What are you thinking?!

We went to this tiny little congregation this afternoon that meet in a 10 by 25 foot room next to a automotive store. There were 13 members there plus us 9.....it was a neat experience, very humbling and makes you appreciate so many things. The lesson tonight was especially thought provoking- I want to share my notes with you- and ask you to think about it too.

The title of the lesson was "Checks from the neck up" (if that seems a little different, just think cultural differences.)

The mind is like a well. What goes into it will be drawn up.

"Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:5-10

Three check ups for our minds-

I) Set our minds. Colossians 3:1-2- "Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth."

We need to be sure our minds are focused on the right things. II Corinthians10:4-5

II) Renew our minds. -The old one is taken away and you get a new one. Romans 12:2-3

Matthew 15:18- "But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man. "

Ephesians 4:22-24 - "and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."

III) Gird our minds. Gird means to put on the right garments.

Luke 12:35

When we gird our minds properly we will understand why we are on the earth: to be servants.- John 13:3-5

Philippians 2:7 and I Peter 1:13-15

As Christians we must know what is right and what is wrong. And do it.

Be holy in all manner of living. I Peter 1:15- "but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living"

What you store up there [the mind] is what you show the brethren.

And the end of the matter is this:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

What are you thinking?

I know this is very simple, but upon reflection of the passages we must all be challenged to examine ourselves, and keep our minds pure and on the right track. There is so much out there, Satan is so alive and anxious to entrap us. Let us not grow weary in renewing our minds and living Christ-like lives this week.

Have a great week!