I have always been fascinated by motivational speakers. I’m drawn to their positive messages. Now, I’m not talking about the new age nonsense you sometimes see on PBS. I’m talking about people who focus our attention on the positive side of life. I enjoy looking at life through the eyes of faith and hope.
Subsequently, I have always enjoyed ministers and ministries that have focused on positive faith-filled thinking. I love to watch and listen to a Robert Schuller or a Joel Osteen. There is something about their message that inspires my soul. And judging by the size of their congregations and TV audience there are many inspired by their message.
The reason positive messages are so attractive is because they are filled with faith. Faith that there is something greater, bigger, better in our future. And as we have been studying in Hebrews, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6a
When you study the Bible you will find the positive faith-filled messages that permeate the pages of Scripture. Paul in Philippians 4:8 commands us to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Peter in 1 Peter 2:9 tells us to see ourselves as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. One of my favorite verses comes in the blessing pronounced in Deuteronomy 28:13, “The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”
The Word of God is clear…for those of us who love and follow God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength we can be full of hope and faith. Now that’s a positive message worth getting excited about!
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Secret Place
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 (KJV)
Secret places in our lives are important because they make us into the people God has called us to be. What we become in the secret places follows us into our daily lives and allows us to live victorious spiritual lives in the fray of everyday hectic life.
The difficulty with the secret place is that you can’t make the experience happen. We all need to experience God in the secret place, so what can we do?
Position yourself. We can position ourselves to meet with God. Make sure you’re at church, worshipping, in the Word, spending time with God privately, meeting with your small group, etc.
Psalm 91:1 (KJV)
Secret places in our lives are important because they make us into the people God has called us to be. What we become in the secret places follows us into our daily lives and allows us to live victorious spiritual lives in the fray of everyday hectic life.
The difficulty with the secret place is that you can’t make the experience happen. We all need to experience God in the secret place, so what can we do?
Position yourself. We can position ourselves to meet with God. Make sure you’re at church, worshipping, in the Word, spending time with God privately, meeting with your small group, etc.
Persevere. Persevere until meet with God. Take the time necessary. Don’t give up.
Live in it. You can’t stay in the secret place but you can take the experience with you. Live in the power and presence of God in every area, every day of your life.
Go after a secret place experience with God this week!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Biggies
Early in our adulthood we make the decisions that shape our lives. We take on tremendous responsibility not really knowing the full impact of our choices. We get married, have children, choose a career, etc. I remember early in my twenties I couldn’t wait to get married, have kids, and be a “real” pastor. Needless to say, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
As we mature, we realize that we need help with the “biggie” responsibilities of life. What we once thought we could handle with ease becomes overwhelming.
We call these responsibilities the “biggies” because they become the main callings in our life. We are called to our marriage. We are called to parenting. We are called to our work. The good news is that when God places a calling on our life He is there to help us. If we are yielded to God He will fully equip and anoint us for the callings of our life.
As we mature, we realize that we need help with the “biggie” responsibilities of life. What we once thought we could handle with ease becomes overwhelming.
We call these responsibilities the “biggies” because they become the main callings in our life. We are called to our marriage. We are called to parenting. We are called to our work. The good news is that when God places a calling on our life He is there to help us. If we are yielded to God He will fully equip and anoint us for the callings of our life.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Attitude
Chuck Swindoll has said so well, “Attitude is more important than the facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people say or think or do.”
Did you ever notice how much God is interested in our mind and our thinking? Because He is our creator He knows how we are wired. Our mind sets the direction for our life. It is our mind and thoughts that help us live beyond our natural surroundings and circumstances and embrace a life of faith. In His Word we are challenged by God to have His mind or His way of thinking. God freely gives His wisdom to all who are willing to follow.
Here are some verses to use in renewing your mind and thinking this week.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV)
Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature. Ephesians 4:23-24 (TLB)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2-3 (NKJV)
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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Did you ever notice how much God is interested in our mind and our thinking? Because He is our creator He knows how we are wired. Our mind sets the direction for our life. It is our mind and thoughts that help us live beyond our natural surroundings and circumstances and embrace a life of faith. In His Word we are challenged by God to have His mind or His way of thinking. God freely gives His wisdom to all who are willing to follow.
Here are some verses to use in renewing your mind and thinking this week.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV)
Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature. Ephesians 4:23-24 (TLB)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2-3 (NKJV)
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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
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