Where Do You Dwell?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.Philippians 4:8
A dwelling is a place you live or abide. So the answer to the question which is my title could be your address but where do your heart and mind dwell or what are to constantly focused on?

You become what you think about. You have to choose to be intentional on what you allow your mind to focus on. Constantly worrying over something you can do nothing about is not the place you want to be dwelling yet how many do this on a daily basis.

Today think right on purpose. Start your day with prayer then purpose in your heart you will not allow needless unfruitful thoughts drag you down. Tell Satan to get behind you and get out of your thinking. You are set apart for kingdom work so make sure your mind is there as well.

PRAYER: Jesus I thank you so much for the amazing mind and brain. It is complex and does so many things to include just about every function in our body, I choose this day to train my mind to godliness and and eliminate unfruitful concerns that weigh me down. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Purge Bad Thinking

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Are you one of those people who occasionally catches yourself dwelling on  the negative or speculating about things that may not have ever happened? Maybe you worry over what you said to someone or how you were perceived. I know I fall into this trap sometimes and it is not a good place to remain so stop it!

It is a spiritual discipline to cast down wrong thinking patterns. You must purposefully make yourself ponder goodness, victory, successes, and joyful moments. Dwelling on your faults and screw ups leads nowhere good nor is wondering what someone may be thinking about you and thinking the worst case scenario.

Get up and say out loud "I am not going to dwell on things that don't matter. I will choose to be content and joyful and press on."

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to discipline my thoughts to not digging a pit of despair.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Fixation

          Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God Hebrews 12:2

What does it mean to fixate on something? Basically it could be almost an obsessive way of continually looking at something or thinking of something. To have a fixation on Jesus is a very good thing. To be fixated on problems is a very bad thing. 

Is there something in life you are fixated on? Job issues? Family matters? Empty nest approaching? How to pay for college? A big final exam on the horizon? How you are going to die?  Point is, this fixation leads to worry and fear. Fixation on Jesus leads to peace and joy. 

Tomorrow when you get up since you are already up today, decide that you will not let negative thoughts enter your head. Be intentional about keeping your mind on Jesus and see if things aren't somewhere more pleasant. 

PRAYER: I choose to get up and get focused on you Lord. Problems are not going to change by worrying about them so I intend to fix my mind on you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Focus And Stay Focused

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

When a person works full time many times it is easier to not rehash problems in life. You stay occupied so therefore do not think about things. I have heard many messages lately about keeping your mind focused. You have to be intentional about not thinking about stuff that simply drags you down. It could be worrying about finances. Perhaps it is wondering why a friend has rejected you. Maybe speculating about things. Perhaps just plain old worry.

If you have a habit of focusing on negative or worrying or wondering about things try getting up and first thing saying "Jesus today I give you my thoughts." Once you declare that do not start drifting into old habits. Make up your mind you will 'capture' wrong thoughts and turn them about to thoughts that lift and build up. Start saying out loud things like "Thanks for taking my concerns.Thanks for your joy. Thanks for peace only you can give. I choose to focus on things above and reject wrong thinking." 

Now once you have accomplished those statements practice doing them. Open up the word of God and read a few Psalms and some of perhaps the book of John. I guarantee your thinking will improve. Before you know it you will be able to cast off wrong thinking.

PRAYER: Thanks Lord that you made me and you love me. You want me to have good thoughts. Help me live in the present and give me your strength to reject wrong thinking which is not from you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What Are You Thinking About?

 Set your mind on things above, not earthly things. Colossians 3:2

 Keeping your mind focused on good things is truly a discipline. When you dwell on past problems, worries, things that may happen, world issues, and a host of other things , it is nearly impossible to have peace. That is not the kind of life God wants us to live. He wants you to cast or throw your burdens on Him then walk away and trust Him to handle things. Also sitting around speculating about things can you make you almost mentally sick. Let it go and move on.

 Whatever is on your mind today why not make sure it is a good and happy thought. If you start thinking about stuff you know you should not, don't even go there. If you have to, say out loud "Devil get thee behind me as I am not thinking wrong thoughts". Sounds a bit crazy if you have never done it but it sure helps, I know as I have done it.

When you make it a consistent habit to 'think on things above' then you will end up in the long run being a more kind, joyful, and gentle person.  Find a way to think of others more than yourself and you will start thinking right.

PRAYER: Lord I choose this day to keep my mind focused on 'things above' and get in the habit of praising you instead of having a wandering mind. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy this little country tune about thinking on good things:

http://youtu.be/Qi9eN0V36_s