Pilot Knob Lutheran Does It Matter? 6/12/2024
Why would the bible tell us what sort of things to think about? Do we need ‘thought police?” In the mid-1960s Mao Zedong saw independent thought as the enemy of his Chinese revolution. Can’t we think what we want, after all our thoughts are secret and no one needs to know.
It is no secret that; “What you think and believe determines how you feel and what you do.” (Dr W. Backus, Telling Yourself the Truth) The truth is our feelings and emotions, negative or positive follow what we tell ourselves. It’s not only what we tell ourselves, but also what others say about us and to us.
Think about your emotions when someone pays you a well-deserved compliment and how you feel when you are shot down or criticized. The positive compliment can give you energy, hope, motivation, and a bright outlook on tomorrow. A critical comment or a put down brings sadness and depression, one that is physically felt. If we could avoid all criticisms from others, we would still need to work on eliminating negative thoughts. Never think that what you tell yourself isn’t important, it is vitally important.
Psychology confirms and demonstrates that changing misbeliefs resulted in changing feelings, like fear and depression and ultimately behavior. For example: Eve believing the lie that God was withholding something important, she ate the forbidden fruit. Or, believing there is no God; evolution is fact or socialism is the path to a glorious future. Also lock downs and masks save lives. These are all lies or misbeliefs, yet when believed to be true and we act accordingly their poison is unleashed to destroy. Lies cannot stand before truth just as darkness cannot overcome light. Jesus is truth and His Word is the bible, truth we can live by.
Philippians 4:8 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.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Sunday 16, 9:00 AM Morning worship service. Sermon: How to Be Blessed. Psalm 1
Tue. 18, 2:00 Women’s Study
For more information go to: https://www.griefshare.org/findagroupor contact Pr. Bob or Sue Reese.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
