Beauty in your life- change your thoughts for a positive outlook
If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to?
If I had a million dollars I would Pay off all my bills, and buy a smaller house with some acreage. I would bless my children with some, invest a little, and the rest would go for charity.
Haggai 2:8 says, “the silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the Lord.”
We are supposed to manage it well.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” -1 John 4:1
John is talking about spiritual discernment here, being able to differentiate between the many spirits present in our world. We should know that when God is replaced in society something else will take His place.
We must understand that there are two different realms that are present in the world – a physical realm and a spiritual realm. We are spiritual beings shelled in our physical bodies that occupy the physical realm. The physical realm is made up of physical matter that you and I are able to interact with.
The spiritual realm is one that we are unable to see. Yet, the spiritual realm had a great presence in the world and it highly influences our lives. Once we understand this that in the spiritual God and Satan have a fight going on got our souls it’s easier to understand what is happening in the world today. I believe we are seeing that fight in the physical realm today. It’s getting easier to see by each passing day.
That being said, being able to discern the spirits we interact with daily is of the utmost importance for those of us who genuinely believe in the Lord.
We are like sponges in our spirit. What I means is we are capable of attracting other spirits, and like sponges we are able to absorb things in our spirits from those around us.
Spiritual discernment was very important to John for a few reasons I believe. If you have read John you see John talk about future days and the person Antichrist but he also talks about the spirits of antichrist that are already present in the world today. What we attract and absorb is capable of influencing us in our spirit. That is why spiritual discernment is very important to us as believers because we don’t want to be led away from the Lord.
John even says in the same verse “test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone into the world.” What we must understand is that there are two kinds of spirits present in the world. Those two spirits being a righteous spirit and an unrighteous spirit.
John spoke of the children of God and the children of the devil (Satan). He said, “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest. Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn’t love his brother” (1 John 3:10). John has touched on spiritual discernment, but I’m going to dive a little deeper.
Who may be asking “how can I tell when a spirit is good or bad?” John says, “By this you know the Spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (1 John 4:2-3). John tells us that to discern whether we are interacting with a spirit of God the first place we begin I’d with Jesus. The righteous spirit will acknowledge, confess, and genuinely believe that Jesus was born into this world and walked in it. This is an acknowledgment that the Lord became flesh and dwelt among mankind.
This is a difficulty for many people who live in the world today. Some will say that they do not believe that the Lord was ever in the world. And others will say that Jesus was a real person, but He was no Messiah. Those who do not acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah will fall into either of these two categories.
In Isaiah, it is prophesied that Jesus would be a stumbling block of offense to both houses of Israel, and as a trap and snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Isaiah 8:14). This prophecy occurred at a time when Israel was divided into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom of ten tribes and the southern kingdom of the tribe of Judah (the Jews) and Benjamin. The levites returned to the southern kingdom prior to the Assyrians conquering the northern kingdom.
The southern kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians after the northern kingdom had been conquered. Part of this prophecy is talking about the gentiles that would inhabit the city. So, this was prophesied before Jesus was in the world they He would be a stumbling block for the Israelites. Peter also quoted this prophecy in 1 Peter 2:8. And this prophecy still stands today. Jesus is a stumbling block for many people.
These people may not confess Jesus but at the same time they don’t speak against Him. These are the people who have a curiosity about Jesus and want to learn about Him. There are many people who don’t know. I think John was painting a picture in these two verses that is black and white.
The person that is unsure is not someone who is full of conviction in their faith and I don’t think that John is talking about this type of person. I believe that at one point in time every believer fell into a category where they were not full of conviction in anything. We were all lost sinners at one point in time.
However, we eventually sought the Lord and found Him. When we found Him and began to believe in Him and our faith began to grow. We confessed and acknowledged that we genuinely felt God in our spirit. The unsure, lost sinners is someone who can be reached. It is important that we love people, lead by example and allow God to speak through us if we are given an opportunity. I believe this is where the church messed up. We cannot force Jesus on people and expect them to believe in Him. It is because of what the church has done that some people hate the church and think they hate Jesus.
The person John is speaking of when he says “every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” is someone that is full in their convictions of not believing. John says that the one who is fully convinced in their disbelief has the spirit of antichrist. They are not the person antichrist but they are antichrist.
There are two polar opposite ends of the spectrum with the spirits, those in the light and those in total darkness. Those in the light are fully convicted believers of God. John says to those in the light, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Those who are in total darkness are of the world and speak as of the world. Those who are in total darkness are fully convicted non-believers and by being fully convicted they refuse to repent and turn to God. Then there is the other group I think that fall in the middle that are considered to be unsure or lost.
John says that we can listen to the confession of these spirits to discern what part of the spectrum a spirit is in. If a spirit confesses Jesus, then they are in the light. If a spirit does not confess Jesus and speaks against Him that Spirit is in darkness. Then there are spirits lost in darkness that want out of the dark, these are the spirits (people) we should be ready to help.
What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail.
If I was guaranteed not to fail I would try traveling solo. Or speaking in public more without fear.
There’s a quote by Denis Waitely that says. “It’s not who we are that holds us back, it’s who we think we’re not.”
Most of us have limiting beliefs that high,ight our negative self-talks and beliefs about our perceived deficiencies that prevent us from achieving our goals. Self doubt is often a killer of progress.
What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself?
The hardest goal I ever set for myself was changing my perspective.
We are wired to defend our current belief system especially if it is tied to our identities, and upbringing .
It was hard for me to let go of believes I was taught since childhood. I had reached a point I could not function anymore believing the lies I was told as a child.
I had come to the point I knew I had to change. That’s when God came into my life. That’s when I chose to let go of all the unforgiveness, bitterness, and hate I was holding onto you.
We have to have a willingness to change if we’re going to change our perspective. It was a willingness to be open, curious, and reflective. I knew I could not be defensive or rigid because the overwhelming evidence I had wasn’t helping.
I had to practice empathy, stay, curious, and most of all stop judging.
The bottom line was changing my perspective was difficult because it meant changing me, or at least how I seen the world. But with time, openness, and effort it was one of the most transformative things I’ve ever done.
I’m today’s world it’s easy to feel stressed, worried, or anxious. In a chaotic world finding peace of mind can sometimes be hard.
Peace of mind includes having an inner calm that no one can disturb. Peace of mind helps us feel at ease and centered amidst any chaos.
My peace comes from trusting God. God promises us that when we trust in Him, He will give us a gift that the world cannot give, peace of mind and heart. A peace the surpasses all understanding.
Managing our thoughts begin with trust, by intentionally turning our thoughts away from fear and evil toward the goodness of God.
Faith is the refusal to panic.
We need to think of God as God and let the Bible shape our view of Him, rather than shaping Him into our own image, relying on our limited understanding and confining God to human standards and abilities. We must trust Him wholeheartedly instead of acting as though we are in control or have all the answers.
I think the pandemic was a great example of whether we trust God or not. We watched as the world went crazy. I think “where was I on that spectrum?” Yes, I was infected but even then I chose to trust God to get me through it. We have to remember if anyone is worthy of our complete trust, it is God alone.
Trusting God means intentionally setting our minds on Him as the sovereign, ever present, all knowing, merciful, just, and compassionate Creator we sees us, hears us, and knows everything we need. And if we truly believe that He sees and hears us, then we should obey Him by casting all of cares on Him and not be anxious about anything.
God is only a breath and a prayer away. We can cry out to the God of grace who made a way to Himself through His Son, Jesus. Trust in Jesus’s words,
“Peace I leave with you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” -John 14:27
Peace and rest are gifts of grace, that flow from a loving and eternal relationship with the “prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6) As we entrust our worries to God’s care each day. He gives us His peace. This peace isn’t given automatically, but it is freely available to all who seek and submit themselves to Jesus by faith.
We are not meant to carry the weight of anxious or overwhelming thoughts alone. God never intended for us to bear life’s burdens in isolation. He invited us to come to Him, to trust in His help, and to find rest in His presence. He has designed us to be in fellowship and lean on each other. He designed the church body to build healthy relationships. Many people say the church is too “judgy” I see this as an opportunity to find another church. Find church whose preacher teaches from the “Word of God,” and you will usually find a church that treats you like family. We were meant to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). We are stronger, safer, and more resilient when we walk together and support each other through life’s trials. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, then one will lift up his fellow, but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up” – Ecclesiastics 4:9-10.
Who walks with you through life challenges, in addition to your relationship with God? Are you walking alone or are you allowing others to walk with you? Find someone that you connect with in the body of Christ and lean on them to support you to grow your faith and share your burdens, and vice verse.
God is deeply and personally invested in our well-being. His care is the foundation of our confidence in our releasing burdens to Him. His love is not distance or abstract, it is real, present, and active. His care is not reluctant or forced, it flows freely from His heart of compassion. Jesus Himself affirmed this truth in Matthew 6:26,
“See thr birds in the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your Heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value then they?
This is a beautiful picture of God’s personal and loving attention to even the smallest details of His creation. More importantly, if He cares for birds and animals, how much more does He care for human beings who He made in His own image. He created men and women to reflect His likeness. Genesis 1:27 tells us,
“God created man in His own image. In God’s image He created him, male and female He created them.”
The cross gives us a clear sign that Jesus personally cares for us. How astounding is it that the Son of God would give up his comfort, privilege, and honor in heaven to take on a second nature becoming fully human, while remaining fully divine, and die in our place on a Roman cross meant for criminals.
Managing our thoughts starts with trust, by intentionally returning our hearts and minds away from fear and evil towards faith and goodness found in His care. It’s a daily, hourly, minute by minute, intentional shiftfrom inward anxiety to upward surrender.. Peace comes from my mind anchored in God, I like how Isaiah 26:3 directly connects thought management with trusting God,
“You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.”
We must ask ourselves. How well do we manage our mind by filtering every thought that comes our way, from daily conversations, entertainment, social media, music, news, sermons, work, interactions, personal worries, books, cultural, narratives, self talk, and beyond?
This is why managing our thoughts isn’t passive, it requires deliberate, filtering, and renewal. The Bible shows this at last in peace flows from my mind shapes by true faith. Paul encourages us in Romans 12:2 to be transformed by renewing of our mind. Managing anxious thoughts to me replacing fear with God’s truth through prayer, scripture meditation, and fellowship.
We must make trusting God a daily habit. It’s not always easy, but peace grows in a mind, rooted in Him.
Who are your favorite artists?
As far as Artists I think my favorite are Christian Artists/ Singers that songs portray good values. There are a few the sing about light not darkness.
Phil Wickham has some amazing songs out there like “What an awesome God” and House of the Lord.
Also Brandon Lake is very good, if you like new generation music. He sings “Gratitude” and I need a Ghost.”
One of my all time favorites is and will always be Crowder. Just because he sings songs I can listen to if I’m going through a spiritual battle. Songs like “Crushing snakes” and “Grave robber.”
We should seek God for who He is, rather than for what He can give. This means prioritizing a relationship with God based on His nature and presence, rather than negotiational desires for blessings or solutions to our problems.
This involves a deeper form of desiring to know God, and being His presence and understanding His truth.
When we truly desire His presence, we can experience Him directly, finding fulfillment with His companionship rather than what He can provide.
Seeking His nature is driven by a desire to understand God’s character, His truth, and His will, not just to receive benefits.
When we prioritize our relationship with God our emphasis shifts from “what can God do for me?” to “how can I know and please Him more?”
When we focus on seeking Him through prayer, worship, and His Word, we can begin to understand the path to deeper connection. These are not just tools for getting our requests granted.
These things are important because God values those who seek Him for His own sake, as opposed to using Him for personal gain.
Focusing solely on outcomes leads to burnout but seeking God’s presence brings lasting refreshment and restoration.
A relationship that is built on knowing God’s true nature leads to greater spiritual fulfillment and a yearning to please Him.
“If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” – 1 Chronicles 28:9
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I try and invoke healthy pastimes like reading and spending time in nature. These things are emotionally nurturing and cause me to be physically active.
Through the winter months I spend more time reading to keep my mind active and engaged.
If you are who you say you are then it’s time to build confidence in who you are. It’s time we focus on consistently acting in line with our core values, keeping promises made to ourselves and acknowledging our accomplishments, even the small ones.
Real self-confidence is an earned feeling and is derived from proving our abilities to handling challenges, rather than a fixed trait. Building confidence is an active, ongoing process of aligning our actions with our self perception.
There are a few ways to build confidence: identifying, core values, and strength, clearly defines what matters to you and your unique abilities is what creates a strong sense of self.
Always keeping promises to yourself. Creating small, meaningful commitments and consistently falling through on them is what builds a track record for success and capability.
We must acknowledge our accomplishments. Even small victories can reinforce self belief and and demonstrates abilities.
Building self-confidence involved, embracing our mistakes as we learn. Viewing setbacks as valuable lessons rather than reasons to doubt, this actually helps build self resilience, and an understanding of how to handle adversity.
An invaluable lesson I’ve learned over the years is that we are allowed to change our thoughts. Using positive self talk, we can practice positive affirmations and focus on productive thoughts and actions instead of negative thoughts and actions. This creates a more confident mindset.
It is important to concentrate on what we can control in the present moment to avoid unnecessary worry about the past and future.
To develop a competent identity, we must integrate confident patterns and habits into our daily life until they become part of who you are.
There are a few key principles of confidence:
 A counselor once told me that even if I don’t have confidence in myself , God is your confidence. We are worthy and can do all things because the Holy Spirit is within us, and through God we are made worthy.
What would you do if you lost all your possessions?
Losing all my possessions I’m sure I would miss a few things like my Bible and the old pictures I cherish.
But even in that I would praise the Lord. Having possessions is just a status symbol on earth. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:19-21 to “not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
God would still remain worthy of praise and that sometimes loss can purify our focus.
Losing my possessions would be a way to uncover who we really are, beyond our attachments.
When God made our souls, He made them in His image. Our souls are endless, timeless, dateless and measureless. Our soul is the most valuable part of each of us and, so often, the first thing we sacrifice for the things of the world.
Mark 8:35-36 tells us, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the sake of the Good news (the gospel) will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life (his soul)?
Our souls are priceless treasures of infinite worth, each one was created by God. Every soul has the potential to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus. Our souls are also valuable because of their durability -the last for all eternity.
Adrian Rogers said, “Your soul will be in existence somewhere when the sun, moon, and stars have grown cold -either heaven or hell. We could never cease to exist any more than God Himself could not exist.”
Each soul is unique. Jesus died on the cross, paying the cost with His blood and agony to show how much He desired our souls.
So, why do we ignore our souls, and prioritize our flesh? We must be extremely careful with our souls. And not exchange them for the things of this world, when doing so is such a foolish transaction.
No one ever gains the world, and whatever part of the world we think we’ve gained we cannot keep it forever. The world cannot meet our deepest longings, Pleasure, possession, or philosophy could ever satisfy us, because God made us for Himself.
To lose our souls would be a tragic irreversible loss -after death, we don’t get a second chance. All the wealth of this world cannot compare to the value of a soul.
“If I had a thousand souls, I would give every one of them to Jesus” -Adrian Rogers
From Pity to Praise