those were the days......integrity, influence, impact..

08/24/2008 "teEn-MAIL"]

POWER OF THE POSITIVE!

It has been noted that the greatest achievements of mankind have been
accomplished by two types of people: those who were smart enough to know it
could be done and those too dumb to know it couldn't. It is amazing what
some CAN accomplish when others just leave them alone and let them try.
Someone else has stated, "There are three kinds of people in the world: the
wills, the won'ts, and the can'ts. The first accomplish everything; the
second oppose everything; the third fail in everything." [original source
unknown]

Into which of these groups might we feel we fall? It has long been
believed that the use of "positive affirmations" CAN powerfully motivate
toward success. However, some become so positive they can't do anything that
they become amazingly successful at failure! Certainly we each have
limitations, but often times we sell ourselves short of what CAN be
accomplished either by or through our lives that we simply don't put forth
the effort.

When I consider the life of Paul, I see one who was very successful in
the work of the Lord. For sure he had challenges and setbacks. There were
times his desired work in an area was hindered, even by Satan. (1
Thessalonians 2:18) However, in his reliance on the Lord and allowing God to
do His Work through Paul, he was powerfully motivated to press on in it. Was
there a "positive affirmation" associated with His life? Most definitely!
Can there be a more powerful "positive affirmation" than the one Paul made
in his letter to the church at Philippi?

We read. . .
"I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME." (Philippians
4:13 ESV)

I believe Paul's success in ministry was relative to the coupling
together of his "I CAN" attitude with the strength the Lord provided. It did
not all depend on Paul, but he still had to be willing to step forward in
faith and allow the Lord to use him -- and use him the Lord did! We are all
probably very familiar with those words of Paul. However, maybe it would be
a good regular exercise to recite them until we truly begin to believe them
for ourselves. If the work is what the Lord desires us to do IT CAN be done!

Have a great day CANNING THE "CAN'TS" AND BE DOING TO HIS GLORY!
Carl