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Just want to give a heart felt shout out to my fellow myspacers here!

I have been back in my creative writing cave as we are fervently putting the next Power of Leadership book together. It's very exciting as one of our contributing authors has been preselling her books since June. :) She has a big book signing event with many wonderful speakers coming to support her in Sept.

This book is called "The Power of Leadership in Business Networking". It is the fourth book in a series of 12 on leadership.  I am thankful each day to God for the inspiration behind the series and HIS hand moving mightily to help grow and develop the brand of Power of Leadership.

If you would like to discover more about the first three books, go to: http://www.PowerOfLeadershipBooks.com

We are actively looking for contributing authors for book five- which will be on Leadership in Sales.  If you are interested in that, you can get details at: http://www.ProPublishingCompany.com

You can also hear some great wisdom each week on Leadership at: http://PowerOfLeadershipRadio.com

I look forward to sharing with you more.  If you have a topic around leadership and helping to empower others and would like to be considered to be a guest on my radio show, drop me an email and let's connect. We'll talk and see if there is a fit.

God bless and have a Glorious Day!

Debbra

I’ve talked about this before, and it seems like I am speaking about it even more.

Every day we have a choice to intentionally be involved in our life.  For some, that may sound silly, odd or off the wall. For others, they will ‘get it’.

When I look back at my last blog post, I see clearly that to some, I will appear like an ‘over achiever’.  To those, that may be your perception – but the reality is, I simply chose to be productive. 

As I was growing up, I had hopes, ideas, and dreams of how I wanted my life to be.  Some of those ideas came to pass. Others did not. I did not have the knowledge, the resources, the support system around me to lay the foundation to really make things happen. Now I do.

The big point to make is here: even though I now have all of the things I need to really make dreams, ideas and hopes a reality, the most important thing that is needed first is the commitment and conviction to make a choice to make things happen! 

So many people say they want to do things, they complain about the way things are- but they are unwilling to actually do anything about it!  The love to wallow in their ‘story’ and it is that ‘story’ that is part of what holds them back.  Actually, there are reasons behind the story- and all too often we stay emotionally attached to those reasons.  They may not be logical (in fact, most of the time they are not) however, they are familiar and comfortable.   The easy way out of things is to do or stay where it is comfortable. 

Do you have hopes, dreams, ideas that you say you want to come to pass?  Are you being honest with yourself when you say it?  Is it really what you want?  If deep down inside, the answer is YES- then all you have to do now is make the choice to change. Make the choice to do one thing a day to make one of your goals, dreams, ideas come to pass.  Each day you take a new step. Each day you take a new action. Each day you are laying the foundation and walking the pathway to seeing your dreams and ideas become reality! 

You may have to modify some of the habits you have now in order to create ‘room’ in your life to do these new actions.  That’s good!  You want that!  If you feel a bit uncomfortable because you are walking in unfamiliar territory- that’s ok!  You want that – it’s a sign of growth!

Make the choice to be productive and follow your dreams.  In doing so, you can be one of those people who lives a life with no regrets when they are older.   

If you need (or want) some support in gaining the courage to take the first step, a key is to learn from leaders who have already done things like this.  A great resource that is available to you is right here: http://www.leadershiptrilogy.com/

Enjoy your day and may it be productive and prosperous!

Debbra

Wow how time flies!!  It's been a while since I've posted.  Looking at when the last time was I realize I've been in my 'creative cave' since January!

So what have I done?  Let's see.... in January I launched a new radio show (www.PowerofLeadershipRadio.com). It's awesome!!  We have international listeners each week and we're now talking about starting syndication of the show.  (Too cooool.)

In January I also wrote a book - a Home Study Course - called Marketing Made Easy (TM). I 've had this in my head for two years and now it's available for others to use and get results for their business - easily and affordably!  Check out www.SweetMarketingSolutions.com and click on Marketing Made Easy.

We are working on updating the audio cd's for the kit so any one who wants the early versions will get some extra special things from me.

Also put together my Profit Maker Marketing Training Program.  You can read about that also at the site above.  It's awesome.  All the most successful people have a coach or mentor- and this is designed to help you reach a business goal very easily!

"Power of Leadership Being the Leader That Get's Results" (book 3 in the series) is being shipped out across the country tomorrow.  Wohoo!!!  You'll be able to get yours at Amazon very soon. 

We are starting "Power of Leadership In Business Networking", book number 4 in the series.  Intersted in being part of this book?  Contact me and I'll fill you in on the details.

I'm actively talking to some national corporate partners/sponsors for the Power Of Leadership Radio show.  LOTS going on here! 

Oh yeah... my article I wrote on "Repairing the Reprobate Mind" has had much traction so I'm about 3/4 of the way done on having that article as a full fledged book soon.  It's an awesome study on how to get your head and life straight to achieve great results in your personal life.   This should be out and ready in the next few weeks. 

I travel next week to speak at a National Convention on Networking and Leadership.  Will be very cool to reconnect with some very amazing people I am priveledged to call friends.

Had John Assaraf on the Power of Leadership Radio show a few weeks back.  GREAT interview. You can catch it on the www.PowerOfLeadershipRadio.com/archives page.
 
Went on a couple of well needed (and well deserved) motorcycle trips.  (Posted a couple of new pics already on this site.) Had some great fun with new friends and long time family like friends. Nothing like being on a bike and being 'one' with it.  All the distractions of the world are gone.  I get renewed everytime I ride.  Might take one more trip this weekend before it gets too hot in the desert for the summer.

I guess the other things I've been doing is speaking on Marketing and Leadership locally. Did an event early today, have two more this week.  (This is my busy speaking time of the year.)

Have been in the recording studio again.  I have a great audio cd available called "Bad Econonmy?  Good Thing for You!  How to Make Your Business Go Up When the Economy is Going Down".  If you want a copy- email me.  I'll tell you about it and might even send it to you for FREE.  It's Powerful Stuff!!!

Also dusted off some old tracks from the music studio.  When I get back we're going to remix, rerecord some tracks and re-release our first album that sold out.  I'm itching to get back on stage to play music again!!   Stay tuned-will share some songs when they're done.

That's all for now. Enjoy your night and will post again soon.
Debbra
 
 
 
 

Thank you for all the great birthday wishes and sentiments sent my way. It did make my day! 
Getting older, getting 'finer' has been an interesting journey.  Here's to another year to become even better yet! I appreciate all the genuine conversation I've had here with my friends.  Looking forward to more.
Let's make this a fantastic year. 
Debbra
 
 

Debbra Sweet Announces Launch of Power of Leadership Radio on January 6^th, 2009

San Diego, CA, United States, 12-30-2008- Stating that New York Times best selling author, entrepreneur & speaker , Debbra Sweet, has announced the launch of Power Of Leadership Radio bringing generations of leaders together on air to address the need for Powerful, Effective Leadership in this ever changing global environment.

Recently best selling author Debbra Sweet has been asked to host the new Power of Leadership Radio show heard worldwide on www.PowerOfLeadershipRadio.com starting January 6^th, 2009 at 2pm Pacific Time.

Debbra Sweet, CEO of Sweet Marketing Solutions, is a published author in such books as the New York Times Best Seller "Masters of Sales", "The Power of Leadership: Finding the Leader Within" and  "The Power of Leadership: Becoming the Leader Producing Results".

As the host for Power of Leadership Radio, Sweet is in her essence behind the microphone. Her years of live music performance, a frequent guest on other radio shows and recently a reoccurring co-host on the San Diego based radio show Biz Talk Radio, she's right at home as she brings her charm, wit and infectious passion for helping others rise up as leaders through Power of Leadership Radio.

Innovative, creative, interactive and dynamic, Debbra Sweet speaks on topics of leadership, marketing and sales making them easy for you to understand and apply in your business. Not one to let people sit quietly on the sidelines, her unique and visionary approach easily, safely and comfortably draws audiences in from the beginning and keeps them engaged until the end.

Stepping into the leadership role at a very young age, her extensive knowledge and real life experiences make these topics easy for audiences to understand and relate to. When Debbra Sweet speaks, her conversation is filled with a striking amount of passion, confidence and visionary ideas on how to help others achieve better results in their lives and business.

The creators of this show believe there is a severe lack of leadership skills prevalent in society and in the world today. It starts with government, crosses into business and trickles down to the family unit. This lack of quality leadership is the cause of most strife and unrest in the world today. As leaders are growing ever weaker in their leadership skills, the youth of today grow up to be weak in leadership skills themselves. This has an ever downward spiraling impact on the way government and business operates and how adults raise their children

Instead of complaining about the way things are, Debbra Sweet decided to do something about it. Thus the Power of Leadership Radio was born to educate and motivate people for rising up from where they are today and becoming stronger leaders in their role as parents, in their jobs and in their businesses for greater health, wealth and prosperity.

Taking all facets of leadership and infusing it with real time experiences and "street smart" leadership, Power of Leadership Radio is inspiring audiences across the world to reach new heights. The Power of Leadership Radio show is changing people's lives and creating new found passion for effectiveness as a leader.

Debbra Sweet, a staple in the San Diego business community says "I am very excited about the show and the synergy that is already present about the debut!  I am confident that this will be able to be a valuable resource to people searching for understanding on how to become a better leader in their own contact sphere".

Leading the way to Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Today, Sweet can be heard worldwide 2 pm Pacific Time each Tuesday starting January 6^th 2009 at www.PowerOfLeadershipRadio.com.  Replays of the show will be heard 12 hours later and archives will be posted after the replay.

If you look around us, the world seems to be moving at lightning pace compared to even just ten years ago.  Technology has given us the means to communicate, connect and learn about causes, concerns and points of view from people all over the world.   This is exciting- but it also has created a lifestyle for many that appears to be frenetic, full of 'things to do' and for many people, opens the door to take us further away from the truth of God's word.

 

When we think about the fact that God gave us free will to choose what we place as priorities and values in our lives, this current lifestyle of instant communication and frenzied living of always being on the go does one thing:  it enables the seduction of easily walking with a reprobate mindset instead of having our thoughts be focused first and foremost on God.

God clearly states the number one commandment we are to remember and follow:

Mark : "And thou shalt (you, absolutely shall) love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

In Luke 10:27, we see the same commandment from God established. Its importance is set forth in this second occurrence.

Luke 10:27: And he answering said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour (the one- like Christ- who will do things for you without any expectation of a return favor- it's out of the pureness of heart-agape- the love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation) as thyself."

 

We are told by God to keep him, his thoughts, his knowledge, his wisdom, FIRST- in everything we do.  When we do this, we will receive many blessings and abundance in our lives.  When we don't, we practice a form of idolatry- and there are direct consequences for this practice.  God states early on in Leviticus 19:4  "Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God."

Whenever we place anything before the importance of God, we inadvertently make it an idol. Idolatry- blatant or subtle- intentional or unintentional- opens our mind up into thinking that is contrary to the Word of God.  When we begin to think contrary to the word of God, we have the foundation for a reprobate mind.

The further away from God's word, his knowledge, his wisdom we walk, the more worldly we think- the more reprobate we become.

 

Studying the depth of this word, reprobate, is vital and relevant to many things that are occurring in today's world.   History is repeating itself in many ways with technology driving the ease of infiltration of the perverseness of thought.  

Let me state one thing: most technology in and of itself is not the problem. It is our own personal choices of what we make important in our lives.  Are we walking with Agape so that we manifest the verse of: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself"- or are we walking and thinking worldly?

 

There are many verses in the word that talk about the problems with idolatry and having a reprobate mind.  In times both before Christ and after, reprobate thinking results in death.

 

The dictionary definition of reprobate is:

 

1. a depraved, unprincipled, or wicked person

2 .a person rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation

3. morally depraved; unprincipled; bad.

4. rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation.

5. to disapprove, condemn, or censure.

6. (of God) to reject (a person), as for sin; exclude from the number of the elect or from salvation.

 

Under the Law in the Old Testament, before people had the choice to be born again of God's seed, His holy spirit, people had consequences for their actions that are more profound than what we have under the current Grace Administration.  (Keep in mind that the current spiritual 'government/administration is finite- it will change again. Just because God's grace is upon us now – does not entitle us to walk against His word and expect no consequences.)

 

In Jeremiah, God is addressing people of the nations, saying that He has been giving instruction, law, and knowledge on how to live a life that is just and right. In Jeremiah chapter 6, God declares that although He has been sending His Word, His way for a blessed and abundant life, people's hearts, ears and thinking have chosen to not listen and learn. They (the people of the nations) have declared that they find no delight in learning His (God's) word- (see Jeremiah 6: 10). 

 

Today, with all of the new fads and ways to communicate with one another,  it seems easier to pay attention to thoughts and actions of the world.  Technology allows us to stay in the excitement and drama of other people's lives instead of tending to our own and focusing our thoughts on God First.  This is what people did back in the times before Christ and after- and there are consequences for this.

 

With this choosing to -walk their own way- the way of the world- God states that they (the people walking of their own accord/own believing not based on God's word)- that they will be unable to see when evil, trouble and times of tribulation come.  

 

The first use of the word reprobate is in Jeremiah 6:30:

"Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them."

In this verse, the word reprobate is the word maas- which means to despise, to loathe or reject.  The comparison of people's thinking/choices to silver refinement is here: When refining silver (and other metals) there is something called "dross" that is a by product of the purifying of the metal. 

 

Dross is: waste, refuse, a waste product taken off molten metal during smelting, essentially metallic in character – it has little value. 

 

Dross is considered reprobate- because it is impure and of no value to the silversmith. This verse lays out an understanding of the perspective attributed to reprobate in the Old Testament.

 

In Jeremiah 6:30: 'Reprobate silver shall men call them'- refers to the people who choose to not heed God's word- and choose instead to walk their own way- the worlds way of thinking. The byproduct of this is impure, waste and of no value.

 

In the Old Testament, walking with reprobate thinking caused the ultimate separation between men and God- that final separation was death- without hope of salvation. Spirit was only upon people- and it could be removed if they did not walk according to His word, His way.

 

Thanks to the life and sacrifice that Christ endured for us, we are now in the administration of Grace- meaning, that when we do wrong, and honestly acknowledge before God, our sins will be forgiven.  During this administration of Grace, we also have the ability to get permanently born again of God's spirit. We have been given the gift of salvation by simply proclaiming Romans 10:9 & 10- and believing it in our heart.  When that occurs- we have permanent seed of God… but with that seed, we need to learn to live according to his word – and all the truth's therein…. otherwise, we still can have our minds and thinking turned aside to reprobate thinking.  

 

Although we can have permanency of seed and will be risen from the dead when Christ comes back- if we choose to be seduced by the wickedness and the reprobate thinking of the world- we can still cause a separation between us and God. We can prevent God from manifesting His grace and fullness in our lives because of our thinking.  Two ways this can happen is: 1) we are either unwilling to truly renew our thinking and begin thinking like Christ- or 2) we are not taught how to live according to God's will.

 

God tells us he will never forsake us or leave us.  It is us- who walk away from Him. We walk away when we choose to not measure our thoughts and actions against what the word says is right, just, honest and pure. See: Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

When we choose to think on the things outlined in Philippians 4:8 we keep ourselves in alignment with God and keep him in our lives.

 

In contrast, when we look at Romans- which was written for doctrine (or how to believe correctly- by faith), God instructs those of us who are called to Him to understand the consequences that can come even during the Grace Administration when we know the Word – but choose to not live it, believe it, apply it and walk with a renewed (Christ like) mind:

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.

 20 For the invisible things of him (God) from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 21 Because that, when they (those called of God-the believers) knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened

These people became spiritually darkened… they would rather worship idols, aspects of creation… not the creator… this worshiping included the 'causes of the day'.  We see this history repeating itself even today!  This things that we find important (cell phones, texting, the internet, movies, T.V, and even causes like Global Warming are all aspects of the creation.. they are idols in their own right.

22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. (IDOLS)

 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature (things of this world) more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.

 28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate ( unapproving) mind to do those things which are not convenient  (fitting)" ;.  The Greek to English translation of the word reprobate is 'adokimon' – translated as unapproving.   This comes from the Greek, 'adokimon noun'.  The word, 'noun' refers to the 'mind, intellect, or understanding.'  The other word, 'adokimon' is a compound word made up of 'a' implying negation, and a form of 'dokimadzo' which means to 'judge or examine with the intent of finding good.   Hence, 'adokimon' means a mind or intellect that is incapable of discerning (or judging) with the intent of finding good.

Here's the results – the consequences that manifest when a mind is incapable of discerning or judging to find good … you see people now become:

29 "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

 31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure (Pleasure in the Greek word means:   "but are consenting to those that do")  in them that do them." (them: the acts that are caused by unapproved, reprobate thinking).

So, how does one repair a reprobate (unapproving 'adokimon') mind?  How does a believer get back to walking in the grace of God and keep God in their life?   It starts with the personal desire to WANT to have God as the main cornerstone in your life. It starts with the desire to WANT to walk uprightly – and then go to God's word to learn how to do that.   It takes the commitment of learning to turn away from the seduction of reprobate, unsound thinking that infiltrates most people's minds.

Above all, it takes the willingness and strength to claim and uphold God's instruction as in Mark 12:30: And thou shalt (you, absolutely shall) love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 

May you be blessed with the sound mind of Christ in you daily!

Debbra Sweet

The turmoil being caused in the world today on many fronts has many people running scared. The question is- are you? 

As a Christian, we are to walk by faith – and not by fear.   However, it is very easy to have our thoughts be misguided, impressed upon by worldly beliefs which can corrode our thinking to the point where we are walking by fear and not faith.

The word (the written bible) is filled with instruction in the areas of faith and fear. It is up to us to work the word, study it, learn it and hold onto the information God has so beautifully laid out for our learning.

The word also speaks often of 'rumors of wars in divers (many) places'.  It talks about famine, upheavals of people and the bad decisions people made – and the consequences that come along with it. 

The great thing about God so graciously laying out his word in living history- is that we can study this – and learn how to avoid making the same mistakes others before us made.
We get to learn how to live victoriously- in any situation, any condition or amongst any 'disaster' that may be occurring around us.

There are a few key promises God made to us and he still holds up today.  It is important for us as believers to really understand the depth of these promises- for with our understanding of the details of these promises, we are able to firmly hold onto them in order for God to bring them to pass in our lives- no matter what the worldly conditions are around us.

The first promise is this:

III John 2 " Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health- even as thy soul prospereth".

God WANTS us to prosper and be in health!!  However- there is a condition. Everything in the universe needs balance. God created this universe- and his Word.  To reap the prosperity and health, we need to understand that there's another part to this verse that brings the balance. When there is balance, and all areas covered, God is able to provide to us easily.  The balance or 'condition' is: "even as thy soul prospereth".  What does that mean?

This verse is a perfect mathematical equation.  We will prosper AND be in health EVEN AS our soul prospereth.  Here's another way to see this:  "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest PROSPER + BE IN HEALTH = THY SOUL PROSPERS."

As thy soul prospers is the condition that we need to work and be aware of in order to receive prosperity and health.  If we do not live, walk, and nurture our spiritual (soul) life with prayer, supplication, thankfulness, learning His word and then sharing His word- we will not have prosperity or health.

In these days where the current world talk is all about the monetary situations of everyone- the first thing for us to look at as believers is: how is our spiritual life? What's our spiritual bank account like? Are we nourishing it daily?  One of the steps to remember for prosperity and health is to feed our spiritual life.  If you do not feed into the spiritual bank account, God cannot feed into your life in other areas with prosperity or health.

When our spiritual life is nourished, we have the ability to strengthen our faith- our believing in God's word- without question. By having strong, rock solid believing – according to God's principles, then he can work in our lives in any situation. He can bring prosperity and health to us that is in proportion to our spiritual health and prosperity.

A benefit of increasing our believing by being actively involved in our spiritual walk is that with each step of growth and understanding of God's word and his promises for us- we are able to remove fear from our lives.

I John 4:18 says: "There is no fear in love (agape-'the love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation'); but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

The word love, when from the Greek word Agape- is the love of God, in the renewed mind (when we change our thinking and live according to his Word) in manifestation (visible, living proof, actually coming to pass).   This form of love is not the way we casually use the word love today. Agape love is deep, pure, passionate and unadulterated.

Perfect love- perfect Agape – is walking uprightly. It's intentionally living a Godly, spiritually strong life based on the knowledge of God's word.  When we have perfect love- perfect Agape- it gets rid of fear. I John 4:18 says fear has torment- it causes torment, unrest, and hardship in peoples lives.   I John 4:18 also says that if you have fear in your life- you are not walking in an Agape lifestyle or mindset- we're not made perfect in love.

What's awesome about how God created us- is knowing- that he made us to be successful! He made us to be more than conquerors! He made us so that by learning his promises, then taking action on what he has taught- these changes can happen easily in our lives.

If you've been held captive to fear because of current world events and news- you can be freed from the bondage of that fear by walking forth and claiming the promises shown here today. Claim them for your own- take ownership of them!!  Own them, believe them fully- without a doubt – and you will have opened the door for God to bring peace and prosperity into your live.  God gave us what we need to make this happen. II Timothy 1:4 promises us:  "For God hath not (absolutely not) given us the spirit (character) of fear (cowardly cowardice), but of power (inherent power), and of love (agape), and of a sound (sober) mind".

We have the ability to have clear, strong, thinking in any situation.  God did not give us fear!  The world - those who walk without God- propound fear into daily conversation. 
They thrive on it. There is a universal and spiritual law that is immutable-it cannot be changed.  The spiritual law in Proverbs 23:7 says "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he". The Universal Law of Attraction says:  "What you think most upon, what you focus most of your thoughts upon- you attract into your life".  If we are always surrounding ourselves with input and people that are always focusing on the fear from the torment, turmoil and disasters going on- then that is what we will have in our daily lives.

Romans 2:12 says: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what (is) that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."  We must guard ourselves to our input- and walk away, turn off, or close the door to fear based thinking and input if we want to keep our minds strong, sharp and focused on God's foundation for success and prosperity! 

Philippians 4:6 says :"Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." During the days (or even minutes) where you start to feel anxious, uncertain, you feel fear creeping in – God instructs us to renew our thinking by prayer. Be thankful and grateful for the blessings we do have and the promises God has made.  Hold onto the firm belief of God's promises for you!!  It will come to pass when you walk your spiritual walk filled with a thankful heart.

The word tells us that there WILL be many rumors of wars, disasters, famines, etc.  The world, although it was made by God- is not ruled by God. The adversary rules the world. God oversees us- his born again children.  The word says we (God's children) are in the world- but we are not OF the world.  When we are born again with God's spirit, we are not of the world. Knowing that the Word clearly tells us that there will be unrest amongst people on the earth- we can see things going on around us from a spiritual view and not a man made view.  

The warfare going on in the world is first and foremost a spiritual war.  It's the adversary against God- just as it always has been. The evidence of this is showing in many forms of destruction around us. This is caused by the divisive hand of the devil – for his true nature is that of pure hatred. He stands for everything that is opposite of God.  

There are times when the adversary moves very subtly. He presents himself as beautiful, pleasant and inviting. We are to really watch our thoughts and input because with just a change of one word here, one action there- our beliefs, acceptance and understanding can start to be moved away from God's word.
 
I Peter 5: 8 says: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour".  This verse shows the real nature of the devil.  He wants to devour us- his goal – his only true goal is to "kill, steal and destroy us". He does NOT want us to walk with God. Whether his actions are subtle and sly- or outright obvious with intense destruction, we are to be clear in our thinking (sober) and be vigilant- be watchful and careful- but not fearful.

Fear opens the door for the adversary to come in. Fear is how a lion captures its prey. It comes upon quietly- then roars unexpectedly- startling the prey into a state of unmovable fear. This is the opportunity for the lion to attack, kill and destroy!  If we walk with fear- or if we are inattentive and walking without God- this is exactly the kind of situation we allow to happen in our lives. It is the open door for the adversary to come in and personally attack us!  

When we remove fear from our life we can claim God's promise to keep us safe: "Proverbs 29:25 "the fear of a man bringeth a snare (a trap): but whose putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe".  One of the traps we have to be watchful of is man's thinking- mans' words, and man's actions.

Those who walk without God are open doors for the adversary to come in and play with. They (people who walk without God's spiritual guidance and instead are led by the adversary) are the ones who are involved in the actions that are causing turmoil for many today.

God warns us often of the consequences of trusting the worldly, five senses man only.  He instructs us on the importance of living by vigilant believing (faith) and spiritually walking with the promises of God's word- instead of living from a worldly perspective.  Living worldly causes fear and destruction. 

Psalms: 118: 8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man"

Jeremiah 17: 5-8 clearly shows the benefits of trusting God and the consequences of living by trusting man:

5. "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed (be) the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh (five senses) his arm (strength), and whose heart (believing) departeth from the Lord.
6. For (explains the reason) he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, (in) a salt land and not inhabited.
7. Blessed (is) the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope (belief) the Lord is
8. For (explains the reason) he (the man that trusts the Lord) shall be as a tree planted by the waters (strong, healthy, fed, grounded, beautiful and lush) and spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when the heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit"

When we trust in God, and walk by faith- unyielding believing – under any circumstance, we will be more than conquerors!  If we walk by fear- and we give into the worldly thoughts caused by the manifestation of spiritual darkness –we will eventually be devoured.  God states that if we faint when hard times come- it is because of one thing:  we not have enough knowledge of his word within us. Proverbs 24:10 "If thou faint in the day of adversity, they strength (knowledge of God's word) is small (narrow- thin, not solid). Knowledge of God's word and his promises builds the foundation for us to walk on solid ground- ground that will support us under any situation, any circumstance! 

Remember this- the next time you feel fear creeping into your thinking- claim the promise of perfect peace- and then hold onto that promise, watch your input and be sure to communicate with God in thanksgiving. Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in peace (whose) mind (is) stayed (strong, consistent)  (on thee): because he trusteth in thee"
 This renewing of your mind and actions builds the trust that will allow you to prosper- and have no fear -in any situation!

God Bless and may you have a fearless day!

By Debbra Sweet

Debbra Sweet is a biblical scholar who served 8 years on the Board of Directors for ACF (The Association of Christian Fellowships) a worldwide biblical research ministry. Debbra Sweet and her husband, Pastor Daniel Sweet, were in charge of the North San Diego County Region of in home fellowships for ACF. During that time, she has overseen the growth and development of multiple in home fellowships and has been instrumental in helping many people come to the knowledge and truth of God's Word. She is the founder of Sweet Marketing Solutions and an author in the Power of Leadership book series.