Category Archives: Rightful Thinking

Dec1

Unlocking Solomon’s Wisdom: A Guide to Divine Understanding

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God gave Solomon wisdom, and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.
1 Kings 4:29

Imagine the Creator of the Universe offering you this proposition: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you…” What would you request? Abundant wealth? Fame? Happiness? Health? A passing grade on your next test? A luxurious home? A winning lottery ticket? A championship victory for your favorite sports team?

When God gave Solomon the opportunity to ask for anything, he chose wisdom. He asked for “a discerning heart” to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong. His request pleased God so much that not only did He grant Solomon wisdom, but He also gave him wealth and honor. Furthermore, God promised Solomon a long life if he obeyed His commands, just as his father, David, had done.

Notice that Solomon’s request was rooted in his desire to carry out the responsibility of his kingship. He recognized that, as king, he needed discernment to make wise decisions and lead well. Although God hand-picked him for this position, he saw himself as a “little child” who needed guidance.

Can you imagine that? The wisest man who ever lived, renowned throughout history for his wisdom, felt inadequate and ill-equipped when called to rule the people of Israel. The weight of the responsibility was overwhelming to Solomon. However, instead of asking God to carry out the task for him, he asked for the personal resources that would allow God to work through him.

Wisdom Beyond Head Knowledge: Seeking Heart Knowledge

Another powerful aspect of Solomon’s request is that he sought “heart knowledge” rather than “head knowledge.” He didn’t just want to be intelligent; he wanted “God-centered” wisdom, not “self-centered” wisdom. Intelligence without compassion can lead to destruction, but wisdom that flows from a heart filled with God’s love has the power to change the world for eternity.

Throughout most of his reign, Solomon’s wisdom bore fruit in the form of peace, prosperity, and security for Israel. His example reveals what can happen when a nation remains obedient to God’s commands and trusts Him for direction. But Solomon’s life also shows us the dangers of not applying God’s wisdom in every area of our lives. While he had been blessed with a wise and discerning heart, it didn’t guarantee that he would always make the right choices.

A Powerful Lesson from Solomon’s Life

In his later years, Solomon made the mistake of marrying hundreds of foreign wives to seal political alliances. This directly violated God’s commands, as well as the instructions of his father, David. Solomon allowed these foreign influences to weaken his loyalty to God, ultimately leading him down a path that brought destruction to the nation he had once led so wisely. Even the wisest man who ever lived made foolish decisions when he failed to stay true to God’s commands.

Solomon’s story teaches us a powerful lesson: our talents, gifts, and abilities are of little value if we don’t address our weaknesses. Knowing what is right doesn’t matter if we lack the will to follow through on that knowledge. Solomon was wise in ruling Israel, but his personal decisions led to his

God promises to supply all our needs if we put His kingdom and His will first. While He may not promise us great riches or fame, He will provide for our deepest needs if we make Him our priority.

A Prayer for a Discerning Heart

Are you facing a task or responsibility that seems too big for you to handle? Do you feel overwhelmed by the weight of your responsibilities? Before you begin, spend time in God’s Word and on your knees before your Heavenly Father. Ask Him for a “discerning heart” so that you can be equipped to fulfill His purpose in your life. When you seek God’s wisdom, He will give you the strength and direction you need to succeed.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the source of all wisdom. Please grant us a discerning heart, just like You did for Solomon. Help us seek Your guidance in all areas of our lives so we can make wise decisions and fulfill the roles You have called us to. Fill us with Your understanding so that we can walk in Your truth and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Verses:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5 - 6
Oct7

Treasures in Heaven: Eternal Investments

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I used to drive by the abandoned home pictured here and imagine the stories from its glory days—when it was filled with a loving family and parents who watched their children grow up here. The walls likely heard the laughter of little ones and family discussions around the dinner table and offered shelter through the trials and joys of life. It was also a place where the land provided for the family, and they took pride in the fruits of their labor.

The fields that once flourished with crops and livestock are now overgrown, and the house is held together by rusty nails and creeping vines. The people who took such pride in building this home and pouring their hearts into their farm never dreamed it would one day stand in this dilapidated state.

Where’s Your Treasure?

This home symbolizes the temporary nature of many things we put our time, energy, and resources into. Jesus spoke about this in Matthew 6:20-21 when He said, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of what the world tells us is valuable: wealth, possessions, status, or even the perfect home. We spend so much of our lives building these things up, believing they will provide us with security or happiness. However, just like the old abandoned house, the things of this world inevitably fade, break down, or are taken away.

Invest in Eternal Treasures

Jesus encourages us to invest in eternal treasures – the treasures in heaven. Unlike the material things we accumulate on earth, these treasures are not vulnerable to decay. They cannot be taken from us by time, weather, theft, or even death. When we prioritize the eternal – our relationship with God, the love we show to others, and the lives we touch – our hearts align with what truly matters.

This house and farm may no longer be a place where people gather or work the land, but it can still serve as a reminder to reflect on where we are placing our hopes. Are we building our lives on the shifting sands of earthly success, or are we rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s promises?

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, Thank You for this reminder of what truly matters. Please help us place our hope in Your eternal promises and not in the things of this world. Teach us to store up treasues in heaven and invest in what lasts forever - Your love, Your truth, and the lives of others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Verses:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

Nov23

Always Be Thankful

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Thankful

 

“No matter what happens, always be thankful ~ 
For this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (TLB)
 

It’s easy to have a grateful heart when life is moving in a positive direction, when there is smooth sailing ahead, when showers of blessings are raining down upon your head, when everything is “right” in your world. But it’s not so easy to be thankful when you face adversities, illness, financial pressures, relationship problems, or other trials.  Yet grateful people seem to have an inner feeling of contentment, a supernatural sense of joy that can only come out of a thankful heart. They find ways to be thankful, even in the deepest valleys of life. Ungrateful people are grumpy, constantly complaining, and find it difficult to be happy in life. They haven’t realized that the “secret” to happiness is simply having an attitude of gratitude…no matter what happens.

If you are continually focused on the things you don’t have, you can never be grateful for the blessings you do have! God wants you to be thankful…no matter what. He knows exactly what you are going through, and when you thank Him in those tough times, your focus turns to Him instead of your problems. It’s amazing how the simple act of acknowledging His presence in your life makes Him seem larger and your problems seem smaller. Trusting that He works everything out for your good is one key to being thankful in ALL circumstances.

Take time today to focus on being thankful. Express your gratitude to God for His constant presence in your life and His never-ending love and mercy toward you.

Jul12

When You Feel Crabby

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“Live in harmony with one another…” Romans 12:16a (NIV)
 

Let’s face it. There days when it’s difficult to “live in harmony” with others ~ days when every little thing gets on your nerves, and you feel crotchety and testy.  Perhaps something happened to precipitate this prickly state of mind, or it could be that you just simply woke up in a grouchy mood. Instead of harmony, everything around your seems to be a cacophony of jangling disharmony.

But as a children of the Prince of Peace, we must remind ourselves that the example we set in our lives should draw others to our Heavenly Father, not push them away. We should be a breath of fresh air for people around us, not a source of negativity and strife. So if you are having one of those touch-me-not days, take a spiritual time out and pray about it.  Ask God to reset your attitude, and replace your crabbiness with an infusion of His loving, patient and forgiving spirit. Remind yourself of these instructions from Philippians 2:14 – 16a (MSG)

        1. Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed!
        2. Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society.
        3. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.
        4. Carry the light-giving Message into the night…

Strive to put heaven’s priorities into daily practice, and focus on what really matters, not on nit-picky details.  Let this be your constant theme: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)

  • “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
  • “Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night…” Philippians 2:14 – 16a (MSG)
  • But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23(NIV)
 

 

Jun21

Lead With Your Ears

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“Post this at all the intersections, dear friends:
Lead with your ears,
follow up with your tongue,
and let anger straggle along in the rear.”
James 1:19 (MSG)

 

Ears Lead

 
 

Wouldn’t it be great if these valuable directions were posted as constant reminders at all the intersections?  How many times could difficult situations be avoided if we simply kept certain thoughts to ourselves?

Speaking the right words at the appropriate time is important, but so is restraining our desire to say what we shouldn’t, because once words are spoken, they can’t be un-spoken or erased. An uncontrolled tongue spewing idle or hateful verbiage is divisive and damaging. A few angry words can destroy relationships that might have taken years to develop, so sifting words through a filter of love before they are released from our mouths is a crucial practice.

I’ve often heard the quote, “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” and I’m sure if we all listened twice as much as we spoke, all of our relationships would be much better off, and anger would be in our rearview mirrors.

Remember:  What we say is important, but so is what we don’t say.

        • “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint” Proverbs 17:27a (NIV)
        • “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19 (NIV)
        • “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34b
Nov9

Above All Else

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Above all else,

guard your heart

for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23

Your heart…is it’s protection your top priority?    Why should this be such an extremely important task?  Take a moment to let the meaning of these words penetrate your mind:

Above all else… Make this the most important priority in your life.  Use this instruction as a guide to filter your thoughts, actions, affections, desires, dreams and feelings.  If your heart’s desires are set on the best that God has in mind for you ~the very purpose for which He created you ~  then you will stay on His desired path for your life, and you won’t veer off course.

…Guard Your Heart…  You guard things that are valuable to you, things that you treasure, things that you want to keep safe from harm, and things that you want to protect.   Your heart is what drives you to action, and it is the essence of who you are.  It’s the core of your being, and with it you connect to God and others.  Watch over your heart with vigilance, and set up protective boundaries around it so that the desires which flow from within are pure and in line with God’s will.  Consistently examine the information you take in visually (through television, movies, internet, social media, print, video games, email, texting, etc…) and audibly (through radio, cd’s, or other audio sources.) Diligently monitor the relationships in your life, and make sure that those with whom you surround yourself also want God’s best for your life.  Do not give your heart to anyone who could cause you to stumble or lead you astray.  Put up virtual signs within your heart which read, “NO DUMPING ALLOWED,” and don’t allow any trash to enter.  You make time for the things that you love and enjoy, so make sure that the things cherished inside your heart are from God and in line with His will.  

…for it is the wellspring of life…. Imagine a pure spring deep within the earth.  Visualize its crystal clear waters bubbling up and flowing out to form the headwaters of a major river.  Similarly, your heart is the internal fountainhead, or wellspring, from which everything else in life flows.   If you fill your heart with pure, excellent and honorable things, those same types of  things will cascade out of it.  Don’t pollute the wellspring with dishonorable contaminants, because everything downstream will be toxic.

Your heart determines the course of life, and from your heart originates your destiny.  Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard and protect it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life ~ God’s best.

For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.  Proverbs 23:7a

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

Jan11

God’s Answers

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Each day untold numbers of negative thoughts can swirl through our heads.  It is often difficult to control those thoughts, but I have found that the best remedy for negative thinking is through God’s powerful and positive Word. When you feel discouraged, weak, too tied to go on, unloved, condemned, depleted, confused, incompetent, fearful, guilty, unsure, defeated, worried, sad, or alone, God has an answer for you.   Say these verses out loud until you have memorized them.  Repeat them to yourself each time that negative thought creeps into your mind.  God loves you unconditionally!  He speaks to you through His Word.  Listen to His voice of truth instead of the lies that may be playing on “auto-shuffle” in your mind.

Here are just a few examples to get you started:

God’s Answers to our Negative Thoughts:

YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES
You say: ‘It’s impossible’ God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27 NIV)27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
You say: ‘I’m too tired’ God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’ God says: I love you (John 3:16 NIV)16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
You say: ‘I can’t go on’ God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15 NIV)II Corinthians 12:9

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Psalm 91:15

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
You say:  ‘I can’t figure things out’ God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
You say: ‘I can’t do it’ God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13 NIV)I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
You say: ‘I’m not able’ God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
You say: ‘It’s not worth it’ God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 NIV)28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
You say: ‘I can’t forgive myself’ God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1 NIV)1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness

Romans 8:1

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
You say: ‘I can’t manage’ God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)New International Version (NIV)

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
You say: ‘I’m afraid’ God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)New International Version (NIV)

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
You say: ‘I’m always worried and frustrated’ God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7 NIV)7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
You say: ‘I’m not smart enough’ God says: I give you wisdom (James 1:5 NIV)If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
You say: ‘I feel all alone’ God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5b NIV)God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
Jan25

Think This…Not That

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Finally, brothers, 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 (NIV1984)

Think This b Not That
Whatever is….. Whatever is…..

True

False

Noble

Dishonorable

Right

Wrong

Pure

Unwholesome

Lovely

Dreadful

Admirable

Disgraceful

Excellent

Inferior

Praiseworthy

Blameworthy

What we put into our minds will eventually come out in our words and actions. If we feed our minds on a diet of thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, there will be marvelous results in our outward behaviors. A continual feast of rightful thinking will transform your thoughts and lift your spirit. Your heart will become so full of goodness that it will eventually spill over into your communication with others around you; it will show in the expression on your face, and will be evident in your attitude and deeds.

If you have problems with negative thinking, examine what you are feeding into your mind through websites, social network sites, text messages, email, television, magazines, books, radio, movies and conversations. There may be people you gravitate toward who bring you down with gossip. Purposefully replace any harmful input with wholesome material. Don’t leave room in your mind for thoughts that are false, dishonorable, wrong, unwholesome, dreadful, disgraceful, inferior or blameworthy.

Ask God to help you focus on what is good and pure. Feast upon His Word and pray throughout your day. At first it may be difficult to wean yourself away from a diet of inferior thoughts and negativity, but eventually you will feel a refreshing transformation in your mind and spirit which will be evident in your countenance, conversations and conduct.

Think this…not that!