I was just thinking about - - -
A great asset for any person is in the area of perception. One must develop the ability to think; to receive and process data; and to make comparisons of contemporary declarations with historical fact. Otherwise, one will be duped and perhaps even brain-washed by a forceful and authoritatively stated point of view. It almost becomes the comedic point: "Are you going to believe what I'm telling you or what your lying eyes are seeing?"
A great asset for any person is in the area of perception. One must develop the ability to think; to receive and process data; and to make comparisons of contemporary declarations with historical fact. Otherwise, one will be duped and perhaps even brain-washed by a forceful and authoritatively stated point of view. It almost becomes the comedic point: "Are you going to believe what I'm telling you or what your lying eyes are seeing?"
A ploy in Biblical encounters is fascinating to note. When Sennacherib sets out to discourage and defeat Hezekiah, note the message he sends to Hezekiah in Isaiah 36:5, "On what do you rest this trust of yours? Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?" Sennacherib was attempting to violate the thoughts of Hezekiah - to get him to look at his circumstances rather than to look to his Lord for help and direction. Each of us must be careful and guarded in terms of how one thinks. This is stated forcefully in Philippians 3:15,16. Paul is stating clearly how one should seek to be and live like Christ, and to be focused on the goal. He then comments: "Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."
There is also a similar accent and application in terms of one's inner life. In Philippians 4:7-9, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus..whatever is true...honorable...just...pure...lovely... commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
One place where clarity in thinking is vital is the area of politics. One is barraged with all kinds of political promise, declaration, proposed actions, wide-sweeping agendas, etc. One Candidate allowed there were a million projects that could be proposed BUT the nation is not ready for all of those things to be implemented. Of course, little or no consideration is given to the costs of such proposals. A basic rule for life should be applied to our nation and its budget: "If your outgo exceeds your income = your upkeep will be your downfall."
One area that should have our attention and thought is Missionary Work in the world. As this Blog is being written, the Euro is of greater value than our nation's dollar. The precious metals index continues to rise with Platinum, Gold and Silver reaching new highs. The Precious Metals reflect the potential of inflation due to the rising price of Oil and the lower value for the Dollar in world markets. The Missionary Dollar is shrinking daily and that impacts how they live and what they do...
Those who follow Christ and His Word are to be those who issue the clarion call in a world of pettiness, greed, and war. The world needs to know WHAT to THINK and HOW to THINK. We need to make that effort. And ask yourself: "If not now - when? If not me - who? If not here - where? " You are an important and vital part of what God wants to accomplish in His world today. Don't miss your responsibility! Don't blow your opportunity!
Think about these things with me - - -
One place where clarity in thinking is vital is the area of politics. One is barraged with all kinds of political promise, declaration, proposed actions, wide-sweeping agendas, etc. One Candidate allowed there were a million projects that could be proposed BUT the nation is not ready for all of those things to be implemented. Of course, little or no consideration is given to the costs of such proposals. A basic rule for life should be applied to our nation and its budget: "If your outgo exceeds your income = your upkeep will be your downfall."
One area that should have our attention and thought is Missionary Work in the world. As this Blog is being written, the Euro is of greater value than our nation's dollar. The precious metals index continues to rise with Platinum, Gold and Silver reaching new highs. The Precious Metals reflect the potential of inflation due to the rising price of Oil and the lower value for the Dollar in world markets. The Missionary Dollar is shrinking daily and that impacts how they live and what they do...
Those who follow Christ and His Word are to be those who issue the clarion call in a world of pettiness, greed, and war. The world needs to know WHAT to THINK and HOW to THINK. We need to make that effort. And ask yourself: "If not now - when? If not me - who? If not here - where? " You are an important and vital part of what God wants to accomplish in His world today. Don't miss your responsibility! Don't blow your opportunity!
Think about these things with me - - -
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