October 31, 2013

The Right Thoughts

There is a battle going on in our minds.

Our thoughts dictate our actions. That’s why the enemy will do everything he can to get you thinking in the wrong direction. Sometimes, it’s not our own thoughts that are holding us back; sometimes it’s that we’ve believed the negative things that other people have spoken over us. Those words are like seeds. If you think about them long enough, they’ll take root and become a reality. In life, there will always be people telling you what cannot be done, speaking negative things. Too often we latch on to those negative words and develop what the scripture calls a “stronghold.” That’s a wrong thought or action that keeps us from God’s best. The way you break those negative strongholds is by rejecting the lie, forgiving the person, and embracing the truth of God’s Word. In other words, you have to choose to delete that negative file in your mind. Today, why don’t you take inventory of your thought life? Ask yourself, “Where did these thoughts come from? Do they line up with what God says about me?” Break the negative strongholds and embrace God’s truth so you can be all that God has called you to be. What thoughts are you holding on today?

October 30, 2013

Treating People

The best workout program exercise that I have found is: reaching down and lifting other people up.

Have you ever noticed that people tend to act differently around those they think can do something for them — people who appear to have status, wealth or influence in life? I believe that the way we treat people is a test. At times, God will bring people into your life that may seem insignificant. They may not appear to be able to do anything for you, but in reality, they are divinely linked to your destiny. They hold the key to your destiny and purpose. Will you treat them with respect and honor even if you think they can’t do anything for you? The truth is that the people we’re playing up to or trying to win their favor may be the ones that open a door for us, but they don’t hold the key to our destiny. Your destiny and purpose doesn’t come from them. Destiny and purpose come from God. God will use the most unlikely people to open doors of opportunity for you — a hotel bellman, a maid, an intern, or an unpopular kid at school. Let’s pass the test and treat everyone like we would like to treated. How are you treating people today?

October 29, 2013

Forgive Today

Secret for today: forgive everybody for everything tonight before going to bed. Everyone has been hurt, offended, betrayed and mistreated at some point. Sometimes those wounds are small and easy to move past, but other times, they are deep and take time to heal. The important thing is that we choose to forgive so that we can open the door to God’s forgiveness and healing in our own lives. Forgiveness is such a powerful tool. Forgiveness sets you free and draws you closer to your God. One of the first things my mother did when she found out that she had cancer was to ask the Lord to search her heart for any unforgiveness. She didn’t want anything to block her prayers for God’s healing. And now more than four years later, she still has a perfectly clean bill of health. Whenever you pray, invite the Lord to search your heart. Choose to forgive anyone that has hurt you. As you walk in forgiveness, you’ll experience His hand of blessing in ways you never thought possible, and you will move forward in the blessed life He has in store for you. Have you forgiven everyone?

October 28, 2013

Forgiving Lifestyle

Practice forgiveness when the relationship is tested.

Did you know that the ability to forgive others is a gift from God? The Bible tells us that if we don’t forgive others, we cannot be forgiven. If we don’t forgive, we are blocking the ability for God to work in our lives. But when we choose to forgive, we are choosing God’s way and opening the door for Him to heal our hurts and restore our souls. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that what that person did was right or that you even have to get back into a relationship with that person. Forgiveness simply releases the debt they owe you so that God can release the debt you owe Him. Ask the Lord to search your heart and show you if there is any unforgiveness blocking His blessing in your life. Ask Him to show you more about this gift of forgiveness so that you can walk in the freedom and victory He has for you today. Are you living a lifestyle of forgiveness today?

October 27, 2013

Life Control

Things don’t go wrong and break your heart so you you become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up.

Let me ask you today, what are you letting have control in your life? In other words, what are you focusing your words, energy and thoughts on? You might say, “Scott, it’s just so hard right now. I’ve lost some money.” “My health doesn’t look good.” “Somebody walked out on me.” No, you’re focusing on the wrong things. You’re letting defeat, discouragement and self-pity rise up. Why don’t you turn that around and say, “God is still in control. Somebody may have walked out on me, but I know God is going to bring me somebody better.” “I may be hurting right now, but I know God is Friend.” “I may have lost money in the stock market, but I’m not worried. I know God is my provider. He is supplying all of my needs. He is fighting my battles.” When you start giving God glory and letting Him arise in your life, you can’t stay defeated. Your enemies will be scattered! They’ll tremble at your words of faith. Begin right now by declaring God’s goodness in your life and let Him arise so that you can move forward in the victory He has for you. What’s your focus?

October 26, 2013

Help

As we go through life the truest measure of our inner strength will be exposed when we are confronted by adversity.

God is always with you. That means He is present at all times, continually, perpetually, throughout all time. In your day of trouble, He promises to be a help to you. How is He your help? “Help” means something different to each person. That’s because “help” is specific to your need. If you need money to pay your bills, a chocolate cake isn’t going to be much help! But we serve a God who is very specific. And because He is always with you, He always knows exactly what you need and is always ready to provide it! Today, are you facing trouble or adversity? Know that God is with you. Look to Him for help. Trust that He has the answer, and that He is working things out in your favor. As you continue to believe Him and follow His direction, He will lead you in the way that you should go. He will comfort you, revive you, restore you and bless you! He will be your ever-present help because He is forever faithful to His Word. Do you trust God to help you?

October 25, 2013

Use Your Words

Use your words to change your situation, not to describe it.

We’ve all had seasons when the challenges of life feel overwhelming. During those times, it’s easy to be tempted to talk about how bad things are. Maybe you received a bad medical report, or maybe you’re facing a financial obstacle. The more you talk about something, the bigger it becomes in your mind. Instead, you’ve got to dig your heels in and say, “No, I am not going to give life to that defeat. I am not going to speak sickness over myself. I’m not going to speak lack. I’m not going to speak fear. I’m choosing a different report.  I can beat this sickness. I can break this addiction. I can have peace in my home. I can see restoration in my relationships.’ ” Remember, even if you don’t see how things could ever work out, God does. You’ve got to speak the truth over those mountains in your life over those situations. Instead of talking to God about how big your problems are, talk to your problems about how big your God is! As you speak to your mountains, they will be moved, and you will walk forward into the destiny God has prepared for you. What you are using your words for today?

October 24, 2013

Adversity Perspective

Many of the people who fail didn’t see adversity for what it really is.

Success in life depends on being strong people with clear goals and unstoppable spirit. Unfortunately most of us aren’t born that way. We grow that way. And that growth can either come from us entering willfully into situations that will cause us to grow or from the way we react when circumstances come upon us without our consent. The latter is what we call adversity. Most of us spend our lives trying to avoid adversity, and I guess that is just as well. We shouldn’t pursue adversity, but when it arrives, we should welcome it as a enemy who, though our interaction with it, will make us into better people. Every contact we have with adversity gives us again the opportunity to grow personally and professionally and to forge our character into one that will achieve much later on.  With that in mind, here are some thoughts on adversity, and how it can help you to succeed in every area of your life and achieve your dreams. So when adversity comes, and it will come, be sure you look at it from the right perspective. Use adversity to make you stronger and better, not mean and bitter. How do you look at adversity today?

October 23, 2013

All About Others

There are a lot of people who are successful in this world.

They’ve accomplished their goals in the public eye.  However being successful isn’t just about what you make happen for yourself, it’s about what you make happen for others. It’s when you realize, “God has blessed me not to just sit back and let everyone see what I have done; God has blessed me to be a blessing to others. God has helped me to win so I can help somebody else win.” In other words, it’s when you realize, “God helped me overcome this addiction, now I’m going to go find somebody and help them overcome.” Or, “God has blessed me with a happy family. I’m going to go find a family that’s struggling and help them get back on track.” That’s what being successful is really all about. Look for ways to help others succeed. Reach back and give freely of the talents and abilities you’ve been given. Are you helping others be successful today?

October 22, 2013

Knock Knock

Attack what you fear, and the fear will eventually disappear.

Fear knocks at the door, selling you the worst case scenario. Fear tells you, “You’re going to lose your job. Your marriage is over. Your business is falling apart. Your child is done. It’s all downhill from here.” When those thoughts come, you don’t have to buy in. You don’t have to accept those thoughts. Here’s the key: when fear knocks, let truth answer the door. Don’t give those thoughts of fear the time of day. Don’t let them intimidate you. Answer back with truth. “God, You said the number of my days You would fulfill. God, You said Your plans for me are for good and not evil. God, You said what’s meant for my harm You would turn around and use to my advantage.” If you’ll keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, it’s like keeping the door locked on an intruder. Fear has no right in your life. Remember, the battle is in your mind. The enemy is after your thoughts. Don’t give him the time of day; and when fear knocks, let the truth answer the door. Who is answering your door when fear knocks?