Document: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940509.TXT
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OUR DAILY  BREAD                        Monday,  May  9, 1994
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READ:  2 Corinthians 10:1-5

                          THOUGHT CONTROL

                Whatever    things     are     pure,
              ...if  there  is  any  virtue  and  if
                there  is   anything   praiseworthy   -
                    meditate  on  these things.

                            - Phillipians 4:8


When a preacher visited a young couple,  the  wife  said  to
him,  "We're  new  Christians,  and  although I'm saved I've
lived a wordly life -  swearing,  partying,  and  all  those
things.   The past keeps coming back to haunt me.  It's des-
troying my peace of mind."

The pastor replied,  "When  something  like  that  comes  to
mind,  analyze it and recognize its evil source.  Then, with
God's help, reject it and put it out of your life.  Finally,
replace it by saturating your mind with His truth."

She took his advice and learned to control her thoughts.   A
few  months later she testified.  "I'm not being defeated by
my past anymore."

What we think about is important, for our words and  actions
reflect our personal musings and meditations.  The Scripture
says, "For out of the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth
speaks"  (Matt. 12:34).  An evil idea once fixed in the mind
may surface without warning.  If we allow  ungodly  thoughts
to dominate our minds, our character will become warped.

When sinful ideas pop into your head, refuse to  concentrate
on  them.   Quote  a  Scripture verse, sing a hymn, or pray.
With God's help, you will  gradually  bring  "every  thought
into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5).


Author:  Henry G. Bosch

        Search me, O God,  my  heart  discern;
        Try  me,  my  inmost thoughts to learn.
           Help me to keep from sin, I pray,
        Guarding my mind throughout this day.  -Anon.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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In public,  guard your tongue;
   in private, your thoughts!

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:   Psalms 85-87


Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio
Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written per-
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