20 Ways to Start Believing in Yourself

Believing in yourself is the starting point where all things manifest from. When you don't believe in yourself, you literally block everything from happening for you. It's the difference between wishing you had luck - and creating your own luck.

Learning how to believe in yourself is necessary for achieving goals and handling challenges, but how do we do it?

The first step to opening yourself up to believing in yourself is to learn how to stop being your own critic, and start being your own proponent. In all honesty, you will never live a positive life when you are trash-talking yourself.

If you are someone who finds yourself engaging in trash-talk, you need to pay more attention to what you are saying to yourself throughout the day.

You need to ensure your self-talk is working for you, rather than against you. 

You will want to note that it is not wise to trash-talk others. This is important to your success. Why you may ask? Because you will experience setbacks - and those you trash-talked will mock you when you slip up. It's a kind-of karma where you talk bad about others, then bad happens only to you. Your success is not based on how poorly you see others; it is based solely on you focusing on your good nature and your abilities.

Here are 20 ways to believe in - and affirm yourself:

1. I am confident in my abilities and open to new challenges.
2. I have everything it takes to be successful.
3. I can achieve anything I put my heart into.
4. I deserve kindness and respect from others.
5. I get better every day.
6. I have so much to offer others.
7. I will stand up for myself.
8. I am a good hearted person.
9. I draw from those who are successful and inspire me.
10. I know the good I am capable of.
11. I am exactly who I am supposed to be.
12. I am happy with the person I am. 
13. I am content with my life.
14. I deserve kind and supportive people in my life.
15. I have many strengths and apply them for the greater good.
16. I am aware of my weakness and am working on them.
17. I am open to healthy and positive relationships.
18. I am proactive.
19. I am in control.
20. I make right choices, and choose right responses.

People who doubt themselves are guaranteed to fail. 

It is important that you combine the positive self-talk with actions congruent with them. You will want to make a habit of building this into your regular work/home life first before applying them when pursuing your dreams. Believing you can is 80% of your success ☺️

The Power To Forgive

Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

This is my dog Judah. We got him Christmas Day 2020. He’s a Shephard/Hound cross. We got him when he was three and a half months old. We suspect that his puppy beginnings were not so great by how he was, and how long it took him to warm up to us. We’ve had dogs in the past, but they’ve been small dogs; this time, I wanted a real dog. The only experience I had with a large breed dog was when I was 5. I had a St Bernard. She was special to me and I never got over losing her. 

In the spring of 2020, we bought a new home. Since the home was of significant size, we thought about getting a dog, but we put it off because we were renovating and setting things up. There were a lot of things to upgrade. When I first saw the home on the market in November of 2019, I was put off by it. When February of 2020 rolled around, I decided to take a closer look especially when the owners dropped the price - and it was beside a creek. We felt good about it - so we went ahead with the purchase - and ended up getting a great deal!

I enjoyed setting up our new home. Obtaining it was nothing short of a miracle. When the pandemic began, there was the "Mad March" market drop. We used our RRSP's to finance our down payment. The Monday after the RRSP withdrawal (which was the previous Friday), the market experienced one of the greatest drops in history. Had we not withdrawn the RRSP when we did, we would have lost 35% of the down-payment and would have had to make up the difference in the down-payment (which we didn't have) or run the risk of forfeiting the down-payment and losing the home altogether. 

I believe God had his hand in this... Psalm 44:3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

In the summer, we had another interesting experience in which we were able to repay the full RRSP withdrawal back! We figured this was now the time to get a dog - but I put it off. I decided to pray about it because I wanted to make sure that I was the right person for the dog. I prayed about it for three months, then I started to pursue one in November - believing that I was in the right position to welcome one into my new home.

I found a couple of beautiful dogs, but they fell through for reasons that crushed my heart.

By this time, the lockdowns were in full force and that was disheartening enough; I began to feel a little desperate. I saw Judah advertised as a dog named Timer, but I hesitated because there was something sketchy about the photo.

After a long - daunting search for a suitable dog with unfavorable results, I decided to consider Timer. 

I spoke with the dog-breeder (puppy-mill) and I learned that this dog had a great deal of my own character traits and I was assured he was trained to go to the bathroom outdoors. So I arranged a meeting which happened to be on Christmas Day.

The woman - Kayla pulled up and about 8 dogs (including puppies) all pooled out of a little old hatch-back. I said I wanted to get a feel for the dog without a commitment. She said that for a "hold" she would go into town and then come back. I agreed. When she pulled away, I realize that I now had a dog that I wasn't totally sure of and she had my deposit. She called, and demanded the remainder via e-transfer. So we sent it, and from that moment on, we were dog owners.

The first thing this dog did was he started to chew everything! Don't laugh, it was wicker!

Since it was the early afternoon on Christmas Day, we had no way to get to the pet store to get supplies (we were unprepared because of the sudden thrust upon us). So we allowed the wicker to get chewed up until we were able to get Timer - now Judah, some provisions.

We got him a comfy bed - which he chewed up. We got him stuffed toys - which he chewed up; my husbands high-top Nike's - all chewed up, and then we were all cut-up because he chewed on us as well! Wow - his teeth were sharp!

By this time, I was uncertain that getting Judah was a good decision. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I decided to pray about this - so I asked God what the right decision was. I didn't want to give up on Judah, so after I prayed about it. I believed that God would condition my heart so I was the right person for the dog (it's never the other way around).

I took him for all his shots - and after them, he was still exhibiting aggressive behavior. The vet suggested to get him neutered (by this time he was past 4 months). I went ahead with it and he was less aggressive with us.

At the beginning of summer, when the new carpet smell dissipated and the temperatures increased, I noticed an odor. I then realized he covered all of the main area upstairs, on my new carpet, with his pee! I broke down. It took several hours over several days, loads of disinfecting solution and a great deal of time on my knees to blot it all out. 

While I was on my knees, I recalled Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

As God spoke to my heart with this verse, I realized that is how forgiveness works; we can't remove what we've done or change how our actions have affected God or others. I understood this because Judah has paws and not hands. He also did not have what it takes to physically clean the carpets; the ownership was on me to clean - the ownership was also on me to also forgive - but it could only come through the conditioning of my heart. I wanted to give up on Judah and considered rehoming him, but I knew that was not an option.

Then I understood what God did for us through Christ Jesus his Son. You see, He blots out our sin - not us - we can't - we don't have the right tools; it came by the heart of God through the Blood of Jesus. This is the only "solution" that removes the stain of sin on our soul. 

I looked at Judah and cried and cried; As I did, he was aware that his actions caused me grief. That grieved him and Judah has never peed in the house since! 

This is how forgiveness works; I was the one who suffered - but I was also the one who had to forgive. 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Only the injured person can blot out the transgression, and when it is blotted out, the relationship heals and is restored. Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Jesus was wounded on the Cross; from His example, we learn that it is only the wounded person who must forgive because they are the only one in the position to offer it. 1 John 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? The person who offers forgiveness seeks love and restoration...Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

You see, when someone does you wrong, your heart will respond in love (restoration) or hate (division or separation); it is solely based on the condition of your heart: 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. When we respond in love, we show God that we truly are His children!

A year later, I feel so blessed to have the joy, comfort and companionship Judah brings; he is so much a part of our family that he even has his own room!

God Bless,

Maria

Simplifying Forgiveness

An Eye For An Eye

Leviticus 24:20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.

King Hammurabi reigned in ancient Babylonia from 1792-1750 BC.

He was well favored by the people because he considered the pleasures and comforts of them rather than just himself and his noblemen.

King Hammurabi brought in a set of laws known as the Code Of Hammurabi.

Death was often a punishment for criminals for even the most minor offence.

Under this Code, people were considered innocent until proven guilty. When guilty, they were punished under the "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" method.

We see that the Bible shows this as well in the above verse.

Nowadays, people offend one-another continually. A great deal of these situations are not worthy of going to court over; so, what do we do with minor offenses?

Jesus outlines it clearly:

Matthew 5:38-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

We need to learn how to turn away from those who are bent on evil.

When we oppose them, their (heart) condition worsens, and the stubbornness of their hearts harden towards us.

Although their hatred is not necessarily our problem, we still need to address the difference between what is holy, and what is profane.

When disagreements arise, It's usually "I'm right", "no, I'm right". God's Word is the only authority because truth is right and it doesn't pick a side.

Ezekiel 44:23-24 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.

This passage shows us that when disputes arise, everyone involved stands in judgment, and it is only those whose hearts are humble before God's authority that will show forth to be clean, and walk out from under God's judgement. So remember, an eye for an eye only sees the outside - not the person's heart, which is what matters to God the most.

God Bless,

Maria

Destroyed By Comfort - Preserved Through Hardship

 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne. Matthew 11:28-30 

The number of people stressed these days is almost equal to the number of people on earth. With corporate greed, political corruption and the covid lie, hardship can strip those who are weak of everything – even down to their own will… 

For those who are unfamiliar or inexperienced with suffering, you will need to manage yourself manfully; this is only done through wisdom.

For those who think that God will take care of all their troubles, you're in for a rough–ride! Jesus says in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”

Hardship is an essential element to preserve through; not only in the Christian life but in every area of life. In business, hardship is described as a stepping-stone or the downside. In fitness, it’s described as strength-training; in relocating, it’s described as networking (Need I go on?).

In Christianity, the Bible describes it as a filter through which Christ-followers will enter the Kingdom of God.

The Bible calls us to endure hardship.

Why? Because it's faith building.  

Those who have filled their lives and set their beliefs on temporary comforts have never really allowed themselves to become familiar with hardship. These folks fall apart at the slightest sign of hardship. 

Hebrews 12:7 says "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?" 

Discipline is training and training is designed to make you stronger; every bodybuilder would agree.

When people face pressure, they have two choices: buckle under it or lift the weight off of them.  

If you want to change your life for the better, you need to do just that. 

Many of us become indignant when we face hardships because we feel the treatment is unfair or unjust. In our self-righteous-anger, we 'right' the wrong that was done to us.

Unfortunately, this is failing to endure. 

2 Timothy 4:5 says "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship."

I've seen people destroyed because of comforts. They end up stressed, sick, inflicted with terrible diseases, full of anxiety, depressed, unable to make decisions, struggling with addiction, drug-overdosed and in some cases, dead - all because they refused to meet challenges along the way, and manage the downside.

Philippians 4:13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. 

There is always a reason for our sufferings; none of them are in vein. God uses them to remove worms of self-concern and to plant seeds of faith. 

As your faith builds, you know how to handle hardship without letting it knock you off course…on a side note, when we live for comforts [pleasures] we are already off course.

What are some of the way we can get back on course?

We can:

Fear not – When we fall to fear, we lose our faith, when we lose our faith, we seek [false] comfort. Turn to the Word of God for His guidance and direction.

Welcome change – but only if the change brings you closer to God. Most of our comforts alienate us from God so this makes complete sense.

See things from another perspective – when we focus solely on ourselves, we entertain the wrong emotions – every time! When we focus on Christ, it takes our eyes off of ourselves, and we see the situation more clearly.

Endure hardship – when you look at the life of Job, you will note that he endured through it all. He was in right standing with God – meaning – his heart never convicted him of any sin. In the end, he was rewarded for maintaining his position.

Understand the purpose of your hardship – Be willing to accept the challenge. God doesn’t bring you to a duel in which He doesn’t give you the tools to overcome. Overcoming the hardship is the only way through it. Each time you run from hardship, they get more difficult to deal with. It’s always best to deal with them and put them behind you; this is how you get stronger.

If you ever watched the movie The Passion Of The Christ, one can easily observe that Jesus was more concerned for the sins of others rather than His own well-being. He endured a great deal of pain and preserved under it until his assignment was complete. Jesus was the strongest man to ever walk this world and in Him, we learn how to endure hardship victoriously!

Comfort is your greatest sign of weakness.

Enduring hardship is the greatest sign of strength. 

When we preserve under pressure  - we are the ones who 'get the crown'. 

Revelation 2:3 says "You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary."

Lies We Tell Ourselves

One of the best things you can do for yourself when problem solving is to align yourself with truth. Without truth, your life (motives) will always come into question. It's bad enough when we tell ourselves lies; when we make a lifestyle out of them, the result can be disastrous!

Here are some common lies we tell ourselves, and Biblical principles to correct them:

My Past Is Unforgivable

Correction - your past is only a part of your present because you refuse to forgive yourself. You do not have to spend the rest of your life feeling guilty for the things you have done. The very thing you’re doing at this moment – recalling, rehearsing and wondering how you can make peace with your past – is a great step in the direction of change. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”; This means you are clean! and if someone recalls what you've done, quote this verse from Acts 10:15 “And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”

I’m An Underachiever

Your battles are usually won long before your victory. When you find yourself continuously fighting the same battle, you need to look at your mindset. Overcoming is a process that consists of small continual steps of observing and adjusting. Philippians 3:13-15 says,“ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” Your mind is where all battles are won. God will graciously reveal to you all the areas where you need to overcome!

I’m Waiting For _____

Maybe one of the most convenient lies we tell ourselves is that we need to wait until the conditions are perfect before we can proceed. Such convenience doesn't exist. If a farmer waited for the perfect conditions, no seed would ever get sown. The Bible says in Colossians 1:29 “Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Your ‘waiting’ does nothing more than weaken your ability - until you lose it altogether. As you strive, your abilities will develop.

It’s always the right time to do the right thing, but the trouble is, you think that time is on your side! One day you will wake up and realize your heart is waxed cold – then it will no longer be pliable… so don’t wait!  

What If?

“What if” has got to be the most vague question ever! It is filled with endless (im)possibilities that weighs you down. “What if” invites too much speculation and undue anticipation for situations that may never occur. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 1:3-9 says “What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” It is best to limit the “what if's” by handling them IF they emerge. You really have no control over the things that happen; you're only able to control how you respond to them.

I’m In Danger/I Need To Protect Myself

Psalm 23:3-4 “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”.

They don't call it an idle-threat for nothing... Most of what we fear is nothing more than an idle (empty) threat (menace). Did you know that fear is nothing but a thought with a feeling attached to it? How useless to be paranoid of a thought! When you perceive the ridiculousness of that; you are in a better position to control your thoughts and conquer their attached emotions. 

I Can't!

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”.  Enough said!

I Won’t Be Happy Until _____

you allow God to correct you. Seriously! The Bible mentions the word “happy” only 25 times in the KJV. Job 5:17 says, “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty”: Only fools despise correction (Proverbs 1:7), and I have yet to meet a happy fool... 2 Chronicles 9:7 “Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom.” That literally means that correction and wisdom work together to build you up effectively – no matter what you do for a living - even if you are a servant. 

I Need _____

Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”.

God provides you with everything you need – so if/when your needs surpasses what He has supplied you with, your needs may be in vain. Anything done in vain is in opposition to the things of Christ. A good example of a vain need is thinking you need revenge when you should be offering mercy, or, believing you are deserving of something you’ve never worked for; Another great example of vain belief is when God provides you with something and it wasn't good enough for you! Be careful especially if your needs are complaints in disguise!

Bad Things Always Happen To Me!

So many people believe this; but it’s simply not true. Perhaps you were assigned this challenge because God wants or needs you strengthened in this area. John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. Your Bible is your instruction manual – to guide you through this life; challenges are actually opportunities for growth!

When I was going through my deepest-darkest struggles, I would write it out and seek the Scriptures and write them over my life. That is how I gained my victory. I encourage you to do the same!

I'm Nothing Special

This is a lie we tell ourselves when we get picked over when a promotion was up or didn’t get that recognition we thought we deserved. We can’t shine a light unless it's on God’s terms. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.

When we labour selfishly (for recognition) we do it in vain. Matthew 6:1-6 says, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly”.

We are not to parade our abilities; God knows what they are; after all, he blessed us with those specific qualities. We ought to be faithful with them and serve Him with them. Believe it our not, but when we do good in secret, we show God who we really live for and He rewards us for it. 

I’m Too Old/ It’s Too Late

No one knows what the future holds – and what good does it do to live in the “one of these days or the good old days” mindset? Age is only an earthly account of your time spent here. The good news is, your soul is ageless. John 10:10 says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”.

If you really want to proof, look back on your life – consider all this time you’ve spent waiting; where has it gotten you but to this point of still not being ready? What a waste! 

The time to live is today, as long as it is today. Deuteronomy 1:10 the Lord your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. God made this promise to Abraham and it is still being fulfilled today; isn't is awesome that you are included in His miraculous plan? If so, then take on the role that God issued to you.

I'm Not Good Enough

This phrase has the power to kill your confidence especially when you put your confidence in the flesh.

Philippians 3:3 says, “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” We need to be careful where we place our confidence. The most confident people are going about their work in whatever it is that God has called them to do. If you are dealing with defeat in any area of your life, you need to examine in where or what you place your emphasis on. If it's not led by God, you will always experience some sort of tension or defeat.

I Can't Change 

This lying phrase kills ambition, nullifies your ability and guarantees failure. The Bible says in Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This means that you have the ability to change, but you have to apply your mind to take on new thought patterns; these new thought patterns only come from the Word of Truth. Think about this; it's the way of the world that got you “into this mess”; so it's only the Word of God that will get you “out of the mess.” 

The Bible says in “Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Use it to your advantage to set you free from the lies of the enemy!

© MARIA MORTON 2022 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WORDS (KJV)

 

If you go to biblegateway.com (KJV) and type "words" in the search bar, you get 521 results. I chose 33 verses for this study. 

When you understand how powerful words are and what they are actually used for AND how they're used, you may be more careful as to the words you allow yourself to speak, read and be influenced by...

Words serve a purpose, and for those who do not understand this, you may want to pay careful attention to this study. God laid it on my heart a few months back that everything that is happening around us today is just WORDS. They are coming at us worse than fruit-flies in the evening. The only way to not be influenced by them is to literally turn yourself away from them. The only way to rise above them is to be in the WORD of TRUTH! (Amen!) Let's examine these verses on Words shall we?

Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Job 11:2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? Jesus is the Perfect Living Word. I think it's safe to say that the less you speak the less judgement you bring upon yourself...

Proverbs 6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Words are life, and when you have a deep understanding of the Bible, you choose your words carefully.

Job 4:4 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. God's Word will prevent you from falling and it will give you strength.

Psalm 36:3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. The words you speak are foundational.

Psalm 50:17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee. Words give instruction.

Psalm 52:4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. Words deceive!

Psalm 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Words lift you up, then slice you on your way down!

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Words are influential...

Psalm 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. Words cause unrest in those who oppose your Godly character. 

Psalm 64:3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: Words are weapons.

Psalm 59:12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak. Corrupt Words equals Corrupt Individuals.

Psalm 109:3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. Words bring strife. 

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Jesus is the (only) Everlasting Word of Life and Truth! All we speak is pure vanity.

Psalm 12:6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. KJV Organic Bible Readers solidify this because it leaves none of us questioning our faith. Moreover, we are less likely to be deceived by the One World Religion (doctrine) that has already been incorporated by the modern church. The ideology behind this is to denounce (renounce) Biblical morality.

Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. When your Words represent Jesus, people will oppose you (again, all problems are a result of people living in opposition to God).

Psalm 107:11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: The devil got the boot out of heaven for equating himself with God; only a child of the devil would hold God's Word in contempt! (Listen carefully non-KJV'ers)

Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; God's Word is to be kept (treasured in the heart). When you keep God's Word in your heart, you will be cleansed and changed by it. 

Proverbs 2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; God's Word will deliver you from the wicked.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. God's Word brings healing.

Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. God's Word makes one wise!

Psalm 109:3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. People love to air their opinion; it gives them a sense of power so to speak.

Job 6:25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?  The words of the righteous are as a powerful force within themselves; and those who want to disprove your words do so  against themselves.

Jude 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. People carefully choose specific topics as conversation starters - which is (often) designed to get people into agreement with them. When you agree with others (opinion), you may will yourself in disagreement with God's Word.

Psalm 141:6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet. When people end up alone because their schemes didn't work out, it is in those stony places (rock-bottom) that they seek God and His Righteousness. (Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.) 

Further Study - Jesus Living WORD

Psalm 106:12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. Those who worship God must do so in spirit and truth. Only those who truly hear the Word of the LORD, and receive it in their hearts truly bring praise to God.  

Psalm 119:57 Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words. Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Those who keep God's Word in their heart will be the only ones ready for Christ's Coming. 

Revelation 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. This is surely an eye-opener: As long as we are here (on earth) we are named and numbered with the fallen. So many "would-be" Christians live in deceit. They believe that just because they believe in Jesus, they are automatically given their "get out of hell free" card. That is not so. It is only God's Word that will be fulfilled, so the safest place to be is IN it (the Organic Original King James Bible that is).

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. God's Word is the only faithful word, but it's also the final word!

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. As one who is now more aware on how powerful words are, this is an awesome prayer to ponder daily.

For every (worldly) problem, there is a Godly solution. Every problem arises when one's life is in opposition to God in one way or another. These problems flare in the mind (attitudes) because they are in opposition to truth. Opposition takes place when we twist, turn from, or ignore God's Holy Bible (KJV). A great deal of this happens because of variants (different versions) of the Bible; it takes the mind hostage, and away from it's original truth. The reader is unaware (deceived) that they're not receiving the fullness of the Living Word. Good thing this comes with a consequence within itself. Revelation 22:18-19 says, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." When you follow a perverted version of the Bible - but you believe it's the real thing, you are unable to perceive all that is Holy. 

God Bless,

Maria

The Book of Opinions

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Isaiah 14:12

Are you dissatisfied with what the Holy Scriptures say? 

Well now you can write your own! 

Whether you are a tyrant like John Calvin with his Geneva Bible (using it to lord over people) - or a Berean (a form of Calvinism) or like Billy Graham with his New King James version (that removes the conviction from the Authorized KJV - leading the "once saved - always saved" lie) - the Book of Opinions is all about you!

All joking aside, many opinions have come along and distorted God’s Truth - taking the focus off of Jesus, and placing it on ourselves. What's worse is we see in Isaiah 14:12 that the result weakens us...

Revelation 22:18-19 says, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Considering the hell we are facing here on earth, perhaps it’s because we’ve gotten carried away with our opinions on Scripture as opposed to observing sound Biblical judgment or discernment.

Take a look at some “opinions” that have been (mis)taken as scripture so we can see where we went wrong:

Opinion 1:1 "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

The actual scripture is: 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 

Opinion 1:2 He qualifies the called." 

This is quite a popular quote amongst believers. However, there is a truth that is missed in this statement. 

Matthew 22:14 says, "For many are called, but few are chosen."

Romans 8:29-30 says, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

Many people believe they're qualified on merit or their status, but, your ordainment comes when your inner man matches that of Jesus. 

Opinion 1:3 "Once saved - always saved."

Philippians 2:12 (Amplified - Classic) says, "Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ)."

Backsliding, or rather rebellion against the Scriptures, has become a problem for many Christians. Habitual sins, love for material things and failure to love one another (forgiveness) is a serious road-block that holds many apart from Christ. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee...

Opinion 1:4 "If you spare the rod, you hate your son."

The complete verse in Proverbs 13:24 says, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”

It takes wisdom and diligence to train your child well. Disciplining your child involves love and should never be done in anger. Teach your child to love and fear the LORD as you yourself grow in the love and fear of the LORD! (Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.).

Opinion 1:5 "Jesus saves."

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This verse is highly misinterpreted. False (apostate) teachers would have us believe that all we need to do is believe in Jesus as the man in the flesh. We must believe in Jesus as the Living Word John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God! 

Jesus will save you, but you must put to death the deeds of the flesh; Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Opinion 1:6 "Time heals all wounds."

Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

Time heals all flesh-wounds...well it's actually the body that does the work. When you break a bone, your body immediately begins producing new cells to heal the damage. When your skin is cut, platelets in your blood clot at the scene to stop the bleeding; white blood cells remove the dead and injured cells, new healthy cells repair damaged tissue. Time is nothing more than a continual measurable process. Since time is numbered, like us, time is always limited. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega; our beginning and end is only in Him. If you are dealing with unhealed spiritual wounds, it’s time to seek Jesus; He will restore you.

Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Jude 1:18 how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 

For those who are full of self-love and wrath, time is nothing but a breeding ground - waxing you cold against the things of God...

Opinion 1:7 "Money is the root of all evil"

The scripture reads: 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

What's the point of gaining if the cost is forfeiting your soul? The Bible says Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

Opinion 1:8 "Cleanliness is next to godliness"

The scripture reads: James 4:8: "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

Jesus raises an important point when speaking to the Pharisees in Luke 11:39-41. Godliness is a part of the inner man; cleanliness only pertains to the outer man.

Opinion 1:9 “You will prosper in everything you put your hands to.”

Prosperity preachers love Jeremiah 29:11 - especially in the NIV, it reads - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This is falsely translated! The Authorized King James reads in Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

You must also observe verses 12 and 13.

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Opinion 1:10 "All things work together for good."

Romans 8:28 reads: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

We make plans, but the plans God has for us are (really) the only ones that will prevail.

Opinion 1:11 "God moves in mysterious ways."

The scripture reads: Isaiah 55:8: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' saith the LORD."

There is no mystery. When your ways are aligned to God's Way, then His Way becomes clear. Proverbs 3:6

Opinion 1:12 "Pride comes before a fall."

Proverbs 16:18, actually reads: "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

I have never seen God bless someone who was puffed-up and full of selfish pride. God lifts the lowly and the humble - not those who exalt themselves. 

Opinion 1:13 “Why does God take us through troubled waters? Because your enemies can’t swim.”

This statement flabbergasts me! 

It says in Matthew 14:26-33 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

A better interpretation should be “Why does God take us through troubled waters? Because that’s where you learn to "walk on water"; but don't quote me on this!

Opinion 1:14 "God will not give you anything beyond what you can bear."

The scripture reads: 1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

This Scripture debunks the myth that God will "spare" you from trouble. It's not that God won't give you anything beyond what you can bear, but that God will help you bear what [trouble] you've been given.

Opinion 1:15 “The Bible has one "fear not" for every day of the year."

The King James Bible has a "fear not" only 170 times; but, if God said it once, then once is enough. 1 John 4:18 Jesus said; "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

Those who need continual reassurance have not been made perfect on God's love - meaning  they don't fully know Jesus, and that they haven't fully accepted His love for them. When we don't fully know Christ, we need to get into the scriptures and learn more about Him. 

Opinion 1:16 “His death certificate became my birth certificate.”

The scripture reads: John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Jesus makes it clear that we must be "Born Again" - born of His [Holy] spiritual nature.

Opinion 1:17 “When you kneel down to God, He stands up for you; no one can stand against you.”

The scripture reads: Romans 8:30-33 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

There’s an “if” involved.  You need to be in right standing with God first. I have witnessed many (so called) Christians mistreat others - act as though they've done nothing wrong and run to God for his grace. God is for that person; and in order to be in Right Standing with God, you need to be in right standing with His people. Matthew 5:24 1 Corinthians 11:28-29

Opinion 1:18 “Satan says, look at your sin, God says, look at my Son.”

The scripture reads: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Reconciliation is key. Satan will go on the attack, however, if there is sin present in your life, it may be the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Should that be the case, it's unwise to ignore it.

Opinion 1:19 “You will be blessed in everything you do.”

The scripture reads: Genesis 12:2-3 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

But when you examine Deuteronomy 28:15-19 you’ll note that it says, But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.

17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.

18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

19 Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

Prosperity messages have really corrupted a lot of believers. You will know that scripture is being misrepresented when it takes the focus off of God and places it solely on self.

Opinion 1:20 “Prayer changes things.”

The scripture reads: James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

"It's not necessarily that prayer changes things; prayer changes me, and I change things."

Opinion 1:21 “You will be the Head and not the tail.”

The scripture reads: Deuteronomy 28:13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

Prosperity (apostate) preachers soak this concept up with a false sense of royalty. Get away from that. This verse signifies the authority we have in Christ Jesus when we walk after Him!

Opinion 1:23 “I'm a good person/God sees the good in me"

The scripture reads: Psalm 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 

We are children of the devil by default. The more we accept our wickedness, the more God is able to cleanse it from us. 

Opinion 1:24 "God helps those who help themselves"

The scripture reads: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

God gave us His Word. We are headed for disaster if we think we can live our lives - never opening our Bibles, and expect good outcomes. The power of God [Holy Spirit] is given to us as we feast on His Word. They are life; and when we eat of it, that becomes our life!

Opinion 1:25 "Grace upon grace - Gift upon gift" - taken from John 1:16

John 1:16 ESV reads - And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

John 1:16 in The Message reads - We all live off his generous abundance, gift after gift after gift.

John 1:16 in the Authorized KJV reads - And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 

Grace for grace; the for means to that we are affected by it - not that it is multiplied to us. I suggest you exercise caution when using other Bible versions other than the King James Version; a great deal of apostacy (false teaching & interpretation) is because of these versions. 

Opinion 1:26 "You will be blessed and highly favored."

It is assumed that Paul wrote this to the churches based on Philippians 4:10-23 however, these specific words were never actually spoken by Paul.

Opinion 1:27 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus - Romans 8:1" (straight out of the NIV)

The unadulterated King James Version reads: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Opinion 1:28 "Your Best Life is Now"

This is popular amongst Joel Osteen fans. Be careful when it comes to apostate leaders; their ideology leads you AWAY from the TRUTH! These ideas are 100% Antichrist! The scripture says in Psalm 39:5 "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity." Selah.

Opinion 1:29 "Good Deeds Gets You To Heaven"

The Bible says in Revelation 3:2 “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” 

Opinion 1:30 "1 Chronicles 12:18 in the NIV reads: Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands."

The King James Version reads; 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

We need to be careful especially when it comes to Bible translations; much Scripture has been taken out of content - leading people away from the truth.

If you have been carried off by inaccurate opinions and versions of Scripture, you will know because you will end up frustrated that your expectations have failed you. If this speaks to you, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you back into His Truth today.

If you know of other opinions that are (mis)taken as Scripture, feel free to share them with me. Thank you in advance :-)

God Bless,

Maria