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As a Man Thinks
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaJesus explains that we are not necessarily what we eat but what we think. Proverbs 23:7 supports this by stating, for as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Even though we are what we think, we are not always what we think we are. Paul advises in Romans 12:3 that a person should not think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but rather think soberly, seriously, and realistically. One of the most important things we do is to think. Our thinking can be profitable or futile. We are, or should be, the masters of our thoughts, choosing between good and evil, as we cannot think of both simultaneously. A thought must be all good, for if it contains any evil, it is evil. Therefore, we must choose carefully what to think. Our thoughts represent purpose or intentions. When we think unrighteous thoughts, our purposes and intentions differ from God's, as He never thinks unrighteously. Ways imply direction, and unrighteous thoughts lead us in the wrong direction, opposing God's way. David, described as a man after God's own heart, learned to think like God, desiring his purposes and intentions to align with God's and to walk in the same direction. Psalm 119:97 states, Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. This means David thought about God's law and applied it to all his decision-making, problem-solving, and judgments throughout his busy day as a king. Meditation is simply refined thinking, focusing or concentrating on a certain idea. The way to eliminate unrighteous thoughts is to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Jesus Christ, which requires meditating or thinking in a focused manner on God's Word and applying it to our life all day long. If we do this, we will have little time or desire for unrighteous thoughts. Philippians 4:8 offers guidance on the content of our meditation: whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, or praiseworthy, meditate on these things. We have a choice in what we think about, either good or evil. So, choose to think righteous thoughts, because we are what we think.
Think on These Things (2018)
Sermonette by James BeaubelleOur annual, self-inflicted review of self can be humbling and even painful. We have a measure of control over our carnality which those in the world lack.
Teaching Us to Think (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod instructs us to be living sacrifices. Too many drag this change out over decades, thereby self-limiting the process of sanctification.
Teaching Us to Think (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is putting His children through a demanding educational program designed to teach godly values and impart spiritual maturity. Learning is hard work.
The Joy of Aging
Commentary by David F. MaasStudies show that instead of deteriorating, the senior brain, if it has been sufficiently exercised, actually grows stronger as it reaches 70 years old.
Conscientiousness
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe are obligated to be conscientious and diligent in whatever work is placed before us, guided by our conscience and influenced by God's Spirit.
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.
A Light To The World
Commentary by Mark SchindlerExposure to more than two hours per day on digital screens lowers scores on thinking and language tests. We must not abandon our children to smartphones.
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.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur concept of marriage must be positive and more mature, modeled after Christ's attentiveness toward the Church, as opposed to the world's distorted concept.
A Rewired Society (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are being rewired, with the social Internet and media dangerously altering thought processes, making young and old more susceptible to believing lies.
Wind and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles WhitakerGod controls the invisible wind—powerful or gentle—making it an ideal symbol for His Spirit. God's breathing life into Adam foreshadowed giving the Holy Spirit.
The Second Resurrection and Union With Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are going to have to find ways to make God's way appealing to people of alien cultures, gently bringing them to a tipping point.
The Millennium and Union With Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe millennial situation will resemble the behavior of our forebears; it will be our responsibility to lead them to hope, joy, character, and faith in God.
Foolishness and Cleansing
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.
Are You Living An Illusion?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsReligious narcissists, who identify with the servant who received ten talents, cherry-pick Scripture to enhance their self-love and support their views.