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

Proverbs 10:1: A Screaming Child

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. Proverbs 10:1

Wise: ethically and religiously; of the mind

Glad: cause to rejoice

Foolish: stupid, he hates knowledge, it is his sport to do mischief

Grief: afflict, cause grief, grieve, sorrowful, vex

Attitudes and actions have an effect on others. 

Often we think that we that our attitudes and actions will only effect us personally. Yet, that is not the case. Each action causes a reaction in others. Whether is be parents, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or any others that are in the vicinity—they are either blessed or grieved. 

Really? What I do effects others? 

Yes, really.

Don't believe me? Just think of the last time you were shopping and a little kid started screaming. You immediately bristled. You looked around to see where the parent was and if anyone was taking care of the situation. You began to make judgements as to why the kid was screaming, and what you would do if that was your child. Your posture changed. You became upset and uncomfortable. You started to become angry. You became agitated and grumpy. Am I right? 

The same is true for adults. Our attitudes and actions do effect others. We may not find ourselves in the middle of a store screaming, but we may find ourselves acting foolishly and ignoring God's wisdom. And when we act foolishly, we become that screaming child—and those around us are effected. 

How do we make sure that our attitudes and actions are wise? Start at the beginning—the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will translate into wise attitudes and actions. 

So, are you a screaming child? Or are you acting wisely? 

Proverbs 6:30-35: NO MATTER the reason!

People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house.

Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. For jealousy is a husband’s fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts. Proverbs 6:30-35

Actions have consequences—NO MATTER the reason! 

We justify all types of actions. We blame our past, or our ancestor's past, or our 'denied future'. We blame our circumstances. Our location. Our ........ we are great with making excuses that will justify any action. 

HOWEVER!

No amount of justification can ignore the fact when the action is simply WRONG. Sin is sin PERIOD! 

Notice Proverbs 6:30. We are not to despise, (to disrespect, regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt) the one who steals because he is hungry. However, we don't ignore the fact that he stole either. He has to repay 7 x even if it means he loses all he own. There are consequences to our actions! 

Proverbs 6:32

Lacks understanding: void of a comprehending mind, actually "destitute of mind". 

Some actions leave us shaking our heads as we say, "What were you thinking?" Adultery is one. Why would a woman and man destroy their marriage and home, and their own lives to take part in such sin? Often they think they can do it in secret. However, the consequences of the sin are destroying their own life! 

Actions have consequences—NO MATTER the reason!

Often we like to categorize sin. We like to think of "little sins" and "big sins". If we commit "little sins" (maybe a 'white lie') that's OK. Yet a "big sin", say like MURDER—that's just WRONG! We forget that we are not the ones who determine what sin is. God is a holy God and to Him —SIN IS SIN! There are no "white lies", there are not categories for sin. That is why there are consequences for sin—no matter the reason! 

Thankfully, God has made a way that we can be forgiven of our sin. 

If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Confess: to admit or declare oneself guilty of what one is accused of

Cleanse: to free from the guilt of sin, to purify

Actions have consequences—NO MATTER the reason! And if I want to make sure that my actions are wise —I must have a heart that is permeated with a deeps sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).