Scripture

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true... noble... just...pure... lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.
(Philippians 4:8)

Devotional

Proverbs 23:7 likewise tells us, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.”(1) Our lives will be no better than our thoughts. If we are always thinking negatively our lives will reflect it. If our thoughts are filled with grace, mercy and kindness, again our lives will reflect these as well. The problem many of us have is that we allow our minds to free wheel-to think without control on what we are thinking. We must learn to think on purpose. That is to think soberly,(2) not allowing intoxicating thoughts to dominate our minds. Instead of speculating, think the truth, instead of degrading thoughts make them noble, instead of unjust, just, instead of impure, pure, instead of ugly, lovely, instead of an evil report, make it a good report, instead of decadent, virtuous and instead of fault finding, make it praiseworthy. Learn to meditate positively and you will live successfully.

(1) Proverbs 23:7, (2) Romans 12:3

Thought For The Night

“We cannot measure spiritual force by rules of philosophy or definitions of theology any more than by a carpenter’s rule or chemist’s scales. It is ‘with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.’ And yet, the character of a man’s thoughts has much to do with success or failure in the spiritual life. He is influenced by what he thinks.” T. Henry Howard, Salvation Army Commissioner, chief of staff (1919-1929)

Evening Text

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,… noble,… just,…pure,…lovely,…of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Looking for Answers

Are God’s thoughts ever evil?
Do we have control over our thoughts?
How do you control your thoughts?

Evening Study Guide

Defining: “Meditate” “To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind; appropriately but not exclusively used of pious contemplation, or a consideration of the great truths of religion,” Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.

Referencing: “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope,” Jeremiah 29:11.

Applying: Purposefully manage your thoughts. Meditate on the things of God, and your thoughts will be fruitful.