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“… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable … think about such things.”
(Philippians 4:8)
Part One
The Bible instructs us saying, “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…” (Romans 12:2)
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived: … a man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7) Only God’s grace can reverse a sinner’s downward spiral and alter his or her future consequences! It is one’s spiritual rebirth that forges the timeless miracle of a new beginning! Our Lord wants to see this transformation in every living person because He doesn’t want – “… any to perish …” (2 Peter 3:9). This is the meaning of John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Part Two
When the Holy Spirit convicts us, our spiritual poverty comes to light. As our spiritual sensitivity deepens, we find ourselves yearning to experience God’s will. Finally, we realize that no ultimate purpose exists apart from knowing and loving Him! Our inner fulfillment comes from accepting His invitation to experience His plan for each day’s ministry.
Across two millennium, many highly analytical people have already dedicated their lives to Christ. Why? Because what He said makes sense! Additionally, what He did eliminates any doubt about His purpose. Historically, in each generation, those who have honestly sought to know Him – have been helped to find Him! Jeremiah 29:13 states, “you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Part Three
Sinless and blameless – that’s how God sees us as His redeemed children! Only in His loving eyes can we be viewed that way. He looks at us through the miracle of the exchange which took place on the – cross! Paul explains, “… For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)
To God, all true Christians appear unblemished. Why? Because He has already forgiven us for our sinful choices! When He observes us, He sees no deceit, prejudice, bitterness, lust, or pride. He hears no crude profanity, course joking, sarcasm, or lies. The Bible says He has separated us as far from our sins as the “…east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12, NIV) He has declared, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)
Part Four
Clean living, noble thinking, and selfless actions are what God uses to direct the world’s attention to His presence in our lives. Today, will you bring your thought-life to the altar? Remember that personal purity is normally out of step with secular thinking. You must decide daily and sometimes hourly not to blend in with the world’s compromising values. The Bible says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Purpose every morning to be Christ’s faithful disciple and live out of step with the world!
Part Five
God’s timeless message is amazingly clear; our thoughts either positively or negatively influence our personal behavior – “…as he [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7).
The Bible further instructs us saying,
“…choose this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15).
If you sow a thought you will reap an act.
If you sow an act, you will reap a habit.
If you sow a habit, you will reap a character.
If you sow a character, without God’s redemption – you will reap an eternity apart from Him!
By Billie Hanks Jr.
