Thought Conditioners

Norman Vincent Peale is one of my favorite inspirational authors. He always wrote positive practical messages in his many books and Bible studies. Recently I found an article entitled: "Thought Conditioners." Our thoughts need to be conditioned - like clothing, or hair!

Reverend Peale dedicated much of his ministry to the power of positive thinking. In his preaching and teaching he would often remind us that we do have control over what we think about and how we perceive the events in our lives. Dr. Peale said, "Since happiness and effectiveness depend upon the kinds of thoughts we think, it is absoutely impossible to be happy if we think unhappiness-producing thoughts."

This reminds me of a favorite scripture: "Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things...And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4: 8-9 NIV)

And Luke 17: 21 promises, "The kingdom of God is within you." When we are filled with self-doubt, fear, and insecurity, we tell ourselves, "I can't do it. I don't have it in me!" But you do have it in you. You have the Kingdom of God within you. Dr. Peale once said that God has placed in your personality all the ability you need. You have only to believe in yourself, and strength within you will be released.

This photo of my daughter shows the joy and strength one feels when accomplishing God's work. We were in Kenya digging an irrigation ditch to direct water to the garden of a Maasai community. It seemed an impossible task at first, but with perseverance and the help of our whole team working alongside our Maasai friends, we were able to do it. Remember, when you are gripped with self-doubt, repeat to yourself, "God's abundance, peace and power are within me. I lack for nothing."