. A young man picked her up and carried her to safety. They fell in love and are living together. The girl told her parents she knew how they always wanted to be grandparents well , she was expecting! She knew her parents would love her boyfriend and would not mind that his skin color was a different shade than hers." Then she continues " there was no fire, I did not jump out of a building, I am not pregnant, there is not a man of a different race in my life but I am getting a D in Math and a F in Science and wanted you to see these grades in there proper perspective. Your loving daughter Mary". Wow! You can imagine the relief these parents must have felt and now the bad grades did not look quite as drastic in the big scheme of things.

What kind of attitude do you have? Are you self centered and haughty? We should be thankful, humble, kind and positive. No one likes to be around negative, gripey, whiny people. Do you find yourself complaining all the time about your 'lot' in life? Stop for a moment and make a list of all the things you have to be grateful for. You will be amazed.

PRAYER:  Thank you Lord for where you have me in life. Sometimes we do not know why things happen as they do but then we know you have a plan and purpose. Help me not try to squirm out of things but instead ask myself "Lord what am I supposed to be learning from this." Forgive me when I have been less than grateful. In Jesus name. Amen.

SELDOM IS HEARD A DISCOURAGING WORD

These were part of the lyrics from the old song 'Home on The Range' ,not referring to the cooking channel by the way.  Discouragement is rampant in society and in individual lives. To combat being discouraged a person will need a daily dose of joy and happiness to make them ready to meet anything your day can throw at them.

Discouragement can be caused by many things. Job loss, layoffs, loss of life, loss of a friendship, divorce, and money problems to name a few. If you dwell on your problem or situation it is extremely easy to sink into a pit of despair and discouragement. In order to not have this happen focus on good things. I have often heard for every bad thought you have you need to counter it with 7 positive thoughts. So say you are in a real negative mindset then you need to get a sheet of paper and start writing down things to be thankful for. Try it right now or the next time you are down in the dumps.

Joshua 1:9 says " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Deuteronomy 31:8 says "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

To start focusing on positive things you need to train your mind to think on good things. Negative thinking produces negative results. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Make up your mind and purpose in your heart to not let your mind wander onto negative thoughts.

Psalm 27:13 says "I remain confident of this:I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." In other words you may have bad moments but they are not going to last. God promises you will see His goodness if you are following after him.

Today start the day by saying thanks to God for another day He has given to you and just get out and get going! Do not allow the devil a foothold. If you allow the enemy a chance to mess with you then you will be stuck in your wrong thinking again. Gain control of bad thoughts with God's help!

PRAYER: I thank you Lord that I can choose to keep positive things in my head. I know it is Satan who tries to get me to plummet into a pit of despair. I say to him, "get behind me Satan." With your help Lord I can win the battle over negative thinking. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Note: Included a praise song to help you get your mind focused on things above. Click on link and worship Jesus.
http://youtu.be/I17edLkBDCo

HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY??

Are you a positive person or a down in the dumps sort of person? Are you positive but your other half is negative? It is easy when things around us look gloomy to get in a pit of sorts and thinking all this worse thoughts. This is where controlling our mind and our thoughts is vitally important. Do you assume the worse or like to give the person or situation the benefit of the doubt? Many people can't seem to stop talking negatively. When it comes to the state of our freedoms today it is easy to start dreading and worrying but we are to trust God has a plan, for He is in charge you know. Same with the economy. Worrying will not change things and saying things like "oh I just know I am going to get laid off" is not going to help. You need to be confessing positive happy things.

Romans 4:17 says " As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations, before him whom he believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were." this means you can "claim" or speak positive things before it happens. For instance, "I thank you Lord that I will not lose my job.  I thank you Lord for providing for all my needs. I am not going to be poor and  destitute." Sitting around moaning, groaning and verbalizing bad stuff will certainly scare you and take away any hope.

I challenge you to start thinking and speaking good things. Start saying "I thank you Jesus for providing for my needs. I thank you for taking care of me. I thank you that my  child will return to serving you." You get the idea.

Philippians 4:8 tells us "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."  Reject any negative thoughts because you know it is Satan's plan to drag you down and defeat you. You are a child of the king!! In the motion picture ' The Help' one of the maids has a little girl she cares for say out loud daily "I am good, I am important, I am special"  to build up her self esteem. Why not add something to that. Say "God loves me!"

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for making me unique. When Satan tries to get me discouraged and thinking wrong thoughts help me discipline my mind and speech to being glory to you and you alone! My hope is in you and I need not fear.  In Jesus name. Amen.