12/30/2020
Our minds are filled with information, news and ideas all day long. Five days ago our thoughts were filled with thoughts of Christmas, the celebration of the incarnation – God becoming man, Jesus the greatest gift ever given and the most important gift to receive. God’s gift to us keeps on giving for our entire lives and into eternity, when you believe and receive.
Notice, it begins with believing. It begins with our thoughts and understanding. What we believe has consequences and impacts our behavior and shapes our worldview on a daily basis.
Christmas is over for another year and its amazing how quickly our thoughts move on to New Years Eve and daily routines. For many however, the routine includes thoughts, news and information that produces fear and anxiety. Again, it goes back to what we believe to be true, what we allow to shape our thoughts and worldview. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of what we think about. Philippians 4:8 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. It is important to replace negative thoughts with the truth. Jesus said, “the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. Truth will replace what leads us into error or irrational thinking.
The most important truth to set our minds on is the Word of God as it will influence your behavior and thoughts about everything. Ps. 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Mediate means we ‘chew’ on God’s word and bring it up now and again. It actually refers to chewing the cud. Turning God’s word over and over in your mind along with prayer and it will set you on the right path and remove you from the destructive path. Let us enter a new year with God’s peace and not the fear or dread of the world. God has everything under control.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
The sermon will no longer be heard on KIOW beginning January 1, 2021
January 3, 9:00 worship service may be viewed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Pilot-Knob-Lutheran-Church-Forest-City-IA-431071033738650/ and our website at: www.pilotknob.org
Offerings/donations can be sent to Angie Lawrence or the donation button on our web page.
Next in-house worship with Holy Communion is January 10, 9:00
