** Recognizing God's hand in even the smallest things will bring peace and keep our hearts and minds following hard after the Lord. **

Date:   11/10/2017 9:43:09 AM ( 7 y ago)

Think before you act!


Mark 14:38

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."


Temptation is linked directly to what we think upon (Heb. 11:15).

* The country from whence they came out (Mesopotamia) was visible and would require no faith to realize it. Moreover, it was still obtainable and had they been mindful of it or cared for it, they could have returned to that place, although in so doing they would have lost their favor with God.


Temptation has to be entered into. We can avoid temptation by avoiding thoughts that generate temptation (Prov. 23:7).

* Consider Diligently what is Before You
…6 Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, Or desire his delicacies;

7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, "Eat and drink!" But his heart is not with you.

8 You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, And waste your compliments.…


Since it is impossible to not think, we cannot just try to reject the negative thoughts in this world, but we must choose to think on the positive truths of God. This is where prayer comes in.


In prayer, we have our minds stayed upon God and therefore, are not receptive to thoughts that conceive temptation. Temptation or sin must be conceived

(Jas. 1:14-15).

* 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.


In the physical realm, the easiest way to avoid an unwanted births is to avoid conception, so it is in the spiritual world.

It is easier to avoid being tempted by being in constant communion with God, than it is to overcome temptation once it has been conceived.


i.e. {Think and consider before you take action!}


Paul admonishes the Philippian believers to reflect and meditate upon eight positive principles of thinking that will lead to a victorious Christian life

(Phil. 4:8).

* 8 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.


These are things that are "true," that is: honorable, truthful and upright. Things that are "honest," that is: honorable, truthful, genuine, not characterized by deception or fraud. Things that are "just," that is: in accordance with what is right, or right conduct; any circumstance, fact or deed that is right. Things that are "pure," free from defilement or impurity.


Things that are "lovely," pleasing, agreeable, inspiring love or affection. A "good report," that is: a saying or report that is positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive. "Virtue," which is moral excellence, righteousness and goodness. "Praise," or what is praiseworthy; expressing one's esteem of a person and his virtues. We need to focus on the good in every area of our lives.


Recognizing God's hand in even the smallest things will bring peace and keep our hearts and minds following hard after the Lord.

Think about these things!

 

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