Our hope level determines our influence level. The person with the most hope has the most influence. It is very difficult to influence that which we do not have hope for. 

Good beliefs create hope. “Now may the God of hope fill you . . . in believing” (Romans 15:13). Many Christians have good Bible doctrines but have bad beliefs about themselves, others, and their circumstances. 

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Increasing hope is the evidence we are renewing our minds with truth. Decreasing hope is the evidence we are renewing our minds with lies.

The steps to transformation are this:

1) Renew our minds with truth

2) Experience greater hope as a result of this mind renewal

3) See transformation first in our emotions and then in circumstances. 

So what then should we renew our minds with to see transformation? Here are twenty-five of my favorite declarations to intentionally believe. We have these on our website and I use them in courses and leadership training I do. I have labeled each declaration with the specific belief we renew our minds with. For instance, the first one is the adaptability belief, the second one is the hope belief, etc. 

“Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). As we hear ourselves declare these, we will believe them more and more, which will greatly impact our experience and influence. 

Why don’t you do an experiment and say these out loud every day for a month and see what happens. Even if you have done it before, it could be just the thing to create the tipping point for you in 2023. Those you influence will be glad you did. 

1. Adaptability – I will thrive no matter what happens. (Philippians 4:11-13) 
2. Hope – I believe the future will be better than the present and I have the power to help make it so. (Romans 15:13; Jeremiah 29:4-11) 
3. Faith – I am thankful that God’s promises and my past prayers are working in my life, my family’s lives, my circumstances, and my nation. (Hebrews 11:1) 
4. Forgiveness – My intentional forgiveness creates well-being for others and for me. (Luke 23:24; Acts 7:60-8:1)) 
5. Long-Term Thinking – My beliefs and choices are leaving a positive legacy for generations to come. (Hebrews 11:20) 
6. Joy and Laughter – I have strength and longevity because I consistently activate joy and laughter in my life. (Nehemiah 8:20; Proverbs 17:22) 
7. Solutions – In every situation I face, I have many options, solutions, and divine ideas. There is always a solution. (1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:5) 
8. Beliefs About Others – I see people according to their potential, not according to their past. (2 Corinthians 5:16; Judges 6:12) 
9. Soul Prosperity – My response to something is almost always more important than the something. (3 John 2) 
10. “Bottom-Lining” – Even if the worst happens, I will be okay. (Daniel 3:16-18) 
11. Training Focus – My current challenges and frustrations are my training ground for the greater influence I will have in the future. (James 1:2-5; Romans 5:3-4; Psalm 119:71)
12. Peace – Peace is one of my strongest weapons in prayer. (Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 16:20)) 
13. Follow Through and Integrity – I make commitments with forethought, and I follow through on what I say I will do. (Matthew 5:37; Psalm 15:4b)) 
14. Imagination – I use my imagination to activate my faith. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
15. Identity – I am not who my past says I am; I am who God says I am. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 10:14) 
16. Staying Relational – I will not withdraw my heart from people who disappoint me or that I hear negative information about. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 Timothy 5:19) (This does not mean that at times we won’t have boundaries in relationships.) 
17. Forward Movement – My forward movement in life causes Red Seas to part. (Exodus 14:15-21; Philippians 3:13) 
18. Courage – I am brave and run at my Goliaths. (1 Samuel 17:48) 
19. 
    Authenticity – My authenticity connects my heart to people and gives hope to them. (Philippians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5-6) 
20. 
    Unique Purpose – I understand my assignment and giftings, and I know what God’s called me to do and not to do. (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11) 
21. Decision Making – I am a great decision maker and attach faith to every decision I make. (Romans 14:5; James 1:5) 
22. Being Loved by God – I am unconditionally loved by God and worthy to receive love and blessings today. (1 John 4:19; Luke 15:20) 
23. Valuing Process – I don’t wait for perfection to celebrate myself and be joyful. (Philippians 3:12-14) 
24. Encouraging Others – I radically encourage others daily. (Hebrews 10:24-25; Hebrews 3:13) 
25. Spiritual Laws – I honor God’s spiritual laws therefore I increase in favor, finance, health, and happiness. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2-3) 

Did you know we have two wonderful opportunities starting in January for you to invest in your future? Please check them out. If finances are a problem, email us at info@ignitinghope.com and tell us what you can do. 

• Academy of the Unseen Realm With Wendy Backlund
• 40 Days of Joy with Steve Backlund