Thoughts that have come from various quotes taken from the book, "Victor - Breaking Free From a Victim Based Society by John H. Hovis. Click here to link directly to the audio file.
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“For most of my life I have bought into the world of pep talks and quick answers to the questions about how to achieve success in my life. I’ve listened to the best of the motivational speakers. I have read the classic self help books. I have put into practice the goal setting and life planning techniques preached from pulpits secular and non-secular alike. I’m not saying these resources are of no use; within the right context they can be life-altering. The problem is trying to figure out that context so these tools can be just that: tools to help me achieve an end.”
As quoted from the book "Victor - Breaking Free From a Victim-Based Society" by John H. Hovis Page 1.
First day of the year. A new beginning. For many of us this day starts off with much promise. It’s kind of like a “do-over” day. The hurts and pains of the past, though not forgotten, can at least be viewed in the past as we look forward to a new year. I don’t know about you, but the first of the year just feels different. I feel more motivated; more energized; more alive.
Some of those feelings come from a twinge of fear facing the unknown of what’s to come in this new year. It’s kind of like those moments in the locker room before the big game. Though we all put on a brave face, the butterflies in the belly tell a different tail. Then the coach steps up and gives his “pep talk.”
There’s something soothing about someone in authority, telling us in a confident voice that everything will be OK. The coach reminds us of all the hard work we have done to get to this point. He gives us some last minute pointers as to how to proceed in the next block of time as we do what we were made to do. He works his best magic to fire us up, hoping that his words will sooth the butterflies he feels so profoundly in his gut as well. Then it is all up to us. You and me out there alone with our teammates doing what we hope will be enough to bring victory.
That’s where we begin to get it all wrong. An overwhelming focus on victory that sets us up for victim thinking to creep into our lives. Pep talks aren’t a bad thing. Neither is winning. What is bad is the quick fix mode we buy into when it comes to pep talks.
If you are looking for just the right word to ensure only the best things happen to you, victim thinking is what will ultimately win the day. Victor living isn’t about victory; it’s about an inner peace that, somehow, makes it possible to view life from a different perspective. Win or lose - we are victors in Jesus Christ!
The Bible says it this way;
“But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)
Today you have a great opportunity to set a new course. Instead of looking for the quick fix of a pep talk or placing your focus on victory alone, how about something different for this year? Let’s look to live like the victors Christ made us to be no matter what our circumstances may look like. Now, that’s a New Year’s Resolution that promises some real life change!
**********
“For most of my life I have bought into the world of pep talks and quick answers to the questions about how to achieve success in my life. I’ve listened to the best of the motivational speakers. I have read the classic self help books. I have put into practice the goal setting and life planning techniques preached from pulpits secular and non-secular alike. I’m not saying these resources are of no use; within the right context they can be life-altering. The problem is trying to figure out that context so these tools can be just that: tools to help me achieve an end.”
As quoted from the book "Victor - Breaking Free From a Victim-Based Society" by John H. Hovis Page 1.
First day of the year. A new beginning. For many of us this day starts off with much promise. It’s kind of like a “do-over” day. The hurts and pains of the past, though not forgotten, can at least be viewed in the past as we look forward to a new year. I don’t know about you, but the first of the year just feels different. I feel more motivated; more energized; more alive.
Some of those feelings come from a twinge of fear facing the unknown of what’s to come in this new year. It’s kind of like those moments in the locker room before the big game. Though we all put on a brave face, the butterflies in the belly tell a different tail. Then the coach steps up and gives his “pep talk.”
There’s something soothing about someone in authority, telling us in a confident voice that everything will be OK. The coach reminds us of all the hard work we have done to get to this point. He gives us some last minute pointers as to how to proceed in the next block of time as we do what we were made to do. He works his best magic to fire us up, hoping that his words will sooth the butterflies he feels so profoundly in his gut as well. Then it is all up to us. You and me out there alone with our teammates doing what we hope will be enough to bring victory.
That’s where we begin to get it all wrong. An overwhelming focus on victory that sets us up for victim thinking to creep into our lives. Pep talks aren’t a bad thing. Neither is winning. What is bad is the quick fix mode we buy into when it comes to pep talks.
If you are looking for just the right word to ensure only the best things happen to you, victim thinking is what will ultimately win the day. Victor living isn’t about victory; it’s about an inner peace that, somehow, makes it possible to view life from a different perspective. Win or lose - we are victors in Jesus Christ!
The Bible says it this way;
“But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)
Today you have a great opportunity to set a new course. Instead of looking for the quick fix of a pep talk or placing your focus on victory alone, how about something different for this year? Let’s look to live like the victors Christ made us to be no matter what our circumstances may look like. Now, that’s a New Year’s Resolution that promises some real life change!
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