THREE SECRETS THAT BUILD MENTAL MUSCLE AND OVERCOME NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

Byadmin

 “Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become.” 

————–Margaret Thatcher, first female British Prime Minister.

My mind becomes a fast track of speeding thoughts – good, sad, tempting, depressing, joyful, fearful, and a multitude of more. Negative thoughts multiply like rabbits.  More mental muscle is needed to conquer the negatives that impact my attitudes.  But I am learning as I do these three actions – 1) renew my mind, 2) take my thoughts captive, and 3) yield to the Holy Spirit.   

We can overcome the dark thoughts that fast track through our brains.  

PART 2 JESUS HELPS US UNDERSTAND GOD’S PLAN (Peter’s Example)

Byadmin

In Part 1 of the previous post, Peter’s human understanding of God’s plan was limited.  He failed, but God in his grace and mercy continued to reach out to Peter. God’s persistent love won him.  Peter grew in knowledge and experience with God to become a powerhouse of faith.  If you haven’t read Part 1 [WHEN WE DON’T UNDERSTAND GOD’S WAYS, Human thinking and the example of Peter],  I suggest you go back and start there. 

WHEN WE DON’T UNDERSTAND GOD’S WAYS Human thinking and the example of Peter – Part 1

Byadmin

Human thinking is often inadequate when weighing spiritual matters. Much like a baby learning to walk or talk or run, we begin with baby steps in spiritual insight.  But we do grow as we take time in God’s word, prayer, and seeking knowledge of the Lord.  In that growing, God in his love and kindness steps in to help us.  Peter, a leading disciple, rebuked Jesus for saying he would suffer and die on the cross.  Although Peter lacked an understanding of God’s plan, he grew in spiritual understanding and became a powerhouse of faith.  His example gives me encouragement for the times I don’t understand what God is up to.

ARE YOU HUNGRY?

Byadmin

Why don’t we reach for vegetables when we are stressed, hungry, or tired?  We reach for bread.  The more we eat the more we want!  When Jesus was fasting for over a month, Satan came to tempt him by saying he should turn the stones into bread. As hungry as Jesus must have been after 40 days, he responded with a scripture.  He made an important statement that still emphasizes the paramount need of God’s Word.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING MOST NEEDED? Mary Chose It

Byadmin

The scripture gives us an admonition for “one thing” that is necessary. “One thing” should be the priority in our daily lives.  In fact, Jesus, while visiting at the home of his friends, Mary and Martha, teaches them and us what that priority should be.  That “one thing” is more important than food, finances or approval.  What did Jesus say was the “one thing?”

PLANTING SEEDS FOR SUCCESS

Byadmin

Who doesn’t love a good secret, especially when God tells it?  Jesus was telling the following crowds a parable about the importance of having a receptive heart to the words of Jesus.  The immense crowds enjoyed following the latest trend in Galilee by this miracle working man but weren’t really interested in becoming true followers of Jesus.  Jesus admonished the crowds to hear.  He said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”  Apparently, they were hearing but not comprehending.  They didn’t want to change their lives to follow, they just wanted to be part of the crowd and excitement.   

THE ANGELS OF GOD MET HIM

Byadmin

The Secret Meaning of Mahanaim

Jacob, part of the triangle of Israel’s covenant patriarchs, was heading home with his family, possessions, and livestock after living with his father-in-law for many years. In obedience to return to the Land of Promise he now faces a crisis, fearing his incensed brother. How did the angels help Jacob? And what was the meaning of the place, Mahanaim?