Have The Right Mind-Fuel
Be changed within by a new way of thinking. Romans 12:2
What we consume determines our performance. That’s why you need to be careful what you feed your body, your children, your pets, and even your car. But what you feed your mind is equally important, especially when you consider these two laws that operate in life: 1) The law of cognition. Your thoughts influence your emotions and your behavior. The Bible says, ‘For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7). Jesus said a good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit (see Matthew 7:18). In other words, good thinking can’t produce bad results, just as bad thinking can’t produce good results. 2) The law of exposure. The Bible says, ‘Do not…be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.’ You’ll always think about what you are exposed to the most. And given the violence, lust, and greed portrayed by the media, it’s not surprising that crime and immorality are on the rise. You can’t just say, ‘I’m going to read this magazine, watch this program, listen to this music, but it won’t affect me.’ Social science now confirms what God said all along – it does affect you! Where you go, what you read (or don’t read), what you watch, and the dreams you entertain all shape your mind. Paul writes, ‘Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise’ (Colossians 3:16). So when you need the right mind-fuel, remember: ‘God whose gracious Word can make you into what He wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need’ (Acts 20:32).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep my mind pure with good and noble and honoring to you things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
You MUST be aware ( as is obvious by your daily devotions! ) that your words/devotions are STRONGLY DIRECTED by the Lord Himself!!! Praise be to God! VERY OFTEN what you say is so VERY perfect for what is happening in my life (or my thoughts) right when I most need to hear them! …and,you’ve done it again today!, ( or, I should say, THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS DONE IT AGAIN THROUGH YOU!!) today!! Today’s devotion fits so perfectly with what is happening RIGHT NOW with what is happening in MY life AND in the life of my sister RIGHT NOW!! ( she also receives your daily devotions). Both of us suffer from depression. Both of us are inclined to believe the false “ truths” about ourselves that the “world” or Satan, would have us believe. We are both lifelong Christians and yet, these lies hold so much “power” that often we begin to believe these lies. Sad, but true! Thank you so very much, Tim Hetzner, for faithfully delivering God’s truth to us all every day!!! YOU ARE MORE OF A BLESSING THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!!!
Excellent, Tim! Really helpful and well founded in Scripture. – David Reinke