#eliminating doubt

Thinking now of high-level computer languages...

Very high-level programming languages are already very similar to regular language, just much more precisely applied. If we are to make our own language into a programming language, we have to learn to be more precise. Not necessarily with our word usage, but in our thinking, Not just out thinking but our conceptions.

Cloudy conceptions lead to cloudy thinking and in turn cloudy language. This is the essence of great art - we feel the artists intent clearly. I feel it is this clarification of conception and thus Intent that is our task. Once we clear away the clutter we will be able to program the Universe more directly. Right now our programs are full of bugs and contradictions.Our character is a primary component of this programming system. It seems obvious that ethics and scruples for instance, be impeccable. But what about things like self-interest. Unless we clear up internal ambiguity in this regard, that conflict will filter into the program we are constantly writing and we will get conflicting results. Similarly with guilt, remorse, blame, etc. All these bad character issues corrupt the program.

Doubt is the big one. In a moment of inspiration when I was at school I wrote a line at the end of a poem called Errata, that read, "When we cease to doubt we will become the Universe." It has stuck with me all these years and its relevance and truth become more and more real as I explore this mystery.

The road to the elimination of doubt runs via positivity. But positivity alone isn't enough. We need to figure out what exactly it is that substantiates our positivity. Positivity to me is merely the habit we deliberately cultivate and maintain in order to keep us constantly focused on the underlying belief that justifies our positivity.

And what is that belief. It is the belief that EVERYTHING is Good. Everything! How? Everything is good for us to use as a mechanism for Enhancing our Awareness. Once we see this, then maintaining the perspective of goodness is not that hard. Everything starts to make sense, we see everything as a lesson. A lesson geared specifically toward us. Tailor made for exactly what we as individuals need.

Somewhere along the line we need to eliminate our petty wants and become supremely focused on what it is that we really really want, which is Freedom. Eliminating wants is connected to eliminating fears. It all connects to Eliminating doubt. 

Whenever we get stuck we merely need to ask: "What is it that I need to learn from this particular situation and circumstance?" Then look around, the answers and lesson are always right there.

By Cindy Beall

I remember the day well. It was the end of May in 1991, and my mother was sending me off to Wyoming for the summer as a missionary with the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas. Despite the adorable denim jumper with a colorful sailor collar I had on, I was down. And scared.

I'd never been away from my mother for more than a couple of weeks and even then, I could drive 55 miles home to see her if I really needed to do so. And here I was leaving her and going some 1,200 miles away for eleven weeks. Eleven weeks. What in the world was I thinking?

The first couple of weeks proved to be difficult at best. My tear-stained cheeks certainly put a damper on my partner's spirit. She wanted to fix me and make it better, but we both knew that I just needed some time. Time to grow up and learn to rely on God.

And I did.

We had a tremendous summer where we learned more than we thought was possible. Spending that much time on an Indian Reservation will do that. Spending that much time anywhere will do that...if we'll let it.

You're in a place in your life. You don't know what the future holds. You don't know what plans are ahead for you. You don't have any idea what lay on the horizon.

Neither do I. But we know Who does.

Wherever you are in your life, learn. Learn something from it. As the old adage goes...Grow where you're planted. I am confident that God will meet you where you are.

Scripture Of The Day: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11

By Brenda Gittens

To doubt is to be uncertain about something or to consider something unlikely.  When you know that God has spoken, promised, or shown you something, do you still have doubt about it?

The disciples were excitedly sharing with one another at their weekly meeting on the evening of that first day of the week, about seeing Jesus after he was resurrected from the dead.  One who wasn’t with them when they saw Jesus, just sat there and listened to it all and part of him was still unconvinced and he voiced his doubts.  One of the disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came.  They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”  But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”  (John 20:24-25, NLT).  Because of this, he is known by another nickname today, that of “Doubting Thomas” and it’s stuck, labeled on him.  Think about it, would you have responded in this manner also?

As the disciples gathered again some time later, Jesus showed up and this time Thomas was in attendance at the meeting.  Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them.  The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them.  He said, “Peace be with you.”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands.  Put your hand into the wound in my side.  Don’t be faithless any longer.  Believe!”  “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.  (John 20:26-28, NLT).  After this experience, he began to trust and believe.  Thomas wanted to believe in the first place but was just honestly searching for the truth.  When Jesus showed up, his doubts were gone.  Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me.  Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.”  (John 20:29, NLT).

Temporary, occasional doubting is normal in our Christian life.  It could even be a good thing if it draws us to search harder for God.  Wallowing in unbelief is displeasing to the Lord.  If you are wrestling with doubt about anything today, ask God to give you a fresh look at our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.  And when he does, stop doubting about whatever it is!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, by your blood you cleanse us, by your mercy you save us, by your resurrection you give us hope.  How can we help but live to give you praise!  Though we don’t see you, we love you more than words can say.  Oh, then what shall it be when we see you on that day!  In your name we pray on this day, Amen!

Scripture of the Day: “You believe because you have seen me.  Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.”  - John 20:29 (NLT)

By Apostle Gina Prince

Eliminating doubt is a battle of the mind. We have to remain steadfast and unmovable in the word of God. This is a season of elevation and more of God's impartation.

Allow the Lord to transform your thought process. Know that God is merciful and its by grace that we are saved.

Remember doubting Thomas? When Jesus came back on the scene and showed Himself to the disciples, there was one who openly said I would have to put my hands into His handprint and see Him with my very own eyes before I believe ( John 20:23-28). When Jesus stood in front of Thomas, Thomas was amazed at His presence, he was in awe. Jesus then honored his request and left Him with these words: Blessed are those who believed without seeing me (John 20:29).

We have to line up with the word of God and believe who He is. We have to believe in His promises. The word says to lay down everything, not some things, but everything that exalts itself against the word of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). We must not allow the spirit of doubt to hinder us from seeing the great moves of God.

Everything God does is great!

He works all things out for the good, for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

He says to cast your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7).

What are you believing Him for today? What is it you are in need of today? He said in His word He will supply all of our needs ( Philippians 4:19).

Are you questioning His love for you? He said in His word  that He loves us so much, He gave up His only begotten Son (John 3:16).

Never doubt the love of The Father. He said nothing would separate his love from us (Romans 8:35-39). Doubt can cause you to be stagnated and unable to move with the flow of the Holy Spirit. You must believe God is more then able to equip you as He advances you. There is nothing too hard for Him. Daily time seeking Him will allow you to grow and to learn more about His Sovereignty and His truths. Prayer, worship, and meditating on His word will expand your belief in Him. Remember He is a Father that cannot lie, He is of truth, the full truth and nothing but the truth. The enemy is the liar; stop listening to his lies.

Choose to believe The Lord. He will reward all of your efforts. Seek the Kingdom of God and all things will be added onto you (Matthew 6:33). Make a choice to believe the word of God. Believe Him and believe in His promises. You must believe in who He says He is and that He rewards them that diligently seek Him.

Fear is the root of doubt. The bible says the Lord did not give us the spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We have to tap into the well of hope and not allow the enemy to place doubt in our circumstances. Instead of doubting try rejoicing. Train yourself to give thanks in the midst of the situation. Gather your thoughts and allow God to bring a calm to your spirit so that you may be able to see things the way God sees it. The enemy's job is to stir you up with fear to cause doubt so that he can hinder your potential. Don't allow him to do it any longer. Tell the devil he is a liar and doubt is not your portion but confidence in The Lord is. Today celebrate your trust and hope in Him who has kept you for such a time as this.

This is a new day, let's call it a rebirthing of your faith. Time is ticking and the time is now.

Make up your mind to be blessed by His abundance and don't let doubt or anything else stop you.

Scripture Of The Day: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

"People who have perceived self-efficacy (that is, the belief that they can accomplish what they set out to do) perform better than those who don't." - according to research by Albert Bandura, a professor of psychology at Stanford University.

This helps explain why some complete morons can achieve great success. It's as if they don't know any better. They don't put any brain power towards doubting themselves. I need to learn from those morons...and also all the smart people who don't let doubt get in their way. They channel their energy into positive motivation, rather than over-rationalizing everything, which leads to doubt.

This concept is also summed up well by this oft-cited quote from Henry Ford: "Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right."

To change the way I think is going to be difficult, but I must.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

By Pastor Marvin Moss 

Isaiah 40:1-10

Today we focus on a word from God through the Prophet Isaiah to Judah. Isaiah's assignment from the throne room of heaven is to call the nation of Judah back to God and to tell of God’s salvation through the Messiah. In other words, Isaiah is prophesying or foretelling the coming of the One who would be called Jesus. He is charged with delivering this message at a time in the life of Judah where all they know and have known is pain and misery.

The setting is one where the Jews have been in continuous captivity and now find themselves with some time to go before they are restored. But the good news is that they will be restored. So Isaiah is helping to prepare the way for the coming of the Christ, by telling the nation of Judah as we see in verse 1 “Comfort, comfort my people,” says the Lord. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and that her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her in full for her sins.” They have been pardoned but they still have some time to go before they are restored.

God desires that His people understand that He has made a way for us to go from ruin to restoration from pain to praise, from doubting to dancing even though it hasn’t happened yet. Delayed does not mean not coming. God wants to use your life, your mess, your stuff, everything about you to help prepare the way for Jesus to come into someone’s life. There are sometimes that we will find ourselves in places where “can’t nobody” but God comfort us, it’s also in that place that while He’s comforting you He’s helping you to be in position to help prepare the way and not be in the way.

Don’t let the enemy hold you in a place that God has already released you from. The enemy is anybody who is not preparing the way for your release but ensuring that you remain captive. They’re not preparing the way, they’re just in the way.

Don’t let the enemy hold in you in a place that God has already released you from. Don’t let your situation cause you to be in the way. Tell somebody about Jesus and all He’s done for you. Tell somebody there is therefore now no condemnation. Tell somebody that His blood cleanses as white as snow. Tell somebody that He is a just God. Tell somebody He didn’t even spare His only Son. Tell somebody He’s using me to help prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.

God desires to use us and all of our stuff to help prepare the way – help somebody else get ready for Jesus to come into their life.

Scripture Of The Day: "And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." - Isaiah 40:5