Archive for Healthy Mindset
Be Open to a Higher Way of Thinking
Posted by: | CommentsOften times we don’t understand the ways of God. When reading the scriptures, we might say to ourselves, “well that doesn’t make sense, why would I pray for someone who persecutes me” such as Matthew 5:44 indicates.
To the natural man, this doesn’t make sense. That’s because we’re trying to reason it with our logical mind. We have to remember that when it comes to God, we can’t compare His Word against that of the natural mind.
Isaiah 55:9 says, “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” That means, that we can’t comprehend the ways and thoughts of the Lord. His thoughts are on a higher plane. He sees the bigger picture.
You see with man, logically four plus four equals eight. You can go down the street and ask your neighbor what four plus four is and, if they know their arithmetic, they’ll tell you it’s eight. You can go across the country and ask what four plus four is, they’ll tell you eight. You can even go overseas and ask what four plus four is, they may speak a different language, the numbers may look different but when it all comes down to it, their four plus four will equal eight too.
Here’s the thing, God’s four plus four may very well equal sixteen– or thirty-two- or anything else but eight. Why? Because His logic isn’t the same as our logic. His ways are above ours ways.
Come to think about it, if God’s ways were the same as man’s, you and I wouldn’t be alive today. God would have taken us out long ago. But because of the forgiving love of Christ (which by the way doesn’t reason with the logic of man) you and I have the right to a tree of life. We may not understand His grace and mercy, but it’s those same mercies that wakes us up everyday.
So next time man tries to sum you up with the logic of this world, contradict that equation Read More→
It All Starts With A Thought
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s amazing how all of the decisions we make are directly connected to our thoughts. If you sit there and think about a fudge sundae for long enough you’ll find yourself taking the action to obtain that fudge sundae.
A wise man once said, “Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.” I believe that before those impossible things were accomplished, it started off with a thought. Someone decided to prove that the impossible can be done.
The world has conditioned you into thinking that if you don’t have this, that, or the other thing, then you aren’t successful. But God’s way of thinking is that you already have everything that you need. You may not physically have it yet but God will provide it for you!
The good news is that God has given you the power to change that negative mindset. But it all comes to a decision. You have to want to change your thoughts.
The world tells you that in order to be successful you have to have a great job and make a lot of money but God says that you are more than a conqueror. The world would have you to believe that you don’t have the skills but God says that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you!
The world would have you to think that you’re not good enough, but God tells you that you are the apple of His eye, and that you have more than enough.
You see, in order to grow you need to make a decision to change those negative thoughts. Change those negative actions. Go from that old way of thinking to a new way of Read More→
ShareWhat Are You Feeding Yourself?
Posted by: | CommentsWe live in a world today where we consume so many things. With technology, we’re given so much at the grip of our hands. We go home at the end of the day and there is so much to entertain us that our minds aren’t stimulated.
As soon as we get home, there’s the television to occupy our attention. For some, the internet has become the main focus of time.
With so much to consume our time, we have to ask ourselves is all this feeding us for the good or for the bad? I understand that everything we do should be done in moderation. But you have to realize that what goes in is going to come out.
What you choose to focus your time and attention on, is what you will reap more out of life. If you focus your thoughts on thoughts of negativity, thoughts of insecurity, or thoughts that cause worry and anxiety, then you’ll walk around depressed and fearful.
But the good news is that we have a choice on what we focus our time and attention on. For instance, if you study the Word of God daily and have an active prayer life, then that opens up the door for God to bring more increase into your life.
I love how Isaiah 55:8-9 says, ‘” My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”‘
Therefore, if you’re looking for increase, make a choice to study the Word of the Lord. The Read More→
ShareKeep First Things First!
Posted by: | CommentsOften times, we put material things and people at the forefront of our minds. We may focus on that new friend that we discovered we have many things in common with. We may put that new job, house or car first in mind. We may even live in reach of that vacation time that’s six months ahead of time.
Although it’s good to keep our natural priorities in order, let’s not neglect the most important priority of all, God!
He keeps you as His priority. You were His priority when He was given the option to come down from the cross. You were his priority when no one else would give you a chance. You were His priority when it seemed like all else failed. Why not give Christ a few minutes of your day to meditate, worship and show your gratitude for everything.
When you put God first, all other things will fall in line. When He’s a priority in your life you will find that the Read More→
ShareStart Your Day Off On The Right Foot!
Posted by: | CommentsSo often, we unintentionally start our day off on the wrong foot. Deep on a subconscious level we may curse our day by speaking words that cause a negative ripple effect.
First thing in the morning we may regret a certain event that is ahead of us that day like work or school. Maybe it’s a meeting at work that you’re not looking forward to or a presentation at school that you’re nervous about.
When you speak negative words against these things all you’re doing is bringing on more torture. Instead of making matters worse, try bringing positive words into play. Try doing positive things to start your day off on the right foot.
Do things that will bring about a positive ripple effect like waking up with a spirit of gratitude. Simply say, “I know I have a challenging day ahead Lord but I know you will give me the strength to withstand it” – or you might want to say, “I may be tired physically Lord but I know you’ll supply me with the strength and stamina to push through what seems to be a trying day ahead.”
Remember, prayer changes things. Try starting your morning off with a simple prayer that will boost your spirits.
In addition to prayer, you may want to look into doing other things that Read More→
ShareLet Go of The Strongholds
Posted by: | CommentsMost of the difficulties we face in life can be made better by simply changing your thoughts. The scripture says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness.
The enemy knows that if he wants to get you down and focusing on the negative all he has to do is get in your mind. All day long he’ll cause you to feel downcast. He wants to convince you that you’ll never make it, that trouble that you’re facing there is no way you can overcome it. He wants you to feel discouraged in your life. In fact, John 10:10 says that the enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus says that I’ve come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.
You see, the enemy wants to steal your Joy. He wants to steal your confidence. He wants to steal your dreams. But the word of God declares that you are Read More→
ShareIt All Starts With Your Thoughts!
Posted by: | CommentsI heard a story about these doctors that found a new way to treat patients with depression. Instead of using the traditional methods like just giving them medication, they started having their patients make positive declarations.
After doing this, they told how these patients had remarkable results. In fact, some of these patients were facing life threatening diseases and they didn’t feel like there was any hope.
The first thing the doctor would do is ask these patients, “has anyone ever survived this disease? Has anyone ever made it?” And of course the answer was always yes – and the doctor said, “well I want you to start saying, ‘I will be one of the ones to make it! I will be one of the ones to beat the odds!”
And they begin to do this day in and day out. “I’m getting better. I’m recovering. I’m going to make it.” And it’s amazing how many of them, not only came out of that depression, but many of them did make full physical recoveries!
..This story should inspire us in many ways to evaluate our state of mind. It speaks volumes on how our mind plays a big factor not only on our ability to accomplish goals or learn new things in life, but it is a big contributor to our state of well being.
I’m not saying that if you’re depressed to just simply “change your thoughts” and everything will be alright. (No, depression is a mental illness and should be treated with extreme care. If you have symptoms Read More→
SharePost It On Your Bathroom Mirror!
Posted by: | CommentsExperts say that one of the best things we can do to combat in-securities is to focus on our assets. We should write down those things that we have going for us and put them in a visible place where we see it everyday.
I totally agree. I believe this is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. Whether it be an insecurity or any thought that you want to change, make a choice to write down your positive attributes and focus on them.
Today I want to encourage you that optimism is at hand. Know that you can erase those defeatist negative thoughts and replace them with encouraging and uplifting thoughts.
Maybe someone told you that you’d never accomplish your goal. They probably said you weren’t strong enough. No, I dare you to combat that thought today. Know that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.
You may have grown up in an environment where you were encouraged not to dream. You were probably told that it’s pointless to dream and that your dreams won’t come to pass. No, the scripture says that you should write the vision and make it plain. Dare to Read More→
ShareGive The Benefit of a Doubt
Posted by: | CommentsAs you know, life is full of ups and downs. Throughout the journey you will experience instances when you’re tempted to assume the worst.
Someone might have cut you off in traffic. Someone may have even said the wrong thing to you and left you with an unsettling feeling. Or maybe you didn’t get that big break that you were expecting.
In these instances, you may find that you’re easily frustrated and tempted to get upset. But sometimes it wouldn’t hurt to give someone else the benefit of a doubt.
You see, giving someone the benefit of a doubt is much like forgiveness in that when you do so, you’re not doing it for the other person, you’re doing it for yourself. In other words if someone wrongs you, you’re giving them an advantage and as a result, you release the tension out of your mind.
I’m not saying that you should be naive and let people walk all over you. No there’s a thin line between the two. In fact, a wise man once said you must forgive but never forget. In other words, if someone offends you, give them the benefit of a doubt but take good notes and learn the signs so that you’re not mistreated again.
I want to share a story about a man at a tennis match. Just a few rows down from where he was sitting, he saw a strikingly beautiful women. So after the tennis match was over, he felt strongly urged to go up and spark conversation with her. As he walked up to her, she had her back turned and was gathering her things together. So he finally Read More→
ShareNot All “What If” Thinking Is Bad Thinking
Posted by: | CommentsDoctors say that not all bacteria is bad for you. Sure you have the kind of bacteria that causes inflammation in your body. The kind of bacteria that causes you to get sick – the kind that causes diseases.
But studies show that some bacteria is actually good for you. Some bacteria can actually strengthen your immune system. This bacteria will in turn cause you to fight off sickness and disease. My friend, I like to liken this sort of mentality to the way we think.
You see, experts say that you should eliminate all “what if” thinking completely. You know those thoughts of worry, fear, doubt, insecurity… “Well, what if I can’t overcome this addiction?” “What if I can’t be made whole?” “What if the doctor’s report comes back negative?” “What if I try out for the team and I don’t make it?“
For the most part you do want to avoid this kind of thinking. An overflow of these thoughts can indeed cause you to flow into a downward spiral.
However, we all have those times when we can’t help but think “what if” thoughts. Sometimes they’re not all bad. In fact, I believe some “what if” thoughts can cause you to break out of ruts.
I’m reminded of a time when I was younger and I touched a hot stove. Before I ever touched the hot stove, I always thought – “What happens if I touch the hot stove… how hot can it be?” Well, one day I worked up the nerve to touch the stove and I must say it was the hottest touch I ever experienced. Thankfully, my instincts caused an immediate jerk reaction. It was at that time I learned what does happen when I touch a hot stove and vowed to never do it again.
Well, this is what should happen when we find ourselves thinking “what if” thoughts. We should allow them to instill just enough fear into us that no matter what happens in life, we know that God has our best interests at heart and therefore we should not worry.
You see, it’s the “what if” thoughts that give us character. It’s the “what if” thoughts that spark our curiosity and gives us the experience to know what’s good for us and what’s not good for us.
“Well what if I don’t win the race?” Well, what if you don’t win the race? Will you give up? Will you become saturated in defeat or will you press on until you reach victory?
“What if I don’t do well on the test?” Well, what if you don’t do well? Will Read More→
