The Power of Thinking

There is a great difference between a seed and a process, yet their connection is unfathomable.

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Proverbs 23:7a – For as he (a man) thinketh in his heart, so is he:  (parenthetical insertion is mine)

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Let’s establish some basic parameters at the beginning today.  A thought is a seed.  Thinking is a process.  A thought is the seed that is planted that makes the process of thinking possible.  Having a thought does not mean one is thinking, but thinking is clear indication that one has a thought.  However, that does not mean the thought (seed) is a good one.  If one cannot identify the thought (seed), then one can know the fruit that will be produced through the process of thinking.  For instance, if you have a seed that is unidentified, you do not know what to expect as the end-product of the process of growing the seed, nor do you know how to properly tend to the seed (watering and fertilizing), what it will look like through the process, or the appearance of the fruit (if any) that will be produced.  Such is the work of the thought life that arises from the seed and the process of growing the fruit it will produce.

That is why the Word of God is so keenly important in our life.  We KNOW and can rest fully assured that any seed from the Word of God will produce fruit that is pleasing to Father, fruit that is healing and provisioning in nature, bringing forth life and light, and nourishing to the human spirit.  As one grows in the spirit, one can begin to recognize more quickly and easily if the thought (seed) that comes will produce fruit that is pleasing to Father and beneficial to one’s personal life and the lives of those around him.  Here we should clearly recognize the massive importance of “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”  Thoughts that are not brought into the captivity of Christ can potentially bring forth destructive, poisonous, life-threatening fruit of which the believer may not be aware, not knowing the nature of the seed planted. 

Thinking is a process that possesses potential power beyond belief.  The right thoughts can be processed to bring forth blessings beyond any mortal comprehension.  Likewise, wrong thoughts can do the same thing in producing that which curses the life of the believer.  It is precisely because thinking is such a powerful process that the Word of God so often addresses that process.  That is why we are commanded to renew our minds, for it is in the renewing of one’s mind that we prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  It is up to you, the individual believer, to allow the mind of Christ (the anointed One) to dwell (take up permanent residence) in you, so your thinking can be ordered to that which is pure, honest, just, lovely, true, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.  When your thinking operates at that level, just imagine the outcome of our Text for Today.

Manna for Today – Proverbs 23:1-16; Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 4:20-23; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Romans 12:2

It’s a “ME” Thing

There are some things in life you really need to take personally.

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Matthew 7:13-14 – Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

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Our Text for Today comes from what has been called “The Sermon On the Mount,” and comes from Matthew 5, 6, & 7.  I encourage you to read it in one setting.  When you do, you will discover that the entirety of that wonderful message from the lips of Jesus Himself relates to people of covenant in this present life.  It was first spoken to the Jewish people of Jesus’s day, and today continues to live as a vital instruction and spiritual building block for His Church.  This marvelous message of our Lord and Savior is not about the hereafter, but of our current life in this world.  And the portion I share with you in our Text for Today likewise addresses our life in Christ in this present world.  It is NOT speaking to the issue of how many people are going to heaven, but to the issue of how many will enjoy the full level of the life God offered to us in this life.

Look closely at these two verses.  These words that Jesus spoke, while offered in a public address to a multitude of people, are, in truth, a very specific word spoken to each hearer who was present.  There may have been a great multitude of people around you when you were born again, but the message that brought you to Jesus was specifically addressed to you.  You are a “whosoever” of John 3:16.  There we read that God loved the world, but it does not say the world will believe on Jesus.  The word, “whosoever” is speaking to any individual who will call upon the Name of the Lord. 

Consider the word “strait” in our Text for Today.  That word is NOT the same as the word “straight.”  While “straight” references a direct, unbending, uncurving line or direction, the word “strait” means narrow.  This does NOT reference a passage through which only a few can pass at a time, but a passage through which those who go through it is designed for the passage of one at a time, that ONE being YOU.  You were not born into the kingdom of God as a part of a group transaction.  You came through that gate individually in response to the invitation of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Many have come through that passage, but the number who walk in the fullness of the life it offers is fewer.  The “narrow” way is speaking of a life lived in victory; healed, blessed, provisioned with abundance so that you always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work.  Think of that; always abounding.  This is not the walk of even a small group of believers, but of one, that one being you walking side-by-side, in step with your Lord.

Manna for Today – Matthew 7:12-14; John 3:16-17; Romans 10:13; Matthew 11:28-30