Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) We’ve been talking about the process involved in believing over the past few days, and one key within that process is gratitude. Philippians 4:6–7 sums up
this principle. It says to “Rejoice
in the Lord always” and it
encourages us to make our requests known to God, with thanksgiving. Then “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV). When you get up in the morning, you have a choice. You could focus on …

And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure
[of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear. Mark 4:24 (AMPC) Over the past few days we’ve been talking about the process involved in believing. The fact is, developing faith is a process, and it’s one that requires some effort and diligence. It’s not that the process is difficult. All that’s required of you is a measure of thought and study, and then the process takes care of itself. Mark 4:26–29 compares it to a farmer who plants seed in the ground. Sure, he has to work hard …

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) After my wife’s mom passed away, we were involved in settling her estate, which included a few acres of land. We decided to have a few trees
and old buildings cleared from the land before selling it. When the bulldozer had finished, it looked like a tornado had hit. There were roots coming out of the ground everywhere! It reminded me that when it comes to trees, everything you see above ground is also below, where you can’t see it. In fact, what’s below determines what …

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) If you tend to struggle with a certain mindset or emotion, you need to ask yourself, “What have I been planting in that area of my life?”
If you’re in the middle of a situation that causes you to be anxious and the fear is eating you up, you need to start planting verses like 2 Timothy 1:7 in your heart. No matter what you’re facing, you have not been given a spirit of fear. That’s not your inheritance! You have a spirit of power, love and a sound mind! Write it down on a recipe card and put it in …

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31–32 (NKJV) Your heart is giving birth to your future right now. It may not be happening as fast as you want it to, but what you focus on will become your future. If you focus on someone’s flaws and nothing else, you may as well say goodbye to the relationship. “We just grew apart,” you’ll say, but in reality, relationships can die just because of the wrong focus. When we read today’s verses, we tend to ignore the first part. We like the part that says the truth will make …