Scripture Reading
Phillipians 4:8 (NRSVUE)
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Introductory Remarks:
When we set goals, treasure map, affirm, or even pray, we do so with good intentions. We want to live a better life. We want to experience God’s ‘good pleasure’ that Jesus spoke about. See Luke 12:32
Although God has provided each of us with a rich inheritance, the pattern of our thinking will either support or hinder us in claiming that inheritance.
Thoughts turned intentionally towards the goodness of God support you while thoughts turned intentionally towards the external world hinder you, says Dr. H.E. Cady in the text, Lessons In Truth.
Major Points of the Lesson:
- There is a relationship between what we think, feel, say, how we act and react AND the deliverables we experience in life. Instead of asking how thinking affects your ability to hold on to money or a relationship or job, just set the intention to ‘..[think] true, right thoughts awhile and see what the results will be.’ Dr. H.E. Cady, Lessons in Truth.
- With every thought you think, you are either building a mental pattern of Ally or Adversary. An ‘Ally’ thought supports you in building the runway for your higher good to land safely in your experience. An Adverse thought digs a ditch so that, even if your higher good lands, it is washed away quickly. ‘From our thoughts, we hear messages that can propel us toward great accomplishments and positive change…or drag us into a negative spiral.’ H. Norman Wright, A Better Way to Think. p. 7.
- Dr. Wendel Abel often says of our thoughts: ‘Catch them. Check them. Correct them.’ Our thoughts, ‘Left unchecked…can become our own worst enemy, poisoning us from within.’ H. Norman Wright. p. 7.
Quote:
‘You can change your thoughts…And when you learn to control [them], you’ll be on your way to changing your life and improving your relationships.