Right Thinking

Have you ever been visiting with an old friend or relative and got to jaw-boning about old times, old experiences and old war stories? And then later you think back on the visit and remember things you said that you wished you had not said, or stories you told you wished you had not told. Stories about things you should have been ashamed of back when they happened, and even more embarrassed to re-tell now? I wonder what makes us this like this? I suppose its ego or pride or one-upmanship, trying to best a story told by someone else. It’s happened to me more than once, and every time I promise myself that it won’t happen again; I’ll not drag out my dirty linen and wave it in the air boastfully; then it happens again. It’s like the old competitive spirit comes out and you have to try and best the last story told.

Proverbs (23:7) says that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. James (1:14&15) says that every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed; then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Our thoughts lead to actions; sin starts as a thought. It’s important that we put more effort into “right thinking”, and into keeping our mind on the right things. Paul told the Philippians(4:8) to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. That would sure tone down the war stories, wouldn’t it? He also told the Philippians(3:13&14) to forget those things that are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before; to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. There should be no room for glorying in the past, good or bad.

I Timothy 4:12 tells us that we are to be examples in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. It’d be hard to tell a raunchy war story while meeting this requirement.

I need to line up my lips and life, I need to walk the talk, I need to concentrate on right thinking; Maybe you do too………………

Much More

There is an expression frequently used in the Bible when discussing Christ, our relationship to Him, and what He wants for us. That expression is “much more”. God has declared that the salvation He has provided is “much more” than enough to meet all our needs. We need to claim this promise, not question it.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not "much more" clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)

Now unto him that is able to do "exceeding abundantly above" all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Ephesians 3:20)
[He is able and willing; to do above what we ask or even think].

Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into bans; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not "much better" than they? (Matthew 6:26)

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how "much more" shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11)

How can we even consider the possibility of our prayers not being answered?

Oath of Office

“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and, that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” That’s the oath that everyone serving in our military services must take; there are no exceptions, no choices or conditions, no modifications. Similar oaths are required for law enforcement personnel, postal employees, and other occupational fields. There are no opportunities to pick and choose which parts you will obey and which parts you will ignore. You surrender unconditionally to obey or you understand that you will pay the consequences.

The scriptures also call us to obedience. If an oath of office were required for Christians it might go something like this: “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Word of God against all enemies, within and without; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and, that I will obey the High Priest and the prophets appointed over me according to the ordinances and commandments found in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. So help me God.”

I wonder if we would take our call to obedience any more serious.

Book Review- The Shack

“The Shack”, a novel by William P. Young (Windblown Media, Los Angeles) tells the story of Mackenzie Allen Phillip’s period of “Great Sadness” and his eye-opening experience with the Holy Trinity. Mack’s youngest daughter, Missy, is abducted and brutally murdered on a family camping trip, thus beginning his “Great Sadness”. Mack responds to an unusual invitation to meet with the Holy Trinity at the scene of the crime. What he learns there addresses age old questions such as, “How can a God of love allow such great suffering and pain?” And “Where is God when children are suffering?” You’ll want to share this book with many folks in your life who have experienced pain and suffering, it’s an enlightening view of our lives from God’s perspective. I recommend the book, and I suggest a box of Kleenex nearby.

God's Plan

God did not create us to be defeated, discouraged, and frustrated, wandering through life without joy, peace, and contentment. God’s plan for our lives never includes downtime or valleys…..we bring these on ourselves. God’s plan is for us to soar from victory to victory regardless of our circumstances. Acts 16:22-25 tells of Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown into prison with their feet in stocks, there they rejoiced and sang praises to God. If Paul and Silas can have victory in beatings and stocks and prison, we should be able to experience our disappointments without losing our joy. The Bible teaches us that, “…..in all things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37); and “…..we know that all things work together for good to them that love God……” (Romans 8:28).