Thursday, July 29, 2010
Stepping Stones: How Do You Start Your Day?
Transformational Tip
Even those with the deepest faith, at times, wake-up some mornings in a foggy, frazzled state of mind. And on the most demanding days, they may even wake in a state of unbelief in some of the basic truths that guide them. Beginning your day with tangled thoughts and a mind-set of disbelief will lead to a day of stress and poor decisions.
The crux of making good decisions is being able to see the situation clearly…eyes that see the truth. This is how the truth can set you free. The battlefield is your mind, and the Evil One is the great deceiver…trying to distort your lenses so you can’t see the truths of life and relationships clearly.
Your challenge and responsibility each morning is to untangle your thoughts so that your mind and thoughts are aligned with the truth in God’s word. Set aside time each morning for this vital task. Prepare for battle by putting on the Armor of God…clear your lenses and head (See Spiritual Basics link on the left). Pray and read scripture till your mind clears.
Today, here is what you are choosing between. Confidence, peace, joy, good decisions, and excitement to excel on one side…, or inadequacy, fear, stress, poor decisions, and avoidance for fear of failure on the other side. When you feel stressed, stop! and examine the data you are going on. You have some misinformation, so replace the distortions with the truth. Focus your thoughts on Your God, His promises, love, and character. Remember, Immanuel – God with you.
Prayer
Dear Father, I know that You want me to live this day cheerfully as one of Your followers. But I often wake wondering if I can make it through this day and whether I will be able to cope. I realize that this fear is a form of unbelief…Help me with my unbelief today, my Lord. I know that when I begin my day with a muddled mind, I ask myself the wrong question; Will I be able to cope with the troubles I face today? I know that with You…that You and I can handle any circumstances that arise today. With You alongside me, guiding me, strengthening me, encouraging me…I can handle anything that comes my way…even those difficult situations I have been avoiding. So today Father, as I work to unscramble my thoughts…..Thank you for providing Your armor, Your Holy Spirit, and Your son Jesus, to save me in this battle….I will focus my thoughts on who You are: Immanuel – God with me. I pray this in the name of the Truth, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7
Even those with the deepest faith, at times, wake-up some mornings in a foggy, frazzled state of mind. And on the most demanding days, they may even wake in a state of unbelief in some of the basic truths that guide them. Beginning your day with tangled thoughts and a mind-set of disbelief will lead to a day of stress and poor decisions.
The crux of making good decisions is being able to see the situation clearly…eyes that see the truth. This is how the truth can set you free. The battlefield is your mind, and the Evil One is the great deceiver…trying to distort your lenses so you can’t see the truths of life and relationships clearly.
Your challenge and responsibility each morning is to untangle your thoughts so that your mind and thoughts are aligned with the truth in God’s word. Set aside time each morning for this vital task. Prepare for battle by putting on the Armor of God…clear your lenses and head (See Spiritual Basics link on the left). Pray and read scripture till your mind clears.
Today, here is what you are choosing between. Confidence, peace, joy, good decisions, and excitement to excel on one side…, or inadequacy, fear, stress, poor decisions, and avoidance for fear of failure on the other side. When you feel stressed, stop! and examine the data you are going on. You have some misinformation, so replace the distortions with the truth. Focus your thoughts on Your God, His promises, love, and character. Remember, Immanuel – God with you.
Prayer
Dear Father, I know that You want me to live this day cheerfully as one of Your followers. But I often wake wondering if I can make it through this day and whether I will be able to cope. I realize that this fear is a form of unbelief…Help me with my unbelief today, my Lord. I know that when I begin my day with a muddled mind, I ask myself the wrong question; Will I be able to cope with the troubles I face today? I know that with You…that You and I can handle any circumstances that arise today. With You alongside me, guiding me, strengthening me, encouraging me…I can handle anything that comes my way…even those difficult situations I have been avoiding. So today Father, as I work to unscramble my thoughts…..Thank you for providing Your armor, Your Holy Spirit, and Your son Jesus, to save me in this battle….I will focus my thoughts on who You are: Immanuel – God with me. I pray this in the name of the Truth, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7
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