The Power of...

In my psychology of religion, we had to think of a topic to present. My topic was about the power of positive thinking. Positive thinking is something, at one point or another, struggle with. There are times that it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but there is!

"If you think in negative terms you will get negative results. If you think in positive terms you will get positive results. That is the simple fact...of an astonishing law of prosperity and success." Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking, 1952.

There were 4 areas of the presentation that were covered. There's not a lot of depth to this (it has been over 3 years since I did the presentation), so bare with me! Below are the reasons it is important to have positive thinking.
Optimism vs Pessimism: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Winston Churchill
It's hard to follow up with the comparing optimism to pessimism after Winston Churchill's quote. Positive thinking can result in less stress, positive emotions, and a healthier lifestyle.
Attitudes: "Your attitudes should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
A theorist, Plotnik (2005), stated that "we first observe or perceive our own behavior and then, as a result, change our attitudes." This was the central concept for the self-perception theory.
Health Factors: To simply put it, our attitude/beliefs/thoughts, can alter our physical state. The more calm we are, the lower our blood pressure may be. Other factors can be affected as well, our mental health (depression, anxiety) and even stress level.
Church Application: (I hope to not step on people's toes here.) First, we must take off our own blinders or become more open minded to God's will. Thinking positively about God's will can allow us to reach more loss souls. God does not provide everyone with the same talent. We should be open to being blessed with different talents.

Ways to think more positively:
1. Focus on what you are thinking about. "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
2. Stop letting other's negative thoughts influence yours.
3. Focus on areas you want to change. - Start small. Gradually make a change.
4. Take the time to write down positive statements, then reflect on them. Post them at work, home, wherever you are the most.
5. Pray about areas that need strengthening. Listen to God's direction and be accepting of the changes that may need to be made.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. I come to you asking you to search our my heart. Help me to rid myself of negative thoughts/feelings/behaviors. Just like tools Lord, we all need ot be sharpened. I pray Your will may be done in my life. Amen.

Out of my Mind?

Has any one ever asked you, "Are you crazy?" or, "Have you lost your mind?" I wouldn't even began to guess the number of times I have been asked one of those questions. Most of the time I have done something silly or dangerous. However, this is a questions Christians should be faced with daily. Here's my logic....

Colossians 3:1 says, "If you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." v3, "For you died, and your life is hidden in Christ God."

When we take the biggest step of faith, asking Christ to come into our hearts, minds, and soul, we should look different. Our family and friends should wonder what happened to the person that you once were. See Christ calls us to get rid of our past life, the life of sin. Christ wants to cloth us in His grace and mercy, which then entails us to put on our new self. Those who are non-believers will probably think that you have gone "crazy". And just maybe, you have gone "crazy" for God.

Galatians 5:20 states, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith."

Just about ever Sunday morning, Pastor Wayne asked us, "Have you died to self?" This is a daily struggle to me, however, a daily purpose. But I must remember that to live as Christ has called me to. I must put away my old self, my old behaviors, my old attitude. Then I must take on His ways and His attitude. Christ calls us to Daily Die to Self.

Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I mess up. Help me to remember that I must give up my old ways in order to follow Your way. Guide my steps on this bumpy road. Let Your light shine bright in me so that other's may come to know you. In your Precious and Holy Son's name, Amen.

Overcoming Your Downcast Spirit

This blog comes from Brother Wayne Spivey's sermon today. Brother Wayne has been doing a sermon series called 54 Biblical Ways to Become a Better Person, and this week was sermon number 7. There has been a underlying theme with most of my blogs, emotional wellness and spirituality. I thought his sermon fits right with my blogs...here are his points. (My additional notes/thoughts are in purple.)

1. Rejoice and be glad. ("This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24)

2. Focus on the positive and count your blessings. (Psalms 103:1-5)

3. Get proper rest. (We, as humans, can often get too much sleep which alters our ability to regulate our emotional healthy. The same is true if we get too little sleep.)

4. Do something for someone else. (Often times when we do something good for someone else, our spirits are lifted.)

5. Listen to upbeat, happy music. (KLOVE is probably one of the most uplifting station I listen to in the car. Their slogan is Positive and Encourage: KLOVE. I would have to highly agree, God is definitely at work with KLOVE.)

6. Exercise (or find a hobby that gets you moving). (Your brain does amazing things like when you exercise it sends endorphins through your brain that lift your spirits.)

7. Make up your mind to be happy and enthusiastic. (Abraham Lincoln once said, A man is about as happy as he makes his mind up to be.")

8. Take a little break and do something for yourself. (Taking time to take care of yourself is important. This can be as simple as take a relaxing hot bath, scrapbooking, or playing a round of golf.)

9. Claim the promises of God.

10. Cast your troubles on the Lord. ("Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7)

11. Immerse yourself in the word of God.

Going through the valleys is difficult and often challenging. However, if we cling the the eleven concepts covered above, we can pull out of the valley with God's help! Remember F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God)!!!

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you laying all of my burdens at your feet. You know my heart and my heartache. I pray that through the difficult times, I can learn to lean ever more on you. Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life, and may I always remember to stop and count them. In your Sons name, Amen.

Edmund Burke once said,"No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little."

This quote is one that closely relates to our lives as Christians. We are not called to sit down and do nothing. On the contrary. We are called to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19.

One of my new favorite songs is by a group called Anthem Lights. The song is called I Wanna Know You Like That. ( I encourage you to check it out on youtube.) The song talks about how Christians want to know the Lord like those who have an on fire love and relationship with God. The lyrics are: I wanna know you like that, to live, to love. With everything I am, to give it all. I wanna know you like that, To become a man after your heart, and not look back. I wanna know you like that.

In order to know God like that, I feel we must not passively live our lives. We should want to service God, the Church, and the Community. We should not hesitate to give our time, especially since we ask God to give so much of His time to us. Like the lyrics say, we should love so much and give everything back because our passion is to be Christ-like.

Dear Lord, I come to you asking to open my eyes to your servant hood. I pray that everyday I continue to shed my old self and put on Your armor. Help me to be the person you designed me to be and love others. I pray Lord, that you help me to be a witness to others so that they may come to know you as well. In your Precious and Holy Son's name, Amen.

Enduring Pain to find Blessings

  Over the last week, God has really been working on my heart.  He has opened up my eyes and softened my heart to the trials I have been enduring.  When I think that I am unable to withstand the hurt/disappointment/pain, I simply reflect upon the challenges that many individuals in the Bible withstood. 

The Book of Job has to be one of the most humbling books about suffering and finding blessings.  Job was tempted by Satan, losing his health, wealth, and family.  In the mist of his trials, Job somehow remained faithful to God. 

As humans, we must accept the fact that we will face hardships and trials.  Jesus did not go without hardships; He faced and conquered the cross.  What we need to remember though, that in times of pain we need to draw closer to God.  "He sets on high those who are lowly, And those who mourn are lifted to safety." Job 5:11  God sincerely cares for those who are hurting.

In seeking counsel through Christian family members and friends, God has been opening up my eyes.  Admitting one's faults are not always easy, but that is one of the things God calls us to do.  During the storm of heartache, we do not always know why we are suffering.  But if we ask for wisdom, God will provide: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

Dear Heavenly and Merciful Father, I humbly come to you bowing my head.  I lift up this heavy heart and pain that has been weighing me down.  I ask that you wrap your arms around me.  I pray Lord for wisdom and understanding.  I know, Lord, that you will continue to provide for my needs.  Thank you Lord for the blessings I receive.  In Your Precious and Holy Name, Amen.

Lighthouse

One of my joys and determinations of a vacation location is by lighthouses. I love everything that they stand for.

There are two songs I think of that remind me of lighthouses. First, This Little Light of Mine, a childhood song. The lyrics are:

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine,

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Growing up I never really thought about what the lyrics meant. But we are called as Christians to let the light in us, Jesus Christ, shine bright so that others may come to know it.

The purpose of the light how is to guide ships/captains. It stands tall and firm the trying storms and beautiful days. The light notifies the ships when they are approaching danger (sand dunes, low tide, rocks, etc). Our light is meant to shine to guide non-believers to a safe voyage of finding Christ.

The second song is by Anthem Lights, a new contemporary Christian group that I have come to enjoy. Their message is the same. The songs says that we need to stand and shine bright so that non-believers know that they are not alone. They don't have to walk this earth feeling lost, confused, or hopeless. They can find the One who created them, the One who longs after their hearts--and there find peace.

SO LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BRIGHT!

(Side Note) I apologize for not being more consistent with my blogs. I have been seeking and searching for God's will in my life. Without airing out my dirty laundry, I simply ask that you simply think of me when you are praying. God is faith and just, I feel that I must simply wait on His timing.