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Controlling Our Thoughts
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryJesus teaches that a person will turn in the direction his thoughts lead him. Being susceptible to false and evil thoughts, our minds can jump from one sinful thought to another in milliseconds, often without our awareness. Our reactions in various daily situations reflect what is truly on our minds. If we desire to live as Christ does, we must seize control of our thoughts. To achieve this, we can focus on three key practices. First, maintaining our health is essential, as the body and mind are connected. Our physical condition influences our mental state; feeling poorly often leads to negative thoughts about ourselves and our pain. By eating right and engaging in moderate exercise, oxygen flows through our bloodstream to the brain, releasing endorphins that foster positive feelings and uplifting thoughts. Second, we must control what enters our minds. Visualizing our minds as a high-walled fortress, we act as gatekeepers, inspecting every thought before allowing it to pass. We must ask if each thought is proper, beneficial, and positive, capturing only those that align with obedience to Christ. By casting down perverse, evil, or destructive thoughts and permitting only appropriate ones, we make a choice that demonstrates our commitment to developing Christ's mind in us, thereby building character and strengthening the habit of following His example. Third, we should avoid negative-thinking people who can lead us down dangerous paths. If avoidance is not possible, we can protect ourselves by mentally enclosing ourselves in positivity when they approach, radiating a Christ-like attitude with a smile and cheerful greeting. We set the course of such encounters by ensuring our attitude remains positive. Finally, we are encouraged to focus on thoughts that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Allowing wrong thoughts into our minds offers no benefits and works to separate us from the positive power of God. By studying deeply into God's Word, meditating on it continually, and praying always, we cultivate godly discernment and wisdom, enabling us to succeed in controlling our thoughts.
Focusing on God's Thoughts
Sermonette by Craig SablichWe have the responsibility to hear God's still, small voice and to act upon His thoughts, thereby shunning the deceitful input constantly coming from Satan.
Avoiding the Ruts of Our Carnal Mind
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill OnisickIf we could see the traffic of our perpetually wandering minds, we would be embarrassed as to how often it strays from God's thoughts and His laws.
Avoiding the Ruts of Puny Faith
Sermon by Bill OnisickWhen we have severe trials, we can experience a divided mind, exercising a puny faith. Does God find us willing to surrender to Him in all circumstances?
Thinking the Righteous Way
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaSin begins in thought before it ever becomes an action. Psalm 119:11 teaches we must hide God's Word in our hearts so we will not sin against Him.
Conquering Temptation: Learn from Jesus Christ
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsA Christian must face temptation in this world. Our Savior wants us to overcome or conquer it, and He shows us how by His example when Satan tempted Him.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Conclusion)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBecause we will ultimately turn into what we assimilate, we must take back the hijacked tool of meditation to drive out carnal thoughts.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe antidote to double-mindedness and distractions is single-minded focus on God's law through meditating God's word, thus guarding our hearts.
Good, Good, Good Vibrations
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill OnisickEvery human has a spirit in us, constituting an invisible force that enables us to think and be motivated, influenced, and encouraged by other spirits around us.
God's Rest (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCoveting—lust—is a fountainhead of many other sins. Desiring things is not wrong, but desiring someone else's things promotes overtly sinful behavior.
The Tenth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Coveting begins as a desire. Human nature cannot be satisfied, nothing physical can satisfy covetousness, and joy does not derive from materialism.
God's Simple Commands
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God puts His commands in such clear terminology that no one can retort with 'yes, but....' We continue to sin because we do not really believe what He says.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 9)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGood spiritual health follows the same patterns and laws as do physical and psychological health. Any permanent change in character must come from within.
Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.
The Will To Change
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityLike the fable of the scorpion who stings the frog carrying him, our carnal nature is set, causing us to act in destructive ways. Repentance begins with changed thinking.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe best use of imagination would be to assimilate events, principles, lessons, and doctrine from scripture, transforming us into the image of God.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe imagination enables mankind to envision both beneficial and harmful purposes. Imagination is a gift from God that can be used positively or negatively.