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Banish the Negatives!

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  Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. Ephesians 4:31, VOICE Banish the Negatives With so many social media platforms today, people can express their negative opinions about you so easily and say things that are derogatory, disrespectful, rude, and fault-finding. The only power that has is the power you give it. If you let what flows from their jealousy, bitterness, or anger get in you, if you dwell on it, that will poison your spirit. Over time it will change who you are. You’ll become defensive and waste your time trying to prove to people that you’re okay, that you’re not what they said. That’s giving them your power. Don’t pay attention to what they’re saying. Quit reading the negative comments. Don’t get drawn into a battle that you’re not supposed to be in. Don’t let their gossip, jealousy, or criticism get in your spirit and steal your joy. Don’t give it the time of day; ignore it and move forward. Keep...
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The Compass of Life!

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  The Compass of Life For a brief period of time in the early part of my business career, I was in a location where hunting was big on the agenda of most men. I grew up in the city, and I knew very little about hunting. I bought all of the necessary clothing, boots, thermal underwear, gloves, warmhat, and a compass. This was long before the days of having a portable GPS device available. To top off the list of purchases, I bought an Remington rifle. I was ready to go! On a cold day in November, I joined a few other men who had experience in navigating their way through the woods of northwestern Pennsylvania for a hunting day. It was one of those days when it was  really  cold. After a few hours of being outside, I told the guys that I was ready to call it quits. I pulled out my compass and unknowingly held it very close to the rifle barrel that was in my other hand. I told them I thought I should go in a particular direction back to where my car was located. In the backgr...
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The Power of God!

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  Your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5, NKJV The Power of God The Israelites were excited to go into the Promised Land until they heard the negative report that there were giants and fortified cities to overcome. Before you see dreams come to pass, before you see healing, promotion, and restoration, don’t be surprised if you face obstacles, disappointments, and setbacks that look too big. Are you going to get discouraged and settle where you are as the Israelites did, or will you have faith in the power of God? What you face may be more powerful than you, but it’s not more powerful than our God. He’s in control. This is not the time to start complaining, give up, and turn around. This is the time to show God what you’re made of. In the face of the medical or financial report that hasn’t improve, dare to say, “I still believe in the power of God.” Whatever form the giant takes, you have to say as the apostle Paul, “None of these th...
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God’s Plans and Purposes!

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  God’s Plans and Purposes Plan and purpose are concepts that flow beautifully through the entire Bible. There is nothing random or spontaneous about our God and his works. He is purposeful in all things. God’s kingdom is increased by men and women who tap into the purpose that God has for them. They understand that their story is part of a much bigger story, his story, and this great insight becomes their guiding light. Perhaps the greatest verse in the Bible on the subject of God’s will is this one: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Consider what that one verse means for your life: God has a plan perfectly formulated with your name on it. It’s a good plan. He didn’t create you to be miserable, but to be fruitful. God has reserved for you a future filled with hope. Further, we can venture certain conclusions from this plan: God’s plan was written long before yo...
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I Am What God Says I Am!

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  You realize, don’t you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16, MSG “I Am What God Says I Am” Oluwafemi, we start every service at Lakewood saying, “I am what God says I am.” I may feel weak, but God says I’m strong, so my report is, “I am strong.” When you say that, strength starts heading your way. When you’re dealing with an illness, anxiety, or depression, it’s easy to wear the labels “sick,” “depressed,” “anxious,” “defeated.” “That’s just who I am.” No, that’s not who you are. That’s what you’re dealing with. You’re not a sick person trying to get well. You’re a well person fighting off sickness. Don’t let the difficulty become your identity. Don’t get in agreement with the negative. Go back to what your Creator says. God says He’s restoring health to you. He says you’ll run and not be weary. He says weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Say about yourself, “I am a temple of God. I’m healthy, whole, en...
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Godly Attitudes!

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  Godly Attitudes As we begin to make intentional decisions about our time, talent, and treasure, our attitudes about life begin to change as well. When we reflect upon the Scriptures, it’s not long before we recognize that we see the world in a way that contrasts sharply from those who do not have God’s view. This is incredibly important because attitudes determine thoughts; thoughts govern feelings; and feelings guide actions. Those actions, of course, reinforce our attitudes, so that what we have I Kingdom of God is the opportunity to break negative cycles of behavior and begin positive ones. People, of course, try to do this every day, but it’s simply not possible through the limits of human effort. One of the greatest insights of the Scriptures is validated through our simple observation of this world: No matter how hard we try, we fall into the same ruts. We make the same mistakes. We can’t break the cycle of human sin—unless we allow Christ to break it for us. So we’re talki...
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Blessed Indeed!

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  “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.”  Numbers 6:24–25, NIV Blessed Indeed Start today with God’s blessing on you, with His face shining upon you. You were created in His image. He didn’t make any mistakes. You didn’t get shortchanged. He knew every weakness you would have. He knew the areas you would struggle in. So quit beating yourself up, living unworthy, letting condemnation hold you back. Receive His grace and mercy and move forward with boldness and faith. With God’s blessing, you have to start blessing yourself. When you’re tempted to say something negative, turn it around. Instead of “I’m not attractive,” say “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Instead of “I’ve made too many mistakes,” say “I am forgiven, redeemed, and restored.” Instead of “I’ll never be successful,” say “I’m surrounded by favor.” You have a destiny to fulfill. There’s a calling on your life, an assignment that only you can accomplish. The...
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