Is positive affirmation Godly? (Full Version)

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stampinlady -> Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/27/2008 10:25:59 AM)

With all the hoopla over the "Church of Oprah" is positive affimation and visualization wrong and unGodly or ok in some ways?



rcjames -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/27/2008 11:44:29 AM)

Who or what is person doing the visualization seeking for help or whatever.

Ar they just trying to see (imagine) what they are praying about (asking God for) or are they trying to create the answer in some kind of way.

I do not know, but it seems to me to be putting self in place of God, and that is a no no.

Thanks
RC



BerianAardvark -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/27/2008 11:52:03 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: stampinlady

With all the hoopla over the "Church of Oprah" is positive affimation and visualization wrong and unGodly or ok in some ways?


The result of the positive affirmation and visualization is to get what you want, your way and for your purposes.

Does that sound Godly?

I would say that it is close kin to witchcraft repackaged and relabeled.

Tim



Liveloved -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/27/2008 12:01:06 PM)

quote:

With all the hoopla over the "Church of Oprah" is positive affimation and visualization wrong and unGodly or ok in some ways?


Since I have not watched television for the last eight (?) years, the 'hoopla' of Oprah is merely hearsay to me. But I can speak to your question.

Positive affirmation is telling yourself and others the truth---speaking truth to our souls. There is nothing we need more than this. Hearing the truth, whether through our reading or hearing, is so important to soul formation. So it is absolutely right to do this.

The question is about the 'what' of your speaking and hearing. Are they God words? God thoughts? godly men's words/thoughts? If so, yes, we most definitely need to hear them. We need the encouragement in our pursuit of Christ. Paul's letters are filled with positive, affirming words to his fellow believers. He knew that men get discouraged, frustrated, tangled up in various troubles and that they needed to hear others cheering them on. It is one of our greatest needs in the church and something which often goes undone.[sm=icon_smile_cry.gif]

Visualization, when used rightly, can greatly aid our faith as well. For example, Hebrews 11 is all about what men of faith do. Faith is seeing what isn't visible, believing what we do not see, and living in the reality of what is hoped for. So, as Noah built his ark, do you think he perhaps visualized what God was going to do? do you think he saw the flood and the salvation God was preparing for him through the ark? Or when Abraham left Ur, do you think he visualized the city God was taking him to? building for him? Did their seeing in their mind's eye what God was doing encourage them? grow their faith? increase their belief? Perhaps. And if it did, I say amen.



stampinlady -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/27/2008 12:25:22 PM)

quote:

The result of the positive affirmation and visualization is to get what you want, your way and for your purposes.

Does that sound Godly?


Yes, this is exactly what is being taught. AND I've heard the WOF'ers use this too. A friend of my sister was told to put a picture of the house she wanted on her fridge, claim some verses and God would give it to her. So sad using God as a genie. Anyway, I was just wondering about the postive part because I tend towards the negative, Eyore(sp?). We do have so much as believers that we don't realize.

Liveloved, thanks for the Hebrews verses. I understand that kind of positve thinking.[:D]



delete123 -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/27/2008 12:48:26 PM)

I may get some dismay, but I believe in positive thinking and it has worked well for me.
Recently I have been reading a lot of Norman Vincent Peale who wrote a book that is Christ centered on positive thinking. I do not believe it is like the WOF of the name it and claim it theories.

I do not believe God to be my personal Banker as I have had run in with folks like this and every time they opened their mouth, they would ask me to pray for more money for them! [&o]

Who would want a relationship with God like that? Maybe a spoiled child. To me it seems folks like that are only in a relationship of what's in it for them..... As far as the Oprah cult goes and that is what it is. It is sinful and blasphemous at it's best. (And I'm no pharisee, but it doesn't even take a "bad" apple to see through what they are teaching.)

CRH



Little_1 -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/27/2008 1:05:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

quote:

With all the hoopla over the "Church of Oprah" is positive affirmation and visualization wrong and unGodly or ok in some ways?


Since I have not watched television for the last eight (?) years, the 'hoopla' of Oprah is merely hearsay to me. But I can speak to your question.

Positive affirmation is telling yourself and others the truth---speaking truth to our souls. There is nothing we need more than this. Hearing the truth, whether through our reading or hearing, is so important to soul formation. So it is absolutely right to do this.

The question is about the 'what' of your speaking and hearing. Are they God words? God thoughts? godly men's words/thoughts? If so, yes, we most definitely need to hear them. We need the encouragement in our pursuit of Christ. Paul's letters are filled with positive, affirming words to his fellow believers. He knew that men get discouraged, frustrated, tangled up in various troubles and that they needed to hear others cheering them on. It is one of our greatest needs in the church and something which often goes undone.[sm=icon_smile_cry.gif]

Visualization, when used rightly, can greatly aid our faith as well. For example, Hebrews 11 is all about what men of faith do. Faith is seeing what isn't visible, believing what we do not see, and living in the reality of what is hoped for. So, as Noah built his ark, do you think he perhaps visualized what God was going to do? do you think he saw the flood and the salvation God was preparing for him through the ark? Or when Abraham left Ur, do you think he visualized the city God was taking him to? building for him? Did their seeing in their mind's eye what God was doing encourage them? grow their faith? increase their belief? Perhaps. And if it did, I say amen.


This is a very good explanation. Biblical affirmation - Definately YES! [sm=angel.gif] Not sure what the Oprah thing is all about though. Does she believe in the power of positive thinking (minus Biblical teaching)? If so - so do many 'religions'.

There are a lot of Christian churches teaching 'name it and claim it' regarding materialism. I find it very concerning that they don't mention anything about becoming more Christlike - just more wealthy! Seems what they emphasize is a danger to becoming their god.

Here is a good link about praying the Scriptures which speaks about affirmation and may be helpful to distinguish:

Affirmations



Liveloved -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 12:52:31 AM)

quote:

The result of the positive affirmation and visualization is to get what you want, your way and for your purposes.


It might be the goal but then we can pervert any good thing. So does that mean we don't read our Bibles because we might misinterpret something? That Bible reading is just to make yourself feel good?

I think positive affirmation and visualization can be used for good or for evil. They are just means to an end and in themselves are not right or wrong.

Anyway, are you making this statement based on what you know of Oprah or just in regard to these pursuits?



Little_1 -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 1:34:23 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

...... I think positive affirmation and visualization can be used for good or for evil......



I know the Bible teaches us "whatsoever is good, whatsoever is true, whatsoever is of good report - think on such things" i.e. Godly things not wordly, material things as is the case for most unsatisfied people! Perhaps if we could learn to be content with what we have - God may consider us mature to trust us with greater things (i.e. spiritual things first and foremost) instead of trying to visualise a better lifestyle, house, car, etc. There is nothing wrong with having dreams and hopes but when we start to try and 'think' them into being then it gets a bit dodgy...... "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things [i.e. needs not greeds] shall be added unto you as well." (Matt 6:33).

It's the "seeking after God's kingdom and His righteousness" part that most people want to skip over and prefer to find a quick solution/fix by other means......including anti-Christ teachings......



Liveloved -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 10:11:29 AM)

quote:

It's the "seeking after God's kingdom and His righteousness" part that most people want to skip over and prefer to find a quick solution/fix by other means......including anti-Christ teachings......


How very true. But man will pervert any good thing because that is what we do. So I'm not willing to throw out the baby with the bath water. The name it and claim it people need Jesus. With Him all things are possible. . . even our 'selfish' desires if they are His will for us.



Kat_D -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 10:54:59 AM)

Here are some examples of positive affirmations:

# "I give myself permission to release toxicity from every level of my energy field.
# I rescind outdated vows of poverty, celibacy, struggle, silence, and unworthiness.
# I release resistance.
# I let go of old programs that keep me stuck in old patterns.
# I let go of everything I do not want or need for my highest good. "

and

#I "act with high intention and purposeful awareness.
#I step into the world to live my mission in every word and action.
#I demand my good right now.
#I make every act an act of love (or freedom or mastery or hope, etc.
#I am powerful. I am worthy. I am loveable. I am free."

Link

There is something that should jump out at you right away...it's all me, myself and I. We are taught as Christians to pray to God for what we need and desire and that He will give them according to His will. Affirmations say that "I" have the power to speak my needs and desires into existence. This stems from the false teaching of the New Age Movement that we are all little gods and have the power to do things only God can do.

33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." -Matthew 6

I have a close relative who practices this stuff. She also places little icons or pictures of things she wants around her home and meditates on getting them. She was the first Christian in our family, but because she started allowing little increments of this garbage into her life, it wasn't long before she turned her back on Jesus Christ and His Word and gave herself over completely to the New Age philosophy.

1 "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! " -II Timothy 3

Stuart Smalley, in his daily affirmations, said, "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me" a million times, but anyone who knows who he was, knows that his constant repeating didn't make it true.[sm=shakinghead.gif]



bzirk -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 10:57:38 AM)

I've heard the term "positive affirmation" used quite a few different ways. As you've used it above, no, it's not Godly. It makes man believe he is a god, which as we know was the original sin.

That is why it's imperative to really hear what people are espousing and not just react to a term. Once we hear what people are espousing and simply apply the scriptures to it, we can know whether or not it's Godly.



slushie -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 11:16:27 AM)

I did a search. No, that's not godly. I agree with Kat D. It's "me" centered. That's not godly.



BerianAardvark -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 11:20:00 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: bzirk

I've heard the term "positive affirmation" used quite a few different ways. As you've used it above, no, it's not Godly. It makes man believe he is a god, which as we know was the original sin.

That is why it's imperative to really hear what people are espousing and not just react to a term. Once we hear what people are espousing and simply apply the scriptures to it, we can know whether or not it's Godly.



Amen to that. These days it is important to try to define the terms.

As an example the Jesus of scripture in not the same as the Jesus of some "Christian" sects/cults.

Different groups tend to appropriate the terms of other groups redefining them causing all sorts of confusion.



bzirk -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 11:24:48 AM)

I find myself often asking, "what do you mean by that?" I really started doing this more when I moved to Mormon country. It's imperative to do this and not assume meaning.

Now as for Oprah, from watching her at times, she says what tickles the ears -- even if it appears a hard word. She knows how far to push it to give herself some credibility. Frankly, she appears to be a master at manipulation. That's my opinion based on what I've seen. What's almost hilarious is that she believes her own manipulation. Of course a good manipulator does that. I'd be prone to laugh out loud except that I know there are so many people who swallow whole or almost whole what she says -- same for Dr. Phil. If I've heard one Christian glom (yeah, that's the word, glom) onto Dr. Phil as the arbiter of truth, I've probably heard a hundred. Gotta hand it to Phil. He's got the good ol' boy schtick down.



colliefan -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 1:12:37 PM)

such as these

1 Cor 15:9 - 11 (ESV) 9For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

1 Tim 1:12 - 17 (ESV) 12I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.£ Amen.


2 Cor 12:7 - 10 (ESV) 7So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations,£ a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong

If we parse scriptue in this manner, and apply it to our life this is the only positive afirmation we need as it is based on the truth of God's word.



BerianAardvark -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 1:15:03 PM)

quote:

bzirk: If I've heard one Christian glom (yeah, that's the word, glom) onto Dr. Phil as the arbiter of truth, I've probably heard a hundred. Gotta hand it to Phil. He's got the good ol' boy schtick down.


glom \"glam\ glommed glom•ming [alter. of E dial. glaum to grab] (1907)
verb transitive
1 : take, steal
2 : seize, catch
glom on to : to grab hold of : appropriate to oneself
(C)1997, 1996 Zane Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved

Glom is what the cults (including New Agers like Oprah) do to Christian terms. And, unfortunately some Christians return the favor and glom onto Dr Phil and Oprah [sm=icon_smile_disapprove.gif].

<sigh>
Tim



Liveloved -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 4:39:46 PM)

Is positive affirmation godly?

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. . . the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers at Philippi. (Phil 1:3-8)

This is the most positive affirmation. Is it godly?

Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. The Apostle Paul in Phil 4:1

This is another positive affirmation. Is it godly?

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; just you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved flellow bonnd-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf; and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:3-8

And more positive affirmation. Personally, I would not want to live without it.



Kat_D -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 4:49:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

Is positive affirmation godly?

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. . . the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers at Philippi. (Phil 1:3-8)

This is the most positive affirmation. Is it godly?

Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. The Apostle Paul in Phil 4:1

This is another positive affirmation. Is it godly?

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; just you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved flellow bonnd-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf; and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:3-8

And more positive affirmation. Personally, I would not want to live without it.


When "Positive Affirmations" are referred to in this day and age, this ^^ is usually not what is being spoken of. The New Age practice is more apt to be it, and I think what was being referred to in the OP. That's why she said this: "Church of Oprah" is positive affimation and visualization wrong and unGodly"



colliefan -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 8:27:33 PM)

From the Imitation of Christ by Thomas AKempis

Strengthen me by the grace of Your holy spirit, O God. Give me the power to be strengthened inwardly and to empty my heart of all vain care and anxiety, so that I may not be drawn away by many desires, whether for precious things or mean ones. Let me look upon everything as passing, and upon myself as soon to pass away with them, because there is nothing lasting under the sun, where all is vanity and affliction of spirit. How wise is he who thinks thus!

Give me, Lord, heavenly wisdom to learn above all else to seek and find You, to enjoy and love You more than anything, and to consider other things as they are, as Your wisdom has ordered them. Grant me prudence to avoid the flatterer and to bear patiently with him who disagrees with me. For it is great wisdom not to be moved by the sound of words, nor to give ear to the wicked, flattering siren. Then, I shall walk safely in the way I have begun



stampinlady -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 8:40:13 PM)

Thanks to all that posted scripture, especially the Phil. 4 one!

Yes, Kat, that's what is being taught today. It's all about me, me, me.



Liveloved -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 9:12:30 PM)

quote:

When "Positive Affirmations" are referred to in this day and age, this ^^ is usually not what is being spoken of. The New Age practice is more apt to be it, and I think what was being referred to in the OP. That's why she said this: "Church of Oprah" is positive affimation and visualization wrong and unGodly"


But Kat (et al), we don't need to 'define' things as they do. Positive affirmations can be godly. . . they are godly if I am using them. I'm not going to give over the language to such usage. I understand what you and others are saying. But I am not willing, nor do I think we should, let others determine what words/phrases mean.



lazareth -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/28/2008 10:22:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: stampinlady

With all the hoopla over the "Church of Oprah" is positive affimation and visualization wrong and unGodly or ok in some ways?


We are to encourage one another and build one another up---- IN CHRIST.

Visualization is something that should come from God. The Word tells us that we will have dreams and visions--- but they are not self-manifested.

We can have "vision" in the sense that we dream of future things--- but this is a heart thing, and not a mind thing.

DL



colliefan -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/29/2008 3:10:05 PM)

The Quest of Divine Help and Confidence in Regaining Grace


The Voice of Christ

MY CHILD, I am the Lord Who gives strength in the day of trouble. Come to Me when all is not well with you. Your tardiness in turning to prayer is the greatest obstacle to heavenly consolation, for before you pray earnestly to Me you first seek many comforts and take pleasure in outward things. Thus, all things are of little profit to you until you realize that I am the one Who saves those who trust in Me, and that outside of Me there is no worth-while help, or any useful counsel or lasting remedy.

[Edited by moderator - posting entire article. CLICK HERE for the rest.]



pstrdebi -> RE: Is positive affirmation Godly? (6/30/2008 12:18:20 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: stampinlady

With all the hoopla over the "Church of Oprah" is positive affimation and visualization wrong and unGodly or ok in some ways?


It's only ok if God is in it. If God gives us a vision or if we are building one another up in Christ.

If we are self-adoring or idolizing self... we are way off base, and that is what a lot of these "Church of Oprah's" so-to-speak... do.

Let me tell you, many/most cults focus on "self"... teaching you to "BE the higher power"... "Find the light within yourself"... or whatever. And the number one rule or commandment (at least as I understand it) of the satanic religion is "Do as thy will."

How far off is that from all the other self-glorifying, power within new age cults out there?[8|]



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