In today’s world of digital information we can receive data at the speed of light.  We live in a society in which we can see things live streaming in real time.  Unfortunately, not all of this data is good for us to digest.  It is so easy to allow our thinking to be influenced by all of the negative information that seems to flow towards us on a daily basis.  You’ve heard the adage, garbage in, garbage out, I’m sure.

How we think and what we think about is more important today that ever before.  

Bruce Lee said, “Do not allow negative thoughts to enter your mind for they are weeds that strangle confidence”

Begin to control your thinking and thought life and you will begin to control your life and your success.  Researchers have found that people who have positive thoughts and who control their thoughts live longer, live healthier, have more energy, are more successful, have less stress in their lives, have healthier relationships and make better decisions than those who allow negative thinking to run rampant in their minds.  

I love what Tony Dundee once said.  “Be positive.  You mind is more positive than you think.  What is down in the well comes up in the bucket. Fill yourself with positive things.”

Let me clear about what positive thinking is.  Positive thinking is not something you learn to do in order for you to never encounter problems, issues or obstacles.  Positive thinking is the tool we use to respond to these problems, issues and obstacles.  Doctor Charles Swindoll, noted author and pshycologist, said something over 30 years ago that has impacted my life in a powerful way.  He said that life consist of 10% what happens to us and 90% our attitude toward those things that happen to us.  As I have read about and studied people I find many who have been through similar horrific things in life.  Yet some have been able to overcome those situations and others have not.  I have the found that the difference between them is positive thinking. 

The Bible has a lot to say about our thinking, which is what I would like to focus.  As a person that has made Jesus Christ Lord of their life, I have found that the Bible gives me strength and direction for success.  Jesus said He came to give us life and give it to us in abundance.  I think His Word is the road map we need for abundant living.

In Romans chapter 8:5-7, Pauls says we are not to be conformed to this world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  The Greek word for transform is, metamorpho, and is a word the Greeks used to explain how a caterpillar changes into a a beautiful butterfly.  It is a complete change from one type of insect into a completely different one.  

Eph. 4:22-23 states we are to put off the old man, which is corrupt and be renewed in the spirit of our mind.  The NIV states it a different way and says we are to be renewed in the attitude of our minds.  The Jerusalem Bible says, “…your mind must be renovated by a spiritual revolution.”  

In Romans 7:23, Paul explains there is a struggle for control of our minds.  In Romans 8:5 Pauls explains that to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually mind is life and peace.  The key to controlling our thoughts is to transform our minds to think on things from a spiritual perspective.  In other words, we need to think God thoughts.  

Philippians 4:8 give us a list of things we should think about.  When negative thoughts come, and they will, take control and change those thoughts to something that aligns with God’s Word.  

In fact 2 Corinthians says, “casting down imaginations, and everything that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Now, the quickest way to determine the health of your thought life is to take a day and pay attention to everything that comes out of your mouth.  You will speak out what you are thinking about.  If you have negative thoughts, negative speech will follow.  Matthew 12:34 says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” 

I Peter 1:13 says, “…gird up the loins of your mind.”  I love the NIV interpretation of this scripture.  It says, “…prepare your minds for action: be self controlled.”

Take the time to change your thinking habits and get them in alignment with God’s Word.  If you will learn to do this and prepare your mind for action, I can promise you will find true success.

Remember, Jesus IS Lord and He WANTS you BLESSED!