The Secret.
The Secret, was a popular book written in 2006 by Rhonda Byrne. The book attempts to explain the natural law of attraction. Its primary claim is, if we think and visualize negative thoughts and feeling, and verbalize them, this is what we will inevitably attract. Inversely, if we think and visualize positive thoughts and verbalize them, we will attract these positive forces into our lives. Is this New Age thinking? Or is it based on a much older wisdom? Finally and most importantly, is it a waste of time, or does it actually work?
I am here to tell you, that most of the principles spelled out in this book are based upon the Holy Bible. Wisdom that God has provided to those that seek it, for thousands of years. Proverbs 3:13-14 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” The Secret highlights gratitude and visualization as the two most powerful processes to help make one’s desires manifest. It claims that being grateful both lifts your frequency higher, and affirms that as you believe you will receive that thing you desire. Visualization is said to help focus the mind to send out the clearest message to the universe.
God speaks about negative thoughts bringing about negative results in Jeremiah 6 :19 “Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” Our thought are very powerful, for good and for evil. Numbers 14:27-28 we read, “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:” Negative thoughts, and an ungrateful spirit, do not attract positive results. Positive thoughts, and most importantly positive, faith filled words, bring about positive results. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” God says he will establish our thoughts. Giving thanks is also an important ingredient in God’s will for us, and in attracting positive results in our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” We need to learn to be thankful for the good things in our life, in good times and in bad. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we need to learn to speak uplifting, positive, productive and encouraging word about our health, our finances, our marriage, our jobs, our spouse and children, and our lives in general. This is where some will interject, saying, this is just wishful thinking, or whistling in the dark. Or, it is a lie to speak good, of my miserable circumstances. If this is how you feel, do not give up, do not give into negative thoughts and feeling. If you do not immediately see improvement in your situation remember, Romans 4:17 “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Paul is writing about Abraham, who had to wait patiently for his son Isaac. Also God spoke of him several times as the father of many nations, when he and Sarah were childless, and well advanced in years.
The Holy Bible is full of passages that encourage us to be positive, to think positive, to speak positive and to be patient for good results. James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” I conclude this article by citing a few examples the Holy Bible gives of the power of our words. Isaiah 57:19 “I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.” Proverbs 18:20-21 “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 15:4 “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life.” Lets remember to thank God for all his blessing, think on, and speak what we want, not what we see. And we will all begin to unlock the Secrets of God.
- Posted in: Practical Beliefs
- Tagged: Christianity, faith, God's blessing, health, power of thought, power of words, Religion, The Secret, Thoughts
Saved By Faith In Christ 
I like this article about The Secret. Very good wisdom in here.
Thanks David, nice to see your still checking out my site.
Your presentation reminded me of some sermns I have heard from Pastor Joel Osteen (not sure from you know him). He is the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. My mother and I have been listening to his sermons in the morning while I am getting ready to go to school, and we have started listening to him online since the beginning of Covid (I can send you some of his sermons at the end of my comments). For years, this man and his church has led people to Jesus Christ through acts of service to the community (including during nationwide tragedies). He has also encouraged many Christians (including myself) to trust God’s promises, to look beyond the surface and develop faith, maintain unity and peace in relationships, expect blessings in the face of hardships, and remove condemnation and evil influences in our lives. To me, I see that this man is an exhorter and aims to seek tranquility and unity among others around him. He is very gentle, patient, and goes with the flow.
I have heard a rumor going around online saying that Lakewood was closed during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and “did not bother opening it up to shelter people in the church.” This is why many label him as a “false prophet”, “greedy”, and an “apostle of Satan.”
I would like to approach this controversary this way. Let me just say that we must draw the line between a critique, a rebuke, and an outright judgement that is unjustified. First of all, we do not even know the full situation. I don’t know if it is true that he does own a 5 billion dollar mansion. That’s not the point! My point is: Why are we so concerned about a BUILDING instead of the victims of the hurricane? What if the church flooded! (oh boy, we would have casted stones until the cows come home). Since I do not know the circumstances of the whole thing in Lakewood, I am not going to backstab this man. However, I still wish for the best of Joel. I know we may not agree with some of the things he preaches, or the style of music he uses to worship in his church. No pastor is perfect. Pastors sin. Prophets sin. Leaders sin. We ALL sin. I understand that there are false prophets who are indeed preying on people to get money and deceive people. It’s even stated in so many passages. Scriptures even tells us that Satan himself is disguised as an angel of light. (Hmmmmm!) OK, but let’s add in a caveat. Even the godliest people still fall, not just people who are false teachers. News flash! Not EVERY human who walks “in the light” is a disguise. So what if you don’t like the way Osteen presents the Word of God? What if he does not scream at the top of his lungs? But to call him an agent of Satan!??? When you don’t even know the real facts!?
We look on the outside, but God looks at the inside of the heart. Let’s stop condemning those whom may not preach the same way you do. From what I have seen, Joel may not actually empasize Hell and repentance ⠔ great detail like other preachers do. I understand that these are essential doctrines that must be preached for the purpose of sharing the Gospel. Even though he doesn’t go “deep” into theology, his motivational speaking skills are an excellent gift that he is utilizing to promote the Gospel and further God’s kingdom. Maybe this pastor may not be right for you in terms of your spiritual journey. That’s your choice. But, don’t just dismiss him as a false prophet when you have ZERO knowledge of what is (or has happened). We could be attacking a follower of Christ. Remember, we will be held accountable for the words that come out of our mouths!
Back to what I was saying at the beginning. Leon, I see you have the gift of exhortation, and I admire your contribution to enlightening others with your loving words. I know many may not agree with some of the beliefs you have pertaining to your faith. They don’t have to. But, I believe you are trying your best, and that is all that matters. It is posts like this one that challenge believers like me to meditate on things that glorify God, and bring positivity in our lives. God sees the work you are doing, and is pleased with you. Don’t let anyone put any condemning labels on you! Yes, there are those moments we need critique. But, do not fall for people who will attack you with condemnation and false judgement. These are not judgements from God, and are fiery darts from Satan! Don’t take the bait. Keep it going, Leon! You’re doing great! 🙂
Here is the link to Joel Osteen’s YouTube channel. I highly recommend you check out some of his sermons– they will inspire you and challenge you as you grow in your walk with Jesus.
https://youtube.com/c/joelosteen
🙂
Hi Maia,
Thank you for your encouraging words! I have watched Pastor Osteen on TV in the past and have always enjoyed his upbeat and positive messages.
What are your personal opinions on Insteen and the criticism he has been receiving all around? What do you think of some of his teachings and his presentations?
Hi Maia,
I watched the video, I will leave my comments to your question, in your second comment.
Hi Maia,
After watching that video, I will begin by saying it is easier to tear down, then to build up. Everything he says about speaking, believing, and receiving, is all based on Biblical truths as I pointed out in my article, The Secret. Just because a non Christian believes theses truths, and uses them to their advantage, in no way makes them evil, or wrong. Truth is truth, no matter who uses it. I also do not agree with their criticism regarding his statements concerning Mormons. I do not believe the Mormon faith is correct. But Pastor Osteen stated he has not looked into their particular beliefs and dogmas. I do not feel he was endorsing their religion. But he also did not denounce it. If he had been more familiar with their beliefs, he may have. I know he is very hesitant to criticize and much more in favor of uplifting. Perhaps to a fault. Finally I would completely disagree with his statements in the Larry King interview, where he seems to imply their may be more then one way to obtain eternal life, aside from Jesus. This is the entire crux of the Christian faith. Jesus is the way, the truth the life, no man can come to the Father except by him. I believe this with my whole heart! The entire Old and New Testament seems to be written to show man their sins, and to bring them to the knowledge they cannot obtain salvation without a Savior.
Oh, and I forgot. To back up my claim in my previous comment, here is one of several videos that aim to “critique” Osteen’s presentations.
And, it appears I didn’t send you the link (silly me!)
This is one example of some of the judgements being thrown against Osteen. This is from Polite Leader, who critiques pastors based on Calvinist doctrine. (I am a bit suspicious of the things he says toward the end.)
Polite Leader is not the only one posting these things about Osteen. I was shocked to find this “prophet” sharing a “vision” he had of Joel Osteen. However, after looking into his sermons the past year, I believe it is unjustified, cruel, and outright disgusting! Here it is. He claims that he “saw” Satan in Joel Osteen.
Hi Maia, I watched the You Tube video. I always try to compare everything I hear from TV evangelist with the word of God. Some appear to be on TV only to get contributions sent in. Others appear sincere but may have some things I disagree with. Filter everything through the Holy Bible. Know the word of God, and you won’t get sucked in by false preachers or doctrines.
Fair point. In leiu of recent developments of possible theft that has gone on inside Lakewood (this was a recent event over the weekend), you made a fair point. Aside from assessing Biblical doctrines that have been preached by Joel Ostaen through Bible reading, we must also take into consideration his behavikr and lifestyle. In other words, does his behavior (attitude, lifestyles, choices, views on moral issues÷ align with God’s Word, or whatever he preaches? This assessment is very complex, and is determined based on different parameters. One size does not always fit all. Thereande, I will continue to monitor Osteen’s sermons and other events that are taking place. In the meantime, it is best I wait to receive revalation from the Holy Spirit on this issue. It is best I assess the circumstances in prayer based on solid observation, understanding, and Scriptural truth. The “false prophet” label is very complex, given the sinful condition of man, the craftiness of Satan, and the inability to fully grasp the intention of another person. However, I am willing to do the work necessary to ensure that I am learning the tluth, and not wallowing in Satan’s deceptions.
🙂
On the other hand, I love to assume the best of people, even preachersen I am not just going to go around saying “This preacher is so demonic because he speaks in tongues!” No. My intention is to encourage and uplift one another while growing in the knowledge of who God is, and what His desire is for ghr lives. I don’t like to assume that everyone is fake and unruly. However, there are those instances when owe have to put our foot down and be confronted with the truth that there are people who are indeed not supposed to be your friend (who are Satan-ordained.) This is why 1 John 4:1 tells us to test the spirits to see if they are sent by God. That being said, I am not against pen I am onlx against evil. I am not against preachers and prophets. I am, however, against sin and the working of Satan. That’s the attitude of our holy God.