Biblical wisdom unveiled: The transformative power of beliefs

Starting a hypnosis practice at the age of 25 in the conservative state of Indiana was difficult.

Many believed hypnosis was the work of the devil and evil spirits could take you over when dabbling with such dark arts.

Of course, Hollywood ran with that idea and promoted hypnosis as a form of manipulation with movies like The Manchurian Candidate, Stir of Echoes, and Hypnotic.

Decades ago, I was standing in line at a tanning salon (hey, I grew up in the 80s, and getting a tan was a big deal thirty years ago ;) talking to the person behind the counter.

Somehow it got brought up that I was a hypnotist and the woman in her forties standing next to me exclaimed, "Don't look him in the eyes!" as she ran out the door. I thought she was joking, but she wasn't. So I chased her to her car (no, I didn't do that.)

I used to get mad about it but eventually learned that it was an opportunity to educate people because most of the problems in our world are a direct result of miscommunication, a lack of education, and misleading propaganda.

So whenever someone would say, "I'm a Christian" or "My minister told me that it's unsafe" or "I don't want to let the devil in me but I desperately need the help," I'd respond with, "The devil is already in you and we have to get him out using this tool God gave us. It comes from love and anything that empowers you and increases self-love must have originated from God. The only way the devil is involved is if he is trying to keep you from using this tool to better your life!"

Beliefs hold a profound influence on our lives, shaping our thoughts, actions, and overall well-being. Throughout history, various sources of wisdom have explored the transformative power of beliefs.

The source I'll be referring to today is from the bestselling book of all time; the Bible.

Let's delve into the correlation between beliefs and the teachings of the Bible, exploring the enduring impact that faith and conviction can have on our lives.

Beliefs act as the driving force behind our choices and actions. As the Bible states in Proverbs 23:7 (King James Version),

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." (and she)

This ancient wisdom emphasizes the correlation between our internal beliefs and the manifestation of those beliefs in our external reality.

In simple terms, what you think about most becomes your life.My obsession for the last 30 years has been around what drives our critical thoughts and the answer is beliefs.

The power of positive beliefs is echoed in various verses within the Bible, promoting the idea that faith the size of a mustard seed (in God, oneself, and your dreams) has the potential to move mountains (Matthew 17:20).

The Bible frequently reinforces the transformative nature of faith as well. Hebrews 11:1 (New International Version) defines faith as,

"Confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

This definition emphasizes the role of faith in bringing about positive change, even in the absence of tangible evidence. The Bible encourages believers to align their beliefs with the promises of God, fostering a mindset of hope, perseverance, and resilience.

If I hadn't continuously believed in myself and the worthiness of my goals, I may have given up long ago. But there has been plenty of doubt as well, even in the belief that God exists. But that never stopped me from falling to my knees throughout my career asking for guidance, help, and miracles (mostly in the form of cash so I could pay my rent) and those prayers were always answered.

Speaking of overcoming challenges, the Bible provides numerous narratives illustrating the triumph of faith over adversity. The story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) may be one of the most famous examples.

It exemplifies the power of unwavering belief in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Despite facing a formidable foe, David's unshakeable faith in God propelled him to victory. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that our beliefs can empower us to confront and conquer the giants in our own lives.

As we navigate the complexities of life, the teachings of the Bible shed light on the profound impact beliefs can have on our quality of life.

Whether facing challenges, pursuing goals, or fostering positive transformation, aligning our beliefs with timeless wisdom can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Let the words of the Bible serve as a guide, empowering you to harness the transformative power of your beliefs.

And the next time someone says hypnosis is bad for you, respond with, "Not according to the Bible."

:) Tim Shurr

PS, Can I have an "AMEN!"