Sunday Words of Encouragement January 12, 2014

Pastor’s sermon this morning was to help us as we move into the New Year. He noted that we need to learn to control three things: thought, heart and tongue. He asked: “What do you think about?” He pointed out that we make choices based upon our thinking. Are we thinking and choosing negatives or positives? What we think on tends to gather space in our hearts... we harvest what we think and the good or evil overflows from our heart. Luke 6:45 and Proverbs 4:23.

We must also guard our tongue as we interact with others. He provided this wonderful quote shared by Margaret Thatcher (although not originating from her):

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
What we think, we become.
My father always said that.

Our thoughts, heart and tongue contribute to our attitude. The next admonition is “Do not be judgmental.” Not to say there is not judgment because there is judgment to distinguish truth from falsehood. But when it comes to opinions or personal preferences, (does the roll of toilet paper go over or under?) we should not judge differing opinions as ‘wrong’ or stupid. It is more important to be watchful of our own behaviors and to live by an example that shows the love and joy of God through our lives.

I thought of this wonderful hymn to share.

Then I found this video designated as a prayer for the New Year - how appropriate!

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 4:23-24, 26 (NIV)
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.


I give thanks for extra prayers and support shown to me during prayer time this morning. I also appreciate the sermon that encourages me to stay in the Word, to allow it to fill my heart and direct my attitude in all things.