Beauty in your life- change your thoughts for a positive outlook
What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?
What are 5 everyday things I do to bring me happiness. Praying and worshipping God, Going for coffee with friends. Playing with my dog. Talking to my kids everyday. Having talks with my husband.
Describe something you learned in high school.
I wasn’t very good at math or science in high school, but I did succeed in English and literature class. I picked up some pretty good skills.
Writing skills not only include the physical act of writing. I learned skill like research, planning and outlining, editing, revising, spelling, grammar, and organization and critical components of the writing process.
Since becoming a Christian in 2008. I’ve heard many lies about God: “God isn’t real, we are gods, all gods are the same, Jesus is only a prophet.” among many others. Despite the world’s desire to deny God, He is real. And one day the world will be forced to acknowledge that truth.
Believers need to recognize lies about God and how to combat those lies. And that all lies originate from satan.
Lies:
1. God doesn’t exist
“The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; there is no one who does good” – Psalm 53:1
Society tells us God doesn’t exist. If He doesn’t exist, then we don’t have to obey the Word of God, and there is no such thing as sin. Society will have us believe that murder, rape, and other crimes don’t have any consequences. If this is so, why are our big cities falling apart because of crime and sin.
When people challenge me to prove God exists. I counter the demand by asking to prove He doesn’t. They can’t or they point to all the evil in the world as proof that God isn’t real.
2. God doesn’t get involved in Human affairs
Some people believe in God, but they’ve bought into the lie that God doesn’t get involved on human affairs. They say God exists, but He doesn’t care who we marry, where we live, or whether we attend church. We have free will, but Satan wants us to live a life that separates us from God. So of course he would start the lie that God doesn’t care about the details of our lives. The lie that we aren’t supposed to get involved in politics is flowing through church’s everywhere. God does care about the details of our lives. He cares and leads us by His Holy Spirit.
3. We can’t approach God anytime we want
“For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face” Psalm 11:7
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, Jesus provided a model that still works today:
“Our Father in heaven, Who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be don’t on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” – Matthew 6: 9-13.
This prayer reminds us that His name is sacred and holy. Just as we would never approach a respected boss, or important figures disrespectfully, we must not approach God disrespectfully either. He is not the big man upstairs. Nor is he our buddy. He is God and He deserves to be revered with the honor due to His name.
4. There is no one true God, only a higher power.
“The God who made the world and all things in it, He being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands” – Acts 17:24.
Some people call the higher power the generic creator. Some say it’s the universe, energy, or a force. A relationship is never with the universe. These people will never love God because there’s nothing or no one to love. The universe just is. This lie removes the possibility of the deepest, most meaningful relationship one will ever know or have. This lie leaves us unfulfilled and searching for something more. It’s true there is a Creator, but He has a name and has made Himself known. Knowing and loving God has been one of the highlights in my life. I wouldn’t trade my relationship with God for anything.
5. We serve the same God
“Who is like you, Lord among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” -Exodus 15:11.
The lie that we all serve the same God: Christians, Muslims. Jews, Hindus, Buddhists Our God is the same. If this is true, then there is no distinction between Christians and Muslims, Jews etc… But there are many situations: Jesus being fully God and fully man is the greatest distinction. God revealed Himself through Jesus. (Hebrews 1). A true God created us. This God isn’t dead, lying in a tomb. He is alive and He loves us.
6. We are “Gods”
“But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and everlasting King. At His wrath, the earth quakes. and the nations cannot endure His indignation” – Jeremiah 10:10.
This lie says we are gods. And we don’t have to revere God. This lie says we are divine, forge our own paths and are equal to god (if there is one). This lie allows us to walk arrogantly, and pridefully, believing we are better than others. Believing this lie had resulted in people thinking they are superior to others. We are not gods or goddesses. We are human beings. Who Jesus died for so one day we can be holy enough to walk with God.
7. God didn’t create the world
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” – Genesis 1:1.
Another lie that culture tells us about God is that He didn’t create the world. There is a Big Bang theory that is taught to our children in. public schools and colleges. The Big Bang theory as though it’s a fact. It is not, its a theory. Don’t be misled.
8. The Bible isn’t the inspired Word of God
“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” -2 Timothy 3:16-17.
People have denied God’s voice and instruction since the beginning of time. People refuse to believe God provides a divinely inspired book full of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for His people. If the Bible is a lie some people want to live believe it is, then they don’t have to obey or apply it to their lives. God didn’t make robots. He gave us free will. We are free go make our own decisions and choices. However, we aren’t free to choose the consequences of those decisions. The Bible is the Word of God, and He will hold us accountable for not applying it to our lives.
9. Jesus isn’t God nor the Son of God
“I and the Father are one” – John 10:30
From the day Jesus sold the earth until now, people have debated Jesus’s divinity. He’s not just another prophet. Jesus called God His Father. The religious elite’s hair stood up at Jesus’s words because those words meant Jesus was making Himself equal to God (John 5:18). Jesus is the only way to God. Without Jesus, we cannot know God the Father (John 14:6-7). Jesus is fully God and fully man, and He deserves to be revered and loved accordingly.
10. Marriage is man-made
“For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Messiah and of the assembly” – Ephesians 5:31-32.
God created the institution of marriage. Society wants us to believe that marriage in unimportant, unnecessary, and trivial. Marriage is none of those things. Marriage is as relevant and necessary now as when God presented Eve to Adam. Divorce rates and our version to marriage of a man and woman don’t change God’s design. God created marriage to be beautiful, to be the vehicle through which children are born and raised to know, honor and serve God. Marriage is a physical representation of Christ‘s marriage to the church and should be respected as such.
As long as we live on the earth, we will hear lies about God. Some of the lies are close to the truth, and some people are fooled by them. But it is imperative that believers know the truth, and learn to “put on the full armor of God” so they can “stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11).
“I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God.”
My Pastor is going through the Psalms with the church. There is such valuable knowledge we can gain from the Psalms. Everything in this book teaches how to pray as we go through the trials of life.
Psalm 23 begins with the declaration “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” These opening words set the tone for the entire Psalm, painting a vivid picture of God as our caring and attentive Shepherd. But what does this metaphor reveal about our relationship with God?
How can we incorporate it’s timeless wisdom into our lives and have a deeper relationship with God?
In Psalm 23 there is a profound meaning that we can find comfort, guidance, and renewed faith in our Shepherd, the Lord. In every season of life. Knowing we can trust in His care, and that He leads us beside still waters and into paths of righteousness.
Describe one positive change you have made in your life.
One positive change that has changed my life drastically was to change my perspective. I used a technique called “Cognitive reframing.” It is used to shift your mindset so you are able to look at a situation, person of relationship differently.
The essential idea behind reframing is that the frame through which a person views a situation determines their point of view. When the frame (perspective) is shifted, the meaning changes and thinking and behavior often change along with it.
No matter how advanced in the world we become. Any generation that neglects spiritual and moral life is going to disintegrate. Every generation needs regeneration. Life isn’t made to be lived according to man’s ways, but God’s way.
If you’re paying attention we are disintegrating at an alarming rate.
The Bible teaches that every person has a soul -the part of us that lives forever. If a person commits suicide that doesn’t end it. What ends is the life of the body, but the soul lives on forever.
Matthew 10;28 tells us,
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul, Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (NIV).
Some people turn to drugs and alcohol to escape. Millions of people are depressed and discouraged that life will not turn out the way they had hoped.
While no one can prove God’s existence, it doesn’t mean that He doesn’t exist. God reveals Himself to man in creation, and in conscience. And those who trust in Him find their needs met according to His Word.
Those who are avid Bible readers can see the prophecies in the Bible are happening before their very eyes.
Our minds are a chaotic space for thoughts of all kinds. One day our thoughts can be joyful, and excited for what’s to come, other days our heads are filled with thoughts of negativity, fear, and what ifs.
An unsettled mind means an unsettled spirit. Our minds like to play tricks on us, leading us to think our thoughts really don’t matter. We think if we keep our thoughts to ourselves, then how much damage can they be doing? God talks about how our thoughts have a strong impact on our emotions and our actions.
Proverbs 4:23 says
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Our thoughts are the starting point of our actions, perspectives, emotions, and more. Everything you do flows from the heart, and that can either benefit you or hinder you and the relationships you have.
Coach’s tell their players how important their mindsets are during practices and playing the game. The majority of how they play is mental. If the players don’t learn the power of positive thinking, they probably won’t play well.
When we take control of our thoughts, it settles our spirit and enables us to do more than we ever thought possible. This type of mentality can be applied to many areas of your life. If you’re upset about a certain situation or outcome consider how your thoughts are affecting you. Are they making the situation worse? Are they leading you down a path of sadness, anger, or insecurity?
Paul wrote to the Philippians 4:8 saying,
“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 of such things.”
I love this verse because it reminds me of what a godly mindset should be. When my mind starts to go down the wrong path I think of this verse. Are my thoughts excellent or praiseworthy?
The power of your thoughts can change your entire demeanor. If we think of the above verse in times of negativity or insecurity give it to God. We have to settle our minds and go to God for guidance and peace. When we seek God He gives us what we ask of Him. Take control of your mind, for everything you do flows from it.
“Thoughts become words, Words become actions, Actions become habits, Habits become character, Character becomes your destiny.”
What’s the most fun way to exercise?
I think the most fun way to exercise is swimming. It’s low-impact and something you can continue throughout life. And has many physical as well as mental benefits, like relieving stress and improving coordination, balance, and posture.
What book could you read over and over again?
I read the Holy Bible over and over again.
I did not grow up going to church every week. My parents did not have family Bible reading every evening. No adult was ever around to read the Bible on a regular basis. But my father did have a picture of Jesus on the wall. I remember asking him who it was, and then I would ask him to tell me about him.
I used go pray to Jesus as a child for him to save me, to give me a new mother -one that loved me.
I didn’t turn to Jesus and got saved until I was 41 years old. Then I began reading the Bible. I remember reading as thinking there was more of knowledge I didn’t know existed and how my life would have been different if I had only known these things in the Bible sooner.
Simply by living in the world, we accumulate a lot of stuff. If you consider an week of time, how may disparaging conversations you overhear? How many sarcastic remarks? How many tempting scenes we encounter on television, web searches etc… Frustrations, hurt feelings and many of the things that snatch our attention.
What surrounds us shapes us in many ways that are not always detected. Reading the Bible over and over gives me continual reminders of God’s meticulous works of Providence. It keeps me grounded. And allows the pure Word of God to saturate and purge my mind.
I used to think I was a mistake. I wasn’t supposed to be born. Not because my mother told me I was, but because of what I was going through. I used to sit in the closet and ask God why He was allowing these things to happen to me. After years of abuse, I started believing God hated me.
Anyone who understands the truth about God knows that God does not make mistakes. Not a one. Never.
But that is not to say that it does not appear to us that sometimes maybe He has. It is our perspective that is limited, while God’s in infinite. It took me years to understand this because I didn’t understand why a good God would abandon me. I didn’t understand that He was strengthening me from a very young age. For many years I refused to believe He existed. The walls I put up to protect myself were keeping Him out as well. The mistake was mine, due to my limited knowledge and wisdom.
In Job 42:1-3 Job was talking to God and He says,
“Job answered the Lord, I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be restrained. You asked, who is this who hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have uttered that which I didn’t understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn’t know.”
We learn in Isaiah 55:8-9 that “God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and our ways are not His ways.“
If you were to think that only people who are unbelievers, or perhaps with only very weak faith, would ever question God’s decisions, plans or deeds. you would be wrong.
I didn’t believe because I didn’t understand. Now that I understand and have seen God’s work in my own life was well as people around me. I am thankful that God allowed me to go through what I have. We are strengthened my our trials and tribulations.
If we look in Genesis at the example of faith in the Bible is Abraham. Even Abraham had questions in his mind about whether God was doing the right thing. He was a man of great faith, and didn’t foolishly charge God, or mock or rebel against Him. As I have done in the past. I thank God every day for forgiving me.
Abraham’s attitude was always, “When I hear God speak then I will respond.” He was quick to hear, not merely listen. That is exactly what our attitude ought to be as well. That’s what faith is all about. We need that kind of reverence for the Lord.
We don’t know all the facts or the end results and we do not have access to all the important information. Sometimes we are quick to judge God because what we are going through. But we have to choose to live by faith. We may not have all the facts but God does. We have to trust God and do what is right and wait for the victory.
I know that now and I am a stronger person today because God allowed, what I thought was His hate, was really love.
God doesn’t make mistakes
“God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Messiah Yeshua“ -Proverbs 4:19
There’s an old saying “God helps those who help themselves.” Many people believe this is written in the Bible it isn’t, In all actuality everyone of us have 5 needs.
The problem is we define our wants as needs. I need that dodge hell that’s sitting on the showroom floor that goes 203 miles per hour. Nah, I don’t need that, I would probably kill myself seeing how fast it would go.
We all worry about trials and tribulations that come along and fill our lives and we can lose our way. And we begin to doubt that God can help.
We all know life can be unkind. There are many people even in our own communities with hearts that are broken, shattered dreams and burdens that are so heavy that they believe there is no hope.
We must always remember that God is faithful. No matter how discouraged or disheartened we must embrace the truth of God’s faithfulness. If we focus on our problems instead of God’s faithfulness, we can easily be led down a dangerous road that leads to discouragment and unbelief.
It’s important to be able to distinguish between what we need, and what we desire and trust God’s faithfulness. If we think of children who want things they don’t need, it’s the wisdom of a parent that supplies the needs of a child.
People get into trouble when they want something so bad, that they will do anything to get it. They can ultimately harm their lives by insisting they get what they want.
Paul tells us in Philippians that God does not promise to supply all of our desires and wishes, but He promises that He will supply, and fulfill all our needs.
If we can’t complete God’s plan without something, then it’s a need, and He will answer when we pray for Him to fulfill that requirement.
If I pray for a big fancy boat for my pleasure, God will not likely give that to me. But if I pray for a boat so I can take children fishing and teach them about God, He will most likely give me the resources to get that boat, because of His will not ours.
If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?
If I could be a character in a movie it would be one if the women in “True Women.” a movie that spans from the Texas Revolution through the American Civil War.
It’s a story of love, friendship, survival and triumph. That tells the story of three different women and their ideals and personalities, but also their strengths and courage.
From Pity to Praise