Do your thoughts of yourself oppose how He thinks of you?
No Kingdom woman who is under the influence of God's Word is disposed to engage in scenes of confusion and disorder.
In contrast, a peace-filled Kingdom woman is refreshing. She replaces harmful input with wholesome material.
Out with the bad, in with the good; out with unresolved conflict, negativity, ungratefulness, dividing cares, past hurts, disappointments, anxieties. We do not have to think about these things.
Emptying your head of negative content is a choice. When you decide, how will you fill it?
Paul gives us 8-categories of positive thoughts from Philippians 4:8. We will cover 4 today and 4 tomorrow.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” There is an emphasis added on, “Think on these things.”
1. True Thoughts:
Ask yourself, “Is this objectively, factually true?” We think and convince ourselves how to view, think about, handle something, what to do with it, why it matters (or does not), how to respond.
Is your assumption accurate?
2. Honorable Thoughts:
No psychobabble. Listen to the voice of truth. Stop listening to the lies. Ask yourself, “Is this the highest possible opinion? Is this what God thinks?” The word honest means, worthy of respect. How do you think about others – your family, extended family, co-workers, the people who are least like you, and the people who do not like you, those who have hurt you?
Honorable thoughts are the highest possible opinion, lovingly seeing the potential for change in someone and praying God will grab hold of that person. Dishonorable thoughts are the lowest opinion of a person and the worst conclusion. There is no peace in disrespect.
Do you honor others with your thoughts?
3. Just Thoughts:
Ask yourself, “Is this the right thing to do?” The word “just” means righteous, or right before God. We forfeit peace in the contemplation of a wrong action. When someone has wronged you, do you fixate on how to retaliate or set the record straight?
Are your thoughts just right for you or God?
4. Pure Thoughts:
Ask yourself, “Is this morally faithful?” Peace is lost in a dirty mind. The word pure primarily refers to sexual propriety consistent with God’s design for healthy sexuality: one man with one woman for life. Anything in your mind outside God’s design; places to go, websites to visit, pictures to ogle, flirtations to entertain – is to your own development or demise.
Darkness hates light, that's why we hide our habits. We cannot hide from God's light.
Constantly count on God’s help. Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength, but through God’s power.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
Journal this week:
• Out with the dirt
Which thoughts do you need to intentionally remove from you mind? Unresolved conflict, lack of forgiveness, negativity, ungratefulness, dividing cares, past hurts, disappointments, anxieties, etc.
• In with the good
Which true, honorable, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy thoughts will you chose to meditate on today?
Above all, read God’s Word and pray. Ask Him to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure.
It takes practice, but it can be done.
From the Heart of Deborah Choma
The Open Doors Institute
Christian Trainer | Conference Speaker
opendoors.deborah@gmail.com
219-902-4243
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