Think Positive

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

 

Be mindful of the things you contemplate… We are reminded in today’s focus verse about the importance of guarding your thoughts… Eve was deceived by the serpent because He was able to appeal to her thoughts concerning the tree of knowledge of good and evil… Remember how Eve states that she and Adam were instructed not to eat of the tree nor even touch it; however, the serpent instills in her that she will not die and will be like God… The same ploy that led to the fall of man is a familiar vice that ensnares the craftiest of men today… You may be in a situation where you are waiting on God to move and in the moment in which the temptation is the greatest or the storm is the most fierce, the enemy will whisper in your ear and tell you that God isn’t coming and that you must act… So many of us have fallen victim to this plot and scheme; the enemy has led you to become worried and unsettled about your current situation or circumstance. Instead of leaning toward God, you find yourself drifting, and now is the time when your thoughts have become compromised. This is why Paul gives us very specific thoughts we must take captive of in this epistle; this is also why he reminded the church of Corinth in his second epistle to them to be mindful of what infiltrates their minds…  

In that later Paul says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” Your thoughts are very powerful, they are the ignition of every action and decision which is developed in the heart… Matthew 7: 13, 14 teaches us that we have two paths to choose from in this life, “¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Today, Paul tells us how we must train our minds if we choose to walk the narrow road which leads to salvation… Something that is narrow is thin, slim or slender; we must understand this because when we walk this road there isn’t room for missteps or slip-ups… In order to walk this narrow road and be successful we must first tune our minds to the right things so that we are not deterred or misled… Paul writes in his letter to the Church of Rome that we should not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind… He later goes on to say in his letter to the Church of Ephesus that we wrestle not against the flesh, but against principalities and darkness in high places! The real battle that we face on this journey is within, we have a natural desire formed from the sin of Adam in the garden and we have the obtainable spiritual desire to live righteously through Christ and His bloodshed. This war within is being waged between good and evil! Daily we are faced with many obstacles that can hinder our spiritual growth or become stepping stones to developing a more intimate relationship with God… The obstacles will never cease, but what outcome they represent or there ultimate purpose is defined by your thoughts and prayers! 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!