Guard Duty

Be careful what you think,
    because your thoughts run your life.

Proverbs 4:23 

 

Have you ever stopped to consider what you allow into your mind?  Do you allow hate and prejudice in?  Do you allow anger and revenge in?  Do you allow harmful thoughts access?

 

What is the purpose of a guard?  To protect!  To keep danger out!  To keep intruders from gaining access!  Solomon tells us that we must be careful of what we think because.....here it comes......what we think comes out as words and actions.

 

Think about something I have mentioned before, Our bodies do absolutely nothing unless the brain tells it to. This includes "instinctual" functions as blinking, breathing, and keeping our heart beating.  Therefore, what we allow into our minds will eventually come out as words and actions.  Putting a guard on our minds will help change how we think, act and speak toward each other. 

Renovation

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!

Psalm 66:5 

 

There are times when I seem to be cruising on autopilot.  I go from appointment to appointment, trying to help or, at least, bring some perspective to those who need.  Yet, outside of that, I get stuck in a routine.  I get home from work, change clothes, chase Woody Bear around for a bit, get something to eat and drink, sit in my chair and zone out.  In getting stuck in that routine, I miss a LOT of what God has done and is doing!  So it's time for one of those renovation interventions.

 

I am taking next week, Holy Week, as vacation so that I may focus more on contemplating what God has done and what He is doing.  I call it a Contemplative's Retreat because I will be doing a lot of thinking, pondering, and observing.  

What Are You Thinking About?

If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. 

Romans 8:6 

 

What do you think would happen if our every thought appeared in a bubble above our heads for everyone to see?  There would be a LOT of uncomfortable explaining to do, I think. Imagine thinking to yourself how you wanted to eliminate someone from their position so you could replace them, and then you suddenly remember everyone could read your thought bubble!  Imagine someone hits a puddle near the curb where you are standing and you get soaked, what would your thought bubble declare?

 

Imagine what would happen if you were asked, "How does my hair look?" and your honest answer pops up in a bubble above your head.  When Mom asks "How was school today?" and you realize that you cannot pull off the sullen "okay" because the truth is in your thought bubble.

 

We tend to keep quite a lot of information in our minds.  Our words may say one thing while our minds are screaming the truth.  Imagine how much trouble I would have gotten into when Gramma asked me who took some of her cookies?  I mean, aside from having cookie stuck in my teeth, my thought bubble would give me away.

 

Consider this: Thought always precedes action!  Every single time!  Or as that insightful theologian, George Carlin, once put it, "The church taught me that if you think it....you've done it, so save your cab fare!"  God not only witnesses our every action, but He also witnesses what we think.  Scripture reminds us "We look at what we can see, but God sees what we think" (1 Samuel 16:7).

 

We must be mindful of our thoughts, because from our thoughts come our words and deeds.

Have I Messed Up Too Much?

Today, I'm changing the format of today's devotion.  I know, I know, it's change and "change is bad."  Trust me on this.

Have you ever felt as though you had messed up SO badly that even God couldn't possibly have a plan for your life?  Ever been told that you had offended others so much that even God couldn't undo the offense?  Have you ever TRIED to mess up so badly that you thought God couldn't possibly use you to help anyone? 

I admit it.  I have thought all those things, and even more.  And God has proven me wrong over and over.  Not only has He proven me wrong, but more times than not He has proven it in spite of my situation and in spite of me.

Remember Joseph?  His brothers had sold him into slavery, and Joseph found favor with his new boss, Potiphar, who put him in charge of his household.  Now, that would be a great job for Joseph, but Mrs. Potiphar had other ideas.  She got Joseph in trouble and thrown into prison.  Joseph spent a long time in prison and all the while, God was orchestrating EVERYTHING to bring His plan for Joseph to fruition.  Finally, Joseph found favor with Pharoah and was put in charge of the entire land of Egypt second only to Pharoah.  Now Joseph's brothers had come to Egypt to by food due to a famine and there they encountered Joseph.  Long story short, Joseph told his brothers "You meant me harm, BUT God intended it for a good purpose, so He could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day" (Genesis 50:20).

Now, Joseph could have told his brothers, "I'm offended by what you did to me and what you said about me. So I'm going to tell my boss and let him deal with you."  But what good would that have done?  We get offended far too easily by far too much.  If we stop for a moment and ask, what GOOD does my hurt feelings do? We would probably realize it would do more GOOD if we decided to seek God's plan for our life FIRST.  Consider this: "Nothing can stop God's plans for your life" - Isaiah 14:22.  Did you catch that?  NOTHING can stop God's plans!  So we have a choice, rejoice that God's plans are unfolding or we can pout, either way God's plans will arrive with or without our approval.

Let me tell you something that I am still learning...I may THINK I have messed up so badly that even God can't turn it around into something good, BUT the truth is I'm not that powerful enough to thwart God's plans.  You see, God takes all the pieces of our broken lives, our screw-ups, the times we try to force our plans on Him, the times when we fell face first in the muck, the times that we thought we were so very important, and He uses them to shape His masterpiece for us.  This is why the Apostle Paul reminds us, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" - Romans 8:28.  

God is God and we are not!  And aren't you glad.

Whose Time Is It Anyway?

But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength;
they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings,
they run without growing weary,
they walk without getting tired.

Isaiah 40:31 

I like to watch birds fly.  To see such majesty as a hawk or an eagle is breathtaking.  And it reminds me of the words of Isaiah "they rise up as if they had eagles' wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired."  Such promises are encouraging and uplifting, when we read them we feel out hearts begin the ascent into the skies of joy...and then reality hits and we come crashing back into our trials and struggles.  We tend to blame God for not answering our prayers immediately and solving all our struggles without any effort on our part because, after all, He is God and we are not.

We tend to miss the important part of this passage found in the first line: "But those who WAIT for the Lord's help..."  We must learn that God works on HIS schedule, not ours, and we must learn to wait.  Now....this doesn't mean we sit back on the sofa and wait for God to decide to do something.  Far from it!  God reminds that none of our impatience will get Him to work any faster, just like continually pushing the elevator button does not bring the elevator to you any faster!  When God tells us to "Wait" and "Be Still" He expects us to focus on Him and listen for Him.

Why are we to wait and be still?  Let's think about a couple of possible reasons...could it be that we are still struggling to get past our past?  Could it be that God is putting all the pieces in place for His perfect plan for you which might include someone else gaining experience to help us?  Could it be that God wants us to slow down and realize the incredible gift He has given us in the nature which is all around us?  Could it be God is simply reminding us who is the one who is really in control of everything (time, situations, plans, details)?

As we wait on the Lord let's not be idle!  Take the time to reflect and THINK.  God is God and we are not!

Just Thinking....

Be careful how you think for your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23

Remember the old computer adage "Garbage In, Garbage Out"?  Yeah, I'm old enough to remember that and you may stop chuckling any time now.  The reason I bring it up is so we can consider our minds.  Think about all that out minds absorb every single day.  Our eyes see things, our ears hear things, our nose smells things, out skin touches things, and the mind processes everything (whether we like it, understand it, or not).

I've noted before that one of my favorite theologians is George Carlin for the mere fact that he  made me think.  He got it right when he said, "The church was all about the mind.  If you think it....you've done it so save your cab fare!"  And he wasn't kidding.

Sun Tzu, considered the father of modern warfare, said: "Convince the enemy you are stronger then he and you have already won the battle."  Isn't that what our enemy does to us?  Doesn't he convince us that "it's just a thought, no harm, no foul"?  Yet consider this, Thought precedes action!  

In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul reminds us where to focus our thoughts:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is TRUE, whatever is WORTHY OF RESPECT, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if something is EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY, think about these things.

Be careful what you let into your mind.  That which controls your mind IS your god!

We Are What We Allow.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

James 4:17

When I first read this verse, I thought it only applied to my actions.  As I grew and my curiosity became more intense, I realized that this verse has a plethora of meanings.
For example, if I know that I should not let someone take advantage of me, yet I choose the path of least resistance and tell myself (and others) "I just couldn't stop myself" then I have committed sin.

Likewise, if I see someone getting mugged and my thought is "Glad that's not me" then I have committed sin.

If I know someone will tempt me to do the wrong thing, and I still hang around with them, I AM WRONG!  It is better to lose a "friend" than have to deal with the consequences of being led astray.

You see, when we become lazy and chose NOT to think and NOT to act then we are WRONG!  Remember that God has given each of us a brain, and it's for more than just keeping our ear from slapping together.

 

You Mean Decisions Have Consequences?

Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
    but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

Proverbs 28:26

 

 It was a clear summer morning.  A couple of friends and I decided to ride our inner tubes down the Saluda River, I mean it was summer break and we had a whole day to ourselves.  So off we went.  I will tell you that the water in the Saluda doesn't really get warm except in certain places and in certain circumstances.  While we were floating along, one of my friends spotted what appeared to be a fire hose wrapped around the limb of a tree.  Upon closer inspection, it turned out to actually be a fire hose that had been used to swing out over the water and drop in.  So my friend decided this was something he could not pass up.

 

He began to unwrap the hose and after about the fourth turn he found himself face to face with something that didn't like being disturbed and let him know that his decision was a VERY bad one.  My friend came very close to walking on water that day.  As it turned out, the critter was a bat.

 

But think about some of our decisions.  Perhaps it was a tattoo you got and now regret.  Perhaps it was the person you chose to marry, and now you spend most days happily enjoying being together.  Maybe you made a decision to call in sick when you really weren't just because you wanted a day off.  Maybe you said something to someone that hurt them (like the first time I was told that I reminded someone of their grandfather; or the time I was given the "senior discount" without being asked to provide identification).

 

Understand that our every decision will have consequences, good or bad.  So let us learn to use the wisdom we have been given and if to trust those who are wiser than us, even if we don't agree with them.  You see, when we begin to think things through, we are on the path of wisdom.

What's In Your Field?

Do not be fooled: You cannot cheat God. People harvest only what they plant. 

Galatians 6:7 

 

Remember in the movie "Christmas Story" when the kid got tricked into putting his tongue on an ice cold pole?  I admit, I laughed out loud by his predicament.  But think about this, and I will be brief, How many times are we talked into doing or saying something that ends up with us in a similar predicament?

 

Remember, You cannot plant corn and get coconuts instead.  Be careful what you allow yourself to get talked into doing. 

Who Are You Grateful For?

 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Philippians 1:3 

 

Have you ever stopped to think about all the people God has brought into or through your life?  I will be honest, there have been people God has brought through my life that I haven't been fond of, but the more I thought about it, God was teaching me through that person even though we may not have agreed on anything.

 

Yes, it is true that we may not like everyone.  And, yes, it's also true that some people are an "acquired taste."  You may not like them at first, but then they grow on you. God made each of us unique, yet similar.  We are drawn to people who think rather like we do and enjoy the same things we do.  

 

But think about the people who have been or are part of you life that you are grateful for.  Family and friends, of course.  But what about those who challenge us?  What about those who make us think?  

 

During this Presidential Election, I have seen all sorts of people expressing their views.  Some I agreed with, some made me think, and some I completely disagreed with.  But here's my point, I'm still grateful for those people!  

 

People!  Let's face it, we are on this planet together, Thank you for being here!

HUH?

Do not let anyone fool you by telling you things that are not true, because these things will bring God’s anger on those who do not obey him. 

Ephesians 5:6

Empty words are known my another name...LIES!  Ever had someone tell you something, you believed them, and then it turned out to be a lie?  Have you ever been the one telling the lie?  You see, we really WANT to believe what someone tells us.  

When I was in school, we would have these little gems called "pop quiz" to see if we had learned anything.  I've already admitted that I was not the best student by any stretch of the imagination.   And these little gifts always made me feel like an idiot.

But I learned a secret...if I STUDIED my lessons to learn, instead of just skimming through it just so I could say I read the assignment, then my pop quiz grades improved.  Now, think about this, if we use our mind, we will begin to see that we are more prepared when life's pop quizzes arise. 

  

Today's devotional is short for a reason.  The message is simple: Don't be caught off guard...THINK!!! 

Think? Why?

Guard your mind above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23

 

I know you've heard them and seen them, those obnoxious and LOUD commercials demanding that you call RIGHT NOW!  Don't wait! Operators are standing by!

 

These commercials are geared to get you to act without thinking.  And sadly, we fall for this tactic more times than we would like to admit.  Why?  Because if we truly stop and consider and ponder and discern if we truly NEED the product or service, chances are we would find that we don't REALLY need it.  But we would rather just shift our brains into neutral because thinking takes effort.

 

Let me ask you something, if God had not intended for us to think and learn, why did He bother to give us a mind capable of thinking and learning?  Yes, it's EASIER to just DO without thinking (watch the traffic on any given work day and you'll see this is true).

 

THINK!  Ponder! Meditate! Contemplate! Be aware of what the Scriptures say!

 

"Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant." - Galatians 6:7.  If you sow ignorance, guess what you'll reap?  If you sow intelligence, guess what you'll reap?

Can You Understand Me Now?

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
    I will put them into practice with all my heart.

Psalm 119:34

Here is yet another confession:  I don't always understand what I read in the Bible.  That's right, sometimes I will read something and sit there through two, maybe three, cups of coffee pondering what I read and end up with a headache.  

I told a friend about my dilemma and he smiled and simply said, "You're overthinking it.  First, Ask God to show you what He wants you to understand from the passage.  Second, brace yourself because what He reveals to you may be so very simple that it blows your socks off."  I was stunned!  Then he went on to tell me that we tend to make the Scriptures much more complicated than they truly are. 

Here's a little tidbit that may just put me out of a job, but thought you should know anyway.  Early in the church, the priests and monks came from wealthy families and were usually very well educated.  Most of the people could not read much and very few could read the Latin, Greek and Aramaic which the Scriptures were written.  Now, the average household has at least 4 Bibles (might be in the attic, on the coffee table, under that wobbly table leg).  But if we follow the simple counsel of asking God to make the Scriptures make sense to us, ask what He wants us to take from the passage, you'll be astounded how clear the messages will be.

One other thing....I grew up reading the King James Bible.  No offense to this translation, but I don't know too many who regularly speak to their friends that way.  Pick a translation or more that is easier for you to understand.  That just a start.  

Words, Words, Words!

When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.

Ephesians 4:29

Imagine if our words actually had weight and substance and force and sharp edges.  Would we be more careful before we threw our opinions or blame or gossip to others?  

We must be wise when choosing our words.  Our words DO carry weight!  The do leave scars!  They can destroy a person's self-perception.  They can obliterate a person's reputation, family, and career.  

Did you know that just the opposite is true too?  Our words do carry weight.  When we encourage someone, their performance usually improves.  Our words can enhance someone's reputation, help heal a family, and boost their career as well.

Our words......be careful which you launch and to whom and about whom.  Before you speak, would you want the same said of you? 

Morale Is A Problem!!!

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Colossians 3:23-25 

 

You're probably not going to like what I'm about to say, but I dare you to read it anyway.  People tell me how their morale is low because of  (insert your favorite reason here: not enough money, hours too long, boss is too demanding, coworkers are suck-ups, etc.)

 

Well....let me tell you the REAL reason your morale is low...look in the mirror!  Here's what I mean: 

     *     your boss could promote you and give you a raise, but that would only raise your morale for a while, then the downward spiral would begin again. 

     *      Your job may require long hours.  But you were the one that accepted the position knowing the hours would be long.

 

The point I'm trying to make is simple:  The only person who can boost your morale is YOU!   YOU are the one who decides if you are going to do your best or not.  If your supervisor tells you to do something (provided it's not illegal) then it's your responsibility to do it.  If you choose not to do it, then be prepared to accept the consequences.  

 

A good supervisor or boss knows that if they make their people look good, then that boss or supervisor looks good.  And the opposite is also true.

 

I don't like doing everything that is expected of me, but I do it because I want to do a good job.  Now, I may rant and cuss in the car to and from, but when I am on scene I do my best.

 

My boss does have high expectations.  And I knew that when I began working here.  I don't expect an "Atta Boy" every time I do my job well, because eventually the "Atta Boys" will become meaningless.  I do, as most of us, thrive on positive reinforcement, but my morale is MY responsibility!

 

Do your best in EVERYTHING you do, because God is the one you are really working for and His rewards program far exceeds any plaque, certificate, trophy or raise!

  

 

Oh I Would NEVER Do That!

So be careful. If you are thinking, 

“Oh, I would never behave like that”

—let this be a warning to you. 

For you too may fall into sin. 

1 Corinthians 10:12 

 

 Think back on your life for a moment.  How many times have you ever said "Oh, I would never do that"?  How many times have you ending up doing exactly what we said we wouldn't?

 

We all have this image of ourselves and our future.  We all have made plans for our lives.  How many have thought, "I'll finish school, get a good paying job, get married, have a couple of kids, take vacations, and when I retire it will be someplace awesome!"  I was one of those people.  When reality gave me the worst thrashing I'd ever had, plans change, and goals are altered or even eliminated.

 

But here's the point I want you to focus your thoughts on: The example you set is not so much what you do, as much as it is what you do with what happens next.  We set an example for others every moment of every day.  For example, let's say I had a late night at work and was tired when my alarm went off the next morning, but I decide I need to come into work anyway.  When I arrive, I can barely keep my eyes open, so instead of asking if I can take some leave time to get some rest, I decided to take a little snooze at my desk (the snoring and drool on my desk would be a true giveaway).  What kind of example am I setting for those who see me?  "Well, if HE can sleep at his desk, then it MUST be okay."

 

We are reminded over and over in Scripture to THINK!  This includes making good decisions, because there is ALWAYS someone watching our example.  

 

There is an old adage that says: "Never say 'never' or you will ever do your 'never' forever."

 

Learn

My troubles turned out all for the best—
    they forced me to learn from your textbook.
Truth from your mouth means more to me
    than striking it rich in a gold mine.

Psalm 119:71-72 

 

 

Today, I have spent 54 years on this Earth, every single one of those years have been filled with errors, mistakes, rebelliousness, and bad decisions.  I have managed to mess up my life in so many ways and so many times, that I am surprised to wake up this morning.

 

However, one of the things I can also say about all this time is that I have learned (hopefully) from many of the mistakes in life.  I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I can tell you that I am grateful for second chances.  

 

Did you know:

     *   David had been fired from every job he held.  Finally, while working at a gas station, he was frying some chicken in the back for lunch, and a customer liked what he smelled so much that he wanted to buy David's lunch.  The story of David's cooking got around and before long, the gas station opened a lunch counter for David's fried chicken.  You know him as Colonel Harland David Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

 

     *   Tommy didn't do so well in school.  In fact, he had trouble paying attention to the lessons.  His own teachers told his mother that Tommy was "too stupid to learn."  But Tommy was a tinkerer and eventually invented the incandescent light bulb.  We know him as Thomas Alva Edison.

 

     *   Theodor wrote books that told stories for children using nonsensical rhyming and rather odd drawings.  27 editors rejected his first book.  However, I am willing to wager that every adult reading this today has read "The Cat In The Hat" by Theodor Seuss Giesel, known to us as "Dr. Seuss."

 

Let me ask you, how many times did it take you to learn to leave the hot stove alone?  Probably just once, and God allowed you a second chance.  

 

We get in trouble when just refuse to learn from our mistakes.  We all know someone who makes bad choices and decisions and yet never seem to learn.  God has told us that He allows some things to happen to us for the purpose of teaching us.  Don't forget to put on your thinking caps today. 

Paradise

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43 

 

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, he told one of the criminals that "Today you will be with Me in paradise."  Have you ever wondered what Paradise would be like?

 

I can't prove it, because I haven't been there, but I personally believe Paradise is going to be spectacular!  Individually Spectacular!  God made each of us as individuals, and each of us have different tastes, different likes, different ideas of 'wonderful'.  How boring would it be for someone who loves the beach if they were welcomed to a paradise that was made for someone who loves the Southwest?

 

Jesus reminds us that in His Father's house are many mansions.  He never said they were all going to be the same.  What you might find to be a mansion might be obnoxious and gaudy. 

 

Do you truly think that the same God who created us so uniquely would put us all in something cookie cutter?  I firmly believe Paradise will be individual where we will be ever inspired to praise God and be grateful to Him! 

 

But that's just me. 

Are You A Peacemaker?

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9

I have seen this used by Law Enforcement as one of their motto verses.  And it is true that one of the duties of Law Enforcement Officers is to make, and keep, the peace.  But guess what?  Jesus didn't say "Blessed are only the Police for they shall be called children of God."

Guess who is eligible to be a Peacemaker?  YOU!  That's right, YOU are eligible to be a peacemaker!  Just as YOU are eligible to be called a Child of God.  

Peace Makers are just that...makers of peace!  They aren't riotous! They aren't destroyers!  They don't demand their own way!  Peace Makers realize that, while each of us is different, we can all still work together and get along.  

I've watched some of the demonstrations across the country on the news.  Some are very peaceful, but some are, for lack of a better way to say it, a riot looking for a chance to explode. And when these demonstrations explode into rioting, what does that accomplish? Businesses pull out of those areas, thus jobs are lost; property is damaged or destroyed thus insurance rates go up and the cost of living also rises.

I remember watching movie about Gandhi.  He helped bring about MASSIVE change to India without riots, destruction, and violence.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helped bring about MASSIVE change to the United States with his dream of people being united and living in peace.

Somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost that desire for peace.

Put Your Mind To It!

Finally, brothers and sisters, 

whatever is true, 

whatever is worthy of respect, 

whatever is just, 

whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, 

whatever is commendable, 

if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 

Philippians 4:8

Ever been surprised (shocked, dismay, embarrassed) when your child suddenly blurts out something you didn't think they heard (or understood)?  

 

Ever wonder why we have such a hard time finding the truth within all the "half-truths" (if it's only half true, it's a complete lie)?  

 

What do we put into our minds?  What are our minds addicted to?  What kind of thoughts grab your mind and focus?

 

Our minds can only work with the information that it has been given.  If you want a mind that is sharp and discerning, fill your mind with things that will sharpen it.  If you want the "Animal House" mentality where nothing matters and it's always someone else's fault, fill your mind with garbage.

 

We are bombarded with all sorts of things that are aimed at attracting our attention and grabbing our minds (having that perfect body, having that sportscar, taking that dream vacation, having that perfect job) and it is OUR responsibility to filter through all that information.  The Apostle Paul gives us the filter settings, we only need to apply them stringently!

 

"But that takes SO MUCH work!"  Yeah, I say that too.  And I remembered (most of the time) that if sin wasn't fun and easy, we wouldn't bother with it.  Guarding the mind is tough!  Guarding our mind, is challenging!  But look at it this way, it's the ONLY mind you get. Renew your mind in Christ and focus on Him!  

 

Let's face it, we think about what interests us.  What interests you?