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Girl Meets God
by Melissa Mathews
Putting God First in Our Thoughts
"The mind is its own place, and in itself can make
John Milton
When I think "put God first in my thoughts," I get a picture of this huge coffee filter. The filter is made from the advice in Philippians 4:8: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
Whatever thought I'm having, it has to pass through this filter before I can keep it around and mull it over.
"I'm ugly."
"I hate my neighbor."
"God has a plan for me."
"She is one hot chick"
"I wish I would die."
"My Dad's great."
"She is the worst singer I've ever heard."
"I can't do one more page of math."
"Can my boss tell I'm a Christian?"
"I'll never amount to anything!"
"I want everyone to know me."
Some of these thoughts are pure and noble. They make it through my thought filter to simmer and steep and fill my head with a sweet fragrance. Some of those thoughts are a bitter drink that threatens to ruin my day (or even my outlook on life) with its depressing, murky content.
Our thoughts can be strong coffee that either bring us to life, or give us the jitters. We've got to put God first in our thoughts so life can be a fresh- brewed cup of Jesus.
Scott and I have been married 22 years and currently live in Northern California where we are beginning year five as church planters. I also teach 12th grade English and love it.
I would love to hear from you. Email me anytime at melissa.g.mathews@gmail.com
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