The Power of Positive Thinking

“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.”

I Corinthians 1:27

 

“The Power of Positive Thinking”

A Lesson from Our History as the District of Innovation

 

Did you know Rev. Norman Vincent Peale grew up in our district?  His father was pastor of Greeneville First way back when.

 

Struggling with a debilitating, low self-esteem, Peale recounts the day he accepted Christ in our very own Darke County led in prayer by his dad…

 

Finally Father said, “Norman, are you willing to let this great Doctor, Jesus Christ, treat you for that inferiority complex? If you will let Jesus take charge of your mind, indeed your whole life, you can be freed of this misery which, if it continues, can destroy your effectiveness.” I was profoundly impressed and said I would give my life into the hands of Jesus.   

 

Now I must confess, I always thought Dr. Peale was a little kooky.  My grandma loved him.  I though did not.  On visiting the Crystal Cathedral one day with some colleagues, however, I learned that Dr. Peale was the main inspiration of Robert Schuller.  Now, I had always thought Dr. Schuller could be a little kooky too, but I still respected him nonetheless.  You cannot deny that God has used him over the years especially when, as I knew it for myself, his ministry saved my dad.

 

During high school, my father had been unemployed for almost a year.  If it wasn’t for the Hour of Power every Sunday morning, I don’t know where my dad would be today let alone me.  Our family needed every bit of that “Power of Positive Thinking” that we could get.

 

So, now I have to like Dr. Peale too, especially since he was one of our former M.Y.F. kids.

 

I thank God that the Lord raises up people for a special time and place, despite how the rest of history and even Christendom will judge.  What kind of leader does God need today?  What kind of leader is God looking forward to calling forth in you?

 

You have my permission to be as kooky as you need to win people for Christ.   Maybe, just maybe, God will use you to change someone’s destiny.

 

Thriving in Christ with you,

 

Chris

 

Latest and Greatest God-Stories:  “Signs of New Life”

 

1. “Anchored in Peace” Prayer Rally is planned sponsored by several of our UM churches including Fairview and Grace in Dayton.  May 2, 1:00pm across from Hara Arena at the corner of Wolf and Shiloh Springs.  Did you know sellers do not need to conduct background checks?  Come and show your support.  Work toward peace and justice.

 

2. West Elkton UMC celebrated resurrection morning with great enthusiasm!  We had 48 at sunrise service and a great breakfast after with around 70.  We had 116 for our 10:30 worship service and at 3 PM we had over 60 at our Easter egg hunt.  What a day and what a mighty God we serve!   Sandra J. Apgar

 

 

What is your latest God Story of new life?