If we want to experience the plan of God for our lives we must learn to master our thoughts. Far too often, we allow what others think about us to form our perspective instead of what God says. Our thoughts have a direct impact on the way we see ourselves. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.”
This means someone with impossible thinking can only produce impossible living. And if we think small it will cause us to live far below what God has planned. When we feel limited in what we can do, our thinking will confine us to those boundaries, but God is limitless. He wants to raise us to a new level of thinking and that will raise us to a higher degree of living!
Our daily challenge is to train ourselves to think from God’s perspective — not our own. God sees us in the light of what Jesus has done for us, not based on our own achievements, education, or outward appearance. Notice the strong words Jesus spoke to Peter when he looked from the wrong perspective:
Out of My way, Satan! You stand right in my path, Peter, when you look at things from man’s point of view and not God’s.
(Matt. 16:23 Phillips)
We can stand in God’s way when we look at things from our own, limited perspective. Instead of hindering God’s plan we want to cooperate with Him in every way possible.
The Lord revealed His perspective to the prophet Samuel while choosing a king for Israel.
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
(1 Sam. 16:7 NIV)
There is a vast difference between the way God looks at a person and the way we typically form an opinion. When the people chose a king, they chose a tall, handsome man in appearance. But the Lord chose a man with the heart of God.
We only see what a person looks like externally — their nose, eyes, hair, weight and typically form our opinion accordingly. Instead, God sees us for who we really are — in the light of what Jesus has accomplished for us, not what we’ve accomplished ourselves.
Jesus exposed the attitude of human nature when He said, “You judge according to the flesh…” (John 8:15 NKJV).
We will begin to think like God when we conform our thoughts to His Word. Notice Romans 12:2:
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you] (AMP).
The ways of the world are superficial. However, when we conform our thoughts to God’s Word we will begin to think like God. We must learn to master our thoughts.
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.