Consider this…
”Food for Thought”
There are times in any given day where I find that my mind can easily wander. More often than not it is due to a lack of cerebral stimulation because the tasks before me are often repetitious, technically unchallenging or simply not very interesting. I would feel confident in speculating that I am probably not alone in regards to these episodes of mental hiatus although my hope would be that the adverse is true for you. That said, my concern is not so much the lose of focus ( I’m getting old, it happens ) but rather where is it that my focus is then aimed. This is the premise on which I offer you these thoughts. I’m told that it is good to be transparent as it keeps us accountable. This posting is not necessarily done with that intent but I’ll be forthcoming none the less.
So as not to beat around the bush I will get right to the point. As I assess my thought life I wonder if it would be found pleasing unto God. Not because it is totally vile but because, frankly, is there any thought of Him? With all of the distractions out there do I purpose to think upon Christ? Honestly…I admit…not nearly as often as I would like as the distractions seem, at times, so plentiful.
We are a plugged in society. With TV, radio, internet, video games, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iMac, iBook, iLife etc. it is not hard to see that when our focus shifts it can easily land upon some modern day gadgetry that ultimately leads to a focus on…well…“I”. Please don’t get me wrong. I am by no means a technology basher. If anything I am “pro-techno”! I frequently use some of the mentioned products daily and if not those specifically something along the same lines. They have their worthy uses and their place in the modern era yet I reluctantly confess that all theses things clearly have had an impact on how we / I think. With the world at our disposal, is it so hard to believe that God can be occasionally put on a back burner? Regrettably, no…it’s not so hard to believe. Yet, there is hope…even for me!!
Seeking the Lord’s advice and on the heels of Convention 2007, aptly titled “Thinking With God”, I took a few moments to see what the scriptures have to say about the thought life. I have taken 4 scriptures and combined them to create the following phrase:
- Commit your works to the LORD, and your
thoughts will be established. Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every
thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise,
think on these things. -
The above phrase, in order, is the combination of Prov. 16:3, II Cor. 10:5, Heb. 4:12 and finally Phil. 4:8. It beautifully strikes me as a powerful exhortation and really compels me to purpose to think on Him. His character, nature, love, grace, sacrifice, life, death and the list could go on and on. I don’t even feel the need to further expound on the topic as the scripture has done it so wonderfully for me. So…
Dear Father, Cover my thought life and tune me in to You. Teach me to think in a way that would be pleasing unto You, that would glorify You in me and that would ultimately build up others. You are the author and the finisher and I trust You to instruct my thoughts. In the name of Jesus…Amen!
Brief Update…
Things are going well here for us. God continues to be so faithful and pour out little blessings upon us. I won’t bore you with all the details but trust me when I say He is really teaching us to live by faith and He is faithful to supply our needs and at times our wants. The family is well and has grown by 1. A new baby girl. Her name is
Winnie.She is 5lbs and 7 months old already. Yup…Misty…found us a dog! Did I have you goin for a second there!? Winnie, a Maltese, has added a whole new dimension to the house. She is quite the bundle of puppy energy and has made fast friends with the boys. Outside of that things are pretty status quo. The new Bible College semester is getting ready to start. I can’t wait. As always, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot…really!
Oh yea…I just read an amazing book! It’s called, see the link -->, “
In the Presence of My Enemies”. It’s about Christian missionaries (Martin and Gracia Burnham) taken hostage by radical Muslims in the Philippines. It made world headlines in 2001. They were in captivity during the 9/11 attacks and listened to it on the radio. Did I mention it’s amazing!!?? 300+ pages and I read it in 3 days. I was on the edge of my seat and literally couldn't put it down. I laughed, almost cried, was convicted, compelled...it changed my life. Really! Check it out if you can. That’s all for now.
-Andrew, Misty, Grant, Reese and Winnie!