November 23: Intentional Thinking
Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Ephesians 4:27 NIV
Do not give the devil a foothold.
THE MIND IS NOT JUST A BATTLEFIELD; IT’S ALSO A GARDEN
Plant intentionally and carefully
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
“Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mark 7:20-23
20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Galatians 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
1. The Christian Thought Life Should be Governed by Biblical Truth
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
A. Whatever is True
Are these thoughts true to the facts, or am I exaggerating or ignoring them? Is this true to the facts that I know about God? His Word? His work? His fatherly care for me? His purpose for me?
B. Whatever is Honorable
Are these thoughts honoring to God? Something that is beneath me as a son/daughter of the King? Do they reflect the knowledge that He is wonderful, kind, loving, wise, and powerful?
C. Whatever is Just
Are these thoughts reflective of the righteousness that Christ purchased for me? Or is it a part of the way I thought before I knew His love? Are they the kind that the Lord himself would think?
D. Whatever is Pure
Are these thoughts something I would be ashamed about if others knew I was entertaining it? Does it live up to God’s standards of purity and holiness? Do they cast doubt on God’s goodness or the truth of His promises? Do they elevate my own importance or desire?
E. Whatever is Lovely
Are these thoughts something that would draw others to Christ or bring Him pleasure? Is it sweet or bitter, beautiful or ugly? Do they flow from a heart filled with tenderness and affection for the Lord?
F. Whatever is Commendable
Do these thoughts reflect a reputation I would want to be known for? Are these thoughts a faith-filled, faith-grounded assessment of the situation?
G. Whatever is Excellent
Are these thoughts overflowing with the excellencies of Christ? Does it acknowledge Hid great love, mercy, grace, and
holiness? Do they cause me to be fearful or do they fill my heart with courage and strong commitment to virtuous living?
H. Whatever is Praiseworthy
Are these thoughts something that would cause others to praise God if they heard it? Does it cause my heart to be filled
with thanks and worship?
2. Practice
Philippians 4:9
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
John 13:17 NLT
Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
Philippians 4:9
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
