Spirituality: Stop Destructive Gossip and Live at a Higher Spiritual Level!

Use Words to Encourage and Stop the Gossip

Gossip can zap the power out of

one’s spirit quickly.

Gossip is negative, mean spirited,

and destructive.

It is an addictive, bad habit for the gossiper.

Gossip will pull the gossiper, and those

around him or her, down to the lowest spiritual level.

If all that isn’t bad enough, God considers gossip a serious sin in the same league as murder, God hating, and other wickedness. (Romans 1:28-32) Gossipers are not in right fellowship with God.

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.”
– Proverbs 20:19 NIV

Harmless Good Fun Or Destructive Gossip?

I’m sure you will agree that gossip is something we should not take lightly. What is truly unfortunate, is the fact that most Christians do not consider gossip a sin or wrong! At most, they consider it an insignificant bad habit.

Gossip is a key factor hindering growing prosperity in many people’s lives. And unfortunately, it is rarely recognized. Almost instantly, without thinking twice, gossipers will let rumors, bad-mouthing, confidential information, and idle, malicious talk fly out of their mouths.

If only they knew the damage they are causing! The Bible tells us that a Christian who’s mouth is out of control, deceives his own heart and his religion is worthless. (James 1:26)

Let’s face it: Gossip is not harmless, good fun. It carries a negative tone of abuse that is often demeaning, critical, judgmental, harmful, and hurtful. This is why God has much to say about it and warns us of it’s destructiveness.

Dealing With Gossip

Everywhere from family, work, school to church settings, gossip has become a common destructive factor. It is clearly evident that busybodies are everywhere these days. But the question to ask ourselves is: “Am I guilty of gossip?”

Gossip is often disguised as concern for others or as asking for prayer. However, whenever there is talk about others in an unfavorable way, there is gossip.

Keep in mind: Gossip is a sin that separates us from God and hinders our prosperity. God does not bless sin. Gossipers often deal with unexplainable troubles and rarely get their prayers answered. (Psalm 66:18, John 9:31)

“He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”
– Proverbs 13:3 NIV

Tips to Deal With Gossip:

• AWARENESS. We all have tendency to gossip from time to time. To overcome this tendency and have a more spirit-filled, gossip-free life requires awareness when it happens.
• PRAYER. It doesn’t matter if you are struggling with a gossip addiction or if you are a victim of gossip, turning to God in prayer is a must. As a gossiper, repent and ask for forgiveness and pray that God help you take control of your words and make them words of encouragement. As a victim, pray that God bless the other person and help them become free as He helps you maintain a forgiving, loving heart.
• AVOID. Stay out of other people’s business and avoid association with those who gossip. Refuse to engage in gossip.
• CHOOSE. Decide to speak words of encouragement, hope, and love. Steer conversations in a positive direction. Choose to be silent if only destructive words of gossip are on your lips.
• LOVE. Walk in love and address gossipers directly and privately in attempting to resolve your issues with them. If confronted for gossiping, be humble and in love be willing to work out your issues.

Believe me: Gossip can spread quickly like a deadly infection. Do not be ignorant of the destruction it carries. You can put a stop to the negative spirit of gossip and choose to walk in love and a higher spiritual level in life.

May your mouth always speak words of encouragement and may your life be full of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing!

Soar higher in Him,
Brenda

How Can Christian Meditation and Positive Biblical Affirmations Adjust My Attitude?

Get a Spirit Lift for a Brighter Outlook on Life!

Christian Meditation and

Biblical Affirmations

allow the Spirit of God to stir us up

and make us happy.

There is power in God’s Word to

renew our mind and replace negative

thoughts with positive life filled thoughts.

If we find ourselves dwelling on the same discouraging,

depressing, stressful, worrisome thoughts, then we need to put a stop to it.

How? By replacing negative thoughts with truths from the Word of God.

Replace Negative Thoughts with Positive Truths

You see, meditation on scripture gives us understanding of how God sees us and our future. In His scriptures we find words of hope, joy, peace, and encouragement.

“My meditation of Him shall be sweet and I will be glad in the Lord.”
– Psalm 104:34

We can help make the truths of God’s Word become a part of our mental dialogue by listening to Christian Meditation CDs or Biblical Affirmation CDs during our morning routine, at the office, in the car, while doing chores, and when falling asleep. Then when negative thoughts try to surface, our mind will be prepared and ready to affirm God’s Word instead.

The great thing about affirmations is that it is like planting positive seeds of change. Our minds are able to focus on the new positive thoughts, which will eventually grow to replace the old negative ones.

Biblical affirmations are scriptures that are stated in a positive, first person, present tense form. It is important to make them positive, because the things we hear repeatedly get deposited into our subconscious. And our subconscious takes in everything as if it is real.

Biblical Affirmation Example

Let’s look at an example of a positive biblical affirmation…

Have you ever had a time of struggling with fear? Well, we know that God says, He has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) The truth of God’s Word is that fear is not of Him. What is of God is power, love and a sound mind.

In this example we would not want to affirm ‘I am not afraid’, or ‘I do not fear’. Why? Because our subconscious is going to hear us confessing fear.

So what should the affirmation be? Make the affirmation: ‘God has given me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.’

Begin now to fill your mind with this affirmation and your fears will begin to fade. The instant you become fearful, start confessing this affirmation and put a stop to the fearful thoughts instantly.

The success in using affirmations is repetition and speaking them out loud. You must listen to or read affirmations over and over until they begin to take root and grow.

So there you have it: Make Christian meditation and biblical affirmations a daily habit. Maintain a positive attitude and a bright outlook on life with the life transforming power of God’s Word. It is His desire that all believers tap into it as they grow nearer to Him.

Why not begin meditating and affirming the powerful Word of God in your life today?

God bless you always,
Brenda

Courageous – Christian Music Video

“Courageous” by Casting Crowns

“Courageous” by Casting Crowns

from the album Come to the Well

“Courageous” is the first single from Casting Crowns’ new album, Come To The Well.

For more information on Courageous (the movie), visit http://courageousthemovie.com.

“Courageous” Song Lyrics:

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chain
We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing unafraid
But now we’re watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we’re taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we’ll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise

We were made to be courageous
And we’re taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we’ll ever stand
Is on our knees, with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

Seek justice
Love mercy
Walk humbly with your God (repeat)

In the war of the mind
I will make my stand
In the battle of the heart
And the battle of the hand (X2)

We were made to be courageous
And we’re taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we’ll ever stand
Is on our knees, with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

We were made to be courageous
Lord, make us courageous

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
– Deuteronomy 31:6

Enjoy this song, be encouraged, take a stand, and God bless you always!

Cheers,
Brenda

Growing Prosperity: Can Giving Be The Secret to Abundant and Joyful Living?

Discover the Giving Secret

Growing prosperity includes abundant and joyful living.

The secret in the growing prosperity equation is giving.

Giving maintains a generous heart.

A generous heart is the heart of God;

and those with a generous spirit are blessed with

an abundance of peace and joy.

“God loves a cheerful giver.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:7

Generous Giving

Generosity, as a way of life, should be a given for Christian believers. Why? Because having freely received we should have a heart to freely give. (Matthew 10:8) Generous giving should not be a religious duty, but a joyful response to God’s saving grace.

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
– Romans 8:32

We should have an attitude of joy when giving, knowing the gracious gift the Lord has given us.

Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. (Deuteronomy 15:10)

Giving Is The Cure For Greed

Greed hardens the heart and takes one’s eyes off the Lord and puts it on money and possessions. This ultimately leads to unhappiness and self-destruction.

Giving allows a person to choose where they want their heart to be. Your heart follows your money. Why not let your heart be involved in godly and good things?

“Where your treasure is, their will your heart be also.”
– Luke 12:34

We are warned by Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:17-19, not to be arrogant and put hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put our hope in God. It is God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. We are told do good and be generous and willing to share. This will not only lay up treasures in heaven, but let us take hold of the life that is truly life.

Give Abundantly – Reap Abundantly

Giving and receiving go hand-in-hand. Giving opens the door to receiving. When we give generously and abundantly we reap abundantly.

• Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
• Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. (Luke 6:38)
• There is one who scatters, yet increases more…The generous soul will be made rich,?And he who waters will also be watered himself. (Proverbs 11: 24-25)
• He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. (Proverbs 19:17)

When we give, we reap the joy of sharing! Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

Blessed To Be A Blessing

When God prospers and blesses us, it is so that we can in turn be a blessing and give to others.

“I will bless you… and you will be a blessing.”
– Genesis 12:2

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and so that your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

God not only allows us to enjoy our blessings, but He wants us to enjoy them. But remember, the main reason God blesses us is so that we may be a blessing to others. You will be amazed how much God will bless you if you are simply willing to be a channel of blessings for others.

Bottom line: Give. Give a little or give a lot as you are able. Give wisely and with a cheerful heart. Let the secret of giving bless you with an abundance of peace and joy in your life.

May God continue to bless you as you continue to be a blessing to others and abound in growing prosperity!

Be Blessed to Be a Blessing -

Cheers,
Brenda

Healing Affirmations: Powerful Biblical Words of Health and Life!

The Power of Biblical Healing Affirmations

Healing affirmations can have a positive and

powerful effect in a person’s life.

Unfortunately, when a person is suffering…

and in pain, mentally or physically,

their mind is primarily focused on

their current negative condition…

this in turn leads to speaking and reaffirming the same unhealthy condition.

You Choose Your Affirmations

The words that we think and speak have a powerful effect on our lives, positive or negative. The key to living a healthier, happier life is choosing to affirm the positive and healthy affirmations.

Important! Paying attention to the daily, seemingly insignificant thoughts and words is the first line of defense. Any negative affirmations need to be replaced as quickly as possible. If not, the the battle to overcome simply becomes greater.

Consider the following thoughts and affirmations:

• My head hurts. I hope I’m not getting a cold.
• My stomach aches. I think I’m getting the flu.
• I feel warm. I must have a fever and I’m sure I’m getting sick.
• I’m always sick lately.
• I catch every illness that comes around.
• I just can’t seem to get better.

Do any of the above statements sound familiar? If these are the regular affirmations you think and confess, how do you suppose it affects your health?

Powerful Biblical Healing Affirmations

Healing affirmations and confessions based on the Word of God develop a powerful healthy attitude in life; which is an essential element in good health. In fact, by using biblical affirmations you’ll tap into a “hidden power” that can supercharge your life.

“He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
– Psalm 107:20

Start quoting scriptures to yourself earnestly and fiercely. Tell your body to line up with the Word of God. Confessing biblical healing affirmations is something we can do in the natural, but at the same time we are fighting off sickness and disease in the spiritual realm.

The following biblical healing affirmations will help you get started:

• My God is the Lord that heals me. (Exodus 15:26)
• I bless the Lord with all my soul and remember His benefits, which includes healing my diseases. (Psalm 103:2-3)
• I am wise and speak health. (Proverbs 12:18)
• I am washed by the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
• I have a sound heart, and a mind at peace, and they are life and health to my body. (Proverbs 14:30)

Search the Word of God and find more of His healing benefits and begin to use them as your own healing affirmations.

Imagine waking up each morning bursting with energy and joy for the new day. Chances are, you have “tried” positive affirmations, but haven’t yet developed a positive, healthy mindset. Choose to renew your mind to the Word of God and change your thoughts into His life-transforming thoughts of health and life.

May you keep sickness away with powerful, biblical affirmations of health and life and experience days of growing prosperity!

God bless you always,
Brenda

Strangers – Inspirational Video

“Strangers” Christian Video by Igniter Media

Be inspired by this video called “Strangers” by Igniter Media.

We all know how important it is to talk to others about Christ. But we shouldn’t forget about the impact of how we live our lives as well. Just think, you may never meet the person whose life you helped change.

Here is a great comment left for this video on GodTube:

“You can call it the “Ripple Effect”, or “Trickle down blessings”, it is ultimately Gods’ Will that none should perish. He has a plan, and this is a great video to show how sharing Christ, inviting someone to church, pays Eternal dividends! Something to think about the next time someone asks, ‘Why do you wear that cross?’, or ‘What is it about you, you are always happy’? Even though it sometimes seems it is not so, sharing our’ faith is always a winning situation!” — Jim Loeffert

Enjoy this video & have a God blessed day!

Cheers,
Brenda

Growing Prosperity: Walk in the Abundance of God and Prosperous Health!

Claim the Divine Healing Power of God in Your Life

Prosperous health is a wonderful thing to have.

We all know that when our health is in tip-top condition

we feel like we can conquer the world.

Yet when sickness attacks, it becomes a chore

just to make it through the day.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.”
– 3 John 2

The truth about the abundance of God is that it is full of His grace and mercy. His love goes out to everyone. He provides us with immune systems, doctors, and medicine to help us fight off sickness and disease in the physical realm.

And it gets even better for the children of God. Why? Because sickness and disease are not only fought off by the immune system, which is God’s grace in our body, but it can also be fought off in the spiritual realm! How? With God’s Word!

Prosperous Words for Prosperous Health

Your words are powerful. Speak God’s Word and you won’t go wrong. Don’t simply remind yourself of His Word. Get serious, stir yourself up, and start quoting, praying, and confessing scriptures and tell your body to line up with the Word.

Proverbs 12:18 says that “the tongue of the wise is health.” Why does it say that? Because just a few chapters later it says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)

So choose to speak wisely and stop dwelling on the problem.

Speak Prosperous Health

Search the abundance of God for His healing benefits:

• He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20)
• Do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. (Proverbs 3:1-2)
• I am the Lord that healeth thee. (Exodus 15:26)
• Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases. (Psalm 103:2-3)

Thank God for His healing benefits and begin to use words like these as your own. And remember divine health comes from spending time with the Healer.

Prosper Physically, Spiritually, and Emotionally

Just because spiritual things are more powerful than physical things doesn’t mean you can ignore the physical body. Trying to separate spirit, soul, and body can’t be done. They all work together to make up you.

You are a spirit, who has a soul, that resides in a God created body. Ignoring one part is disastrous. It is important to strike a balance in your life so that you use what is in you physically, spiritually, and emotionally to live a complete and prosperous life.

Ignoring a part of you creates an unhealthy balance. Eating anything the flesh wants would be neglecting the body. Allowing anything into your thought life and failing to renew your mind with God’s Word would be neglecting the soul, which is the mind, will, and emotions.

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Well you can have a testimony of the miraculous healing power of God. His Word covers all sickness and disease and is more credible and powerful than any family medical history.

God is omnipotent and He knows no limitations. Put His Word to work in your life.

Some food for thought: Your body will do what you tell it to do. What you put in your mind, spirit, and body all affects your body. So, if you are searching for divine prosperous health, then you need to get a balance; spirit, soul, and body.

May you walk in prosperous health from the abundance of God and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing -

God bless you always,
Brenda

Time Management – Overcome the Pressure of Time and Invest It Wisely!

You Can Overcome the Pressure of Time

Time management is an important life skill.

Time is precious; we never seem to have enough of it.

More than that, we tend to be overcome with

the pressure of time, as we continually find

our “to do” list filled with too many tasks and

not enough time to finish them.

Sound familiar?

Well, why not choose to overcome the pressure of time,

rather than let it overwhelm you?

You can manage your time and take control of your life.

“Make the most of every opportunity.”
– Colossians 4:5 NIV

Time is a Gift – Do You Use It Wisely?

Time is one of the valuable gifts God has given us. And even though we may be aware that each day is a gift, none of us know how much of it we have left to use on this earth.

We are encouraged to use our time wisely in Psalm 90 verse 12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

The question is: What are you doing with your days?

Time Wasted or Time Invested?

When analyzing how we manage our time, we will most likely find that much of it is spent on “time wasters.” “Time wasters” are those things that soak up our time and distract us from accomplishing our goals.

Games, TV, Facebook, email, phone calls, and surfing the web are all common “time wasters” these days. And if you are procrastinating tackling your “to do” list, these distractions can easily take up way too much of the day.

The next thing we’ll probably notice is that a lot of our time is spent on the daily maintenance tasks of life. Not the most exciting activities to do, but yet necessary.

Keep in mind: without a vision of the future, we can easily get caught up in doing things today that lack lasting investment.

One of the most important principles, in our walk with God here on earth, is that time and activities spent for His kingdom have eternal value. Investing the time God has given us in kingdom work is not only satisfying, but will see everlasting rewards.

Time Management Tips

Managing your time gives you power. Disciplining yourself to improve this skill will reap life-long benefits.

The following time management tips will help you get started:

• Make a “to do” list of the things you need to accomplish.
• Prioritize the list and put a “P” in front of the main three to four priority items that need to be accomplished for the day.
• Focus the first part of your day accomplishing the priority items.
• Refuse to be distracted by “time wasters.” Remove distractions as much as possible in order to complete the priority items.
• Motivate yourself to complete the priority items first by considering how great you’ll feel once you have accomplished them.
• Schedule time for leisure activities and remind yourself they will be a reward to look forward to once you have completed your priority tasks.
• Ask God to help you throughout the day.

Word of warning: don’t let the seemingly endless “to do” list cloud your vision and make everything seem like a chore, especially when it comes to relationships. Time spent in relationships is a valuable investment. This is no less true when it comes to spending time with the Lord.

The truth is, we don’t have to perform for God when we spend time with Him. It should not be a chore. He wants us to be still and to know that He is God. Spending time in His presence will result in joy. Regardless of how busy our lives become, we must guard our time with Him.

Are you starting to see the light? Time is a precious gift to be valued. How we invest our lives demonstrates where our heart is and reveals what is most important to us. Overcome the pressure of time by learning to manage it and invest it wisely.

May you invest your time wisely and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing -

Cheers,
Brenda