Last January along with several other men from our church I attended the annual Men for God rally on the campus of the New Brunswick Bible Inst. (NBBI). The speaker for the two-day event was Steve Cornell, Senior Pastor at Millersville Bible Church, Lancaster, PA. During the weekend he drove home this keynote point:
“What you THINK determines How you feel, and What you do.”
The Apostle Paul would agree. Paul, writing from a Roman prison, was getting down near the end of his letter (Phil. 4) when a few final thoughts pressed in on him: Rejoice in the Lord…. Be noticeably gentle… Remember the Lord is near, so don’t be anxious. Bring your worries to Him… Be thankful, he says, but also be thinkful… Watch what comes out from your heart, but also what goes into your head! He writes,
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil.4:8)
I mentioned this in my message* Sunday, but today is Tuesday… bet you could use a reminder!
So, what do you know of that is true? See if you can list four things:
1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________
OK… how about admirable? Put down three things you can easily and honestly admire:
1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________
One more… Name just two things that are excellent?
1. ____________ 2. ____________
Tell me, were you worried or troubled as you did this? Did your wrinkles relax maybe just a bit at some good memories or images? Why not talk to the Lord about some of those good things just now? — I’ll wait.
Thank Him again for them. I don’t care if they are philosophical (universal truths, infinity), theological (omniscience, immutability), homey (uncle Ted’s grin, aunt Wilma’s coffee crumble crisp), natural (last Thursday’s sunset, the cocky look your cocker spaniel is giving you just now), or practical (a personal skill or giftedness, that good book you are reading) – the point is to fill your head with the good things. Paul ends his list saying, “And the God of peace will be with you.” (v.8)
Remember,
“What you THINK determines How you feel, and What you do.”
More tomorrow…
*Look for an audio of this and all our Sunday messages under Media at the Lincoln Baptist Church website.
