Rick Warren's Blog, page 567

To Change How You Act, Change the Way You Think

Change requires new thinking. In order to change, we must learn the truth and start making good choices, but we also must change the way we think.

Change Requires You to Make a Choice

Change requires making choices. It���s not enough to dream of changing. It���s not enough to desire change. In order for you to change, you will need to make a decision. You must choose to change.

The Truth Will Set You Free

The secret to personal change is not willpower. The secret is to know and face the truth. You must know and face the truth about yourself, your relationships, and your own nature if you want to change anything in your life.

Be Confident in Whose You Are

When Jesus said, ���I am the light of the world,��� he was defining himself. He was saying, ���I know who I am.��� At least 18 times in the Bible, Jesus said, ���I am��� and then gave a description. He described himself as the door, the bread of life, the way, the truth, the resurrection, and the life. Over and over, he defined himself. Jesus knew who he was (and still is) and, as a result, he was not under pressure.

Every Christian Is a Minister

God says that you are a priest. Depending on your background, that may be scary or confusing. Peter is saying that the two benefits that priests have are now available to everyone who is a believer.

How the Cross Proves Your Value

God says that not only are you accepted; you���re also valuable!

How much do you think you���re worth? I���m not talking about your net worth; I���m talking about your self-worth. Don���t ever confuse your valuables with your value as a person. You can be rich or poor, but it has nothing to do with your value as a person.

You Already Have God���s Acceptance

Most of us spend our entire lives trying to earn acceptance. We want to earn it from our parents, peers, partners in life, people we respect, and even people we envy. The desire to be accepted drives us to do all kinds of things. It can influence the kind of clothes you wear, the kind of car you drive, the kind of house you buy, even the career you choose.

Embrace Your New Identity

You don���t have to stay the same! In conversion, we���re given a new identity. Look at Jacob in the book of Genesis. Once he confesses his manipulative behavior, God gives him a new identity.

Exchange Your Panic for God���s Peace

It���s hard to think of another time during the year when our lives are more rushed than the holidays. We hit the holiday parties, visit the relatives, buy gifts, and basically run ourselves ragged.

How to Find Real Peace This Christmas (Part 3)

You���ve likely heard about the ���peace that passes all understanding,��� but you���ve probably never experienced it.