Tag Archives: pure

Think Differently

There is a big difference between guessing and knowing.  If you jump to conclusions or take someone’s word before doing your own research, you may end up being wrong.  Thus, its important expand your horizon by beginning to think differently.

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way, Proverbs 19:2.

Solomon understood the difference between desire and knowledge.  Desire is often based upon emotions, causing individuals to follow their feelings.  Knowledge doesn’t occur overnight, as it takes time to develop.  Those who make decisions in haste without thinking things through often end up disappointed.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things, Philippians 4:8.

The apostle Paul provides a blue print for thinking differently in the passage above.  Dwelling on the negative tends to lead individuals toward frustration.  Focusing your attention on the positive will uplift your spirits.  Therefore, don’t let circumstance, situations or trials dictate your mood.  Rather, think differently by concentrating on the positive aspects in this life.

by Jay Mankus

Learning to Praise the Lord for the Little Things in Life

Anyone can handle blessings, like getting a hole in one on the first day of the New Year.  However, the moment you endure hardship, failure or loss, true character is revealed.  While relishing my hole in one stayed with me a couple of days, sudden disappointments put my faith to the test in the week that followed.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds – James 1:2.

As someone who use to riding an emotional roller coaster, celebrating the good before depression brings me back to earth, God is teaching me to remain even keel.  Thus, on New Year’s Day I took strides in the right direction, savoring the time with my children rather than feeding my own ego.  Whether I have a great or miserable day, praising the Lord for the little things like family, shelter and time spent together is crucial to prevent oneself from becoming burned out.

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. – Philippians 4:8

The easy thing to do when trials strike is to cast blame, usually throwing God under the bus like Adam in the Garden.  Yet, with maturity comes perspective, seeing life’s events through the Lord’s eyes.   Upon hearing the news that his children died in an accident, Job replied, “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21.  Although I’m no where near the model Job set, I’m in the infant stages of learning to praise God for the little things in life.

by Jay Mankus