"As a man thinks so is he". To a great extent, what we give our thoughts to is what we are.
Thoughts of acquiring material goods, of wanting more and more, create greedy people. Fueled by media advertising, which purposely creates discontent, one's desire for stuff can get out of hand. The resulting statistics of the great credit card mess prove the validity of this idea; that it all began in the mind with a seed planted, a thought entertained and acted upon.(The book of James talks about this idea, check it out.)
Another example of thoughts gone awry, creating the downfall of many, is the idea promoted in every conceivable form that we deserve to have whatever we want. In fact, we deserve it now! These distortions in thinking have wrought havoc in people's lives.
How do we change our minds and get away from the captivating draw of materialism and sinful desires? It is simply by replacing what we think about. Putting good and wholesome thoughts into our minds. Memorizing scripture is the perfect prescription for setting a captive mind free. Give it a try. Doma
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Your Crucible
Crucible: ORIGIN Latin crucibulum meaning ‘night lamp, crucible’, from crux ‘cross’.
Definition: A container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures often for the purpose of refining that substance such as gold.
As I consider the trials of life we all encounter, I am impressed by the fact that such a trial might be thought of as the intense heat under a crucible. This container holds the gold as it is being refined by incredibly high temperatures. The crucible absorbs and distributes the heat so the gold will not be destroyed. The precious contents will be melted down and any impurities will come to the surface. Then the dross, that which contaminates the gold, can be removed. What remains after the process is pure gold.
The root of the word crucible is similar to the word crucifix. I picture those who suffer trials as being in Christ as He "takes the heat". Jesus makes sure we are not destroyed by our troubles, but rather are refined through them. These trials are not the petty irritations of life, but the gut wrenching events that catch us off guard, vulnerable and afraid. They may cause mental, spiritual or physical torment. We are held and preserved by Christ as we go through them if we are trusting in Him. He understands suffering, having suffered the ultimate trial and tribulation by His sacrifice on the cross.
Whatever your trial, Christ is there to hold you. Trust Him to keep you from being destroyed. Let His word comfort you and give you hope. Let Him be your crucible. Doma
Definition: A container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures often for the purpose of refining that substance such as gold.
As I consider the trials of life we all encounter, I am impressed by the fact that such a trial might be thought of as the intense heat under a crucible. This container holds the gold as it is being refined by incredibly high temperatures. The crucible absorbs and distributes the heat so the gold will not be destroyed. The precious contents will be melted down and any impurities will come to the surface. Then the dross, that which contaminates the gold, can be removed. What remains after the process is pure gold.
The root of the word crucible is similar to the word crucifix. I picture those who suffer trials as being in Christ as He "takes the heat". Jesus makes sure we are not destroyed by our troubles, but rather are refined through them. These trials are not the petty irritations of life, but the gut wrenching events that catch us off guard, vulnerable and afraid. They may cause mental, spiritual or physical torment. We are held and preserved by Christ as we go through them if we are trusting in Him. He understands suffering, having suffered the ultimate trial and tribulation by His sacrifice on the cross.
Whatever your trial, Christ is there to hold you. Trust Him to keep you from being destroyed. Let His word comfort you and give you hope. Let Him be your crucible. Doma
Monday, March 1, 2010
Avoiding Captivity Part I
"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ."(Col. 2:8) Paul is reminding the believers in the church at Colosse not to become entangled again after they have been set free from false teaching through their faith in Christ.
It never stops, the temptation to fall for the allure of human philosophy. As Augustine said, when asked why he became enslaved by false philosophy, "It seemed so reasonable." And, it does have some appeal to our limited reasoning.
You've heard it or seen the ads: "Seven steps to becoming a millionaire"; "Six ways to increase your personality power", "God helps those who help themselves"or "Harnessing the power within yourself."
The hollowness and deceit of these claims is realized when following them leaves us empty. As to helping oneself, and thinking,"Then God will help me". Well, that is an invitation to disaster. It is always wise to start with God because the way to proceed is with His help. By coming under His authority, the One who knows the beginning and the ending of everything, there is a sure, positive result. How much better to trust in the LORD than oneself?
Seek the truth in the scriptures and God will clear the clouds of deception and confusion away by shining the light into the darkness and exposing the fallacies in human thinking and of habitual, meaningless, man made traditions. It is for freedom we have been set free, and don't we love it! And don't we thank and praise our God for leading us daily. Start with Christ, not with some person's ideas and opinions. Start with and end with truth found in seeking Him. Doma
It never stops, the temptation to fall for the allure of human philosophy. As Augustine said, when asked why he became enslaved by false philosophy, "It seemed so reasonable." And, it does have some appeal to our limited reasoning.
You've heard it or seen the ads: "Seven steps to becoming a millionaire"; "Six ways to increase your personality power", "God helps those who help themselves"or "Harnessing the power within yourself."
The hollowness and deceit of these claims is realized when following them leaves us empty. As to helping oneself, and thinking,"Then God will help me". Well, that is an invitation to disaster. It is always wise to start with God because the way to proceed is with His help. By coming under His authority, the One who knows the beginning and the ending of everything, there is a sure, positive result. How much better to trust in the LORD than oneself?
Seek the truth in the scriptures and God will clear the clouds of deception and confusion away by shining the light into the darkness and exposing the fallacies in human thinking and of habitual, meaningless, man made traditions. It is for freedom we have been set free, and don't we love it! And don't we thank and praise our God for leading us daily. Start with Christ, not with some person's ideas and opinions. Start with and end with truth found in seeking Him. Doma
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