October 1 – Choosing Good Thinking

“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.” – Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

It’s a wonderful verse packed with encouragement and sound advice. What we think about makes a difference. Our thoughts shape our attitude of ourselves and of others. We might say that our thoughts have significant bearing on our attitudes toward God and His Word. Today look at only one of the eight suggestions the Apostle gave us. Honor or honorable. Honor is a virtue and it is often included in the motto for schools, clubs, fraternities, and social clubs. What does it mean? Let us submit that the person who is honorable is one who behaves with dignity. When used of a person’s character in the Bible the word is translated “dignified” (1 Timothy 2:2; 3:8; 3:11, Titus 2:2). Faith believers are to show honor to others. Today it’s more about what we spend contemplating or pondering. We may think we don’t have time but we do. We each have the very same amount and not every minute is dedicated to our responsibilities. We can choose what we think about. Paul says to spend some of that thinking time and ponder things we know are honorable. And as a result, strive to show honor in our words and actions. 

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July 31 - Wisdom to Think, Say, and Do

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  James 1:5 (NASB)

Of all the promises God has given to us in the Bible, this is one of those we find most comforting.  We all encounter times of indecision because we don't know what is the best decision to make.  In this verse, we learn that God has made Himself available to help us choose the best way in anything we are facing. Whenever we need wisdom to guide us in our lives, we are invited to ask of God.  We are given access to His wisdom as a guide.  He promises to give to all generously and without reproach – that means he won't belittle us or shame us for needing to ask for help.  He will guide us and give us the wisdom we need.  Some have said that we can learn life's lesson through experience or wisdom and wisdom will help spare us unpleasant experiences.  God provides wisdom not only in choosing the best specific decisions but in learning how to live.  How to act and react, when to listen and when to speak.  God gives us wisdom to chose what to think about and what to do.  Think, say, and do makes up how we live and God says, “Ask me, I'll give your the wisdom to do that right.”  

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March 15 – Thinking Deeply

“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.”  Psalm 111:2 (NIV)

The writers of the Psalms in our Bible often express thoughts with which we can identify. Today's verse is an example. Our God does great things because He is great. When we remember that He created the universe and that he controls this great universe, we realize that He is able to do marvelous things. In our verse the psalmist states that the things that God does gives us something to think about, to ponder, which means considerably thinking about it and often.  Isn't that what it means when we ponder? It is not a fleeting thought but a contemplative thought to consider how great the works of the Lord our God are. So when God does something for us or for people close to us, let's not forget it. Let's think about it. Let's ponder it because its an important subject worth spending some time thinking about and thanking God for.