Beauty in your life- change your thoughts for a positive outlook
Performing on stage requires audience interaction, owning the space, and filling silences with vocal and physical energy. This involves being the center of attention and becoming the focal point.
I have performed on stage in high school in choir, which didn’t require me to be the center of attention. Which I was thankful for.
I’ve spoken at church a few times. But not often, because it makes me uncomfortable. I hate the feeling of having all eyes on me.
Everyone has internal conflicts, such as conflicting thoughts, emotions, fears, and doubts, that can impact our decisions and well-being.
These struggles, though unseen by others, are considered one of life’s most difficult challenges. But they can be overcome by controlling our thoughts through awareness, discipline, and changing our mindset. I’m not going to tell you, it’s easy to understand and put into practice. Because it’s not, but it is definitely worth it.
That conflict of thought, is the feeling of being torn between choices, values, and emotions. It’s logic vs intuition or freedom vs security.
It’s an inner struggle that represents the fight against negative self-talk, fear anxiety, and low self-esteem that can sabotage any progress we are trying to make.
The battle in the mind is a foundational conflict. The Bible addresses this as generational tensions and disagreement. And emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts with love and understanding. Something that arises between different age groups particular between parents and children. This conflict often stems from differences in values, beliefs and expectations. The most significant battles are won or lost in our minds, as our thoughts shape our actions and can lead to inner peace or chaos.
The Bible addresses conflict in various contexts that emphasize the importance of resolution and recognition. Here are some key scriptures on how to approach conflict:
We can fight the conflicts in our minds, when we recognize and question every thought. Become aware of the thoughts that run through our minds and actively challenge any negative or false ones.
We can change our mindsets. Consciously working to shift our perspective from negative or fearful thinking to a more positive and hopeful one.
When we learn to control out thoughts, we take active steps to guard our minds by being careful about what we consume through our ears and eyes and by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
There are strategies for winning the battle in our minds, a victory that brings inner peace and understanding of the world around us. These strategies include practicing gratitude, engaging in prayer, and meditating on the Word of God.
1 Timothy 6:12 tells us we need to “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.”
It’s hard work that requires having patience with ourselves for not giving up the good fight. That’s when we win the battle in our minds. Our spiritual and mental struggles need to be rooted in our faith in God if we are ever going to win this battle.
Firsts I’m life are pivotal, memorable experiences that mark personal growth, from childhood milestones like first steps, first words to teenage first kisses, dates, and jobs all the way up to having children, shape our identity and create lasting memories.
They mark significant developmental stages and teach us about the world and ourselves. First experiences come with the feelings of being emotionally charged. They build character, perspective, giving everyone of them a sense of accomplishment.
Cartoons were made to entertain children when I was growing up. I wasn’t allowed to watch television very much as a child. But, I remember a few watching a few like “Scooby-Doo.” It was about a talking Great Dane and his four teenage friends who solved spooky mysteries, usually involving costumed villains trying to scare people away from hidden treasure.
The other were cartoon adaptations I enjoyed like “The Wizard of Oz.
The Bible speaks often about believing, acting, and seeing, and it presents them in a specific spiritual order. And these three actions are related.
In scripture, bleeding is a starting point for those following God. Faith begins before we see results.
Trusting in God’s character, promises, and Word even when circumstances don’t yet show the outcome.
Belief is internal, it’s of the heart and mind, but it’s powerful enough to change actions and destiny.
Here are a few keep scriptures for believing:
2 Corinthians 5:7 – “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Acts 16:31– “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”
Believing in the Bible, is always the foundation.
Acting -Faith is proven and completed through actions.
The Bible teaches that real belief produces action. Faith that never acts is considered incomplete.
Actions don’t replace belief -they reveal it.
Obedience is faith expressed outwardly. And acting on God‘s Word indicates spiritual results.
Here are a few scriptures:
James 2:17 – “Faith, if it was no works, is dead in itself.”
James 2:18 – “Yes a man will say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.”
James 1:22 – “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.”
Seeing – God’s results, outcomes, and fulfillment.
What we believe in obey, then we often see God’s work, fulfillment, or breakthrough..
Seeing involve spiritual understanding, answered prayer, or God‘s promise is becoming visible.
Sometimes the “seeing” is immediate other times, it requires patience. God reveals Himself to those who trust Him.
God fulfills His promises.
Here are a few scriptures:
Joshua 21:45 – “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed, every one was fulfilled.”
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…He is patient with you.”
God brings His work to completion.
Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 55:11 – “So is my word… it will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire.”
God causes the outcome.
Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit your deeds to the Lord, and your plans shall succeed.”
God makes all things work together.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”
Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
“What good does it do, if someone claims to have faith but does not prove it with actions? This kind of faith cannot save. Faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead.” James 2:14-17 (paraphrased)
Sometimes in life, we meet people who have to push drama. There is something in their personality that makes them want to upset every situation. Their behaviors and outbursts are unpredictable and inappropriate. I used to try and be empathetic, but now I tend to just brush off their emotionally reactive traits.
Some people fuel drama due to their deep-seated need for attention, validation, and control. Whether it stems from, insecurity, boredom, or past traumas it is a way for them to feel significant or powerful. Which I could use less of in my life. I usually walk away, if God doesn’t show me that this person needs help and will listen. My default is I will try and help anyone. If they show me that they don’t want my help. I avoid interacting with them.
The Armor of God consists of six pieces: The Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. These elements are described in Ephesians 6:10-18 and serve as spiritual protection for those who believe in God.
I have found many people who teach the Bible will tell us about these, but they don’t inform us on how to apply them.
Recently I’ve had a few spiritual attacks on my family. And I lost my peace with God. Admittedly I was a mess. My child was nearly involved in two work incidents due to equipment failure that could have changed his life forever.
I decided I was going to look into how to apply the Armor of God more fully to our lives.
My family needed a refresher course to help anchor the day in God’s truth and protect us throughout the day.
These 3 daily habits can help counter the attacks from unforeseen circumstances.
2. Midday: Breastplate of Righeousness
3. Evening: Shield of Faith
We can apply the shoes of the gospel by adopting Psalm 19:14 to ourselves, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord my Rock.” Can help us be willing vessels for the Shoes of the gospel.
Applying the helmet of Salvation must be to actively protect you. Ind by focusing on God’s promises and rejecting doubt and negative thought.
The Sword of the Spirit is applied by using God’s Word as a weapon. And will usually cause evil to flee.
We live in a world that is chaotic and broken and it’s easy to become distracted and weighed down in even the best of it. We need to practice using the sword of the Spirit -God’s Word.
Proverbs 22:14 links humility and fearing God to riches, honor, and life. It’s important to recognize that rewards aren’t always wealth, they can include inner peace, wisdom, and protection from life’s snares.
I have had a chance to experience many positive events take place in my life. Such as my son finding an amazing job, which brought him closer to where I live, so I can see him more often.
Discovering my God-given purpose and living a mission-driven life has been a positive event in my life. I always try to see the positive in every event. Because I know and trust God to get me through.
I live in a mountainous region. It is common to see mule deer, and elk and Jack rabbits . Big horn sheep can be seen if you go up high enough in the mountains. I’ve seen all of these.
There is a place in the south-eastern of the state I live that is called Antelope Island that’s a causeway where people get a chance to see pronghorn antelope and Bison.
“ But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God met it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, and save many people alive, as it is happening today” -Genesis 50:20
God can take the very thing that looks like a total disaster in our lives and turn it into a wonderful victory.
He can turn our tears of sorrow into tears of joy, and He will help us keep that joy in our hearts, even during adversity.
Joseph spoke the word in Genesis 50:20 as he went through great adversity time after time. Despite being sold into slavery and sentenced to prison, he eventually became the Prime Minister of a nation. Joseph held faster division. God had given him as a young man, as a result, God turned his situation around.
I may not know what trial you are going through right now, but I know this: if you will be patient and hold fast to God‘s Word, He will turn your situation around and give you victory.
God can use the evil thing. Satan has brought against us as a tool for deliverance and victory. All volume we may be looking at a disaster in the natural, God can turn it into the greatest blessing we’ve ever experience.
Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:11,
“Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
God is for us not against us. We can take a stand today on the Word of God, knowing that despite any trial we may be facing, God will turn it around.
The world is shaking, do you feel it? Having a strong stable, and unshakable belief that serves as a firm foundation is crucial.
It involves a deep commitment and relationship with Jesus. Thus provides steadfastness and resilience again doubt, worldly influences, and life’s challenges.
It’s the foundation of life. A grounded faith is the basis for our actions and worldview, similar to how roots support a tree.
A person who is grounded in their faith is not easily swayed by false teachings or the shifting circumstances of the world.
We need to have a source of strength. A deep seated belief that acts as a source of strength and guidance. This helps us navigate difficulties and remain true to our convictions.
Being grounded in faith is a state of spiritual stability, where hope and belief are firm and constant, and not easily blown around by life like a leaf in the wind.
“You have to stand for something or you’ll fall for everything”
Paul wrote to the Colossians church in 1:21-2 during the time the church was falling prey to heretical teachings and empty deceit that was based on human traditions, and elemental forces of the world not based on Jesus.
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But not He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation -if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and which I, Paul, have become a servant.”
In this day and age of technology and information, we have at the click of a button, it’s easy to find ourselves immersed in studying what others say about their beliefs and opinions on Jesus. We can listen to podcasts and sermons, all at the expense of a relationship with God.
According to Joshua 1:8, we are to meditate on scripture day and night, so that we are careful to do everything written in it.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your ways prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
God has given us His Word that we may stand on truth. Psalm 19:7 states, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul, the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
His law is perfect, and His ways are sure. We never have to wonder if human teaching is on the Word of God. We have access to God’s Word for ourselves. Let’s not assume that all teachings are true. Let’s be diligent in study of the Word. And ask God to reveal His truth in His Word clearly to us.
Humans will speak false truths they have in the past, will speak in the present, and will speak in the future. This is our limited understanding of truth. We must always remember what Matthew 7:5 says, “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
We all have inconsistencies in our understanding. This reinforces the importance of studying the scriptures and challenging our understanding of them. And remain grounded.
God wants us to follow Him, and being a follower of Him is being a follower of truth. If we ask in faith and believe, God will reveal His truth to us.
Mark 11:24 says, “I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them and you will have them.”
We can pray and ask God to remove any false doctrine from our minds and replace it with the truth of His way.
May we rest assured in the peace and truth God is revealing to us daily. God has spoken the truth and we can remain grounded and steadfast in faith, if we hold true to God’s Word and not shift away from the eternal, everlasting hope of Jesus Christ.
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