“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” October 16, 2018
Good morning everyone,
There are many thoughts, images, and words that pass through a person’s mind which others are
completely oblivious to what is going on. Those who are observant will often have an idea of what is being
thought about because the person’s facial expressions and body language reveal what is happening inside a
person. Other times people will wrongly interpret these outward expressions to mean something that is not
really taking place in their minds. This is from people’s point of view, but God’s view is much clearer and sees
everyone’s thoughts and intentions as they really are according to Hebrews 4:13, “And there is no creature
hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account”
(NKJV).
Nothing can be hidden from God so it only makes sense, especially for those who claim Him as Lord, to
invite God to examine all their thoughts, intentions, and attitudes running rampant in their mind throughout the
day. David invited God to do this in his life by saying, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14, NKJV). Willingly
inviting God to reveal what is and is not acceptable to Him in our thought life is something that must be
done. Many people know that saying and expressing certain things is not sociably acceptable, so they feel it is
safe to entertain such thoughts in their minds where no one else can see them. The only problem is what is
thought about most will eventually be physically expressed at some point in life.
Jesus warned people about this in what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount. “You have
heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a
woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to
sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for
your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for
it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell ”
(Matthew 5:27-30, NKJV).
Thoughts are the first step in temptation that leads to sin. What is thought about the most will be
practiced in a person’s life whether it is righteousness or evil. It is why Apostle Paul was inspired by God to
encourage people to think about, “…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are
just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any
virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8, NKJV). What a
person entertains most in their minds and heart will be what comes out of their mouth and be seen in their
actions and attitudes. Therefore, what goes on in a person’s mind that is out of sight of others must be submitted
to the judgment of God and not allowed to run free without restrictions.
So, what are you thinking about right now? What is clear to God will eventually be brought to light for
all to see. What thoughts do you need to start taking captive of which the Lord is convicting you of today?
Praying beyond the physical:
Father, consume my thoughts so that I may strive to be holy as You are holy.
Jesus, help me to think about the Father in all that I do, say, and think, as You did throughout Your ministry.
Spirit, You alone are the only way that I will be able to do any of this so give me strength to listen and obey.
Pastor Tom
