Want Some Good News in this World of Bad?
Our mind is a powerful force. Now I don't mean that in a new age, mystical way, I mean that because the Bible says so, because God says so. He created you and me, He should know.
Philippians 4:8 instructs, "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."
Why do you think we would be instructed to think and even take it a step further and meditate on positive things? Well, I have a few people in my life who are glued to the news channels. I feel so sorry for them because their mind is continually fixated on all that is negative. Their hearts are consumed with fear. Mine would be too if I continually fed it bad news. Our minds are much like our bodies, fill it with all that is bad for us and we will become sick.
We are to renew our minds daily with anything praiseworthy, not with continual bad news. That does not mean one cannot listen to the news, but we are not to be consumed with this Covid, riot ridden, economically depressed world.
Colossians 3:2 encourages to "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."
Based on this scripture I encourage you to turn off the TV, iPad, iWatch, iPhone, computer, and go for a walk in nature. Ask God to fill your mind with things above. What does this mean? I can tell you what I heard when I did this very thing, but God is creative so be open to whatever He reveals and share in the comments a little piece of your story.
- I was reminded to be thankful for all the blessings I have...enough food, clean water, a home, health, friends, family that love me, a country at peace, freedom of speech and worship and the list goes on.
- I was reminded to think big picture. This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. I could feel a smile spread across my face and into the very marrow of my being when I thought of meeting Jesus. Wow! I can't wait. And what about seeing all those who have gone before me. How interesting it will be to have a sit down with my favorite Bible character Joseph or see my sweet grandmother who prayed for me.
- I was encouraged as I thought about things above to reflect upon my life, keep short accounts and ask God to reveal areas that need attention, or need His forgiveness, or need more love.
I came back from my walk, refreshed, renewed and ready to spread the good news of the gospel of Christ which is the best news ever. I scheduled time through the month of August for one on one with both old and new friends in my back yard. I look forward to the God conversations the Holy Spirit will orchestrate and just loving on my friends.
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About the author
Blossom Turner is an award-winning novelist, and a free-lance writer published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, and former newspaper columnist on health and fitness. A Word Guild semi-finalist for Anna's Secret, Katherine's Arrangement, Amelia’s Heartsong, and a Word Guild winner for Best Romance for Lucinda’s Defender. She has found her home in the writing of historical fiction but is open to wherever God leads. The many 5-star reviews attest to the power of love and romance authentically woven into the Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their five love stories.
Blossom lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, David, of forty years and their dog Lacey named after Lacey Spring, Virginia, where this series takes place. A former businesswoman, personal trainer, and mother of two grown children she is now pursuing her lifelong dream of writing full-time. A hopeless romantic at heart, she believes all story should give the reader significant entertainment value. However, her writing embodies the struggles of real life. She infuses the reality of suffering with the hope of Christ to give a healthy dose of relatable encouragement to her reader. Her desire is to leave the reader with a yearning to live for Christ on a deeper level, or at the very least, create a hunger to seek for more.
Co-author Suzie Zanewhich
Suzie is a certified life coach, leader of emotional health, and resource specialist. She has found her niche as a soul coach.
Suzie finds purpose in empowering individuals to move towards growth, healing, and alignment with their authentic self. Suzie is driven by a calling to live authentically, as the person God created her to be, to reach her fullest potential and lead others to do the same. Her passion is to help others find meaning through discovering their strengths, gifts, personality, temperament and core values.
Suzie is a life-long learner, continuously immersing herself in new courses to learn more about human behaviour, relationships, psychology, child development, emotions, trauma and healing. Because of her craving to always learn more she has earned the title of resource specialist in the area of self-discovery.
Suzie Zanewich lives with her husband in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She has a patchwork family of four grown children, two daughters, two sons and three granddaughters.
Comments 4
I too am reminded that our life is so very short, and while things do bang against us, we have that sweet hope in Jesus. I am so thankful he takes good care of us and meets our every need.
I have been feeling incredibly grateful for Holy Spirit recently. He is our teacher, helper, counsellor, intercessor, He leads us to truth, He is our source of revelation, wisdom and power. Job 36:4 says that "one who is perfect in knowledge is with you". This means that we have access 24/7 to our own personal counsellor and life coach. How blessed are we! God has been leading me to rely on Holy Spirit more each day and showing me increasingly more things to rely on Holy Spirit for. It feels truly amazing to walk through life each day knowing that you can call on Him anytime and He will lead you to truth of what is best for you. Jeremiah 33:3 says...Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Who could ask for a better gift?
So true Tisha...what would we do without Him.
Dear Suzie, These words are a wonderful addition to the blog and sum up what it means to live in the Spirit. Thank you for taking the time to share a little piece of your story and encourage others.