THE WINNING MIND

The antidote to selfishness is LOVE. To the Sanguine that loves to speak, "If [you] speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, [you] are a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal". To the analytical Melancholy "if [you] have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, but [you] have not love, [you] are nothing." To the optimistic Choleric that loves to work "if [you] have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, [you] are nothing. To the Phlegmatic, even if [you] give away all [you] have, and deliver up [your] body to be burned, but have not love, [you] gain nothing. This is the definition of Love: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. In love, we thi

To be selfish is to be devoted to oneself; to care about or be concerned about oneself only; to lack consideration for other people or to be concerned with only one's personal pleasure or profit. Selfishness is part of human nature. Everyone is selfishness at some point and to some degree. The choleric with a keen mind thinks of goals, ideas and plans. He focusses on his goals and the tasks associated with its fulfillment. However, he is sefish when he does not care about the welfare and wellbeing of the people involved in supporting him to make his ideas a reality. He wants his tasks to be done as quickly as possible and he is ready to be ruthless with anyone who wants to hinder his move. The Sanguine has a fun-loving mind, he is always full of jokes and likes people to be attracted to him because of his jokes and friendliness. He exhibits the selfish traits when he gets upset when he is not at the centre of people's attraction. He also does not like to take responsibility

He loves an easy and simple thought-life. He loves to think of life and activities as happy, lively and fun. This makes his mind free of worries, troubles and fear. His lively and fun-loving mind seem to always have its bank full of jokes and funny stories that generously and effortlessly flows out of his mouth. However, he exhibits a shallow thinking pattern by avoiding in-depth, problem-solving, solution - based thinking. His mind is greatly controlled by the outward force of emotion. His mind is like a leaf blown by the wind of what he sees, hears, tastes and feels. This makes him give complements such as: 'how beautiful', 'how colourful', 'how delicious', 'how lovely' and so on. His mind engages in minimal thought processing which is a limiting factor. He suffers forgetfulness and tends to being apologetic so often. When a he is scolded or told off, he soon forgets what he was corrected on and makes the same mistake again, then apologises.  It

A sound mind is a stable mind, a healthy mind, a reliable mind, a well-built mind in good condition, a calm and well-balanced mind, an undisturbed mind, a composed mind, with mental stability and a clear mind. A sound mind is a mind that is not tossed to and fro with the winds of doubt, fear, worries, anxiety, guilt, evil, envy, revenge, hatred or jealousy. It is a mind that knows its worth and values. It is a mind that can comprehend, assimilate, discern and make sound decisions. It is not lazy or passive; neither is it looking for others to think and decide for it . A sound mind is large enough to accept others, not judging, not condemning, and not criticizing. It is not proud and not boastful; rather it is a mind that has considerations for others and esteems others. If you have a sound mind, you will have sound relationships with people. For your thoughts to positively affect the expression of your temperament you must possess a sound mind. You can have a sound mind if you wan

It is no more news that your thoughts influence your words, actions, reactions and even your relationship with people at home, at work and in business. Out of your thoughts is issued out the fountain of life.* Your thought is the fountain, the bedrock and the foundation of all you do; in summary,  you are your thoughts.** Your thoughts however might be influenced by your temperament. Temperament is considered a biological component (in born traits)of a person's personality, which reflects in his physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social life. However, it can be modified through education, environment and experience. In the next few days we will look at how your temperament can influence your thoughts, words and actions. For some, this influence may be evident in its raw forms, some others may have it evident as a modified form; while some my show signs of combination of temperaments with its corresponding combinations of thought patterns. The aim of this writing is not

He has a composed and retentive mind. As a good and attentive listener, he pays attention to details and is able to reproduce what he has heard to the least detail. He however loves simple and passive thinking which makes him live a simple but passive lifestyle. He does not like to make decisions because he does not want to accept the responsibilities associated with the decision. Therefore, he seems to know what to do however, most of the time he does not do it. This is evident in his speech as it always reflect him as one who is sitting on the fence. You often hear him say "its not my business", "anyone", "anyhow" and so on. Procrastination is a big plaque in the mind of a phlegmaticc. With his composed mind he is able to think up solution to issues but its either procrastination stops him from doing so or he is too timid to speak out his thought. He has a sympathetic mind and often speaks comforting and encouraging words though his mind is often pos

He has a keen and practical mind. His mind is always thinking of new ideas, plans, goals, dreams and ambitions. This keeps his mind very active. His words will always reveal his newly conceived and upcoming idea. At times new ideas are quickly conceived in a way that previous ones do not see the light of day. His thoughts are usually quick, instantaneous and intuitive in nature; he appears to be able to make decisions for himself and others very quickly though he may lack depth and detail. When he is thinking of his plans he is very optimistic and certain, ready to take bold and daring steps. He lacks critical thinking that makes him blind to potential pitfalls and obstacles. The choleric lacks emotion and sentiment as his thoughts are usually focussed on the tasks to be completed and the goal to be achieved not necessarily the people contributing to the achievement of the goal. His thinking tends to be opportunistic in nature as he explores ways of getting the best out of the peopl

He is analytical and critical in his thinking. He engages his mind in in-depth thinking paying close attention to every detail. He thinks quite deeply and intensely on issues working his mind to generate probing questions that are able to attack a mountain size challenge turning it into a slice of delicious cake. This is evident in his speech as he tends to always ask questions. He tends to for-see potential pitfalls and hidden obstacles that face upcoming projects. However, this makes him pessimistic about the success of such projects. He is also pessimistic in his thinking about life and always speaks negatively. In his attempt to solve problems, he tends to go overboard and personal making other people's problems his problem and even becoming worried about it. His thinks perfection therefore he sets high standards both for himself and others. However, he suffers depression when these standards are not met. Critically judgemental, he suffers low self-esteem and is often suspic

For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come... the fig tree puts forth her green figs and the vines with the tender grapes gives a good smell... Song of songs 2:11-13 You have guided your mind these last 21 days to help your faith release answers to your prayers. Let this become a habit to keep a fasted mind, that is, a mind clear of all negative, wrong and defeating thoughts until a Winning Mind becomes a lifestyle. Then your harvest will increase and multiply. For more messages on the Winning Mind please visit: www.thewinningmind.co.uk

Thoughts of guilt are thoughts of condemnation for wrongs done. Guilt holds you back , keeps you in the past, makes you sorry, sorrowful and ashamed. Guilt gives no healing but increases the pain. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8 : 1 If you have received the forgiveness of your sins through Jesus Christ, you don't have to bear the guilt again. In whom (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14 Catch the fox called guilt, don't allow it to hold you back from your harvest. Your harvest is here!

Pessimistic thinking is thinking and expecting the worst thing to happen. The widow said , "That I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die" 1Kings 17:12 . It is a fact that there are problems in the world, there is chaos , wars , famine , disasters , diseases and so on. But you can still be hopeful in the midst of hopelessness. Tune your mind from thinking of the worst to thinking of the best- A miracle is just by your doorstep. Catch the fox called pessimism, throw it out of your vine because your vine is blossoming already.

Inferiority thinking is thinking of oneself as low in value or quality. Seeing oneself as not the best thereby giving excuses. We are not able to go up... we were like grasshoppers in our own sight so we were in their sight. Numbers 13:32, 34. Thinking of yourself as low in value defeats the purpose of your assignment and it cheats you of the heights you can scale. Its time to change your thoughts towards yourself. Catch the fox called inferiority thinking, it will short change your harvest. Don't give it a chance,  your vine is tender.

Mediocre thinking is satisfactory thoughts with average quality or adapting your mind to situations opposed to excellence. Some men are born mediocres, some men achieve mediocrity and some have mediocrity thrust upon them. With majority, it had been all three- Joseph Heller. Stop thinking average!  Think big, think success, think excellence. After all, "The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, you shall be above only and not beneath." Deuteronomy 28:13 . If you can think it, He will make you. Catch the fox called mediocrity and throw it out of your vine. Your vine is about to produce some big harvest!

Thoughts of defeat are thoughts of loosing out in matters of life. Thoughts of defeat makes you plan towards your failure not your success. It makes you speak failure and expect it even if you have what it takes to succeed. "We are not able to go up against the people for they are stronger than we." Numbers 13:32   Are you thinking- "I am not able? Why not think " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philipians 4:13 Catch the fox called defeat. It can steal your harvest from you. Protect your tender vine that is about to yield its fruit.

Thoughts of worthlessness are thoughts of seeing yourself as useless and unimportant. Thinking of oneself as good - for- nothing or of no value. Thoughts of worthlessness hinders you from making efforts and taking steps and hinders your prayers from being answered. You must see yourself in your new state. You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people... 1Peter 2:9 Catch the fox called worthlessness. Don't give it the power to ruin your precious vine.

Carnal thoughts are thoughts of self and the world only. In order words a carnal mind thinks of material things only, thoughts of selfish gain and glory. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh. Romans 8:5 (NKJV) The carnal mind cannot receive answers to prayers. To be carnally minded is death...because the carnal is enmity against God. Romans 8:6-7 (NKJV) Catch the fox called carnality, it can ruin your blossoming vine, don't allow it!

Immoral thoughts are corrupt thoughts. Especially as it tends towards sexual immorality. For from the heart come...all sexual immorality... Matthew 15:19 ( NLT) . Immoral acts are pre planned in the mind before being carried out. Immoral thoughts hinder your prayers from answered. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?...He who has clean hands and a pure heart. Psalm 24:3-4 (NKJV) . Catch the fox called immoral thoughts, it steals your harvest by separating you from the One who gives the harvest.

Deceitful thoughts are thoughts to conceal the truth. It is a scheming to hide the real motive, intention or direction from others. The heart of man is deceitful, who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 Judas kissed Jesus showing a sign of love but with the motive of betrayal. Judas died a shameful death. Deceit has a shameful end. You can be deceitful when you pray for one thing saying you have faith but thinking of other ways to meet your needs. No wonder such prayers don't get answers. Catch the fox called deceit and cast it out of your vine fast before it brings to ruin your hard labour.

Lie is intentional thinking and speaking of false statements. Nobody lies by accident,  it is a pre conceived idea.  Lies are cooked up in the mind and spoken through the mouth. Why has Satan filled your heart to lie...why have you conceived this thing in your heart... Acts 5:3-4. Lying destroys your integrity and image. Put away lying from and speak truthfully. Ephesians 4:25 . Catch the fox called lies. It is a worm that destroys the fruit of your vine, don't let it destroy your tender vine.

Evil thoughts are wicked thoughts or harmful intentions. Evil thinking attract evil to you because you attract what you constantly think. out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts... these evil things... defile a man. Mark 7:21-23 . Evil thinking, evil imagination spoils your vine and ruins your harvest. Catch the fox called evil thoughts and cast it out of your vine, your vine is indeed precious.

Thoughts of jealousy are thoughts of envious resentment of others, their achievements or possessions. It is not only wishing what they have is your but also wishing they loose all they have. What you cannot appreciate you cannot have. Therefore, get rid of jealousy. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16 Catch the fox called jealousy, don't let it hinder your prayers from being answered. Your vine is about to blossom.

Unforgiveness is holding a grudge in your mind against someone who has hurt you or caused you harm. It is true that some hurts are hard to forgive. However, forgiveness is key to having your prayers answered. " If you forgive...your heavenly Father will also forgive... but if you do not forgive... neither will your Father forgive..."Matthew 6:14-15 " ...forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4 : 32 Catch the fox called unforgiveness, it can waste your vine leaving you with no harvest.

Thoughts of bitterness are deep thoughts of anger and disappointment over something that has happened or towards the person that triggered the anger or caused the disappointment. Bitterness is like poison that paralyses the whole system. "You are poisoned by bitterness."Acts 8:23 . Bitterness keeps your focus on the past and hinders you from seeing the light ahead of you. Therefore, " let all bitterness...be put away from you... "Ephesians 4:31 . Take it down from its roots, face it , address it and get rid of it. Catch the fox called bitterness, let it not poison your beautiful vine, for your vine is still tender.

Thoughts of pride are excessively high thinking of oneself. Proud thoughts make a man think of himself as self sufficient and does not need divine help. Proud thoughts robs you from receiving answers from God because " God resists the proud James" 4:6 . So He cannot hear the prayer of the proud. For your vine to blossom, for your prayers to be answered you must " humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. "James 4:10 .  Humility however starts from the mind and is reflected in words and action. Catch the fox of called pride, don't give it a chance to ruin your vine which you have laboured so hard for.

Thoughts of anxiety are thoughts of worry and  thoughts of uncertainty. Anxiety can lead to sicknesses such as ulcers, high blood pressure, loss of sleep and others. Anxiety robs you of peace of mind. The situation in the world around us gives us enough reason to be anxious but anxiety does not bring solution. It only further proves your lack of faith in God. " Be anxious for nothing"...Philipians 4:6 Rather than being anxious, PRAY. " but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,  let your requests be made known to God. " Philipians 4 : 6 Catch the fox called anxiety and cast it out of your vine. Your vine is about to blossom with answers to your prayers.

Fearful thoughts are thoughts of danger or thoughts of mishap happening to you or people around you. Fear of the unknown, fear of death, fear of sickness, fear of failure, fear of loss and others kinds of fear fill people's mind. Fear is an oppressor... You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear...Isaiah 54:14(NASB)   It holds you down and stops you from moving forward. That is why you are commanded not to fear 365 times in the Bible. You may think you have valid reasons to fear but you can overcome and live above the thoughts of fear. For God has not given you the spirit of fear...2 Timothy 1:7 Catch the fox called fear. Don't give it an opportunity to spoil your vine.

To be double- minded is to think of other options; to think of alternatives to getting answers and results. You have prayed. Yes. Are you expecting your prayers to be answered or you are thinking of sorting it out your way? How long will you waverbetween two opinions? 2Kings 18:21 A double-minded man is unstable in all his waysJames 1:8 . He will receive nothing. If your mind is focused on the points of your prayers your answer is sure. Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24 Catch the fox of double-mindedness and throw it out of your vine.

Thought of doubt is lack if conviction that your prayers will be answered. Simply, it is lack of faith or disbelief. Some minds are "doubt-full", and it reflects in speeches and actions. Doubt nullifies your prayers. "for he who doubts... let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord." James 1:6-7 After you have prayed keep thinking answers- that is faith. "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" John1:40 You want to see the anwers to your prayers? Catch the fox called doubt and cast it out before it spoils your vine.

Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard. .. for the grapevines are blossoming. SOS 2:15 (NLT) Welcome to 2015. You have fasted and prayed for the year. Maybe you are still fasting and praying or you are planning to sometime later. Your vine is tender, your vine is blossoming, soon to become fruitful and beautiful from answers to your prayers. Watch out for the foxes! The little foxes that can ruin your vine, foxes that can waste your labour leaving you with little or no reward. Catch them and throw them out- yes, the little foxes. Little but destructive. What I'm I talking about? I'm talking about negative thoughts, defeating thoughts and wrong thoughts- these are the little foxes. Catch them and throw them out! How? Through Mind Fasting - A purposeful and conscious starving of the mind of wrong and defeating thoughts and think on right and positive thoughts. In the next 20 days we will go indentify these little foxes and cast them out of o