How Is Creativity Subdued by Negative Thinking?

Creativity can be kept in submission through repressive feelings of fear and anxiety. Negative thinking will strip away what it takes to risk failure while pursuing success. Matthew 25:25 points out how fear predetermined failure for someone who refused to use his knowledge and creativity to bring him success. "I was afraid, so I went off and hid your money in the ground..."

My dad commented on how negative thinking had prevented him from purchasing property that had quadrupled in value almost immediately. Negative thinking comprised of “what if,” permitted a good investment to slip away.

God never intended for us to act on every potential, but to use our intelligence and creative abilities to assess an opportunity. Courage and confidence linked to creative investigations are necessary core ingredients for grasping a future opportunity. Faith and trust anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ are foundational for creativity.  

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You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourself, and tell your children and grandchildren as well. 

~Deuteronomy 4:9 Contemporary English Version 

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How Do Relationships Test Your Character Strengths?

Pivotal events are not reserved for just an unexpected moment. Certainly Jesus would be a pivotal event for Mary and Joseph. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he was ready to walk away, but an angel assured him Jesus would be a pivotal event for the entire world.

Pivotal events may appear overwhelming. Initially, Joseph expected to be married, have children and lead a normal life, but then his dreams appeared to be in jeopardy because what he faced could not be denied. Joseph was presented with a choice that would test his strength of character and his faith in God. 

Joseph’s dream presented a pivotal turning point because he realized God would use him in a way that could never be surpassed. Reassurance from God at a pivotal moment is available to those who seek it with humility and thanksgiving. So praise God and thank him for his provisions of faith and trust to see you through what seems impossible. 

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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude,; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  

~1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 New International Version

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Have You Reached for What Seemed Impossible?

Remember the story from Genesis 22 that relates how God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice in place of his son Isaac? Consequently, he named the place Jehovah Jireh, meaning "God will provide.” Hebrews 11:8 reminds us that, when challenged to do the inconceivable, faith motivated Abraham to obey God.

In a transitional moment, God may call you to reach beyond life’s expectations and stretch for the unimaginable. 

When God calls you to a unique task, he enables you to accomplish whatever that assignment happens to be. God will provide.

Permit God to expand your faith by trusting that all things are possible with him. Be ready for any temptation by allowing God full access to your conscience so all hidden sins will be exposed, confessed, and forgiven. Refuse to compromise your high calling by keeping your eyes fixed on Christ Jesus. God will provide.           

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God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourself and more than enough for every good cause. As the scripture says, “God gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever.”

~2 Corinthians 9:8-9 Good News Bible

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What Sabotages Fledgling Compatibility?

Although love is a powerful force, love alone cannot sustain a relationship through the trials life tends to dish out. When stress builds up, there is a tendency to regress into self-centeredness as a means of coping with what cannot be controlled.

When people are stressed by the cares of life, criticism and resentment become expressions of inner and outward conflict. This will sabotage a couple’s fledging compatibility that gets twisted and tangled into knots, making it seem impossible to re-establish common compatibility.

For compatibility to endure, it must be nurtured as you would care for a child. Faith and trust in Christ Jesus become the anchor that holds you tight during storms that must be navigated. Jesus promised to give you the gift of joy, so lay claim to that joy by asking Jesus to restore it in you.

Nurture the love God has given you for himself and each other. 

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Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other.  

~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 New Revised Standard Version

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Attitude's Link to Happiness

How do you account for the happiness and satisfaction you experience each day? Some would say family life and closeness with loved ones play a major part. Others might say financial status and the security of a career. Faith and trust in Jesus Christ rank high on what gives meaning and purpose to most Christians.

Is there a particular image of yourself that you present to others, either consciously or unconsciously? Your eyes, a smile, a frown, your  voice are indicators of a positive or negative attitude that you project about your life. Your attitude determines the degree of happiness and purpose you experience in everyday life.

Attitudes are linked to your values, the way you feel about yourself, and what you believe is the meaning and purpose of life. Attitudes are bridge builders, for they determine your success or failure. Have you considered that Christ Jesus is the giver of wisdom and truth for discovering peace and joy in life?                           

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Be happy in the Lord, always! I’ll say it again: Be happy! … Finally, my fellow Christians, keep your minds on all that is true or noble, right or pure, lovely or appealing, on anything that is excellent or that deserves praise…Then the God of peace will be with you.  

~Philippians 4:4,8-9 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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The Heart of Communion with God

 The word communion calls to mind an array of images specifically as it relates to my religious experiences. In my tradition the Lord Supper is periodically served in remembrance of the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Those who participate in this sacrament acknowledge the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to reach out to us.

At the heart of communion is faith which makes us acceptable to God. By faith and trust in Christ Jesus, each person is made worthy to be a participant in this sacrament. Therefore we consciously, earnestly, and  willingly examine ourselves to discover, confess, and repent of sin so we can approach God with a clean heart.

Accompanying faith in participation of communion are hope and courage to seek a satisfying and deep, intimate, loving relationship with the Lord God. We also offer our thanksgiving to him for sending Christ Jesus to lay down his life - to give his life to redeem and save us from the power of sin.

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During the meal Jesus took some bread in his hands. He blessed the bread and broke it. Then he gave it to his disciples and said, “Take this and eat it. This is my body.” Jesus picked up a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. He then gave it to his disciples and said, “Take this and drink it. This is my blood, and with it God makes his agreement with you. It will be poured out, so that many people will have their sins forgiven.”

~Matthew 26:26-28 Contemporary English Version

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