The Wheels Are Turning

This week we start week 3 of living a life under God's control, the focus for this week is on a verse from Philippians 4:8. As we look at living a life with our thoughts under control. What does that look like?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Psychologists estimate that 10,000 thoughts go through our minds every day. I challenge you to take 30 seconds in silence and count how many thoughts go through your mind in that short amount of time.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Beware of what you set your mind on for that you will surely become." That is a powerful statement. We can't afford to let our minds race with undisciplined thoughts. We must assume responsibility for them.

Our focus for today day is on the first two traits of Godly thinking - True and Noble.

Webster's definition of true is that which is in accordance with fact and agrees with reality; real, genuine, authentic.

Noble is defined as a means showing high moral qualities, ideas or greatness of character; grand, stately.

Scriptures definition of true from Romans 3:2 -4 is First, there's the matter of being put in charge of writing down and caring for God's revelation, these Holy Scriptures. So, what if, in the course of doing that, some of those Jews abandoned their post? God didn't abandon them. Do you think their faithlessness cancels out his faithfulness? Not on your life! Depend on it: God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth. Scripture says the same: Your words stand fast and true; Rejection doesn't faze you.

We know that God' Word is absolute truth!

Scripture defines noble from 1 Timothy 3:8 and 13 as The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: serious, not deceitful, not too free with the bottle, not in it for what they can get out of it. They must be reverent before the mystery of the faith, not using their position to try to run things. Let them prove themselves first. If they show they can do it, take them on.

What speaks to me the most from looking at the definitions of true and noble is before I do anything, I must first look at my thoughts. Without careful attention, I can clutter my mind with so much that is negative and worthless that you lose your capacity to focus on valuable thoughts.

A wise mentor once shared that once I have identified a negative thought and that thought resurfaces, I need to verbally stop myself and say, 'Stop, Cancel' and think a positive thought to counteract the negative one. The process repeated over and over will change my thought pattern.

Paul in Philippians is first directing our thoughts to what is true. The absolute truth is scripture. How are you filling your mind with scripture on a daily basis? Canceling negative thoughts with God's spoken word can change your life.

The second thing Paul directs us to in our thoughts is what is noble. As a leader in my church, family, and community I believe it is vitally important that I walk the walk and not just talk about it. I must live as an example to others, while seeking individuals in my life that are living a God centered existence.

So I leave you with a few 'thoughts' for the day.

What are your thoughts?

What are you filling your mind with?

How are you living a God centered life, that others will seek to follow?

Are you living a life of truth and nobility?

Blessings,

Jill