Right Thinking

        Puzzles are fun and can be a waste of time. I get a number of puzzles on the computer where you have to find the Letter "F" in a page of "E's" or find the chicken that is different from 99 other chickens.  You keep looking until you find the one different one and if you did it in less than one minute, you are a genius.  That's what they say.  I recently had some photographs taken for a church directory and received a disc with the regular photos and the "enhanced" photos.  The enhanced ones have no moles, dark spots, red spots or any other weird looking skin irritations on them.  After using one pose in a social media page, one observer replied, "Oh, Mr. Freeland, you just never age."  It is amazing what you can do with photo programs these days on the computer.  You begin to think that it is difficult to spot that which is real and that which is not real.  The Apostle Paul reminded the  congregation at Philippi, that they should focus on that which is real and gave them the following qualities on which to focus.  Philippians 4:8 says, " Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."   
       We come across many things in our lives that seem to be like the rest, but there is a difference that should be noted but it is hard to see.  Paul reminds us to focus our thinking on the qualities that are mentioned in the above verse.  You shouldn't spend time thinking about the bad things in life or the gossip that hurts people, or the things that are just a little off, but we are to think of those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report.  A person who spreads false statements can't wait to find a person who will listen.  You may also find yourself reading the headlines of the tabloids located in the supermarket check out lane or listening to comments of people on the television or radio.  When it comes to talking and writing, we find it easier to spread that which is not true, or that which is almost true but has more falsehood in it than truth.  So, where do we find those things in which we are to submerge our minds?  You guessed it!  The Bible, the Word of God, has the truth in it and has had it for over 2000 years and even longer when you consider the age of the Ten Commandments.  Praise God today for His Word.  May we renew our minds with it each and every day.