Our thoughts are words. We may think in different languages, but regardless of the language, we still think words. This may sound pretty elementary, but I want to stress the correlation, because we are talking about word power. What we think is powerful because words are power! I believe that God “in the beginning” first thought the words He spoke to create the world and all that’s in it. In the same way, what we think influences what we say and do. It colors our perception of every facet of our lives.
Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks, so is he.” If we are what we think, who are we now? What do we want to be, or who do we want to be? What have we been thinking , or thinking about, and meditating on? I recently made a list of wrong thinking about my own life. And I can follow those wrong thoughts to wrong results in my life. It was quite an eye opener, but it’s not too late, even for me, to change those thoughts and thought patterns. In fact, I’ve started, and it is working! How powerful it is that we can be who we want to be just by changing what we think! That’s very thought-provoking!
Fast From Wrong Thinking:
God is so amazing! He brought revelation to me through two Christian television programs just this morning. One revelation was the idea of a “fast from wrong thinking, instead of a fast from food”. The people who did that saw fantastic results in their lives. We should try it! When negative or wrong thoughts come our way, let’s take those thoughts captive and change them! (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) Sometimes we don’t recognize that we’re thinking negative, or thinking wrong thoughts. We just think that’s who we are and how we think.
The test of wrong thinking is this: Wrong Thoughts Are Thoughts That Do Not Agree With God’s Word.
The other revelation was Galatians 6:3, “If any man thinks he is something, when he is not that thing, he deceives himself.” Sometimes we think something wrong about ourselves! When we do that, we deceive ourselves. The following are some examples of wrong thinking, and how we might correct that wrong thinking.
“I’m just never going to get ahead.” “I’ll never be able to pay the bills.” “I’m always going to be stuck in this situation.” “No matter what I do, it never works.” To start with, try turning the negative thoughts into positive thoughts. One way to do this is by adding the word but… We can say, “It might look like I am defeated, but I always triumph in Jesus Christ, because He always causes me to (and leads me in) triumph!” (2 Cor. 2:14). Or we might think, “I am lonely, no friends, and no one loves me, but Jesus loves me, because His love never fails. He is always with me, because He said He would never leave me nor forsake me. Jesus is my friend, and He sticks closer to me than a brother. Since He cannot lie, I know I am loved and never alone!” (Heb. 13:5; 1 Cor. 13:8; Prov. 18:24; Titus 1:2) These are examples of the true, positive, life-altering words we should think.
Other ways we think something wrong about ourselves have to do with how we see ourselves, and what we think about ourselves. “I’m fat, I’m ugly, I’m too short, I’m too tall, I’m un-likeable, I talk too much, I can’t talk right, I can’t talk to people, and My mind doesn’t work right.” Those are only a few of the wrong thoughts that we might think. The way to make sure we are thinking right is to find out what the Bible says about us. Who are we in Christ? How does God see us? We can find these answers in God’s Word. God has a personal word to us! If we ask Him, He will lead us to the right words we need to hear and think.
Remember Philippians 4:8, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” If you consider these words, you might sum them up as, “Think about only positive, life-building, life-affirming words and things.” These words are powerful and can change our lives. When the Bible tells us what we are to think, we must value those words or thoughts, and practice thinking them. God gives us instructions for our good! Out with the wrong thoughts, and in with the right!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
2009 - A Christmas to Remember...or forget???
2009 will be a Christmas to remember, or maybe one to forget what lies behind... if it ever is behind enough to forget!
Kansas City had a snow blizzard Christmas Eve day... It was still snowing last night-Saturday. The first blizzrd actually wound its way around in a circle and came back to us again yesterday, although it never really stopped snowing for long in-between. We had 7-10 inches of snow, with snow drifts well over 2 feet. Our porch was covered with snow up to the door step. And our neighbors had snow up to their front doorknob!
In spite of this, we had a great time with our daughters and families. Since both girls live here close by we were able to have dinner, and opened our presents on Christmas Eve, a family tradition. It was fun watching our grandsons open all of their presents and getting so excited!
After they left, and we were on our way to bed, Harlas said, I think it's cold in here, I'm going to turn the heat up. Only our thermostat said EE. (What in the world does that mean? Our manual made no reference to it.) In essence, we had no heat. We called our heating guy on Christmas morning (and his birthday, no less) and he came out and told us we need a new furnace! So, we have been without regular heat since Christmas Eve. Supposedly we are getting a new furnace tomorrow, but since he doesn't take charge cards, we have to arrange financing first thing, and still get a furnace delivered and installed.
But this Christmas is still giving.... Last night, with all the snow on the roof, our roof started leaking! We have high vaulted ceilings, and the leak has now stopped, but has torn away a huge chunk of plaster. And of course the leak is above the stairs going down to the garage and ground level, (we live in a tri-level), so it is almost completely inaccessible to the ceiling...with the bottom of the stairs being the furthest distance from the ceiling. And there is nothing to be done until spring, probably, when someone might be able to get to the roof.
More snow is predicted on Wednesday, with no weather above freezing in the imminent future. I think this is one Christmas I'd rather forget than remember.
But I have remembered to be thankful! We have electricity, and are using space heaters during the day, and heating with our gas oven, and have plenty of food, and our family for moral support and cheering up! Other than being cold and wearing 3 layers of clothing, we are all doing just fine!
Here's hoping all your Christmas celebrations were full of fun and family!
Sharon
Kansas City had a snow blizzard Christmas Eve day... It was still snowing last night-Saturday. The first blizzrd actually wound its way around in a circle and came back to us again yesterday, although it never really stopped snowing for long in-between. We had 7-10 inches of snow, with snow drifts well over 2 feet. Our porch was covered with snow up to the door step. And our neighbors had snow up to their front doorknob!
In spite of this, we had a great time with our daughters and families. Since both girls live here close by we were able to have dinner, and opened our presents on Christmas Eve, a family tradition. It was fun watching our grandsons open all of their presents and getting so excited!
After they left, and we were on our way to bed, Harlas said, I think it's cold in here, I'm going to turn the heat up. Only our thermostat said EE. (What in the world does that mean? Our manual made no reference to it.) In essence, we had no heat. We called our heating guy on Christmas morning (and his birthday, no less) and he came out and told us we need a new furnace! So, we have been without regular heat since Christmas Eve. Supposedly we are getting a new furnace tomorrow, but since he doesn't take charge cards, we have to arrange financing first thing, and still get a furnace delivered and installed.
But this Christmas is still giving.... Last night, with all the snow on the roof, our roof started leaking! We have high vaulted ceilings, and the leak has now stopped, but has torn away a huge chunk of plaster. And of course the leak is above the stairs going down to the garage and ground level, (we live in a tri-level), so it is almost completely inaccessible to the ceiling...with the bottom of the stairs being the furthest distance from the ceiling. And there is nothing to be done until spring, probably, when someone might be able to get to the roof.
More snow is predicted on Wednesday, with no weather above freezing in the imminent future. I think this is one Christmas I'd rather forget than remember.
But I have remembered to be thankful! We have electricity, and are using space heaters during the day, and heating with our gas oven, and have plenty of food, and our family for moral support and cheering up! Other than being cold and wearing 3 layers of clothing, we are all doing just fine!
Here's hoping all your Christmas celebrations were full of fun and family!
Sharon
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Hearing Words
Jesus had a lot to say about hearing and what we hear. In Mark 4:23-24, Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.” This tells us to take heed, or pay close attention to, what we hear. I believe it also implies that we need to develop a “hearing ear”.
What or how we hear affects the thoughts that we think, and even the words we speak, or the actions we take in response to what or how we hear. What we hear can influence us for good or bad. When we constantly listen to depressing or violent words, it affects our thinking about ourselves and maybe about life in general. Or if we hear good, positive things about ourselves, it makes us feel good, and can change how we look at ourselves.
When we listen to someone speak, are we hearing with preconceived ideas? Are we listening with biases that color and influence what we hear? At some point in our lives, we have probably all taken offense to something someone has said, and responded, “What’s that supposed to mean?”. Are we listening to prove someone wrong, or are we listening to hear truth? Are we listening with “selective” hearing, so that we tune out everything we don’t want to hear? That’s like the old saying, “In one ear, and out the other.” Or are we listening intently to glean all we can from what’s being said?
“Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use it will be measured to you, and to you who hear, more will be given.” This scripture also brings to my mind the question, are we good listeners? When people talk to us, do we really listen to them? If the same measure that we listen with will be measured back to us, will anyone really listen to us? Or will they tune us out like we have tuned other people out?
The Old Testament in the Bible (Numbers 13) tells us the story of the 12 spies. The Israelites had been miraculously delivered from the Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea and were in the desert waiting to cross over into the Promised Land. Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land to spy out the land and report back to him. When they returned, two of them, Joshua and Caleb, had a good report of a land flowing with milk and honey and that the Israelites were well able to conquer the inhabitants of the land. However, the other 10 spies reported that there were giants in the land that made them look like grasshoppers, and they could not take the land. The people in the desert believed the “evil” report, or the negative report of the 10, instead of believing the good report given by Joshua and Caleb. They then wandered around in the desert until they died. They did not see the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb did! While this is talking about what they believed, I think it also points to what and how they “heard”. They obviously did not have a hearing ear to hear what God was saying. They didn’t hear truth! This is a good example of the majority being wrong.
The Bible tells us in Romans 10:17 that “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” If faith comes by hearing, we need to be hearing the right words. It is important for us to be hearing the Word of God. It’s also good when we hear ourselves speaking it.
In hearing God’s Word, do we stretch our minds – stretch our faith – listen intently for the voice of God, listen intently to hear truth, hear life? To hear in the Spirit, see in the Spirit? Do we listen for His voice? Do we measure out our hearing in large, finely-tuned doses to be able to hear more? For the more we hear, the more we will be given. Jesus said in Mark 4:11 that we have been given the ability to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God. So if we listen, we will hear! Jesus also said in John 10:1-18 that He is the Good Shepherd and His sheep know His voice. If we are born again believers, we know His voice. Let us listen with hearing ears for His voice in everything we hear or listen to. There is life in His words. His words have power that can change our lives.
What or how we hear affects the thoughts that we think, and even the words we speak, or the actions we take in response to what or how we hear. What we hear can influence us for good or bad. When we constantly listen to depressing or violent words, it affects our thinking about ourselves and maybe about life in general. Or if we hear good, positive things about ourselves, it makes us feel good, and can change how we look at ourselves.
When we listen to someone speak, are we hearing with preconceived ideas? Are we listening with biases that color and influence what we hear? At some point in our lives, we have probably all taken offense to something someone has said, and responded, “What’s that supposed to mean?”. Are we listening to prove someone wrong, or are we listening to hear truth? Are we listening with “selective” hearing, so that we tune out everything we don’t want to hear? That’s like the old saying, “In one ear, and out the other.” Or are we listening intently to glean all we can from what’s being said?
“Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use it will be measured to you, and to you who hear, more will be given.” This scripture also brings to my mind the question, are we good listeners? When people talk to us, do we really listen to them? If the same measure that we listen with will be measured back to us, will anyone really listen to us? Or will they tune us out like we have tuned other people out?
The Old Testament in the Bible (Numbers 13) tells us the story of the 12 spies. The Israelites had been miraculously delivered from the Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea and were in the desert waiting to cross over into the Promised Land. Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land to spy out the land and report back to him. When they returned, two of them, Joshua and Caleb, had a good report of a land flowing with milk and honey and that the Israelites were well able to conquer the inhabitants of the land. However, the other 10 spies reported that there were giants in the land that made them look like grasshoppers, and they could not take the land. The people in the desert believed the “evil” report, or the negative report of the 10, instead of believing the good report given by Joshua and Caleb. They then wandered around in the desert until they died. They did not see the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb did! While this is talking about what they believed, I think it also points to what and how they “heard”. They obviously did not have a hearing ear to hear what God was saying. They didn’t hear truth! This is a good example of the majority being wrong.
The Bible tells us in Romans 10:17 that “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” If faith comes by hearing, we need to be hearing the right words. It is important for us to be hearing the Word of God. It’s also good when we hear ourselves speaking it.
In hearing God’s Word, do we stretch our minds – stretch our faith – listen intently for the voice of God, listen intently to hear truth, hear life? To hear in the Spirit, see in the Spirit? Do we listen for His voice? Do we measure out our hearing in large, finely-tuned doses to be able to hear more? For the more we hear, the more we will be given. Jesus said in Mark 4:11 that we have been given the ability to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God. So if we listen, we will hear! Jesus also said in John 10:1-18 that He is the Good Shepherd and His sheep know His voice. If we are born again believers, we know His voice. Let us listen with hearing ears for His voice in everything we hear or listen to. There is life in His words. His words have power that can change our lives.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Words and Goodness
We talked about the importance of us believing God’s Word, and that it can even keep us from harm, like stepping in a hole. Now, I want to talk about another underlying characteristic of God’s Word, and that is the goodness of God. Here again, you might ask, what’s this got to do with words, or word power? And again, I say, everything! We must believe in His goodness, otherwise we miss the heart of God when we talk about His Word, our words, and the power of His and our words.
I always get excited when I think about the fact that God’s Glory is His Goodness! Just think! His Glory, which we equate with ultimate power and perfection, is Goodness! In Exodus 33:18-23, Moses said to God, “Show me Your Glory.” Then God said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before you.” God allowed Moses to see His back because that is all the glory or goodness Moses could see and still live. Also, in Exodus 34:5-7, God declares Goodness as part of His Name. His essence, name, and character is goodness. God’s goodness is that powerful!
Goodness is also listed in Galatians 5:20 as one of the fruits of the Spirit. And then it says, “against such there is no law.” Think about it. There is no law against goodness, speaking good things, doing good things! Since God created us in His image, that same goodness resides in us, whether or not we acknowledge it or live by it. Jesus said in Matthew 12:35, “A good man out of the good treasure of His heart brings forth good things.” God’s goodness is in His Word, is His Word. His Words are good! When we put the good Word of God into our hearts, we are able to bring good treasure out of our own hearts.
God’s goodness shows up in other ways, too. Romans 2:4 says, “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads to repentance?” It is God’s goodness, not His wrath, which leads us to repentance. When we do or say something wrong or hurtful, someone’s wrath only ignites more anger in us. But God comes along and forgives and is good to us, which in turns melts our hearts and causes us to repent, and be restored into fellowship with Him. That’s true power!
James 1:17 goes on to tell us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no shadow of turning.” God, out of the goodness of His heart and nature, gives us good and perfect gifts. All the good things that happen and that people do and say are good and perfect gifts from God above.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man (and woman) of God may be completely, thoroughly furnished for every good work.” Did you notice the good work? God’s goodness gives us good words so we can think and speak good words, and carry out His good work. Everyone benefits when good comes into their lives. When the Word of God comes into people’s lives, they are changed! That’s power!
Philippians 4:8 says, “ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.” We are to think on the good things!
Before we talk about our words and thoughts, we need to understand the motivation of God in telling us what to say and think and do! It is because of His goodness that He gives us instruction and tells us to pay attention to His Word. He is endeavoring to see good and not evil triumph in our lives. He also wants to equip us to do every good work. We carry His Name of Goodness in us to speak and do good things.
I always get excited when I think about the fact that God’s Glory is His Goodness! Just think! His Glory, which we equate with ultimate power and perfection, is Goodness! In Exodus 33:18-23, Moses said to God, “Show me Your Glory.” Then God said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before you.” God allowed Moses to see His back because that is all the glory or goodness Moses could see and still live. Also, in Exodus 34:5-7, God declares Goodness as part of His Name. His essence, name, and character is goodness. God’s goodness is that powerful!
Goodness is also listed in Galatians 5:20 as one of the fruits of the Spirit. And then it says, “against such there is no law.” Think about it. There is no law against goodness, speaking good things, doing good things! Since God created us in His image, that same goodness resides in us, whether or not we acknowledge it or live by it. Jesus said in Matthew 12:35, “A good man out of the good treasure of His heart brings forth good things.” God’s goodness is in His Word, is His Word. His Words are good! When we put the good Word of God into our hearts, we are able to bring good treasure out of our own hearts.
God’s goodness shows up in other ways, too. Romans 2:4 says, “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads to repentance?” It is God’s goodness, not His wrath, which leads us to repentance. When we do or say something wrong or hurtful, someone’s wrath only ignites more anger in us. But God comes along and forgives and is good to us, which in turns melts our hearts and causes us to repent, and be restored into fellowship with Him. That’s true power!
James 1:17 goes on to tell us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no shadow of turning.” God, out of the goodness of His heart and nature, gives us good and perfect gifts. All the good things that happen and that people do and say are good and perfect gifts from God above.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man (and woman) of God may be completely, thoroughly furnished for every good work.” Did you notice the good work? God’s goodness gives us good words so we can think and speak good words, and carry out His good work. Everyone benefits when good comes into their lives. When the Word of God comes into people’s lives, they are changed! That’s power!
Philippians 4:8 says, “ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.” We are to think on the good things!
Before we talk about our words and thoughts, we need to understand the motivation of God in telling us what to say and think and do! It is because of His goodness that He gives us instruction and tells us to pay attention to His Word. He is endeavoring to see good and not evil triumph in our lives. He also wants to equip us to do every good work. We carry His Name of Goodness in us to speak and do good things.
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