The Spirit of Caleb
(Num. 14:20~24)

The Israelites sent twelve spies before entering the land of Canaan. Ten of the spies delivered reports of despair, and Joshua and Caleb delivered reports of hope. They all saw the same thing, but why did some speak of despair and some speak of hope? The Bible says, “Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” (Num. 14:24) Joshua and Caleb had different spirits and thoughts.

1. Thinking has the amazing power

1) Thinking has the amazing power. Professor Ellen Langer, who conducted a research on the effects that our minds have on our bodies, said, “It is not our physical state that limits us, but our minds.”
2) In order for our life to change, our thoughts need to be changed first. (Prov. 4:23)

2. The positive thinking makes a hopeful dream

1) When we think positively that we “can do it,” we can dream hopeful dreams about the future. People cannot live without hopes. (Mark 9:23)
2) Psalm 103:2~5 says, “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits? who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” We should not forget this promised word that God has given us, but move forward by relying on the word.

3. The cross of Jesus is the base of victory

1) Jesus declared that “it is finished” on the cross and has given us eternal victory. Therefore, Jesus’ cross is our dream. (1 Cor. 15:57)
2) We must move forward by always looking at Jesus’ cross. (Heb. 12:2)

Conclusion
The new year 2016 has come to us with amazing possibilities. The Bible says, “Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.” (Ps. 81:10) We must always look to Jesus’ cross and move forward with dreams and hopes. In addition, we must think positively by reading and meditating on God’s word. We must dream, believe, and confess with our mouths by relying on the word. Then, the Holy Spirit will fill our lives to the brim with amazing miracles for this one year.