HomeWord - September 22, 2014

 Garbage In, Garbage Out

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

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

There's a simple principle that says when you put garbage into your mind and life, garbage will come out. When you put good things into your mind and life, then good things will flow out. Your mind matters and what you put into your mind will ultimately make the difference between peace or distraction. Today, take a few minutes to take the advice of Paul and think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. God's promise to you in verse 9 is that when you think of these things, the "God of peace will be with you."

People of peace are people who have learned, with God's help, to control their mind. They regulate what goes in and peace prevails. Others choose to put garbage into their mind and garbage naturally comes out.

Your mind is a powerful source of help and positive energy. Give your mind and thoughts over to God's power and you'll begin to think the thoughts of our Lord and live with the peace from above. Don't waste your precious life with less than what God has to offer. Heed this advice from Romans 12:2:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How can you apply Philippians 4:8 and Romans 12:2 to your life today?

2. Make a plan for the area you need to work on and ask God for His help as you claim His promise for peace in your soul.

FURTHER READING:

1 John 2:15, Ephesians 4:23, Ephesians 5:17

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