And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 (NKJV)  Do you feel like something is preventing you from doing what God wants you to do? If so, it may be your own misbeliefs holding you back.  Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says to guard your heart with all diligence because “it determines the course of your life.” In other words, the beliefs of your heart are shaping your life. Depending what they are, these beliefs cause you to experience more positivity or negativity, prosperity or poverty, sickness or health, and confidence or low self-worth. All areas of your life are influenced by your heart beliefs.  This is why it is so important to guard what you believe carefully. When your …

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 (NLT)  Focus is so important, because when you keep looking for the positive, you get good at finding it.  Whenever I’m speaking, I notice people’s facial expressions in the crowd. I could focus on the odd bored or angry-looking person I see. But if I focus on these people, it ruins my entire experience. I don’t deliver my message as well and I end up thinking that no one enjoyed it.  Instead of focusing on the few who look bored or disapproving, I focus on the many …

They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Matthew 9:28–30 (NLT)  Do you believe the truth?  To a great degree, your beliefs determine what you experience. Jesus demonstrated this truth. When two blind men believed He could heal them, Jesus said, “Become what you believe” (Matthew 9:29–31, MSG), and their sight was restored.  The truth is that God has placed amazing gifts and abilities within you that you have the potential to develop. But if you don’t believe it, you will limit …

For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. Galatians 5:6 (NLT)  You can experience more of the miraculous in your life, but it may not happen the way you think.  Sometimes we think we need to receive prayer from famous preachers or evangelists to experience miracles. Other times we might assume we have to work up enough faith or beg and plead more to get God to stop holding our miracles back. In fact, these are old covenant ideas.  In Old Testament times, people had to jump through all sorts of hoops to qualify for God’s blessings. For example, circumcision was considered a must for …

For God says “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)  If you were raised in a home where you were belittled or were never told you were special, you may not understand how valuable you are. And to know God’s love, you need to recognize that you are valuable to God.  Many people mistake God’s love for the feeling they sense during emotional worship services, but it’s much more than that. Emotions are great—don’t get me wrong—but God’s love for you is much more than a feeling that comes and goes. You need to realize the depth of it: you are …