Think on These Things (Week 2)
During a recent sermon, our Pastor shared a golden nugget on “thoughts” with us. He stated; “When You Think Better, You Think Bigger!” #ThinkAboutThat
Proverbs 4:23–26 instructs believers to, “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” When Solomon refers to guarding the heart, he really means the inner core of a person, the thoughts, feelings, desires, will, and choices that make that person who he/she is. The Bible tells us that our thoughts often dictate who we become (Proverbs 23:7; 27:19). The mind of a man reflects who he really is, not simply his actions or words. That is why God examines the heart of a man, not simply his outward appearance and what he appears to be (1 Samuel 16:7).
Let’s face it, life can hit hard! Things happen that can either cause us to become “bitter or better.”
The Biggest Mystery, Yet To Be Solved | My “Boom Boom (My Dad)”:
As I stated before, I am a thinker, who loves to solve mysteries. #IAmNancyDrew One of the biggest mystery that I had hope to solve was the death of my dad! He was murdered when I was very young, and his murder remains, unsolved! It was difficult for me to comprehend death back then. It surrounded me and shook the very foundation upon which I stood. I mourned – for years I mourned! I mourned for a dad and for the family I felt never got a chance to spread its wings. But, oh! How wrong I was! You see, I took the world’s view and made it my own. And that view made my life seem desolate. My thoughts growing up were very much dependent upon outside influences. His loss was felt (my ‘Boom-Boom”), and that hurt was deep! #BitterOrBetter
It would have been very easy for me to walk around with a chip on my shoulder, feeling sorry for myself. And, honestly I did for a time! One of my greatest losses; a relationship with my dad! Life just didn’t seem fair! Can you relate?
In an instant, life can change for the “better or worst.” If we are not careful to navigate the seasons of our life, we may find ourselves tossed to and from (instead of standing firm in Him). It doesn’t have to be a death (as in my case). It could be the loss of a job, the betrayal of a friend or simply an ill-spoken word that brought on an offense. Whatever it may be, learn to forgive quickly, and love completely!
Remember what Christine Caine (Propel Women) said;
- Let go of offenses
- Forgive people completely
- Guard your heart/eyes/ears/mouth
- Don’t let a toxic heart destroy you
- Let God be your vindicator
- Adjust some expectations of people
- Take your disappointments to God
- Grieve losses thoroughly
Note:To Read More Of That List, Check Out Last Week’s BLOG
Finding, and developing a relationship with my Heavenly Father was the turning point for me. Learning that He was a Good God (His Character/Attributes) brought peace, and knowing “The Why” inspired me. Life happens and sometimes can bring on immense hurt and disappointments, but we, as believers can’t allow that to cripple us! We may not understand everything that happens, and that is ok! One day it will all be made clear to us! 1 Corinthians 13:12 Let life, and all of its ups and downs, make you Better, not Bitter! #EmbraceTheMoments and #EnjoyTheJourney
I am not a fatherless child! I am a child of The Most High God! I am The Daughter of A King! I Am not Alone! The Joy of The Lord is My Strength! And, My Best Days Are Always Ahead! #ThinkOnTheseThings
I would like to send out warm invitations to those in the St. Louis area… our church’s christmas production is December16th, and 17th (check out www.cotr.org for more information).
Our Pastor recommends a daily reading plan as part of your faith journey. I would like to also recommend “The Daily Audio Bible” You can download the App on Your Phone and listen to the bible as you go!
