Start the New Year With New Thinking

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Have you ever thought about what you think about? We may not realize it but our thinking does control our lives.

New Year's resolutions usually involve changing some type of behavior. Rather than a resolution, why not a renewal? Why not start the new year with new thinking?

A renewal of our minds can bring about changed behavior.

Where do thoughts come from?

How to Determine if Our Worldview is Biblical

 

by Barbara Latta

I grew up in the generation of baby boomers. My worldview was determined by the Christian principles of my family and the community I lived in. In a small Arkansas town, most citizens went to church and even a lot of those who didn’t still had a healthy regard for God.

During this time period, the nation came together to pray when we entered war or during some other crisis.

But over the years certain doctrines have infiltrated society and with the advent of the internet those philosophies spread like a flood drowning the earth with waves of unholy conclusions.

Swimming with Sharks

by Barbara Latta

A popular resort activity is diving with sharks and feeding them. People pay money to get

Swimming with Sharks

into the water with an animal that has the capacity to eat them. I am not one of those tourists. When I have been in the water I am constantly looking for anything that might want to feed on me. Once while snorkeling in the Caribbean I was enjoying the clear water and view of tropical reef below me. A school of fish rushed underneath, and I was thinking, “Wow, what a wonderful sight!” until I had another thought, “What if something is chasing them?” My wonderment changed to fear even though I didn’t see any predators around.

Can A Peaceful Mind Exist in the Middle of Chaos?

by Barbara Latta

(At the end of this blog post, you can enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card)

Every year that goes by disasters and tragedies are rampant. Because we live in a fallen,

Can peace exist in the middle of chaos?

sinful world we know these events will continue to unfold. How can we keep a peaceful mind when surrounded by chaos, destruction and evil?

Peace isn’t going to come knocking on our door and plop down in our heads. A decision must be made to keep our minds on the things of God and not of this world. While we do live in the atmosphere of sin, we do not have to let it corrupt our minds.

Here are some words of wisdom from our heavenly Father to keep fear at bay and peace at the forefront:

Focus on the Prince of Peace.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NKJV).

Stay away from bad influences. This doesn’t mean we totally isolate ourselves from the world. Jesus went where sinners were, but He went there to change their lives not to let them change His.

Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Don’t worry about anything. Worry doesn’t solve any problem, it actually can compound it by causing physical and emotional symptoms.

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? (Matthew 6:27).

Be thankful. We are not instructed to be thankful for bad times but to be thankful we have a heavenly Father who is the answer to anything that comes against us.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus ( Philippians 4:6-7).

Monitor what is heard through media and politics and prevent bad reports from altering stands on issues. Political persuasions and moral attitudes should remain grounded in the Word of God.

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ (Colossians 2:8).

Psalm 91:14

We are promised God’s protection when we stand on His Word and claim it.

Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high; because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation (Psalm 91: 14-16).

Peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and has been given to us by God. When we dwell in the spiritual realm, spiritual fruit grows and weeds die.

By implementing promises from the Word of God a peaceful year can reign despite the circumstances around us.

Feel free to share your thoughts and your remedy for remaining in peace.

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