.: Thoughts to Live by
By:Ann Stewart
Category:Home / Inspirational/Motivational
Feelings, thoughts and words are intricately interwoven. As soon as you feel hurt – whether real, or a perceived snub, your thoughts go to work, don’t they? Oh boy, the hairs on your back start to bristle as it were, and before you know it there’s a full-blown war going on inside your head! If they are mulled over, they will bombard you from all directions and start to manifest in your words and actions. You may suddenly find yourself being short-tempered with a co-worker, spouse or child. Maybe you react adversely to a driver who cuts you off or to a child who has just whined for something once too often.
In Matthew 7 Jesus was talking about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who asked why the disciples were eating with unclean hands – unlike the tradition and rules which they, the law-makers, had imposed. The Lord went into much detail explaining that whatever goes into a man does not make him dirty; but only that which comes out of him. He explains in verses 15-23 that whatever we eat will go its natural way and out again. None of the food will go to the heart! But what comes out of our heart – any evil thoughts, words and actions – these will corrupt us! Wow, those are hard words to digest but they are “food for thought,” aren’t they?
It’s easy to apply those scriptures to wicked men scheming to do evil deeds in the middle of the night. But... all sin starts with a little seed. This seed could be a fleeting reaction of envy, lust, jealousy, or pride. Therefore, what you do with your feelings and consequent thoughts is what counts. Feelings are just emotions; they are neither right nor wrong. However, if they are given too much attention and negative, destructive thoughts take over, then it’s important to pull the reigns in and take command of all vindictive thoughts in your head.
It is not easy keeping your feelings in check, your thoughts from reacting to our hurts, and your words and actions from lashing out in the wrong way at the wrong time. All day every day “stuff” is being thrown at you from all sides. Even friendly, joyful chats with friends may bring to mind painful memories you had not thought of for many years. What do you do about them and how do you keep from getting hurt?
Luke 6:45says that ”of the abundance of the heart [the] mouth speaks.” The more you allow “wrong” thoughts to grow from tiny seeds into full-grown festering hurts, the harder it is not to have your actions and words be influenced by them. However, you have a forgiving Father who not only understands and listens, but He gives you a way out of the situation every time. Isn’t it wonderful that you can come to Him every single day and tell Him where you’ve missed it again and again, and ask for His forgiveness? When you do this, His peace will flood over you and empower you to forgive the person/s who hurt you and let go of the issue. Give it to Him. Your mind is renewed with the Word of God! He gives you the grace to be able to get angry without sinning, speak words of comfort and encouragement despite personal pain, and be kind and forgiving regardless of your feelings. (Ephesians 4:23-32.)
God did not leave you on your own to accomplish this. He gives specific instructions how to direct your thoughts! He tells you not to worry about anything, and to ask, thanking Him in advance for giving you the grace to overcome. Remember, His most important antidote is to re-direct your thoughts to all things that you know are true, honest, just, pure and lovely. (Phil.: 4: 6-8) Therefore, it is so important to be thankful of your blessings. Always be mindful of all the good things, times and people He has given you, and think about them with a grateful heart.
Article keywords: feelings, thoughts, words, actions, change, power, live, happy, life
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Ann Stewart is the author of “With Wings As Eagles,” An autobiographical account, it motivates, inspires and encourages others to stand victoriously in their trials.
http://www.as-the-eagle.com/challenge.html.
.: New Inspirational/Motivational Articles
1). 10 Helpful Tips To Improve Your Self-Esteem
It makes no difference whether you pursue it actively or unconsciously, what matters is the effort to work on improving your self-esteem. However, the problem lies on where you want to begin. Seemingly, you are working on the outside indicators.
2). What it Takes to Be a Winner
This article discusses the difference between a winner and a loser, and show how the minds of each differ, and how you can use that to become what you want.
3). How To Gain Business Success Through The Law Of Karma
The idea of Karma is nothing new. It has even played a special role in the social life of man. Karma has often been described as a negative energy that will ultimately attach to anyone who has done wrong to his fellow beings. It is, however, a misunderstood concept...
4). True Happiness - Where And How To Find It
Have you wondered how and where to find true happiness? Why is it that even if things go well, you still feel unhappy? Read this article to find out the why, how and where.
5). As You Give, So Will You Receive
"Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom."
6). I Overcame My Fear Of Rejection
Are you worried about how you are perceived by others? Do you mimic others so that you fit in? Do you have a fear of rejection? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you need to read my article on how I overcame the fear of rejection.
7). Dream Interpretation, How To Use It To Inspire Yourself
Every dream that you have holds a subconscious message in it for you. While you are sleeping, your subconscious mind has the opportunity to come to the surface and speak to you.
.: Top Inspirational/Motivational Articles
1). How To Discover Your Purpose In 15 Minutes
“Who am I, why am I here?” That basic question has been asked by every thinking person since the dawn of time. It is interesting to note that every philosopher and famous person who has ever uttered their opinion on the purpose of life all seem to reach the same conclusion: The true purpose of life is to be happy.
2). 7 Sure Fire Ways to Sabotage Your Life
A Witty Approach to Getting Back on Track if
You’ve taken a Left Turn on the Road to Happiness
3). Attaining the Right Mindset
Much of the time, we ponder over the tools that can provide us an edge in turning our dreams to reality. The tools that we would think about can be your competence to handle difficult situations, honesty or sincere efforts.
4). Nine Characterisitics of An Enthusiastic Person
Enthusiasm is passion. Enthusiasm is living your dream. Enthusiasm is a divine energy you will feel as a reward for pursuing your dreams and staying on your own path.
An enthusiastic person is a person that will offer his talents to the world, betters his environment, adds his personal value to it, and ends up happy and satisfied. He has deciphered the secret code of the soul. And he receives the corresponding gifts: a great deal of enthusiasm, an extraordinary creativity and deep satisfaction.
5). Tale of A King and His Wealth
Once lived a great king who was getting old and wanted to retire. One day he announced that all his personal wealth would be distributed to the public. However one would have to earn his share as the king did not want the wealth to go to unworthy.
6). How To Overcome Procrastination Today
Billions of dollars are lost each year by people who choose to put off things that should be done immediately. When taxes get filed late, fines and penalties accrue.
7). Create a Positive Attitude - How to be Optimistic
How to maintain a positive attitude.