Study of Psalm 119. Psalm 119:28

This continues the study of Psalm 119.  (Start the series here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2017/09/study-of-psalm-119-psalm-1191.html)

God Provides (by Rhonda Sawtelle)
Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 28: Provides Encouragement 

My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word. Psalm 119:28

Melts: to weep, pour out
Heaviness: depression (of spirits); concretely a grief, sorrow
Strengthen: confirm, establish, be upheld

My soul dissolves because of grief; renew and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word. Psalm 119:28 (AMP)

The idea of melting is not properly in the word, and the term weep would better express the meaning. His soul seemed to drop tears. It overflowed with tears. Yet there is an idea of abundant or constant weeping. It is not a gush of emotion, as when we say of one that he is “bathed in tears;” it is the idea of a steady flow or dropping of tears - slow, silent, but constant - as if the soul were dripping away or dissolving. Thus the idea is more striking and beautiful than that of melting. It is quiet but continuous grief that slowly wears away the soul. (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible)

Depression and grief are all consuming. It's like a heavy weight has been set on you. You feel like you are drowning and can't come up for air. 

Strengthen: uphold, rise up, endure

When we find ourselves overwhelmed, we need to turn to God and His Word. We need to fill our minds with His word so that our thoughts are focused on 
"things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8) [For more on Philippians 4:8, start here: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2016/07/thinking-effects-everything.html]

Will thinking on God's Word change your circumstances? No. Will thinking on God's Word remove your pain or frustration? No. 
So, why do it? Because what thinking on God's Word will do is give you a new perspective. You will focus on the facts of God. Remember God does not change. He was and is the same before you found yourself in the situation you are. He is still the same Almighty God that He was BEFORE whatever happened. In a life of uncertainty, ever-changing circumstances, God is the constant! 

If you find yourself melting, turn to the security of God Himself.

Thinking Affects Everything: Praiseworthy

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "praiseworthy".

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things —if there is anything praiseworthy.

Praiseworthy: approbation, commendation, praise, a commendable thing

Synonyms: 

admirable

creditable

deserving

estimable

excellent

exemplary

laudable

meritable

meritorious

praisable

thank worthy

worthy

Approbation: official approval or sanction

Once again the standard on which to basis if something is praiseworthy—is God. He gives the "official approval or sanction". 

Praiseworthy. Credible. Deserving. 

I stopped at that word "deserving". Do the things that occupy my mind deserve my time and attention? 

We are each given 24 hours a day. No more, no less. During those 24 hours, am I thinking of things which are worthy and deserve my time and attention? If not, then I need to make some changes! 

Think on these things—praiseworthy based on the official approval of God, and that are deserving of my time and attention. 

If I am thinking about things that are praiseworthy, then my speech will also be praiseworthy. Remembering that thinking affects everything! 

Think on these things...... what are you thinking about today? 

Thinking Affects Everything: Virtue

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "virtue".

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things —if there is any virtue.

If there is any virtue.

Virtue: Used of the human mind and in an ethical sense, it denotes: any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity.

As I read this definition, I had to stop and think of what our nation, our society considers moral excellence, modest, and pure to actually mean. If I based my level of virtue on societies definitions.......there is a very real and vast difference between societies definitions and Gods. 

Just looking back over the past few years at TV ad and movies, you can see a continual progression away from God and the acceptance of sin and fulfilling desires, no matter the consequences. 

If there is any virtue. 

Moral excellence. Modesty. Purity. All based on God's standard. 

Virtue, God's virtue, is the filter which I need to evaluate each and everything that I allow to enter my mind. TV, radio, internet, books, and even conversations with others....... if that is any virtue—think on these things. 

Thinking affects everything. If I am feeding my mind with immodesty, and immoral ideals, than my actions will reflect that. And the same is true for the opposite. The more things of virtue I focus on—the more God-like my attitude, actions, thoughts and words will be. 

Virtue. Do the things which I am pondering and thinking about pass the "virtue test"? If not, am I wiling to change the things I watch, read, listen to? 

I wonder, if each of us would begin pondering and thinking about things that are of virtue, would we turn off the TV more? Would we turn off the radio more?

Think on these things.....

what are you thinking about? 

Thinking Effects Everything: Of Good Report

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "of good report".

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—of Good Report

Whatever things are of good report.

Good Report: sounding well; uttering words of good omen, speaking auspiciously: things spoken in a kindly spirit, with good-will to others; praiseworthy, commendable

Praiseworthy. Commendable. Spoken in a kindly spirit. 

First and foremost, does my speech reflect a "good report"? Do I promote praiseworthy and commendable and good-will to others in my speech? Or I am prone to slander, back-biting, gossip, and/or hateful words? 

Words are a reflection of the heart. What you are thinking about is what resonates from you. So, if I want my speech to be "of good report", than I must be thinking about things that are! 

Praiseworthy. Commendable. Spoken in a kindly spirit. 

Think. Ponder. Meditate on..... things of a good report. 

And for that to be true, I must also work on making sure that I'm not only thinking on, but my speech is promoting it so that others hear things that are —of good report! 

Thinking Affects Everything: Lovely

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "lovely". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Lovely.

Whatever things are lovely.

Lovely: properly, worthy of personal affection; hence, dearly prized, i.e. worth the effort to have and embrace (used only in Phil 4:8).

Worth the effort to have. 

Effort: exertion of physical or mental power: something done by exertion or hard work. 

How badly do I want it? Am I wiling to work for it? If it's dearly prized, than yes! 

I was reminded of a great opportunity I had in September 2012 of being on the Pit Box during a NASCAR race at Chicagoland Speedway. Living with chronic pain, it took ALL the effort I had to attend and enjoy the day. The pain was extreme, but it was an amazing day. The experience of enjoying the NASCAR race from the Pits was worth the effort to embrace that day. 

If something is lovely, then we will go beyond our normal efforts to achieve it or get it. Think, ponder on things that are lovely. How many times to I settle and allow things that are easy to fill my heart, mind, and life. How many times do I choose the easy road, and ignore the things that are lovely—simply because it will take more work an effort? 

Think, ponder, allow to fill my thoughts—on things that are lovely. Only things that are worth the effort to have and to embrace. 

What is of worth to me? What am I wiling to work for? What is lovely? What do I  consider a prize worth having? 

Worth the effort to have—lovely. 

Thinking Affects everything - truth!

Thinking Affects everything. 

I've been studying that fact the past few weeks. Yesterday, I had a good reminder that "Thinking affects everything." is a true statement. 

If I begin the day, with a positive outlook, the day goes much better. I am better equipped to handle situations that arise. 

If I begin the day, with a negative outlook, the day continues to be overwhelming, nothing goes right, and when situations arise, I handle them the wrong way, and the day ends up with a pity party with me feeling miserable. 

Thinking affects everything. 

There are some things that are out of my control. However, I can control my thoughts—and those control my attitude. 

So, what kind of day do I want to have:

1. A positive and enjoyable day.

2. One filled with resentment, frustration, and overall misery. 

I can't control the circumstances, but I can control my thoughts, attitudes, and actions. And if I find myself in the need of an attitude adjustment—the quickest way it to refocus on God's Word and truth, either by reading the Bible, or listening to music (filled with truth). 

Thinking affects everything. 

I will choose to think on......

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Thinking Affects Everything: Pure

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "pure". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Pure.

Whatever things are pure.

Pure: pure from every fault, immaculate. From the word meaning, "likeness of nature with the Lord because different from the world.

Likeness because different. 

Whatever things are pure. The test for pureness is not what I think to be ok, or without fault. Rather, the test is what God says is ok. 

Just because the world accepts something does not make it right, let alone pure. There are standards and a nature-order that God created. Just because someone has decided to change that, because of how they 'feel', does not make it right.

Likeness because different. 

Pure things are those things with are in accordance with God, His character, and His standards and laws. Think on things that are pure—pure from every fault. 

That makes me think of TV shows I watch. I can rationalize why I watch a show. It has a good story line, it makes me laugh, it's something to do. But is it pure from every fault? It it in the likeness of nature of the Lord? If not, then why am I spending my time watch and thinking about it? Good question. 

Whatever things are pure. 

Thinking effects everything. If I want to live a life that is pleasing to God, then I have a responsibility to think on things that are pure. 

If that means, turning off the TV, then I need to do it. If that means changing the radio station, then I need to do it. If that means.......... the key is to make sure that I'm allowing into my mind are things that I want to think about later. 

"You are being too harsh. You need to have fun. You need to lighten up, it's just a TV show." 

Exactly. 

Those are statements which we say to ourselves and others, to justify why we do something which we know is not always the best. 

Whatever things are pure. 

Thinking affects everything. And if I want to be thinking godly and acting in accordance with God and His Word, then I must work on making sure what I allow in my mind, to be God-pure. 

Thinking affects everything—and it begins with what I allow into my mind. 

Whatever things are pure. God-pure! 

Thinking Affects Everything: Just 2

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "just". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Just.

Whatever things are just. 

He has shown you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justly,

To love mercy,

And to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

Require: ask for, demand, to follow for pursuit 

But to do justly. 

Accomplish the attribute of justice, right, rectitude. 

To love mercy. 

 Mercy: kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable)

To walk humbly with your God. 

Walk: associate, be familiar with

With: of the relation in which one stands with

The Lord God demands that I pursue and accomplish the attribute of being right, just (in the eyes of God), I am to be kind, and have a relationship with God (that means that I want to spend time with Him and get to know Him and in doing so, that will impact my life). 

Thinking affects everything. Whatever things ......... what am I thinking about? 

Thinking Affects Everything: Just 1

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "just". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder.

Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Just.

Whatever things are just. 

Just: upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God; that which regard for duty demands, what is right; observing divine and human laws; one who is such as he ought to be

Just. Right. And this is not what I think is right, or what you think is right. This is based upon what God calls right. 

I really like the phrase, "one who is such as he ought to be". 

Who lived "as they ought to be"? Who did God call "just"? 

How awesome it would be is God could call me "just"?! Sadly, I fall very short, and am so grateful for God's grace and mercy. But what an awesome goal to have—"one who is such as he ought to be".

I'm looking forward to studying "things that are just" and examining the lives of the individuals God called "just". 

Meditating today on how I can be "one who is such as he ought to be".

How do you spell relief? Part 2

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

Casting:  to throw away, throw off

Anxiety: to be drawn in different directions, disquietude, encumbrance

Cares: to be of interest to

One thing I like about this verse, is that God knows that we will be anxious, we do have worries. God understands that. But going beyond that God wants us to know that He can handle all those worries and distractions. 

In my kitchen is a container we use for trash/garbage. The garbage container is emptied often and the bag is loaded into the larger container in the garage. On Thursday, it's placed out at the curb, and the truck comes and empties the container. I do not want the garbage in my home for various reasons. One—it's garbage. It's useless. The other, it smells bad if left too long.  I have NO problem THROWING AWAY the garbage. I don't go into the garage and dig through it to being it back inside. I don't run after the truck to get my garbage back. 

Anxiety is like garbage to the soul. It causes confusion. It disrupts peace. And if left too long, it creates a stench as it festers and robs us of joy. 

There is no need to store anxiety. There is no need to let it fester. There is no need. Yet, too often we have a storage room full of it. 

How do we really throw away the anxiety? How do we empty the storage room of worry? 

Look again at the definition of anxiety. "To be drawn in different directions." The first way to throw away anxiety is refocus your heart and mind on God. Don't allow Satan to distract you with the "What ifs", or the "Why me?" or "What will I do?" or any other distraction Satan tries. Refocus!

How do you really refocus? A good place to start is: 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 

One truth that fits all those categories is.... "He cares about you!"

You are of great interest to God! Think about that for a moment. The God who created the entire UNIVERSE—is interested in YOU! He knows all about you. He knows your past, your present, and your future. He knows what makes you tick — He should, He created you! 

Anxiety—the chaos of being pulled in all directions. A place of unrest. A place of confusion. A place of worry. A place of darkness and despair. 

Peace— a stillness that God provides. It wells up in the heart and mind, as you focus on God and the truth that HE loves YOU! It's a deep intense peace that calms and comforts, no matter the circumstances around you. 

How do you spell relief? 

Relief: a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

True relief—

Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries.
1 Peter 5:7 (VOICE)

Relief

R: Refocus

E: Empty the Garbage! 

L: Leave the garbage at the curb - don't allow it back in

I:  Individualize—God cares about ME! 

E: Embrace God's love 

F: Focus on and enjoy God's peace 

How do you spell relief? 

To read "How do you spell relief? part 1, click here.

Thinking Affects Everything: Noble 2

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "noble". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Noble.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.  Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:10-15

Noble: attractively good; good that inspires (motivates) others to embrace what is lovely (beautiful, praiseworthy); i.e. well done so as to be winsome (appealing). (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/8-15.htm)

Good: inherently (intrinsically) good; as to the believer, describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith; upright honorable. (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/8-15.htm)

Thinking pondering on things that are true and noble, will open my heart to hearing and obeying God's word resulting in godly conduct—both in attitude and actions. 

Thinking affect everything—so how will I respond? 

Thinking Affects Everything: Noble

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "noble". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Noble.

Noble: regard with great respect; revered for character, personally esteem; to hold something (someone) in high respect; showing the reverenceor awe (veneration) of someone who is devout.

Noble: honest, honorable, modest, moral, on the up and up, reserved, trustworthy, unblemished, undefiled, upright, virtuous, worthy

As I have been thinking about what is "noble", I couldn't help but think of people I respect. That led me to thinking of who are considered "heroes" in our World today. Who do we, as a Nation, hold in high regard? 

Sadly, all to often the people we honor are not noble, or worthy of our respect and admiration.  What makes one or something worthy to be called "noble"? Remember, we are not to be setting the standards for what is honorable, noble. Rather, we are to be using God's standard. 

Noble. If I am to be thinking on, pondering things that are noble, then I must stop to really consider what nobility is—not defined by the world's standard, but God's. 

Great respect. Revered for character. 

Who do I respect? Who is revered for character? 

As I think about those two questions, I have to keep in mind the first item in Philippians 4:8—True. For one isn't noble, without truth. 

Noble. Honorable. Trustworthy. 

As I thought about Noble, Jonathan came to mind. You can read about Jonathan, Saul's son, who befriended David in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. 

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:3

Noble. Honorable. Trustworthy. Who/what am I thinking about? 

And am I living a noble, honorable, trustworthy life? Thinking about it, should then change my thoughts, my attitude, and my actions. 

Thinking affect everything—so how will I respond? 

Thinking Affects Everything: True 2

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—True.

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. Deuteronomy 32:4

Truth: steadfastness, fidelity, trusty.

Things that are true are not based on a whim. Truth is an absolute. And that absolute is based on God Himself. He does not change, therefore, truth does not change. 

Think on things that are true. Not what I think is to be true based on my feelings. Not what I think to be true, simply because I want it to be true. Not what I think to be true to make it easier on me. 

Things that are true—based on God's absolute truth! 

I wonder how our Nation would change, if we stopped thinking based on our own "feeling based truth", and started thinking based on God's absolute truth. 

Think on these things..... whatever is true.....

God's 'true', not my own.

Thinking Affects Everything

Lately, I've been thinking about how things I think about, read, listen to, and focus on effect my mind;  my body–physically, mentally, emotionally; and my soul (spiritually). It also has an effect on how I treat those around me. 

God created us, and therefore knows exactly how we are "wired". That is why He stresses the importance of filing our minds and hearts with His Word. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it affect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. 

Let's start with the first one...... 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—

TRUE. 

Literally, not hidden, unconcealed; grace which can be trusted.

Think on things that are true.

That would include people that are truthful. 

That would include TV shows that are not based on lies or promote lying. 

That would include not retweeting, or liking, or sharing, or adding an emoji to a post on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, instagram, etc.

That would include the music I listen — in private and public. 

True. 

Ponder. Meditate. Take an Inventory. 

Proverbs 12:3-7 Thoughts regulate — what am I thinking?

A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” but the mouth of the upright will deliver them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand. Proverbs 12:3-7

Thoughts: device, plan, purpose 

The thoughts of the righteous are right. (vs. 5)

What am I thinking? What am I planning? What is my purpose and passion? 

Thoughts regulate our actions. 

Thoughts regulate our attitude.

Thoughts regulate our appearance. 

Thoughts. What am I thinking? Who fills my thoughts?

God clearly tells us: 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate (think): by reckoning up all the reasons to gather or infer; i. e., a. to consider, take account, weigh, meditate on a thing, with a view to obtaining it

With a view to obtaining it. 

It's not just about thinking random thoughts. It's not about "emptying our minds" of everything. Rather it is about taking account, weighing, thinking on truth, wisdom, pure, honest... God's wisdom! And then as we think, meditate on these things they will then impact our actions, attitude and appearance—as we obtain wisdom! 

Thoughts regulate—because true thinking means obtaining and when  you have something, you then put it to good use! 

Thoughts begin in the heart. If I want my thoughts to be that of a righteous person, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Thoughts regulate — what am I thinking?

My Thoughts will Determine My Actions

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 15. Here is what I learned.

He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart. Psalm 15:2 (AMP)

Here is the answer: The one who lives with integrity, does what is right, and speaks honestly with truth from the heart. Psalm 15:2 (VOICE)

With our heart. That is, to the speaking of truth, it is necessary our words agree with our mind and thoughts about the thing. We must speak as we think, and our tongues must be faithful interpreters of our mind: otherwise we lie, not speaking as we think. So what is truth in itself may be spoken by a man, and yet he be a liar; namely, if he does not think as he speaks.

With the thing as it is in itself. Though we think a thing to be so, which is not so, we lie, when we affirm it; because it is not as we say, though we really think it is so. Benjamin Bennet's "Christian Oratory," 1728

What I THINK is what I act on. What are my thoughts based on? Are my thoughts simply about making me feel good? Do my thoughts focus on me? What am I thinking about?

First and foremost, I’m to get my thoughts in alignment with God. God is the absolute and He sets the standards. Then I have a responsibility to make sure what I think on is...  “right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.” (Philippians 4:8, GW)

To create a positive day, I have to make the choice to fill my mind with God’s Word, then keep my thoughts on the right track—for my thoughts will determine my actions.