| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Sanctification” Our Bible verse for today: “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT) Our thought for today: “Think about your thoughts” In his excellent devotional book, “A Year of Slowing Down: Daily Devotionals for Unhurried Living,” Alan Fadling makes an interesting point with respect to Paul’s teaching in Philippians 4:8. He wrote, “I have the freedom to think about my thoughts. This is important.” I almost agree with him. Thinking about our thoughts is important. But more than just having the freedom to do so, we are instructed Biblically to do so. That’s more to Paul’s point. We are told to think about what we’re thinking. Other translations use the word “dwell” instead of “think.” That might be even better because often the thoughts that occupy our mind are more than just passing thoughts. Frequently we dwell on things. We ponder them, ruminate over them, obsess about them. And as we do, whatever those thoughts are, they work their way deep into our subconscious mind. Then, those things determine how we think even when we are not consciously thinking. We do need to think about how we think. As Paul insists, we can attend to our thoughts and we can make decisions about what we will allow our mind to think about and dwell on. And as Fadling pointed out, this is important. What we think about God, ourselves, other people, and situations may be the most important thing about us. How you think will determine everything else about you including the decisions you make, the words you speak, and the actions you take. Ultimately, your thoughts shape your life. Imagine how different your life might be, how lighter your heart would be, how much brighter your countenance would be, if your mind was consistently dwelling on things that were true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. What if your mind was filled with positive, upbeat, encouraging thoughts that made you happy and which resulted in positive feelings about God, yourself, other people, and situations? Think for a moment about your thoughts and consider what kind of a person you are as a result of what your mind is dwelling on. Then think about what kind of a person you could be if you changed your thinking. Perhaps a good spiritual exercise for all of us this morning would be to sit quietly before the Lord in prayer and humble submission, and think about our thoughts. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
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I was thinking about thoughts today. I was thinking about when I take care of our aunts legs (she is diabetic) and how it would be if I did them as if they were Jesus’ legs. Imagine how unworthy I would feel just to be able to help Him if His legs were sore like hers are. I imagine I would be crying and filled with so much love. I mean, we are told whatever our hands find to do, do it with all if our might as unto the Lord. It would certainly change the way we do things. I mean, I am nice enough about doing them, but there is more love I could put into it. As a matter of fact, I pray that tomorrow I do them like it was the Lord. Thanks for listening! God bless.
What a wonderful act of service to do that for your aunt. God bless you. There is no doubt that your service to her in the Lord’s name is pleasing to Him.