March 2010

What is the Difference Between Christian Meditation and Biblical Affirmations?

What is the Difference Between Christian Meditation and Biblical Affirmations?

Discover How Meditation and Affirmations Compare and Can Transform Your Life!

Christian meditation involves renewing our minds with the Word of God.

Christian meditation and biblical affirmations literally help transform our lives by changing the content of our hearts and minds.

This changes the way we think… Why?

The simple fact of the matter is: The more healthy our beliefs, the quicker we reject unhealthy ones.

How do meditation and affirmations differ? Affirming scripture is considered a form of meditation. Affirmations help take negative thoughts captive by replacing them with God’s Word.

Christian Meditation

There are various methods and ways for Christians to meditate. One might study, consider, confess, memorize or use positive biblical affirmations to name a few. When we meditate, we contemplate and reflect on the things of God with a deep focus. 

Meditation is a way to approach God and gain a greater understanding of Him.

“The meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.” 
— Psalm 49:3

When we meditate we take in the Word of God and gain nourishment and wisdom. The scriptures begin to fit together for us much better and the mysteries of God begin to be revealed.

Meditating God’s Word is meditating His ways and His will. Gaining a greater revelation of these things helps us to better please God and at the same time learn how to walk in His blessings.

Biblical Affirmations

Biblical affirmations are bible verses stated in a positive, first person, present tense form. The power of affirmation comes with repetition and speaking them out loud. Daily confessing and speaking what the Word of God says about us can truly be life-transforming.

Most often, affirmations will be confessed based on a desired area of life that is in need of help or encouragement. If that area, for example, is healing, then a selection of healing scriptures will be confessed over and over. These might include healing affirmations such as: “By Jesus stripes I am healed” and “My God is the Lord that heals me.”

These affirmations get deposited into our subconscious, and our subconscious takes in everything as if it is real. So what we repeatedly fill our hearts and minds with is what we eventually become.

 “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” 
— Proverbs 23:7

The Bible emphasizes in Luke 6:45 that a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good, for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. So we need to pay attention to what we are filling up our heart with.

The truth is: What we think about and talk about we manifest in our life, whether good or bad. Christian meditation and biblical affirmations play a vital role in the believer’s life. 

How often are you meditating on God’s Word?

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. Do you have a favorite verse that you regularly meditate or confess? Feel free to share… It will encourage others [and I’m always looking for ideas for the podcast, videos, and free downloads :-)]

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Growing Prosperity: Renewed Thinking to Live in the Abundant Provision of God!

Growing Prosperity: Renewed Thinking to Live in the Abundant Provision of God!

Manifest Growing Prosperity with Growing Faith

Growing Prosperity comes with a growing faith.

Are you, like many believers, overwhelmed with living by faith?

Does it seem too hard to live in the lifestyle God has laid out?

Really it is a whole lot easier to do what God says, because then we don’t have to figure it all out our self. We don’t have to worry and stress. There is peace in taking it one day at a time.

God has already made available a great abundant provision for us. Manifesting growing prosperity in our lives simply requires living by faith and obeying God’s steps to receive. And this requires getting control of our thought life right from the start.

Renewed Thinking

The New Year is always a great time to get a fresh perspective and start anew. But we don’t have to wait until the first of every year. Today is always a great day to renew our thinking.

God never intended living by faith and acting on His Word to overwhelm us. We need to refuse to think God’s ways are too hard.

When we have a positive outlook it is much easier for God to help us out – because He doesn’t have to fight our mind so much! And, we are able to adjust to life changes a lot easier.

We need to be of the mindset that:

  • It is easy to live debt-free.
  • It is easy to live healed.
  • It is easy to walk in love.

We need to get into the Word and let it stir our faith and let the Word start renewing our mind in the areas we struggle with – so that we not only see it is possible, but inevitable. God’s Word will work!

Abundant Provision of God

I’m sure that just like me, what you want is to live in the abundant provision God has made available to us.

Living in the abundance of God requires action on our part. However, before we can act and be successful, we have to be thinking right. Right thinking allows us to act on the Word and receive what God has for us sooner.

It is not that hard to believe God!

Spend time with God and let Him refresh you. Let God be God of every area of your lifespiritually, physically, and financially. Then He can bless you in all those areas.

Biblical prayer and meditation example on the abundance of God:

“I pray that you may know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory throughout all ages. Amen.”
— Ephesians 2:19-21

Bottom line is that every day is an opportunity to renew our minds with God’s Word, act on it, and grow closer to Him. Are you ready for renewed thinking to live in the abundant provision of God?

May right thinking allow you to act on God’s Word and experience a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

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I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me – Christian Music Video

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me – Christian Music Video

“I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me

“I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side.
I can only imagine what my eyes will see, when Your face is before me.
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?

I can only imagine… when that day comes…”

This is not a new song, but does help us keep our heavenly eternal home in perspective. In a world that is increasingly trying to steal our peace, it is important to keep our focus on the source of true peace.

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.”
— 2 Thessalonians 3:16
“He that is righteous, let him be righteous still:
and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
And, behold, I come quickly;
and My reward is with Me,
to give every man according as his work shall be.
I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Blessed are they that do His commandments,
that they may have right to the tree of life,
and may enter in through the gates into the city.
…The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.”
— Revelation 22:11-14,21

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. You can find a large selection of Mercy Me music at amazon.

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Empowerment – How to Ramp Up Your Confidence and Put an End to Fear and Anxiety!

Empowerment – How to Ramp Up Your Confidence and Put an End to Fear and Anxiety!

Start Tapping Into Your Full Potential

Empower yourself with bold confidence.

Do not let the fear factor paralyze your potential. Fear works to ruin lives. It makes us withdraw and turn away from our dreams. It eats away our confidence and self-esteem. It holds us back from reaching our potential.

Dale Carnegie said, “You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind.”

Doing it Afraid

Have you had so much fear and anxiety in your life for so long now, that you can’t see how you can ever be free from it?

Well, you can shake loose the powerful hold it has over you by facing it head on. Each time you boldly confront fear; you squash it smaller and smaller and empower yourself with confidence.

Courage is required to face those things we fear the most. No doubt it is not easy to break the negative stronghold fear sets up in our life. But it can be done by taking steps forward and doing it afraid.

Remember, fear causes us to turn away from our dreams and goals. So each time you courageously take a step forward toward your goals and act even in the midst of fear, you begin to squash your fears and build your confidence.

Empowering Faith

Faith provides the confidence to be a success. Fear, on the other hand, is the source of worry, anxiety, depression, and other tormenting emotions.

What can we do to help prevent fear in the first place? We can look to God and trust in His faithfulness and be confident that He will help us. The person who trusts in God has confidence that God will work all things together for good. (Romans 8:28)

Faith empowers us with confidence and gives us boldness to act in the midst of fear.

“We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.” 
— Hebrews 13:6

Faith brings a supernatural peace that allows us to enjoy life with confidence and free from the torment of fear. God says He did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Put this to the test right away. Call on God to help ramp up your confidence; so you can put an end to fear and anxiety. Hold onto strong faith and begin to replace your fears with confidence and watch what God can do!

May you enjoy a life empowered with faith filled confidence and growing prosperity!

Soar Higher –

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. Do you have any fears that God has helped you conquer? If so, feel free to leave a comment and share… we’d love to hear…

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Growing Prosperity – Do You Want 7 Proven Ways to Shortcut Your Path to Wealth?

Growing Prosperity – Do You Want 7 Proven Ways to Shortcut Your Path to Wealth?

7 Proven Ways to Shortcut Your Path to Wealth

Growing prosperity is a process and a journey.

One of the paths, we all want to take on this journey, is the path to wealth…

And we want to reach this destination in life as quickly as possible.

So what are some shortcuts you can take on your path to wealth?

There are many time-tested and proven shortcuts that we can see the wealthy have in common. Some so seemingly simple that they are often overlooked in value. However, even though they may appear ‘simple’, do not underestimate the power they can have when put into action.

Without further ado, here are seven of the best ones I have discovered:

Top 7 Proven Ways to Shortcut Your Path to Wealth

1.) Acknowledge God as Your Source

Who is your source? Many people make the mistake of thinking that their job is their source of supply. But they need to realize that God is the source and uses their work as a means to let the funds flow to them.

Expect God to bless you. And remember problems and needs are opportunities for God to provide for you. His abundance is unlimited.

2.) Knowledge is Power

Is your knowledge limited? More often than not, our knowledge is far too limited to make the best financial decisions that lead to wealth.

Solomon cautions us in Proverbs 15:22, that without counsel, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed. By seeking the counsel and wisdom of others, we radically expand our knowledge and ability to make wise financial decisions.

3.) Honor God with Your Tithes

Are you a tither? Wealthy and successful people are found to give ten percent or more of their income to charity. Those that honor God with their tithe (10 percent of their income), have the right to stand on the promise in Malachi 3:10 that says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now, saith the Lord, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

“Tithing seems to put a person in touch with some mysterious force that attracts money.”
— Norman Vincent Peale

4.) Be a Generous Giver

Do you exhibit generosity; the quality that receives more than it gives? Giving has been compared to waving a magic wand that manifests prosperity.

There is a well known proverb that tells us that those who give generously to others will gain back even more than they give. (Proverbs 11:24-25) Sound impossible? Just try it and see!

5.) Learn to Save

Have you developed the habit of saving? The discipline of consistently saving even small amounts, regularly over time, is a practice that leads to financial success. The savings habit, combined with growing knowledge to make wise investments, will shortcut your path to wealth.

6.) Stay Out of Bad Debt

Do you recognize that debt is a problem? The borrower is slave to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7) The majority of people in debt continue to get deeper in debt. The spirit of ‘keeping up with the Jones’ is a problem. Debt is your enemy.

“Debt is a merciless master. It will do everything it can to destroy you.”
– Napoleon Hill

7.) Be Thankful

Are you a thankful person? God gave you wisdom and He gave you ability. It is His will that you are blessed to be a blessing. Do you give Him thanks for your job; which provides you monetary gain? Do you give thanks to all that you have been allowed to be steward over?

Being thankful and appreciative for the little creates an atmosphere for future growth.

So there you have it: Why not use these seven proven shortcuts on your path to wealth?

May you shortcut your path to wealth and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. Any additional shortcuts that have helped (are helping) you? Feel free to share…

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Mighty to Save by Laura Story – Christian Music Video

Mighty to Save by Laura Story – Christian Music Video

“Mighty to Save” Song and Testimony by Laura Story

Laura shares the personal testimony of her husband Martin’s battle with a brain tumor. They battled for his health together in love and were steadfast in their faith that God is in control.  And they continue in their faith, knowing God is Mighty to Save!

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” — Nahum 1:7

Maybe you need help in your life today – in your body, in your finances, or in your family. Be encouraged! Our God delights in your faith in His ability to turn negative situations into positive testimonies to His grace and mercy.

Let God be your strength and stronghold in times of trouble and open the door to His miracle working power in your life!

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. We’d love to hear your testimonies of how God was mighty to save in your life…

P.P.S. You can find music by Laura Story at amazon.

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Happy 1st Birthday Growing Prosperity!

Happy 1st Birthday Growing Prosperity!

Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of GrowingProsperity.com

Today is the 1 Year Anniversary Celebration of Growing Prosperity.com!

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement over the year!

It is much appreciated and it has gone a long way in helping keep this project growing…

I’m looking forward to sharing another year of Growing in the Lord with you and expect it to be better than the one before…

And I pray that God enlightens and moves in your life powerfully over the coming days, months, and year ahead!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. Image credits and thanks to Billy Alexander

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How Will Meditating on God’s Word Benefit My Life?

Meditation for the Christian Believer – How Will Meditating on God’s Word Benefit My Life?

Powerful, Life-Changing Benefits from Christian Meditation!

Christian meditation can benefit our lives in more ways than we can count.

True meditation comes from the heart and with a desire to please God;

not with an attitude of what’s in it for me.

A key point to note: The Bible commands us to meditate and obedience to God’s Word always benefits our life.

Meditation on God’s Word Draws Us Closer to Him and Brings Blessings

Christian meditation is based on the Word of God. Meditating daily helps reveal God and causes us to be blessed. David discovered this too, and tells us in Psalm 1:1-2 that those who delight themselves in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night are blessed.

Meditation on God’s Word is time spent with God. And like all relationships, time invested helps make it stronger and more intimate.

Life and Grace Come Out of the Word of God

From the Word of God comes life. God has already given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (spiritual training). Grace and peace are multiplied through the knowledge of God and His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. (2 Peter 1: 2-3)

Meditation taps into a source of blessings that goes beyond the natural world. It allows us to tap into the very life of God.

Our Purpose, Inheritance, and the Promises of God are Revealed in His Word

We were created for a purpose.  And looking to our Creator will reveal His plan, so that we can live a fulfilling life. The Lord says He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us; plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

“We have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will.” – Ephesians 1:11

If we want to know God’s will for our lives, then we need to read His will. How can we claim our inheritance if we don’t know what belongs to us?

God’s Word is loaded with the next promise just waiting to be launched in our life. The Bible tells us we have been given exceeding great and precious promises so that we might be partakers of His divine nature. (2 Peter 1:4) God delights in honoring His promises that we bring to Him.

Mark my words: Meditating brings about revelation of God’s Word and causes us to act on it. This in turn results in the manifestation of God’s promises and blessings in our lives. A purposeful, victorious life comes when we are connected to the life of God. 

Is Christian meditation a part of your daily life?

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. You can find additional Christian Meditation resources at www.Meditation-Christian.com

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