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Think on This
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingContrary to false concepts of meditation in Eastern religions, we are mandated to maintain control of their minds, using meditation as a teaching tool.
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.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Six): Listening
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSolomon's observations in Ecclesiastes reveal a profound concern about the distractions that pervade daily life, often leading to daydreams that exclude God. In his analysis, he notes how easily people become preoccupied with worldly concerns, allowing their minds to wander from spiritual realities. Whether it is the pursuit of wealth, the distractions of social injustice, or the busyness of everyday activities, these daydreams can prevent individuals from hearing and heeding God's Word. Solomon warns against letting such distractions dominate, urging a careful and prudent approach to ensure that God remains actively involved in every facet of life. He emphasizes the danger of a heart so consumed by earthly treasures or concerns that it fails to listen attentively to divine guidance, thus highlighting the need to guard against daydreams that pull one away from a consistent and sincere relationship with God.
Meditation: Preventing Spiritual Identity Theft
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasDaydreaming, or mind wandering, often masquerades as meditation by flooding the mind with vivid pictures or images. However, unlike godly meditation, which requires a fully attached, active, and disciplined mind, daydreaming is passive, diffuse, non-focused, and non-directed. God expects us to use the marvelous picture-making apparatus of our imagination to envision the reality of His kingdom, to see ourselves overcoming challenges, or to reflect on applying aspects of His law, rather than allowing our thoughts to randomly flit from one subject to another. Such undisciplined thought patterns, if not regulated, risk bringing us into captivity, where we are tyrannized by ideas not of our own choosing. Daydreaming, along with other bogus forms of meditation like fear and mind wandering, lacks the mental discipline necessary for legitimate meditation, ultimately contributing to the erosion of our ability to concentrate and maintain spiritual identity.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Ecclesiastes 5:7, Solomon addresses the issue of daydreams, describing them as a form of vanity that distracts from a focused and disciplined life. He warns that these wandering thoughts, occurring while one is seemingly awake, lead nowhere positive and pull the mind away from purposeful engagement. Such mental drifts are the opposite of what God desires, as they prevent us from maintaining the reverence and attention due to Him. Solomon emphasizes that instead of succumbing to the vanity of daydreams, we must fear God, aligning our lives with His purpose through disciplined focus and intentional choices.
A Bed Too Short (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerIn a world enamored with the illusion of endless progress, many live as if weightlessness will persist forever, believing that what lies ahead will conform not to the laws of history but to the shape of their dreams. This seductive notion, akin to daydreams, lulls people into a false sense of security, where consequences seem distant or nonexistent. Entertainment, as a powerful driver, mesmerizes and sedates, making individuals forget reality and implant images of a consequence-free life into their minds. It portrays a world where the rich grow richer without penalty and moral failings bear no repercussions, leading people to live the lie they see on the screen. Similarly, credit creates a deceptive prosperity, masking true poverty by deferring the effects of materialism and covetousness, convincing many that their affluent lifestyle is boundless. Technology, while offering wonders, further obscures reality by hiding problems and delaying consequences, fostering a belief that solutions lie in innovation rather than moral responsibility. This collective daydream, shared by scientists, politicians, and everyday individuals, asserts that tomorrow will be as today, only more abundant, ignoring the inevitable truth that consequences, though postponed, will ultimately manifest.
Are We Redeeming the Time?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the journey of counting the fifty days to Pentecost, we are reminded to guard our minds against distractions that waste precious time. Among these distractions are daydreams and flights of fancy about sinful acts, which must be cast out of our thoughts. Such imaginings, even in small doses, hold terrible potential to sidetrack us from our path toward God. We are urged to gain control of our minds, refusing to let them dwell on anything ungodly, as these fleeting thoughts are foolish, unbecoming, and dangerous time-wasters. Instead, we must focus on setting our minds on things above, ensuring that every moment is used wisely in pursuit of spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.
Are You Being Brainwashed? (Part 4)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPublic opinion is easily manipulated by propaganda. By manipulating attitudinal desensitization, the mainstream media pushes society into progressive positions.