Let's think about how thoughts can glorify God.  Where do thoughts come from?  What do thoughts accomplish? How are thoughts controlled?

We are taught in Philippians 2:5-8 to nave the mind of Christ, thus this issue of our thoughts is a critical one to consider. Just as in every issue of life, our understanding must be based on the absolute sufficiency of the inspired, inerrant, infallible, eternal Word of God. We know, from 2 Peter 1:3, that his Word provides us with all things that pertain to both life and godliness. Thus, there are no fears,  no memories, no real or  perceived guilt that is outside the power of the written Word to give victory over defeat.  With that foundational presupposition, the questions to be answered, then, are ones of practical application.

Firstly, where do thoughts come from?  Proverbs 4:23  teaches us that it us from our heart that all the issues of life flow. Our thoughts reveal our heart, and give opportunity to alter our mindset in ways that are consistent with that of the mind of Christ. Each one must be carefully assessed and then addressed from God's eternal perspective.

Secondly, what do thoughts accomplish?  As we review the Philippians  2 passage, it is clear, as seen from Philippians 4, to see that our actions and words are actually driven by our thoughts.  Therefore, our thoughts accomplish either flesh-based thoughts or Spirit-based ones.  Galatians 2 gives clear examples of flesh-thought evidences, as well as Spirit-thought evidences.

Lastly, how are thoughts controlled?  2 Corinthians 10:5 provides us with a definitive answer to this often asked question. It is that we capture every thought and bring it into the obedience of Christ.  So as we have a particular thought, we need to identify it, and check it out to see if it is in line with God's Word, and follows the teaching and modeling of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For example, when a thought is of a critical nature, we recall we are to "judge not" (Matthew 7:1) and further, to remember that each one of us  is personally accountable to God (Romans 14:12).  Thereafter, we repent of that unbiblical thought, and restructure our thoughts into scriptural prayer for any violations of Scripture and God-honoring praise for His Word and work in our lives.

May God help all of us to glorify God in our thoughts.

                                     (C) 2000, 2013 NA Collins                                
                   Limited copy permission for one personal file copy 

James 1:22 reminds us to beware of that which seems to me to be far too common place in the lives of those who name Christ as Savior. The warning is simply that we be DOERS of the Word, and not HEARERS only. This warning speaks of the aspects of 1) knowledge, or hearing and 2) application, or doing. How may we avoid this obvious pitfall potential? If we will think the problem through theologically, the Bible gives us great hope for victory! Knowledge is the more easily reached, in that both private Bible reading and public Bible instruction hopefully occur on a regular and repetitive basis. If we give good attention to them, we typically gain knowledge of what God is saying, as well a measure of understanding as to how that should translate into our lives.

A couple of key passages will move us from a place of general knowledge and practical understanding to the desired place of personal application.

The first passage is in Romans 8:28-29, teaching us that God is working to accomplish His singular goal in the lives of His blood-bought children, that of conformity to Christ. The second passage is in 1 Corinthians 11:31, exhorting us to submit ourselves to a regular and careful self-examination. How would one measure himself to the stature of Christlikeness?

If we would define, in each text, how Christ taught us to think, the attitudes to hold, the internal mindset to have, we would have a biblical basis for our external testimony. Further, in defining His steps of action, we might model them; His words for our learning the how, why, and when to utilize the gift of communication. Lots to think about? Well, "Yes" and "No."

Yes, because, in large measure, we tend to generalize those necessary life characteristics, and have failed to actually learn how to bring them into specific focus.

No, because, if we learn and teach others HOW-TO-APPLY by examining ourselves in comparison to Christ in the ultra-simple manner of ABC's.

     A. What attitude accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that flesh
          out?

     B. What behavior accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that flesh              out?

    C. What communication accurately demonstrates Christ? How would that
        flesh out?

May God be glorified as Christ is seen in you today and every day as you study each passage, looking for the ABC's of Christlikeness that you will use personally in specific ways.

            (c) 2003 N. A. Collins
            Excerpts from TO GLORIFY GOD by Dr. Nell Collins
            Copy permission limited to 1 personal file copy

God's goal in the life of His redeemed children is, according to Romans 8:28-29, that we progressively be more and more conformed to the image of His dear Son.   John said, in John 3:30, that He (Christ) must increase, and he (John, and us) must decrease. It is only as we yield to the working of the the Spirit of God in our hearts that we will begin to see less of our old nature habit patterns, and more of the life characteristics of Christ, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit.  2 Timothy 3:16 gives us the profit of the Scriptures in our spiritual growth from salvation in verse 15 to stability in verse 17, while verse 16 outlines 4 distinct steps of action imperative to that process.

     (15) "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are
            able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
            Jesus.

    (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
            doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

    (17)That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
            good works.

Looking at the four action words in verse 16, the Truth of doctrine and its opposite violation of Truth in reproof constitute how we LEARN God's ways, then correction accomplishes a directional CHANGE in repentance, and the subsequent restructure based on righteous instruction is how we GROW.   In looking at the chart below, its clear to see that while our progressive growth may have slight ups and downs, but it should follow a continuum upwards. In learning, changing and growing, we move in an upward climb toward Christlikeness. If a violation of Truth occurs, we instantaneously begin a downward spiral. As soon as we recognize a lack of perfect peace, we can immediately " break the fall" by Repentance, (Restitution as indicated), and Restructure. This places us back in the upward "Learn, Change and Grow" pattern. 

May God help you in your personal spiritual growth in conformity to Christ.

           (C) 1986, 2007, 2013 NA Collins     
           Excerpts from "Communicating Biblical Hope in Human Crisis" (R)
           Copy Permission limited to 1 personal file copy

                                                2 Peter 1:8-9

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

                                                2 Peter 1:8-9

The list that precedes verses 8 and 9, shown above, give the progressive spiritual growth characteristics of faith, brotherly kindness, temperance, etc. that follow one's personal salvation. It is interesting that the last part of verse 9 teaches us that a lack of spiritual growth may be an indication that we have forgotten to remember that we have been purged from our old sins by the blood of Christ. A constant awareness of the saving grace of God on our behalf is so important to a life of victory!

This very week, I celebrate the gracious gift of God in salvation, occurring 48 years ago! What a joy and blessing! What cause for singing and praising! What reason for thinking,walking and talking in obedience to the Scriptures!!

Salvation ( spiritual birth) is a marvelous event, sanctification (spiritual growth) is a process. Next week, we will look carefully at the specific steps of action, given in Scripture, that help us to progressively become more and more like Christ.

       (C) 2013 NA Collins Copy Permission limited to 1 personal file copy

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.   Isaiah 26:3

We often talk about the perfect peace that God gives to the child of God, whose mind is stayed on the Lord. In times of great difficulty or trial, the question arises as to how to do so. 

Often, in those first years of God's teaching me how to manage my fears in the middle of the night, I began to write down those aspects of the character and nature of our awesome God on a 3x5 card. This list, shown below, became the bedrock of my bringing my thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, as we are taught to do in
1 Corinthians 10:5.  

As you would learn the text of those references given, and the characteristic they describe, what peace and joy will come as meditation is given on His Person, rather than the human problem.

May God bless you richly as you maintain a God-centered focus!