All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others

I do, I see the glass half full now

"Now I See the Glass Half Full!" she said, "and thank you very much!"

Listen to this podcast here: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/21b2e2ad/i-do-i-see-the...

Is it really possible to become optimistic in your thinking, even when you're not really wired that way? Yes. Not only do I believe it is possible - I'm wondering how Christians, who have a relationship with a loving God and know how the story ends - can be anything but 'glass half full' people.

Consider these two verses from Hebrews once again:

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12.1,2 NKJV

1) In the last briefing, I Propose we see the Glass Half Full, https://conta.cc/3aj7dGQ, I spoke of how the above words in red, who for the joy, jumped off the pages of Scripture and challenged me to make choices daily for the joy . . . choices that elevate my thinking and attitude.1

2) In order to make those daily choices, my thinking must be based on truth. Contrary to what many are trying to tell us today: truth is not relative. Truth is black and white. Something is either true or it is not. It is not ‘well that may be true for you, but it is not true for me.’ 2 + 2 will never equal five.

There has always been false teaching in the world - and there is plenty of it being peddled with technological ease right now, particularly progressive Christianity, moving away from foundational biblical truth. You must be shrewd. Danger,Will Robinson: just because someone is a person of the cloth does not mean he or she is teaching Godly truth and wisdom.2

Fundamental to walking in truth is getting to know God yourself--not someone else’s description of him, but your own experience of him. Not your Catholic priest’s description of God, not your Bible study teacher’s view of God, not your crazy friend’s view of God and certainly not what Richard Rohr is teaching about God these days!

Do you know God for yourself?

On Tony Evans' podcast the other day, he said, 'You know God when who he is defines who you are.3

So . . .

if we really believe God is good, then… 4

if we really believe he works all things together for those who love him … 5 If we really believe he hears and answers prayer… 6 then you and I ought to be optimistic people!

3) Once again we consider that our thinking is key in our glass half full equation.

In the last month, we have looked at the power of our thinking, but I wonder ->->who or what do you allow to inform your thinking? You are the gatekeeper!

Scripture says, Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.7

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.8

There are not enough minutes in an hour or hours in a day to listen to/or watch junk.

Let's review:

To step into optimistic living, to have a radiant faith, to wake up with a feeling of anticipation:

1. Recognize joy is a choice you make for a greater reward. Hebrews 12.2 2. Choose to give thanks in all things, find the good, be the good and praise God in all things. Be intentional.

3. Seek to know truth, pursue knowing God for yourself, then act on what you say you believe. 4. Guard your minds and what you put into them

Employing these things have empowered me to see the glass half full, and I sure hope they will you too!

A song: Truth Be Told, Matthew West, http://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=j4wYkS8Z3Io

In faith,

Christine

PastorWoman.com

1) Referring to thinking and attitude, realizing that mental illness is a real thing; depression, for instance, definitely impairs how we see things and needs to be addressed.

2) Proverbs 9.10 - Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

3) Recent Tony Evans podcast, "The Pursuit of God"

4) Psalm 100.5

5) Romans 8.28

6) Matthew 7.7

7) Proverbs 4.23, NIV

8) Proverbs 4.23, NLT

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