Good morning,

The writing today is based on Philippians 4:8. We are invited to do all we can to keep our minds filled with praiseworthy and excellent thoughts. Karen wrote, "Pray - Trust - Think pleasant thoughts! Think of the ways you can serve our Lord and serve Him to His glory."

This is a noble endeavor that pleases the Lord exceedingly.

Have a beautiful weekend.
Karen Bennett
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Today's Devotional

"What’s On Your Mind?"

Written by
Karen Bennett

When your mind isn’t occupied with some task at hand and you’re just idling away, what do your thoughts drift to? At times do you mull over things that have occurred in the last day or so? If there was any disagreement involved, do you become angry all over again and think of things you should have retaliated with, but didn't? Before you realize it, agitation has claimed your mind and you continue to take it even farther.

Do you let your mind shift to financial woes you are experiencing and fret over how you will make ends meet? Then you’re unable to think of anything else, as worry has ensnared you!

Are you unhappy with the way your spouse has been acting lately and suddenly wonder if he’s cheating on you?

Are the kids driving you mad and you find yourself wondering how in the world you’re going to deal with them?

Do you have immoral fantasies about someone you know, or an entertainer, or someone in the public eye in some other manner? Do you begin to think about how things might go with them were you ever able to be together?

There are myriad ways in which our thoughts can lead us to sin. A thought may cross your mind and that’s a temptation. It’s what you do with that first thought that determines whether or not it becomes a sin.

“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.”

Philippians 4:8.

When our thoughts lead us to dwelling on revenge and aggression, or worry, suspicion or aggravation or immoral behavior, it is certainly not any of the things God wants us to think of. It is sin!

The worst part of these failings is they can lead us to action. That is sin as well, of course, and can even lead to ruined relationships, as well as any number of other things!

You need to push the first thought from your mind and think on the thoughts in Philippians 4:8 above. Your repentant heart God will forgive and because He is with you, He will lead you to overcome.

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13.

Pray - Trust - Think pleasant thoughts!

Think of the ways you can serve our Lord

and serve Him to His glory.

Father, please help us to overcome any sinful fantasy we might dwell on. Give us the strength to push it from our mind before it becomes a sin or leads us into sinful deeds as well. We ask Your help, knowing You are always with us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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"Think About Such Things"

(Unnamed singers)