Chapter 5 (Notes)
-Some people have been hurt so much that they avoid believing for the best or hoping for the good. However this produces a negative lifestyle (Proverbs 23:7–As a man thinks in his heart, so is he).
-After she (Joyce) really began studying the Word and to trust God to restore her, one of the things she realized was that the negativism had to go.
*Trust God
*Study the Word
*Allow Him to restore you
Matt. 8:13 (NIV)-Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you have believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.”
-Per JM; Jesus says that it will be done for us as we have believed…however, we can’t just get what we want by thinking about it; God has a perfect plan for us and we can’t control Him by our thoughts and words. But we must think and speak in agreement with His will and plans for us.
-Got to know, study and trust the Word of God.
-Have to practice being positive in every situation that arises. “Even if whatever is taking place in your life at hte moment is not so good, expect God to bring good out of it, as He has promised in His Word. Romans 8:28
PRACTICE:
Work: is difficult and frustrating
2 Choices: (1) be bitter, cynical and frustrated about EVERY detail and how people treat me at work or (2) realized that God has a plan for my life and I am in the midst of learning valuable lessons that I will ALWAYS have. There is opportunity in this “dark” time in our economy and in my work place. These lessons are just the beginning:
*Lesson 1: learning how to stay strong and keep the vision clear in the midst of adversity
*Lesson 2: learning how to lead and stand, even when I’m standing alone–understand that even though I FEEL alone, God is still w/me–His presence never leaves me. His peace is deeper and greater than anything this world can give.
*Lesson 3: Research and develop new strategies and solutions for when the market/work does pick up b/c it will and we need to have systems in place and running.
*Lesson 4: Trust God–understand that it is not ALL on my shoulder’s and that people are foolish to think that our company’s success is directly affected by ONE person.
*Lesson5: Ambitions–what do I really enjoy doing? I really enjoy doing business; I would like to become a “King” or queen rather in the Kingdom–I want to be able to provide large amounts of financial assistance to non-profit and christian organizations–I want to pay they way and set the stage for God’s Kingdom here on earth.
*Lesson 6: I can’t do anything on my own–it’s through God that all things are. God, I give you my mind, my heart…every aspect of my life.
Romans 12:16 (New International Version)
16″Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.”
-(pg. 47) “The idea is that we must learn to become the kind of person who plans things but who doesn’t fall apart if that plan doesn’t work out”
-In other words, be resilient and adjust to the situation–respond in a positive light.
-2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore if any person is in Christ he is a new creation the old has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!” REJOICE! IT’S A NEW DAY!
-The Holy Spirit: John 16:7-8–understand and face the truth,”I’m a negative person(pg.49) and I want to change. I can’t change myself, but I believe God will change me as I trust Him. I know it will take time, and I’m not going to get discouraged with myself. God has begun a good work in me, and He is well able to bring it to full completion (Phil. 1:6).
-We need to ask the Counselor to guide us and convict us. WE can’t rely on ourselves, we must lean on Him and trust that God can and will help you.
-Acts 17:11 Bible says we’re to have a READY MIND; our minds should be open to the will of God for us, whatever that may be.
-It’s about BALANCE; facing the facts and having a ready mind–still being positive and understanding and trusting God–believing that everything will work out for the best. Being negative and being ready are 2 different things. Being negative says, “my life is over and nothing will ever work out for me” being ready is understanding that things may not go the way that I want them to go, but it’s ok b/c I trust God and I will survive–God is w/me and He will restore me through anything.
-Romans 4:18-20 –We have to realize that even if things don’t grow or flow the way we want, we cannot let that situation control our joy. Abraham didn’t ignore the facts or the situation…(pg 52) “Although all human reason for hope was gone, he hoped in faith.”
-Hebrews 6:19-tells us that hope is the anchor of the soul [We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,]
-Expect to receive (pg. 52)
-Evil Forbodings (Proverbs 15:15) “All th days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil {by anxious thought and forebodings}, but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast {regardless of circumstances}.”
-I Peter 3:10 “For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile.”
Lastly, WHATEVER HAPPENS, TRUST IN THE LORD–AND BE POSITIVE! (pg 54)
