Right thinking
Pastor Mark has been talking over the past two weeks about having a new attitude and the power of "right thinking". Today he talked about the importance of your "input" and your "output".
Input being the things you pay attention to. What music are you listening to? What shows are you watching? What books are you reading? I accidentally read a Christian romance novel last summer (this was well before I had started the new church process). I say "accidentally" because I had just picked up some books pretty cheap at a yard sale. I don't look all that closely when books cost a quarter. Anyway, the book had a good story, and it was really interesting to me to read something written from a Christian, rather than worldly, perspective. A very different experience, to be sure!
Since going to the new church, I've got a lot of new input. I've started talking more about God with others, reading books on Christian living, reading the Bible, reading the daily devotionals from Proverbs31.org, and reading blogs from other Christian women. The blogs, in particular, have been really helpful to me in this process. It is so helpful to see how "regular" people incorporate God into their lives. Incorporate isn't really the right word. It's not about how God fits into your life (which is still where I am); it's about fitting your life around God.
As well as the "how-to" component (:D), these blogs and books are also helpful just because of the "there is/are" component. As in there are many other people living Christian lives. There is an alternative to the Hollywood lifestyle that so many people aspire to. That just because things seem regular now doesn't make them normal or right. So thank you to those of you who are publicly sharing your Christian walk.
"Input" also refers to how you spend your time and with whom. You are influenced by the things with which you surround yourself. It's much easier to resist temptation when you aren't constantly putting yourself into situations where you will be tempted. And, along with that, monitoring the thoughts you have. While you can't control the thoughts that pop into your head, you CAN control which ones you keep there. I have to admit that I am so weak in this area. I really do let my thoughts control my moods and, often, my actions. Pastor Mark shared a great quote, though (from a heart dr. in England whose name I've forgotten...sorry): "Most unhappiness in life is due to listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves."
Isn't that amazing? How true!
How do you get away from all the negative thinking and influences? "Overcome wrong thinking with right words." Speak passages from the Bible that address your situation. Also, keep in mind that God will provide and take care of those who believe and live in Him. Trust in Him.
On my way home from church, I heard a song on the radio that went right along with today's message, Slow Fade by Casting Crowns. I'd heard it once before, but I was struck by how closely it aligned with what I had just heard. If you don't know the song, here are the lyrics, courtesy of www.elyrics.net:
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Input being the things you pay attention to. What music are you listening to? What shows are you watching? What books are you reading? I accidentally read a Christian romance novel last summer (this was well before I had started the new church process). I say "accidentally" because I had just picked up some books pretty cheap at a yard sale. I don't look all that closely when books cost a quarter. Anyway, the book had a good story, and it was really interesting to me to read something written from a Christian, rather than worldly, perspective. A very different experience, to be sure!
Since going to the new church, I've got a lot of new input. I've started talking more about God with others, reading books on Christian living, reading the Bible, reading the daily devotionals from Proverbs31.org, and reading blogs from other Christian women. The blogs, in particular, have been really helpful to me in this process. It is so helpful to see how "regular" people incorporate God into their lives. Incorporate isn't really the right word. It's not about how God fits into your life (which is still where I am); it's about fitting your life around God.
As well as the "how-to" component (:D), these blogs and books are also helpful just because of the "there is/are" component. As in there are many other people living Christian lives. There is an alternative to the Hollywood lifestyle that so many people aspire to. That just because things seem regular now doesn't make them normal or right. So thank you to those of you who are publicly sharing your Christian walk.
"Input" also refers to how you spend your time and with whom. You are influenced by the things with which you surround yourself. It's much easier to resist temptation when you aren't constantly putting yourself into situations where you will be tempted. And, along with that, monitoring the thoughts you have. While you can't control the thoughts that pop into your head, you CAN control which ones you keep there. I have to admit that I am so weak in this area. I really do let my thoughts control my moods and, often, my actions. Pastor Mark shared a great quote, though (from a heart dr. in England whose name I've forgotten...sorry): "Most unhappiness in life is due to listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves."
Isn't that amazing? How true!
How do you get away from all the negative thinking and influences? "Overcome wrong thinking with right words." Speak passages from the Bible that address your situation. Also, keep in mind that God will provide and take care of those who believe and live in Him. Trust in Him.
On my way home from church, I heard a song on the radio that went right along with today's message, Slow Fade by Casting Crowns. I'd heard it once before, but I was struck by how closely it aligned with what I had just heard. If you don't know the song, here are the lyrics, courtesy of www.elyrics.net:
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
I knew I had heard this song but couldn't remember how it went... so I went to YouTube and watched the music video... what a powerful song! And this post was amazing! Your thoughts convey that God is speaking to your heart and I can tell... you are listening! =) You're doing great Kate! Keep taking baby steps toward Him and He will help you every step of the way!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you my friend!
Love,
Bonnelle