Christian Leadership – 10 Godly Character Traits to Overcome Negative Traits

Godly Character Traits Empower Christian Leaders

Christian leadership should set

the standard for godly character.

Not only that, Christian leaders

should be actively developing

godly character in the lives of others

within their sphere of influence.

It is no surprise that the world today is challenging, and changing, the spiritual values of young and old people alike. Morals are being shaken, and wickedness is growing more and more perverse. The Bible clearly warns that many negative character traits will increase in the last days.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
– 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The following list of negative character traits gives insight into the spirit of our times, and how that spirit is being expressed in our own behavior, thinking, and lifestyle. It gives us some things to reflect on, like a mirror to judge our own behavior with. The list also includes positive, godly character traits used to overcome the negative.

10 Godly Character Traits Overcome Negative Character Traits:

1. Genuine vs Hypocritical

A hypocritical lifestyle is almost the norm as we see people having a form of godliness and going through the religious motions, yet without a genuinely changed life. Hypocrisy is all around us and lies are being spoken to teach false doctrines.

In these perilous times, we should have a healthy fear of the perverse days we are living, and live as genuine believers with renewed minds; trusting God daily. We are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) A genuine relationship and walk with the Lord is required.

2. Love vs Selfishness

Selfishness and a self-centered, willful pursuit of sin is a common behavior as people become lovers of self. (2 Timothy 3:2) Society has a twisted value system and perspective on life. People have become lovers of pleasure more than of God.

God is love and those who do not love, do not know God. (1 John 4:8) We are to love God and love people.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself.”
– Luke 10:27 NIV

3.  Honor vs Disrespect

Disrespect and disobedience to parents, and authority, is a regular part of the spirit of today; rebellion and lawlessness.

However, God tells us to obey and honor our parents. And He even promises that it will be well with us if we do. (Ephesians 6:2-3) We are to be submissive to authority and honor all people, and when we do what is right we find favor with God. (1 Peter 2:13-20)

4. Generosity vs Covetous

Covetousness is ruling the hearts of many. They want things that belong to others and they have a wrong value system. They find themselves not only fond of money, but in love with money.

On the contrary, God tells us the generous will prosper and that if we sow generously, we’ll reap generously.

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
– Proverbs 11:25 NIV

5. Humility vs Pride

Proud, haughty people, that think they are above others, are filling society. They have an ungodly pride and boast and brag of themselves. But pride comes before the fall.

When we humble ourselves before the Lord, he lifts us up. (James 4:10) Any boasting we do should be in the Lord. (Psalm 34:2)

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
– James 4:6

6. Purity vs Perversion

Perversions of all kinds are rampant today. Anything that is good and natural is being perverted. People seem to have lost their natural, God-given, healthy affection and replaced it with all that is twisted, unnatural, unholy, immoral and perverse; only to satisfy their own desires.

The Bible says in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We are also to pursue peace and holiness with everyone, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

7. Encouragers vs Despisers

Despisers are in full force; belittling and treating shamefully the righteous actions of those who are doing good. They scoff, mock and ridicule them.

Our words and actions should not be discouraging, but encouraging. God teaches us over and over to encourage and strengthen one another. And we are told to do so even more so in these end times. (Hebrews 10:25)

8. Loyalty vs Traitors

Traitors, truce-breakers, and betrayers lack any sense of loyalty to the commitments of friendship. They are untrue to their promises and can’t be trusted to keep their word. They are liars and false accusers.

Loyalty on the other hand is a mark of true friendship. Proverbs 18:24 tells us there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Loyalty, truth, and honesty are godly characters that lead to success. Those who can be trusted with a little can be trusted with much. (Luke 16:10)

9. Gratitude vs Entitlement

An entitlement attitude has taken over and in turn people feel they are owed everything. And on top of that, unthankfulness is sadly ruling the hearts and lives of many. These people ungratefully and unthankfully take advantage of others. And the thing is, this combination of entitlement and unthankfulness is a guaranteed formula for failure.

Gratitude is the attitude of success. It is the grateful and thankful people, that keep their hearts turned toward God, they are the ones who rise to the top. As Christians, we have the ultimate reason to be grateful: for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Therefore we should give God acceptable worship with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– Ephesians 5:20 ESV

10. Faith vs Deceit

Deceived and wondering: Are you one that is giving heed to seducing spirits and being led astray from the truth? Take a strong, reflective look at yourself to make sure you haven’t become headstrong in some areas. Is your mind darkened, your thinking reckless, and possibly your pride blinding you? Is your inner conscience seared – is your inner sense of right and wrong fading? Are you losing your sensitivity to the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit through continued sin? Are you backsliding and rejecting God’s plan for your life and experiencing a departure from the faith?

Make basic biblical foundational teachings part of your everyday study and meditation. Renew your mind and grow your faith. Keep your trust in God daily and live by faith!

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
– Hebrews 11:6

“The just shall live by faith.”
– Romans 1:17

No doubt about it: Character development comes from discipline and it takes time and dedication; and it needs to be continually cultivated throughout our lives. We must examine ourselves and refuse to let the these negative character traits into our lives. Christian leaders must allow change from the Lord in every area, so that they can minister to others and be a positive example of Christian leadership.

May you be a Christian Leader that abounds with godly character and growing prosperity!

Soar higher in Him,
Brenda

P.S. This article was inspired after reading notes I took from a leadership meeting about character development. We discussed some negative character traits mentioned in Frank Damazio’s book “The Making of a Leader.” (I have not yet read the book, but it was highly recommended.)

Healthy Relationships: 10 Tips To Encourage Thriving Relationships

Improve Your Chances of Healthy, Thriving Relationships!

Healthy relationships

permit us to connect and

share time with the people

that we care about

in a positive, fulfilling way.

Positive relationships give us

strength and purpose in our

day-to-day lives.

They also bring happiness, joy and love.

“Be tender loving one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.”
– Romans 12:10

It is no secret that close relationships are the cause of great pleasure in our lives, but they are also the cause of great pain. When relationships start falling apart it can be very traumatic and emotional.

Do you ever wonder how you can have such a deep connection with a person one day and the next day feel like you don’t even know who that person is? How do we bridge that gap and avoid the disconnect in the first place? How do we begin to heal broken relationships and keep them healthy?

10 Tips To Encourage Thriving Relationships:

1. Communication

Communication is one the most important things in a relationship. There is an art to communication and it can continually improve. Humans are not mind readers, so they need to have an ongoing exchange of feelings, problems, needs and desires; while always striving to improve listening and speaking skills. Mastering communication will help avoid misunderstandings and frustration by transforming arguments into effective communication.

2. Honesty

Honesty in relationships is about honorable intentions and actions. Honest people are frank but they act in love. Thriving relationships include people that are honest with each other; their intentions are good and are only meant to help the other person and the relationship. Honesty helps create an atmosphere of peace.

3. Trust

Trust creates strong connections in relationships because people have to rely on each other. When there is trust in a relationship, there is confidence that another person will do what they said they will do and what they are responsible to do. Trust eliminates fear and replaces it with a confident expectation and hope.

4. Empathy

Empathy helps identify the thoughts and feelings experienced by each other, and in turn supports a healthy relationship. To empathize with another person requires taking the time to see and feel things from their perspective and get a heartfelt understanding of where they are coming from, what they have been through, and why they think and act the way they do. 

5. Optimism

An optimistic, positive mindset expects positive interactions and relationships. The optimistic person does not get so shaken up when they hit bumps in the road, but they look for positive solutions and anticipate positive results. Optimism leaves no room for negativity.

6. Genuine

Genuine people are confident in who they are and feel free to be themselves. They have moved past the notion that they must be “perfect” and give themselves and others the permission to make mistakes without beating themselves up. Genuine relationships are real, without false pretense, and mess ups are faced with love and forgiveness; allowing for a healthy, thriving relationship.

7. Loyalty

Loyalty builds faithful relationships. Loyal individuals commit to remaining faithful through the good times and bad. They can be trusted to keep their word and be there when you need them. Loyalty is a core key needed in long lasting, thriving relationships.

8. Respect

Respectful individuals admire and esteem others. People that practice respect are courteous and allow others the right to their own personal space. Relationships with individuals who keep respect active, and purpose to esteem others and value them worthy, are relationships that are healthy and thriving.

9. Reminisce

Reminisce about the past. Remember times shared together; including the good times and the bad. Reminiscing about the challenges and hard times that have been experienced and overcome, strengthens the bond in the relationship. And reminiscing about the good times with a smile and a laugh, keeps the heart and relationship merry.

10. Love

Love is the bond that holds relationships together. God is love and love should be present in all our relationships. Love chooses to be loving even when the passion and emotion of love is not present. Their are times in relationships when disagreements arise and individuals may not even like each other, but they choose to love each other.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
– John 13:34

What’s your relationship standard? If you are willing to start with yourself, and open your heart and mind to make some positive changes, you can greatly improve your chances of having long lasting, healthy, thriving relationships.

May your relationships thrive and your life be full of growing prosperity!

Soar higher,
Brenda

Growing Prosperity: Focus on Being A Blessing!

The Power of Flowing Prosperity

Growing prosperity is an ever-increasing

manifestation of God’s abundance in our lives.

God desires that we prosper and

He is pleased when His blessings are

flowing through our lives.

A key here is “flowing through.”

Prosperity doesn’t come into our lives only to bless us personally. The reason we are blessed is to be a blessing. The prosperity that comes into our lives is meant to be shared and flow through our lives to bless others.

You see, when the prosperity stops with “me,”  it also stops growing. In order to get, we have to give. The “miracle” happens when the heart of our focus is upward and outward and we purpose to make our lives a blessing to God and others.

A DESTRUCTIVE FOCUS

Sadly, the main focus in today’s society is on self. The majority of people are primarily concerned about how they will benefit themselves and how their own lives will improve. Masses of people are self absorbed and have an attitude of “What’s in it for me?”

The catch here is that these people are, usually unknowingly, participating in self-destructive behavior. This self-focus hinders prosperity and at the same time encourages poverty and lack.

The good news is that we have the option to change our focus, and change our future. We can choose to adjust our focus and begin to see growing prosperity in all areas of our lives.

A POSITIVE FOCUS – BE A BLESSING

Powerful forces are unleashed when we focus on the positive, and focus on being a blessing. And keep in mind: this is not in reference to the financial realm only, but all areas of life; spiritually, physically, and financially.

The following areas of focus are meant to help give some insight and direction in keeping a positive focus:

Focus on GIVING – Not Getting

God gave so we can give. None of the gifts and blessings we receive should be self absorbed. Nothing we have is meant to be hoarded. We are told to be good stewards over all that has been given to us. Giving and sharing is a basic elementary principle. We are blessed to be a blessing. And the great thing is, when we give we receive and prosperity continues to flow through our lives.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.”
– Luke 6:38

Focus on Serving Others

God gave us family and friends, and our relationships come with the responsibility to help one another. Of course we all have needs, but the trouble starts when we put our focus on our own personal needs not being met. Soon frustration, bitterness, and anger creeps in because of what another person is not doing. But our focus needs to be on “What can I do to help meet their need?” and not on what they can do to meet mine.

Initially this doesn’t seem to make sense and you’re probably asking “How then will my needs get met?”  Well the first thing to keep in mind is that we can’t change another person, we can only change ourselves. And when we focus on meeting the needs of others, our lives have purpose, our love grows, our trust in God grows, and ironically we find our greatest needs met.

When our focus is on meeting the needs of others and trusting God to meet ours, we also live with a great sense of peace.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7

Focus on Living Life with a Positive Purpose

Life is short. We should live with a purpose to be positive, godly examples and good stewards over the time we are given. It is important to be a life-long student and teacher; always learning and always passing on that knowledge. Ultimately, teaching others how to teach.

“That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children.”
– Psalm 78:6

Empower your communication with purpose and be a blessing in words. Much of our communication today lacks power because it lacks purpose.

Focus on Love

Live life with a purpose to do all things in love. Let love be a primary focus and measure of giving. Remember, God so loved that He gave. God gave first – let us focus on His example of abundant loving and giving, and follow it.

Bottom line: Focus on being a blessing and unleash powerful forces in your life! Be generous, serve, purpose to empower others, and love abundantly. Turn your focus upward and outward. Always allow your blessings to flow through your life and you’ll continue to experience an ever-increasing manifestation of God’s abundance.

May you be blessed to be a blessing and live a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you always -

Cheers,
Brenda

Christian Meditation Music: Relaxation For Your Soul

Christian Meditation Music Audio Resource

Growing Prosperity Productions Presents:

“Christian Meditation Music: RELAXATION FOR YOUR SOUL,”

which was released the end of January.

This is the third in a series of

Christian Meditation audios.

This Christian Meditation CD is accented with scriptures and biblical affirmations, and works great as a meditation tool, relaxation music, and background music.

If you are looking for a helpful resource to slow down the pace of your busy schedule and turn your thoughts toward GOD and His Word, then you’ll enjoy this meditation album.

To get more info, listen to samples, buy or download, go here:

Christian Meditation Music: RELAXATION FOR YOUR SOUL

Sit Back ~ Relax ~ Listen and Enjoy GOD-centered Meditation… with this unique compilation of instrumental music and verses, and allow yourself to be drawn into the presence of GOD!

Be Blessed to Be a Blessing!

God bless you,
Brenda

Prosperity Minded – 6 Conflicting Thoughts Battle For Your Success and Failure

Prosperity Minded Leads to a Life of Success!

Prosperity minded leads to success.

Successful people train their minds to

think success and see themselves

attaining their goals.

They understand the power of their thoughts,

attitudes, and beliefs and use them as tools to become successful.

So, become prosperity minded and become successful. Sounds easy, right? Wrong!

The problem? Success doesn’t come easy because thoughts and attitudes of failure bombard us daily. Take a look at these six conflicting thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs that battle daily for our success and failure.

6 Conflicting Thoughts That Battle For Your Success and Failure:

CONFIDENCE vs WORTHLESSNESS

1. Confidence

Success says, “You are confident and you can do whatever it takes to succeed and prosper.”

Confident people see themselves as being able to overcome any challenges on the road to success. Their confident attitude empowers them to move forward with a vision of success and the ability to rise up and take on any task at hand.

“For the LORD shall be your confidence, and shall keep your foot from being snared.”
– Proverbs 3:26

2. Worthlessness

On the other hand, failure says, “You are worthless, you don’t have what it takes to succeed, and nobody else believes in you either.”

Those who lack confidence and struggle with feelings of worthlessness, are filled with thoughts of assumed failure. They are sure no one else believes in them and they in turn take on the same belief and lack the confidence needed to stay motivated toward success.

DETERMINATION vs DEFEAT

3. Determination

Determination says, “You are committed to the end, no giving up.”

Determined people are prosperity minded and the motivation to succeed seems to emerge naturally from the depths of their heart and soul. Tell the determined person they can’t, and it only fuels their determination to show you they can.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Corinthians 15:57

4. Defeat

Now, on the other hand, defeat says, “You are sure to fail and make a fool of yourself, like you always do, why even bother trying.”

People that live with a spirit of defeat seldom accomplish anything meaningful because they avoid all situations that might result in failure. Thoughts of failure overtake their mind so much so that they rarely make goals toward success, let alone take steps to achieve them. They constantly create excuses why they should not even try.

FAITH vs FEAR

5. Faith

Faith says, “You trust in God and His great power to guide your daily choices toward success. Your future is bright.”

People with strong faith believe they can achieve their goals, and they aren’t afraid to take risks because they trust in God to direct them and help them on their road to success and prosperity. Wrong turns and set backs on the way, do not shake them up, because they have faith that God will work things out and that He is ultimately in control.

“Jesus said unto him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.’”
– Mark 9:23

6. Fear

Fear says, “You always have bad luck, you have no control, and something bad is sure to happen. You are destined to fail.”

Those who live with a spirit of fear have a mind full of negative thoughts of worry, lack, tragedy, no control, no options, and blame toward others and situations. They avoid risks at all costs to avoid any embarrassment of failure. They feel stuck and they have no faith in themselves or God to make choices and do what it takes to succeed.

Take Control – Prosperity Minded

Success has no limits for those who are prosperity minded and get control of their thoughts, attitudes and beliefs. A prosperity minded person who defines his or her goals based on God’s Word will find they begin to soar to new levels in all areas of life, including; relationships, spirituality, finances, and career.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
– Philippians 4:13

Your goal now? Train yourself to have an abundance of success attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs. Let the Lord be your confidence. Give thanks to God who gives us victory through Jesus Christ. Have faith in God. Believe in yourself and know you can do all things through Christ. Think success – be prosperity minded.

May you be prosperity minded, strive for success, and live a life of growing prosperity!

Be Blessed to Be a Blessing!

Cheers,
Brenda

Inspirational: Hope to Handle Your Anxieties By Finding Ultimate Control!

Hope for the Anxious!

Inspiration and hope is available

to help you handle your anxieties.

At some point,

we all will have feelings of anxiety,

and when it shows up we want to

get rid of it as soon as possible.

The good news: There is help, so have hope.

“We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.”
– Psalm 33:20

Anxious, Fearful, and a Lack of Control

Anxieties show up for a variety of reasons. Why they come, and to what extent they come, varies from person to person and situation to situation. Typically, a sudden change in life triggers feelings of anxiety, fear, and a lack of control.

Anxiety often comes when we feel as though our circumstances are beyond our control. The pressures and stresses of life can make us feel unsure about the future and cause us to worry and be anxious. An overwhelming sense that we have lost control can overtake us.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
– Isaiah 40:31

Hope, Help, Peace, and Ultimate Control

Anxieties do come, but we have hope and help. God clearly tells us what we are to do when worries and concerns arise. He tells us in Matthew 6:25 to not be worried about our lives, and in 1 Peter 5:7 he tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us.

No doubt, a sudden change can leave you feeling unsure about the future. However, there is never a time when God is unsure. God is in control even when your life becomes torn apart by the pressures of the world.

Anxiety may come when you feel like your circumstances are beyond your control, but nothing is beyond God’s control. “The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.” (Psalm 97:1)

Do you wonder what happens to your peace and joy when anxiety approaches? Your source of true peace is Jesus Christ. When sorrows and worries come, He calms your heart. When financial anxieties and difficulties increase, He provides for each need.

God tells us to cease striving and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) Be still within your heart and allow Him to do for you what you cannot do yourself – calm your fears and anxieties.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
– Romans 15:13

Good news: You do not have to handle your anxieties on your own. God cares for you. His love is unconditional, and His Word promises that He will meet all your needs. Be still and know that God is the superpower of all powers and your life is in His ultimate control. Let His Word be your inspiration and hope.

May you have abundant joy and peace, overflow with hope, and live a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you -

Cheers,
Brenda

Christian Meditation: Supernatural Healing Power Of The Word

Christian Meditation Audio Resource

Growing Prosperity Productions released

“Christian Meditation: SUPERNATURAL HEALING POWER OF THE WORD”

late December, the second in a series of Christian Meditation audios.

If you are struggling with health challenges, then you’ll want to check out this album.

In this Christian Meditation resource, you’ll find over 47 Scripture Based Healing Affirmations and also a Biblical Prayer for Health. This audio resource was created to help you renew your mind to what the Word of God says about healing, to increase your faith, and to also help you receive the healing God has provided for you through Jesus Christ.

To get more info, listen to samples, buy or download, go here:

Christian Meditation: SUPERNATURAL HEALING POWER OF THE WORD

Take “GOD’s Medicine” daily by meditating and confessing His Word in faith. Watch as your spirit rises up strong within you, and I pray that GOD’s divine, supernatural healing power be manifested in your body, to the praise and glory of our GOD!

Be Blessed to Be a Blessing!

God bless you,
Brenda

AFFIRMATION CREATES POWER by Orison Swett Marden – Part 3 of 3

Part 3 of 3

Constant Affirmation to Overcome Fear and Attract Desires

If you are deficient in any quality,

you can strengthen it by constant affirmation.

If you are a coward anywhere in your nature

(and most people are),

you can strengthen courage by constantly affirming

that you are absolutely fearless, that you are courageous,

that nothing can harm you.

Reason that fear is simply the sense of danger, and

when you have perfect confidence

in the great Creator’s purpose,

when you trust it implicitly, there will be not cause for fear.

If you have convinced yourself that there is only one great cause, that the opposite must be a delusion, you will gradually lose the sense of fear and gain the courage you desire.

Every time you feel a sense of fear come over you say: “I am absolutely fearless; there is nothing to fear; fear is not a reality; it is not the truth of being. It is only the absence of courage, based upon ignorance of the great cause.”

Emerson knew the virtue of this philosophy when he said:

“Nerve us with incessant affirmation. Don’t bark against the bad, but chant the beauties of the good.”

Stoutly determine not to harbor anything in the mind which you do not wish to become real in your life.

Shun poisoned thought, ideas which depress and make you unhappy, as instinctively as you avoid physical danger of any kind. Do not entertain a discordant or an unhappy thought, or a thought of weakness and misery, but replace all these with cheerful, hopeful, optimistic thoughts.

When you feel out of sorts, blue, discourage, disheartened if you form the habit of suggesting to yourself some agreeable or pleasant subject, to dwell upon or thing about, or take up some word or idea which will suggest pleasure, happiness, and harmony, you will be surprised to see how quickly you can change the whole course of your thought, and when this is changed, the feeling will change also.

You will increase your courage and confidence, and this is half the battle. You will soon find that your environment will begin to change. Hope will brighten, you will have a healthier outlook upon life. Then thought, instead of depressing your mind, will be a perpetual tonic of encouragement, and light will soon break and drive out the darkness.

All that you dream of, all that you yearn for and long to be, will be within your reach if you have the power to affirm sufficiently strong, if you can focus your faculties with sufficient intentness on a single purpose.

It is concentration upon the thing you wish that brings it to you, whether it is health, money, or position.

Constantly affirm that which you wish, hold it persistently in the thought, concentrate all the power of your mind upon it, and when the mind is sufficiently positive and creative the desired thing will come to you as certainly as a stone will come to the earth, when left free in the air, through the attracting influence of gravitation.

You make yourself a magnet to draw the condition you wish.

*** end of part 3 of 3 ***

AFFIRMATION CREATES POWER by Orison Swett Marden

go to part 1

go to part 2