TEXT: Philippians 4: 8-9 (CSB) – “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Prov. 23: 7a (NASB) in the Old Testament says, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Norman Vincent Peale wrote “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Napoleon Hill authored “Think and Grow Rich.” David Schwartz gave us the book “The Magic of Thinking Big.” And, the late Robert Schuller’s “Possibility Thinking” has been a best seller from the start.
The world keeps reminding us of the power of the human mind. We are constantly bombarded with the message that we use only a small segment of our brains. The top-selling books are often geared to using our minds to offset the supposed inadequacies in our lives.
Why do we run after and purchase these books? Because, we believe that if we think hard enough, believe in ourselves – we can accomplish anything that we want.
Many Christian speakers tell us the same thing. Whatever we think – we can accomplish. However, The Bible NEVER promises us that we can do anything we think – but it does tell us of the power of our minds. Consider –
Romans 12: 2 –“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
In other words, don’t be squeezed into the mold of the world – but let God change you by renovating your mind.
We spoke in our last devotion about Prayer being the power that brings about peace. We entered that passage in worry and departed in peace – because of prayer.
Paul goes on at this point to develop the idea a little further. The Peace of God gives the real joy that we and the world are looking for. We acquire that peace by prayer. This peace guards our thoughts and emotions by and through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now, Paul is teaching them and us that we can have this peace by changing our patterns of thinking. We will not only have peace and joy – but one more benefit – we have the God of peace with us.
Over the next couple of days, we will look at SIX AREAS OF THOUGHTS THAT BRING PEACE TO THE BELIEVER. We will consider the first area today – and that is the area of TRUE thoughts.
The Greek word used here can be understood to mean “not-hidden.” In other words, our thoughts are resting on reality.
Often the world wants us to chase the latest notion or thought, the newest trend, the newest psychological finding, the newest answer to man’s needs – and the list goes on and on (check out the long list of self-help books out there today).
This is why even Pilate asked Jesus – “What is truth?” We struggle today with a culture that does not believe in Absolute Truth. Your truth is as good as my truth. It doesn’t matter what you believe. However, the basis of pure logic shows us that if your version of truth is the opposite of my version – one of them must be wrong.
When it comes to dealing with men and their needs, we can find The Truth in God’s Word. Jesus said: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17)
So, why do people not believe it? Simply, Satan blinds them. 2 Cor. 4:3,4 – “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Be careful when dealing with the issues of men - true peace comes from the truth – and the truth comes from God’s Word. So today, ponder over where you get your truth from? Consider when musing over issues today, are you coming to them with the area of Truth – or with just your own thoughts.
Tomorrow, we will consider three more areas – the areas of NOBLE, RIGHT, and PURE thoughts.
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