August 28


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


A thought is a seed. Once the seed has taken hold, it is as good as an action. This is why Jesus warned that wrong thoughts were equal to wrong actions. The only difference is the level of growth. The battle is always fought in our minds first. If we cross a line in our minds, it will only be a matter of time before we are doing what we have thought. This is a fearful truth, and should make us refuse to entertain even the smallest fantasy that is going in the wrong direction, whether it be a critical or bitter thought, or a lustful one. But this truth also has a wonderfully positive dimension. If we give ourselves to godly thoughts – about ourselves, God and others – then it will not be long before we are reaping a tremendous harvest in our actions and relationships. We are free to meditate on lovely and pure things, and soon we will find ourselves doing lovely and pure things. Our meditation will provide the tracks which will determine the direction in which the locomotive of our hearts moves forward. The human heart is a powerful engine, and can be directed by right thoughts, aided by the Holy Spirit, to manifest the glory of God in our lives.