Thought Conditioner #40

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:16-17, KJV

This is one of the most comforting passages in all literature. It teaches that our loved ones are in a place of peace and beauty. They are under the watchful care of God and regularly experience His tenderness. The deep hunger and thirst of their souls has been satisfied. God, like a loving mother, puts His protection over them and with a kindly hand wipes away every tear from their eyes. This He has done for your dear ones who have crossed over to the other side.

If you learn to love this passage and meditate upon it, He will wipe away every tear from your eyes, also.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

There is no need to wait till we reach the other side of life to receive God’s loving care. We will still experience hunger, thirst and other basic needs, but God will fulfill our needs and set our hearts at rest if we lean on and trust him. We can experience the kingdom of God right now as we dwell in his hove.

Reflect: Are you resting in the love of God? Are you experiencing is peace?

Thought Conditioner #39

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25, NIV

If you are not getting answers to your prayers, check yourself very thoroughly and honestly as to whether you have resentments in your mind.

Spiritual power cannot pass through a personality where resentment exists. Hate is a non-conductor of spiritual energy.

I suggest that every time you pray, you add this phrase, “Lord, take from my thought all ill will, grudges, hates, jealousies.” Then practice casting these things from your thoughts.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

What we hold against another is a strong soul blocker. The Holy Spirit cannot, no, will not, penetrate into that darkness. Much is said throughout the bible on unforgivenss. It is a sin against the second law – love your neighbor. Who is our neighbor? Well, who isn’t? Holding any resentment, anger, unforgivenes…against another is a slap in the face of God. Look at all he has forgiven and continues to forgive us for.

Reflect: Is there any (list different ways you hold something against another, i.e. resentment, envy, jealousy, etc) in your heart towards another. Forgive immediately, not for them but for your own soul. For what God has done for you.

Thought Conditioner #38

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4, NIV

A cure for fear that will absolutely work is to get close to God in your thoughts. He is the only certain, unchanging factor in the world. He will never let you down, nor forget you. If plagued by fear, do what this text says: “Seek the Lord.” That may be done by spending 15 minutes every day just thinking about God. You can split this up into five minute periods, but never let a day pass without spending 15 minutes thinking about God.

Each day, make the following statement, “I surrender myself and all my problems, my loved ones, my future into the hands of God, and I trust Him.”

Three times every day, thank God for all His goodness. Soon your life will be filled with God, and emptied of apprehensions.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

There can be no fear in faith but there can be no faith without God. The more we experience God the more our faith will grow. Fear is a great tormentor and a key tool of our enemy. With fear he can eradicate our faith putting a wedge between us and God.

Reflect: Do you fight fear? Do you have trouble living to Jesus? Repent of your disbelief and let the peace of Jesus calm your fears.

Thought Conditioner #37

This is a place of quiet rest. Isaiah 28:12, NLT

These few words remind us of a spring of cool water because of their renewing quality. The frequent use of today’s text has an invigorating effect.

Sometimes, after a busy day or even in the midst of exacting activities, stop and say these words over to yourself and note how they dissipate weariness and refresh the body, mind, and spirit.

The best method for using these words is to say them slowly, emphasizing their soft quiet melody. At the same time conceive of peace, rest, and renewal as coming to you.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

Yet another piece of advice I need to take. With little time and space for quiet solitude I need to find it where I can. Often the bathroom works but that’s not even off-limits to a four-year-old. I need to seek my place of quiet rest in the midst of chaos. If Paul can find contentment in a Roman prison filled with sewage, and yes lots of noise, I can surely find quiet in my chaos.

Reflect: Where do you find your quiet rest?

Thought Conditioner #36

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3, NLT

If your mind is filled with defeat thoughts, fear thoughts, resentment thoughts, you are bound to be in a state of mental unrest, even turmoil, and of course there can be no inner peace.

This passage advises you to practice thinking about God, to keep your mind “stayed” or fixed, not upon your troubles but upon God.

Keep your mind on God for as many minutes during the day as possible. This may be difficult at first for you are unused to spiritual concentration. Practice will make it easier.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Any spirit that is not of God is a peace stealer and puts our focus on our problems rather than the Lord. It’s often the “little sin’s” that do us the most harm. They eat away at our soul and spirit. Those soul blockers keep up a wall between us and God and keep us from receiving his help and peace.

It’s hard for the mind to be full of wrong spirits when it’s focused on God. Even if you have to refocus every other second, eventually you will break free and enjoy God’s true peace.

Reflect: Do you have a complaining spirit? A spirit of gossip? A negative spirit? A nit-picky, nagging spirit? These aren’t of God. Pray that the lord will help you. Reject those spirits and embrace the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Thought Conditioner #35

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22, NIV

A human mind can stand only so much weight. One mental burden piled upon another, unless relief is obtained, will in due course reach your breaking point and cause serious difficulty. Fortunately, you do not need to carry your burdens without assistance. God will help you carry them.

But how is this done? It is accomplished in the mind. Practice thinking that God is actually with you. Tell Him about your burdens, and believe that He relieves and assists you. Form a picture of yourself as shifting your burdens to Him. He is willing to assume them and is perfectly able to do so. But, and this is most important, don’t half give them. And don’t take them back. Let God handle them. Leave them with Him.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Ah, good words here. “…don’t half give them. And don’t take them back”. Too often, we want to hold a little back for ourselves. We can handle a little “I can do it”, but all that says is “Jesus, you aren’t enough, you need my help”. Again, don’t take them back. We all get impatient. We may think “God, why are you taking your sweet time? I need to help now”. But remember, God’s timing is perfect. Cast your cares – all of them – and trust he will fulfill.

Reflect: Do you at times think, “I can do it.” or “God I’ll do it, You’re too slow”. Pray for forgiveness and rest in his strength.

Thought Conditioner #34

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9, NLT

Possibly life has become difficult—even dismal. You may not be getting zest or thrill out of living.

The text for today will restore the old delight in life. It tells you that you have never seen, nor heard, nor even imagined all the marvelous, amazingly fascinating things that God will do for those who love Him, trust Him, and put His principles into practice.

As you surrender your life to God, every experience of living will grow increasingly more wonderful.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

It is true, we can’t imagine what God has prepared for us, not in this life or the next. But we still need to prepare to receive it. We must spend time with God, in silence and solitude, mediate on is word, live with a heart of worship and enjoy a conversational relationship with the father.

The more we do these things the more our love for the father will grow. And the more we will be able to handle what more he has for us.

Reflect: How do you prepare your heart for the Father? How does your love grow?

Thought Conditioner #33

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31, NIV

This beautiful sentence describes the greatest experience that can ever happen to you. It is called spiritual experience. You get it by completely surrendering yourself to God, and experiencing His presence. Then the heavy weights of your life drop away, and you are lifted to eagle-like levels of freedom and power.

But no one can permanently live in such exalted emotional heights. Nevertheless, the power stays with you so that you can move through life with a speed and strength you never had before; you can “run and not be weary.” Then even when you get up against day-by-day situations that used to be difficult and monotonous, this power is so great that it keeps you going without depletion of strength. Spiritual experience begins by lifting you to new high levels, after which it helps you to keep going with continuous power.

 

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

I love this verse and reading this with Peale’s comments has given me much encouragement. So often I do feel weary I realize I’ve forgotten to rely on God’s strength. My day-to-day will not exhaust me so long as I remain on the vine, connected to Jesus, letting him lead the way. I can feel myself breathing easier just reading these words.

Reflect: How does Peale’s spiritual experience transfer to your own life?

Thought Conditioner #32

If anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Mark 11:23, NIV

Almost alone this passage can revolutionize your life and change defeat into victory.

What does it tell you? That your “mountain,” that great rock-like obstruction, that tremendous barrier, can be broken down and ousted from your life. You must not doubt “in your heart.” Allow no negative thoughts to exist in your subconscious mind.

Pray that your mountainous difficulty shall be removed and, as you pray, believe that it is being done then and now. Don’t have the hazy idea that “this mountain” may be removed sometime in the future, but believe that God is removing it for you now.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

Whatever the mountain, i.e.: trouble, circumstance, situation, bondage, or personal soul blocker, it can be gone. We must believe it so, not that we have some mystical power but through our unwavering belief that God will do it. He already has. Just wait and as our faith and belief grow so will the removal of our mountains.

Reflect: How is your faith during times of waiting for your mountain to move?

Thought Conditioner #31

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV

Never be discouraged about yourself. You may have tried all your life long to rid yourself of your weaknesses, your obsessions, jealousies, sins, inferiorities, without success. Your failure is probably that you have been trying to make yourself over. That is a long, tedious, and essentially impossible project.

But it can be done in no time at all by Christ. All you need do is to say to Him simply, “Lord, I do not want to be this way anymore,” and mean it. He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself—effect a lasting change in you. Ask Him to change you.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

It’s such a hard thing to believe that we are new creatures. Paul uses the present tense here. Not we will become new creatures. The old things are passed away. We are new. But too often our own disbelief keeps us living like the old creature. Like an addiction, we hang on to the familiar. Christ has made us new. We are new. Embrace the real you and let the outward evidence begin.

Take a few minutes and have a memorial service for the old you. Bury it and forget it.

Reflect: What areas do you have trouble believing you are new?

Thought Conditioner #30

For in him we live and move and exist. Acts 17:28, NLT

This text is a formula for maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual energy. The tension and pressure of modern living draws wearily upon our energies. But here we have a renewal method. The text reminds us that God created us and that He can constantly and automatically re-create us. The secret is to maintain contact with God. This channels vitality and energy and constant replenishment into our being.

Every day, preferably about midafternoon when an energy lag usually comes, try repeating this text while visualizing yourself as “plugged” into the spiritual line. Affirm that God’s recreative energy is restoring strength and power to every part of your body, your mind, and your soul.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

Too often I find myself lagging, especially early afternoon, especially when I’m cooking. My batteries aren’t charged. It’s time to take a spiritual rest. Even just five minutes alone in silence with God can restore your mind and body, like plugging into a wall socket.

Next time in the kitchen I’ll turn on some uplifting music and let it recharge my soul.

Reflect: How do you recharge?

Thought Conditioner #29

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13, NLT

This is an antidote for every defeat feeling. If you feel downed by situations, and the going is hard, this statement will remind you that you do not need to depend upon your own strength entirely, but that Christ is with you and is now giving you all the help you need.

Teach yourself to believe that through Christ’s help you can do all things. As you continue this affirmation, you will actually experience Christ’s help. You will find yourself meeting problems with new mental force. You will carry heavy burdens with ease. Your new “lifting” power will amaze you.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

Many times I’ve found myself anxious, stressed and so very tired. But then I look at my life and ask “what of all I’m doing is actually what you’ve told me to do Jesus?” Other times, even though I have so much to do, so much going on and yet I’m still able to accomplish so much with peace and a sense of calm. The difference is that “I can do all things through Christ”. He gives me strength, but to do only what he’s called me to. Many times we step out and try to do everything in our own strength which only leads us to many ills of the mind, body and spirit.

If you’re weary and tired ask the Lord, “is this what you would have me do?” If not cut it out. If yes, surrender to his strength.

Reflect: Do you find yourself caught between what God’s will is and what you think it is? How do you know the difference?

Thought Conditioner #28

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:44, KJV

Make a list of all the people who have hurt and mistreated you or whom you do not like. Then pray for each by name and sincerely practice forgiving each one. Ask the Lord to bless them. Tell the Lord that you want to mean this. Repel the thought that after all you are “justified” in your resentment.

Then speak kindly about these persons to others. Go out of your way to help them. This will, in time, break down many barriers, but even if it shouldn’t, the effect upon you will be amazing. It will clear the channel through which spiritual power flows into you.

 ~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

There is freedom in forgiveness. God’s peace won’t enter a bitter, vengeful heart. So many physical ills are alleviated by forgiveness. Holding on to hurt eats away at our bones, tissues and our very soul. If you harbor unforgiveness let it go. Do as the Proverbs say, laugh, joy is healing to the bones. It’s hard to remain unforgiving when you’re full of God’s joy.

If you harbor unforgivenss let it go and pray “Lord, forgive me as I forgive those who have hurt me. Just as you forgive my transgressions I forgive those who have transgressed against me.”

Reflect:
Step one – who do you need to forgive.
Step two: Forgive. Forgive repeatedly until it’s no longer an issue with you.

Thought Conditioner #27

If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. John 7:37, KJV

Every now and then, deep unsatisfied longings well up within us. We may seem to have everything our hearts desire and ought to be perfectly satisfied. But still these vague dissatisfactions diminish our happiness.

 When you notice such feelings, try saying this verse a few times. As you do so, try to imagine how Jesus looked when He said these words: the kindness, the understanding, the peace on His face. Try picturing yourself as receiving from Him a drink of cold water—symbolic of the water of life that completely satisfies thirst so that one never thirsts again. Affirm that you receive from Him the ultimate in soul satisfaction. A deep inner peace will gradually grow upon you.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

So many times since I left my life on the road, I’ve felt dissatisfied with my life. It’s hard to beat the freedom you feel living the road-trip lifestyle. Once I taught college. Now I homeschool a preschooler. Once I had enough money to take care of my car and my needs, now many of those needs must wait and I’ve been waiting over four years for a car. Once I traveled cross-country having adventure after adventure. Now a trip to Wal-Mart every few months is a treat.

I have been called to serve my family, my grandson, and my Lord through my blog. I really do have a blessed life, but there are times I wish there was more, especially travel, silence and solitude. I remind myself what I’ve been given is so much greater than what I’ve lost. Once I had the freedom of a life live on the open road. But now there’s nothing on this earth that could tear me away from this life. I’m so grateful God has entrusted me with caring for my family, for training Kai to be a man after His heart. When thoughts of dissatisfaction pop up I dwell on those words, to seek the one who gives real satisfaction. Jesus, fill my soul today with your water of peace.

Reflect: Are there any areas in your life that succumb to dissatisfaction? How do you deal with this?

Thought Conditioner #26

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39, NIV

These words mean that no matter what happens, nothing can separate you from God’s love and protection. The secret is to build up in your mind, day by day, the knowledge and realization of God’s presence and His love for you. Dwell on this mentally until it becomes an unshakeable fact.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

These words may seem like mere words. You believe but don’t really believe in. Internalize them; claim them for your own. Memorizing this verse will help you internalize the meaning and help you put it into practice. Ask God to show you ways that he is protecting and providing for you. How He’s demonstrating his love. When I realized he had always been there fighting for me he gave me the little arrowhead you see in the header. It reminded me though no matter how hard the journey would get he was always there protecting me, proving for me and loving me.

Reflect: Where do you see God’s love in your life?

Thought Conditioners #25

I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,  I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13,14, NLT

Every person, if he is to have mental health and live successfully, must move away from past failures and mistakes and go forward without letting them be a weight upon him.

The art of forgetting is absolutely necessary. Every night when you lie down to sleep, practice dropping the day into the past. It is over, finished. Look confidently to the future with God.

~ ~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

Do you remember the story of Sodom and Gomorrah? When Lot and his family fled they were ordered by the angels not to look back. Lots wife did and she became a pillar of stone (or salt depending on the version). Looking to the past, either in shame or longing for the days before you came to Christ, hinders your progress with Jesus. It will turn us to stone. Harden our hearts. Even if it’s a good thing, if it has a hold on you it has power over you. Let go of what lies behind and you will gain power to move on to the new thing God is doing.

Reflect: What are you holding on to?

Thought Conditioner #24

What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. Job 3:25, NIV

This thought conditioner states a very serious warning. If over a long period of time, a person habitually fears something, there is a tendency for that fear to become a reality.

For example, if you fear that you are going to fail, and you constantly entertain thoughts of failure, you will create a mental condition that is propitious to failure. Creative, positive, success factors are repelled by your mind because your mind is filled with defeat attitudes.

On the contrary, if you hold the faith thought, the positive thought, you will create about yourself an atmosphere propitious to success, health and well-being.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

 

I spent years after my divorce believing nothing good would come of my life and sure enough nothing did; only the bare minimum to survive. Then one day my boss spoke a word into my life. That if I wanted to be a college professor he knew I could do it – even against the odds – financial and intellectual lack. I was good with numbers, and excellent accountant and business manager but graduate school required reading, lots of it. And that was something I had struggle with my whole life. But this man knew I could do it. I did have something in me greater than any lack – Jesus. Those words took root and after a year of preparing myself financially, emotionally and intellectually, I enrolled in grad school. I moved my little family a hundred miles away to pursue a dream. With the help of one of my first professors, new glasses and an understanding of my visual handicap I did learn to read. And yes, I did become a college professor.

Dread & faith – both have power. Which will you choose?

Reflect: Have you entertained a spirit of dread? What was the result and how did you break it?

Thought Conditioner #23

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1: 12, NIV

You can possess within yourself all the power you will ever need in life.

The method for securing power is very simple and depends entirely upon you. This text gives the formula: It is to “receive” Christ. When this is sincerely done, you will in turn receive power.

And how do you receive Him? Simply decide that you want Him, tell Him so and mean it. Then, starting today, begin to live on a basis you know He would approve.

The essence of the formula is surrender to God’s will and Christ’s way. It is the acceptance of a new manner of thought and life. Continue to re-surrender yourself every day, and in proportion as you do so, you will feel spiritual power surging in.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

 

To believe in Jesus as the son of God, that he’s the Christ, the only way to heaven is not enough, even demons believe that. No, we must take our belief and let it penetrate deep into our souls until it has become part of our beings; it becomes who we are. When our life becomes Christ surrendered who He is will begin to take hold in us and we will become more like him. This only happens as we daily take up our crosses – DAILY– it is a daily fight while in this world to overcome the present evil.

Reflect: How do you surrender daily & carry the crosses in your life?

Thought Conditioner #22

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2, NIV

People often manufacture their own unhappiness by the negative manner in which they think about things. Work with your mind, exercise disciplinary control, and re-slant your thoughts for happier living.

Drain the mind, by consciously conceiving of yourself as dropping out every destructive thought, every fear, every inferiority feeling. Picture your mind as completely empty. Then start filling it with thoughts of God, and of Christ, thoughts about every good and pleasant thing. Practice this new habit regularly twice every day, morning and evening, to counteract the older and negative habit of allowing unhappy things to occupy your mind. In due course, unhappy thoughts will not feel at home in your mind, and happy thoughts will transform you.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

 

Sometimes you are so strongly griped by a negative mindset that you have to fight it differently. Fight with the sword of the spirit – the word of God.

This is one of my life verses and was the first verse I used to claim change in my life; the power over a negative mindset. The enemy had me so tight in his grip that nothing short of God would release me. As long as he held me in that grip of negativity he knew I would never achieve what God had planned.

For weeks I repeated “Jesus, renew my mind”. This was a powerful sword. At first I wielded it moment by moment. I had never had such a bombardment of negativity before. The enemy was fighting with all he had. After two weeks I realized I hadn’t had a negative thought in many days. God’s word does produce miracles. To me being freed of something I fought all my life was a miracle, a miracle of healing the mind.

Reflect: Does your mindset need adjusted? Here is your prescription, your daily meds – repeat these words, take this pill “Jesus, renew my mind”. Take as needed. You will soon find relief.

Thought Conditioner #21

Thought Conditioner #21

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9, NLT

Here is a mental stimulus of tremendous power, which, if received and retained in your consciousness, will give you courage to overcome every difficulty. Nothing can ever dismay you. You may question whether mere words can accomplish so great a result, but never minimize the creative force of an active idea. A mental concept has more voltage than electricity; civilizations are changed by ideas. Emerson said, “Beware of an idea whose time has come.”

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

 

In whatever God calls us, stand strong, be courageous, and go forward. You know that if he’s in it you already have what’s needed to accomplish any goal, mental concept or active idea. And do not be discouraged in the wait – God is working on it.

Reflect: How do you overcome fear and discouragement? How do you press on to the things God has for you?

 

Thought Conditioner #20

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. Psalm 62:5, NLT

One of the most serious and powerful facts in human nature is that you are likely to get what you are basically expecting. Spend years developing the mental attitude of expecting that things are not going to turn out well, and you are likely to get that result. You create a mental condition slanted to an unhappy outcome.

If, on the contrary, you develop and maintain a mental attitude of faith and expectancy—hoping, dreaming, believing, praying, working—you will create conditions in which every good thing can and will grow. Fill your mind with the positive power of spiritual expectancy, and God and His good will flow toward you.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

 

So much time can be wasted with worry, wrong expectations and fear. God wants us to rest in him, put our hope in him. What does it say to others when we don’t trust our God. How will those outside, looking in, feel about our God. Do our emotions, thoughts, works and behavior serve to draw others to God or repel them? While waiting do what the world won’t expect – stay calm and wait peaceful on God. Make them ask why?

If you don’t have peace and hope while waiting ask God for it.

Reflect: How well do you wait?

Thought Conditioner #19

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4: 11, NIV

Your present situation may not be to your liking. Perhaps you are dissatisfied and discouraged. Put the matter in God’s hands. If He wants you elsewhere, He will lead you there, providing you are amenable to His will.

But perhaps He wants you where you are. In that case, He will help you to adjust to the situation. He will make you content, even grateful for present opportunities. Learn the great art of doing the best you can, with what you have, where you are.

When you do this, you learn how to reach the better condition, or how to make your present situation a better one.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

 

I must say I’ve not always been content with my situation, perhaps with age or experience with God I’ve learned – somewhat.

Living in my minivan for two years taught me a valuable lesson – things may have been bad at time – but I didn’t die, was never hurt and God always provided for my needs. I often thought heat was a necessity but He showed me I could live in single digit temps with His grace. My first year on the road I encountered numerous record lows, 100-year cold spells – no matter how far south I went temps in the teens followed me. I cried, fretted and fumed but God always came through – either with a campsite with electricity to run my heater or his glorious protective heat. I never froze.

After my two years traveling my daughters and I found ourselves homeless for 14 months – four of them with an infant. Those days weren’t so long ago – 2011-2012. Perhaps those memories and how God brought us through keep us content even thought the situation isn’t what we want. God’s grace makes it sufficient.

Reflect: Do you have an experience with God that still helps you remain content in all things? Please share

Thought Conditioner #18

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7, NLT

This is a very practical technique of prayer. It works amazingly. One reason we do not get answers to our prayers is that we ask, but do not really expect to receive. We are expert askers, but inexpert receivers.

This spiritual formula tells us to ask and then immediately conceive of ourselves as receiving. For example, to be free from fear, ask the Lord to free you. Then believe that He has immediately done so. The minute you express your faith by sincerely asking Him for a blessing and believe your prayer is answered, your prayer is answered.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

There is an area of my life that I ask but don’t receive – health. If I happen to remember to ask my mind is not ready to receive. So my prayers remained unanswered. This is a double struggle so I have done something radical – for me. I’m keeping a specific journal for the purpose of regaining my health. I write specific prayers for health while thanking Jesus for the results. I also keep record of anything that affects my health: what is consumed (or lack of), rest & sleep, stress levels, balancing schedules. This helps me to see where I’m not receiving, where I’m responsible for my health. Jesus can fix me but what good is that when I choose poorly over and over.

I must choose daily, no, moment by moment at times, to accept his blessings of health and not sabotage them through behaviors that contradict his work.

Reflect: Where do you struggle in receiving God’s blessings? How will you change this self defeating behavior   ?

Thought Conditioner #17

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20, NLT

Today, remind yourself that nothing is too good to be true. Your great hopes can be realized. Your most wonderful dreams can come true. All that you really need, you can have. An incredible goodness is operating in your behalf.

If you are living a paltry life, resolve to stop it today. Expect great things to happen. Confidently receive God’s abundant blessings. Do not think lack. Instead think prosperity, abundance, the best of everything. God wants to give to you, His child, every good thing. Don’t hinder His generosity.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

With God nothing is impossible. Do you want to be more positive, have more self control, demonstrate kindness or have an attitude of trust? God is able and is already at work within us.

Would you like to stop:

• Thinking negatively
• Have discipline to say no to that tenth cookie
• Listening to gossip
• Watching movies God has led you to quit watching

Reflect: What is it that you’d like to ask God for, what way-out unfathomable thing would you like to see changed but never thought you could? Then personalize this verse, make it your own and say it every time you’re challenged. If you have you overcome with God’s help please share.

Thought Conditioner #16

Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. Isaiah 55:3, NLT

Most people live on the surface. They miss the most astonishing things. They see and yet they do not see. And the reason is they aren’t really looking.

The same is true about what they hear. They listen with the outer ear, only. For example, people go to church, and the Gospel never penetrates beyond the outer consciousness. That is because people do not listen with all their faculties. They do not lose themselves in it.

But when one inclines his ear and hears, listening as though his life depended upon it, getting every word, letting it sink into his mind by a deep and powerful penetration, then the message falls like a healing potency upon him. Every spiritual disease germ is killed, and he lives with new health and strength.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

New life, renewal of all we are comes from the Word. We just can’t scratch the surface or seek to hear only what we want; pick and choose scripture to fit our desires, pick and choose from those anointed to teach. We must take whatever word we receive and let it flow from the ear down deep within our heart, to permeate our spirit. Like taking medicine If you don’t swallow it won’t get to the infected areas and heal the ills of our lives. If we have obstacles and an inefficient digestive system, or the combination of wrong meds we won’t get well.

It’s the same with the Word. Are there things in your life – heart or mind that prevent the word to pass through the ear to deep inside? Any soul blockers?

Reflect: What keeps the word from settling deep within you?