His Righteousness

Dear friend,

I recently read a book entitled Outwitting the Devil, in which the author, Napoleon Hill, is vicariously interviewing the Devil. At the beginning of this interview the devil claims to be the negative force in our world rather than the positive force of “his opposition”, God. Now after reading this and whenever I’m thinking or speaking with someone, I stop and catch myself to be sure I speak with positive thoughts and comments. It’s so easy especially in this day and age to become negative and to feel sinister about life. Don’t….be strong, be positive and be godly in your communication with others. I believe in the power of positive thinking and work hard to remain positive about so many circumstances but lately it’s become more and more challenging. So be vigilant. Discipline yourself to be positive in all circumstances.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale was a clergyman and the author of a famous book entitled, The Power of Positive Thinking, written in 1952. This book is still in print today and besides the Bible, was a big help to me during some very difficult times in my life.

When we are positive about ourselves and life, we embrace a very powerful force in our world.

Try this experiment: stop and reflect on every time you act, think or speak positively – how do you feel? Then, stop and reflect every time you are negative – how do you feel?

If the devil is the negative force, we need to be vigilant on acting positive and not giving in to the devil’s negative ways. Pray, be strong and hold true to your positive self.

One of the best ways I know how to do this is to go to God, our Father, and pray for the strength to see through the negativity in our world and overcome it with actions and expressions of positivity.

Ephesians 6: 10-20 speaks very powerfully on finding strength in God who is the most powerful positive force in our world:

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Prayer:

Dear God Almighty, give us the strength to overcome negativism in our world. Help us to be a positive force in our life and the lives of those around us. There is so much hatred and strife in our world today. Help us oh Lord! Continue to be with us during this Lenten season. May we be ever mindful of the evils of our world. Help us to do whatever we can by remaining true and positive to You and Your will for our lives.

Be with the people, leaders and military defense of the Ukraine. Fill them with courage and hope for a peaceful settlement. We humbly pray in the name of your Son our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

May God be with you and may He continue to protect and guide you and yours!

Peace, love, joy and thanksgiving in Christ Jesus, our Savior!

Marie Antoinette

All live matters – from conception on!