Jul
21
2010
These affirmations using scripture were made on Twitter since April 22nd. Enjoy
To receive affirmations on Twitter, click on the image to the right.
God is attentive to my prayers because I am in a right relationship with him. 1 Peter 3:12
Because my old life was buried on the cross, I now live a new life in Christ. Romans 6:4
Jesus is my truth and way to an abundant Life & heaven. John 14:6
I satisfy my deep spiritual hunger and thirst with the Bread of Life and Living Water – Jesus. John 6:35
God has chosen me as one of his personal possessions and I am priceless. 1 Peter 2:9
All the battles of my life are the Lord’s. As I stand in faith, He fights them for me. 1 Samuel 17:47
As soon as God hears me cry out for help he answers me. What a gracious God! Isaiah 30:19
Because I stand firm with Jesus, I have life! Luke 21:19
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Jul
19
2010
Focus, Triggers and Sports Psychology
Sports psychologist will tell you that an important aspect of any game is the ability of the athlete to focus. Keeping one’s mind concentrated on the task at hand is key to performing anything at a high level.
The 2010 British Open winner, Louis Oosthuizen, employed a trigger technique to do just that. In the past, Oosthuizen would become very temperamental on the course and regularly lose his focus. His mind would get off track and his swing would be affected. Consequently, his scores did not put him at the top of the leader boards. In fact, in two previous PGA tour events, he did not do well enough to make the cut and play over the weekend.
Oosthuizen and his Mind Coach came up with a solution to his focus problem. He put a large red dot in a very visible spot on his golf glove. Each time he gripped his club, he’d see the red dot as a trigger and to remember to focus… to clear his mind of any distraction so that his mind was completely in the game. He believes it made a difference in how he performed during the British Open. I imagine he will continue to use this technique as a visual reminder, or trigger, to help him focus for the foreseeable future. Serious golfers and sports-minded people may enjoy reading more about Oosthuizen’s Mind Coach, Karl Morris, and this trigger technique.
Focus and The Christian Faith
I spent some time the last 24 hours reflecting on how this focus issue might be addressed for those who are trying to live out the principles of the Christian faith and might be stumbling, especially in their thinking patterns. My mind kept going to two scriptures.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.“ Philippians 4:8
To understand what God wants us to be doing, we have to have a mindset based on his guiding principles. Paul tells us in Romans that it’s necessary to renew our minds by knowing what God’s truths are and we do that by reading the Bible. We must replace what society, or the world, tells us with the principles of God. He inspired the authors of the Bible to share his truths with us by the written Word. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Then in Philippians, Paul instructs us what to think on specifically… the kind of thoughts that should be in our minds. The more our thoughts are of those that Paul suggests, the more likely we will have peace and live a victorious life.
Focus and Your Red Dot
So what behaviors or “triggers” can we employ on a daily basis to remind us to practice these principles? I’ll share a few of the things I do that help me. I generally listen to Christian music instead of secular music. Most every morning I start my day with a devotional and read some of the Bible. I pray asking God to help me think about things that will please him and that are praiseworthy. I read books about the application of the Christian faith. Most days of the week I seek out scriptures that are conducive to personalizing in the form of daily positive affirmations. (Read a blog post about the value of speaking affirmations using scripture.)
It’s been my experience that the more I am intentional about monitoring my thinking patterns, and therefore think as Paul recommended to the Philippians, I’m better able to be the kind of man God desires me to be. The fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control - are more apparent in my life.
So, I don’t use a visual type of red dot to help me focus on my walk with God. My main technique is monitoring my thinking pattern and by daily doing things that help me be reminded of the key principles of the Christian faith.
What’s your equivalent of Oosthuizen’s red dot that helps you stay focused on your walk with God?
Jun
23
2010
This advertisement to the right has appeared in our local newspaper, The Charlotte Observer, several times in the last few weeks. Today it appeared in the Sports section. I imagine that the editors of the paper think that men will see the ad and show it to their wives and girlfriends so they might consider reshaping their image. Or, perhaps the women who browse through the section will see it and ponder how they might develop a better image – physically and emotionally.
The same ad appears in the current issue of Today’s Charlotte Woman magazine.
It’s so sad that this is par for the course in our society today. Women especially are bombarded with messages like this advertisement. Change your body and you’ll have a new self image. Looking like the women in ads like this will make you feel good about yourself and of your image as a woman. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Last night I had the privilege of leading a Bible study session for a group of 40 men involved in a transitional housing ministry that serves the poor and homeless. My message to them was that God wants them to base their personal identity on who they are in Christ and not on the messages that they might receive from the “world.”
My message to you women who happen to read this post is the same. God loves you. He sent his Son, Jesus, to die for your sins so that you might have a full life, now and for all eternity. If you have accepted Christ into your life, you now have right-standing with God. Once you were separated from him (because of the original sins of Adam and Eve), and now, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, you are reconnected with God and made right with him. Romans 5:12-17
In Romans 8:11-17, Paul reminds you that you are a child of God and in Ephesians 2:10 he tells you that you are his masterpiece, created to do good things that he has planned for you to do long ago.
I have a wife and a daughter who is a young adult. They are both as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. That’s the way God sees them and the way that I see them. I hate it that they, and all other women in our society, have to battle with the messages that the world sends them. It tears me up that women have to contend with these messages.
Women, you don’t have to have a perfect body to feel good about your self image as these ads suggest. If you’ll just believe that God loves you so much that he calls you his child and if you receive this love deep in your heart, your identity and your life can be changed forever. That’s what Romans 12:2 reminds us. You can be transformed by the renewing of your minds.
Women, I encourage you to place your heart and your soul in God’s hands and receive his great and powerful and transforming love through his Son, Jesus. Then, read and embrace the truths found in his guidebook for living – the Holy Bible.
That’s how you can truly refine your image!
Receive daily affirmations based on scripture through Twitter.
Read about my understanding of the connection between the Christian faith and wholeness.
May
18
2010
Last week our church began a 7-part series titled “Be Our Biggest Loser“. The series is about the things we want to lose in our lives – not just extra weight. A few of the topics we will address will be low self esteem, helplessness, anxiety, addictions and bitterness. I had the privilege of presenting the first teaching on “False Beliefs and Destructive Thinking.”
One of the key verses I based the teaching on is
“For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.” Proverbs 23:7
In the teaching I briefly covered the following topics:
- Satan is the deceiver
- Our defense- the Word of God
- Our identity
- We are all children of God
- The value of meditation and affirmations
- It’s all about the heart
One of the main points I made was the importance of renewing one’s mind according to Romans 12:2. My appreciation for this scripture is that Paul was not just referring to the process of thinking positive, heavenly thoughts. He was also encouraging the Romans to embrace the entire gospel. He was urging them to consider what Christ did for them on the cross and for them to live out the new life that they were given to them by Christ.
Based upon the feedback I received afterward, I thought I’d make my five pages of notes I referred to available here as a resource. Included in the notes are 20 relevant scriptures. To read and/or download a copy of the notes, visit the link below.
False Beliefs & Destructive Thinking
Hope that you have an awesome day!
Apr
19
2010
These are the affirmations I’ve tweeted on Twitter since January 25th. If you’re using Twitter and would like to receive them daily, follow @FaithandHealth on Twitter.
Read this blog post on how to use Bible scriptures to make affirmations in your own life. As you read these, I urge you to speak them as truth in your own life.
Enjoy!
I can see the Kingdom of God because I am born again. John 3:3
I don’t worry about everyday life. God knows my needs and meets them because I make His Kingdom my primary concern. Matthew 6:25-33
Jesus shows himself to me because I love him. John 14:21
Because Jesus died for my sins, I am no longer separated from God. I live in close union with him. Romans 5:10
The fruit I produce brings great joy to God, my Father in Heaven. John 15:8
God’s power works best in my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Through the energy of Christ working powerfully in me, I teach others His truths. Colossians 1:29
I have been saved, not by works, but grace, so that I might do good works. Ephesians 2:9-10
My faith makes me whole in spirit, soul and body. Mark 5:34
When I call out to God He answers me. He tells me things I wouldn’t know otherwise. Jeremiah 33:3
Because I place my hope in the Lord my strength is renewed. Isaiah 40:31
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Mar
15
2010
It’s taken a little longer than I had hoped but I’ve finished recording the first of several sets of affirmations that is now available for download.
Volume One: Health-Related Affirmations
This first set is a compilation of 25 scriptures that promote health and well-being. Each scripture has been personalized, using the pronoun I. The affirmations are spoken twice followed by a pause to allow you to repeat the affirmation. The MP3 files have been recorded in both male and female voices. You’ll hear my voice on the male version and my wife’s voice on the female version. This first set is seven minutes in length.
Listen to a few sample affirmations .
Visit the Products page to download the set of 25. The cost is 99 cents.
Read this earlier post about the value of affirmations and the technique of personalizing scripture to make them.
Feb
04
2010
Affirmations Using Scripture for Your iPod
I’m working on organizing the several hundred affirmations I’ve tweeted over the last six months into categories. Upon completion, I’ll be making them available to download in MP3 format.
Listen to a sample of three affirmations using scripture.
To be notified when they’re ready, simply send me a quick email and I’ll reply back to you with a link.
Have an awesome day!
Jan
25
2010
These are the positive affirmations I’ve tweeted on Twitter during the last two months. If you’re using Twitter and would like to receive them daily, follow me on Twitter.
Here’s a blog post on how to use Bible scriptures to make affirmations in your own life.
These affirmations are truth for those who believe in the redeeming work of Jesus on the cross. As you read these, I urge you to speak them as truth in your own life.
God stands at my side and gives me the strength I need for today. 2 Timothy 4:17
As I cleanse myself of the wood and clay in my life, I am better able to be used by God. 2 Timothy 2:20-21
Scriptures in the Bible teach me 2 do what is right and equip me for every good thing God wants me 2 do. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
God reveals his spiritual truths to me by his Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:13
Christ has set me free to experience true freedom. Galatians 5:1
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Nov
30
2009
These are the positive affirmations I’ve tweeted on Twitter during the last 50 days. If you’re using Twitter and would like to receive them daily, you might want to follow me on Twitter.
Read my blog post on how to use Bible scriptures to make affirmations in your own life.
These affirmations are truth for those who believe in the redeeming work of Jesus on the cross. As you read these, I urge you to speak them as truth in your own life.
Affirmations Based on Scripture
God’s unfailing love for me never ends. Lamentations 3:22
The God of hope fills me with joy and peace as I trust in Him. Romans 15:13
God’s power enables me to live a healthy lifestyle. 1 Corinthians 4:20
God does not ignore my prayers or withhold his unfailing love from me. Psalm 66:20
As I turn from sin towards God I experience wonderful times of refreshment. Acts 3:19-20
God gives me rest when I’m weary and joy when I’m sad. Jeremiah 31:25
My cheerful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22
The God of Israel gives me power and strength. Psalm 68:35
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Oct
05
2009
Read these positive affirmations I’ve tweeted using Twitter during the last month. Follow me on Twitter to receive them.
Read my blog post on how to use Bible scriptures to make affirmations in your own life.
Scripture Affirmations
“God’s truth – his Word – stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8
“God gives me power when I am worn out and strength when I am weak.” Isaiah 40:29
“God’s principles are perfect. They are entirely worthy of my trust.” Psalm 119:138
“With God in my life, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“Jesus keeps pruning me so that I will be even more productive for God.” John 15:2
“The water Jesus gives takes away my thirst altogether.” John 4:14
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.” Psalm 139:14
“I follow God’s principles because I love him.” John 14:15
“I can never be separated from the love of God.” Romans 8:35-39
“God’s love is made complete in me when I obey his principles.” 1 John 2:5
“As I draw near to God, he draws near to me.” James 4:8
“God’s discipline is always good for me because it means I share in His holiness.” Hebrews 12:10
“I display a new nature because I am a new person, created in God’s likeness – holy and true.” Ephesians 4:24
“The secret is that Christ lives in me and I have assurance of sharing his glory.” Colossians 1:27
“Nothing can separate me from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:39
“God satisfies me when I am thirsty and fills me with good things when I am hungry.” Psalm 107:9
“I keep God’s words in my heart. They are health to my whole body.” Proverbs 4:20-22
“It is God’s Spirit that gives me eternal life. My human effort accomplishes nothing.” John 6:63
“God is for me so no one can ever be against me.” Romans 8:31
“In God I live and move and exist.” Acts 17:28
“I defeat this evil world by trusting Christ to give me victory.” 1 Peter 5:5
“By God’s grace and through faith in Jesus, I have a full and eternal life.” Ephesians 2:8
“Through prayer, the peace of God guards my heart & mind.” Philippians 4:7
“By God’s grace and through faith in Jesus, I have a full and eternal life.” Ephesians 2:8
“I find strength in the Lord my God.” 1 Samuel 30:6
“God strengthens me because my heart is fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
“I have rest in my soul because I go to Jesus when I am weary.” Matthew 11:28-29
“Because I have been born again, I will see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3
“I do not fear because God strengthens me.” Isaiah 41:10
“I am full with the joy of the Lord.” Isaiah 42:10
Read more positive affirmations using Bible scriptures.
Read more about positive affirmations based on scripture regarding health and strength.
