think

think verb \ˈthiŋk\
: to believe that something is true, that a particular situation exists, that something will happen, etc.
: to have an opinion about someone or something
: to form or have (a particular thought) in your mind


Anyone who has read the Bible at all, will discover God's deep desire that humans think.  He has designed us as intellectual creatures with a mind, will, and emotions; and He deeply desires that we think about Him, about His desires, about His Word, about His Way of eternal life and purpose, about His Good News!

Jesus asked people often, " ... what do you think?".  Our thoughts will determine why we believe what we believe; and ultimately how we will choose to live this life, and more important, how we will prepare for the life that follows this earthly existence.

Many of us obsess in our thought life over the cares, concerns, worries, and anxieties of this earth; some of us to the point of actually thinking ourselves into patterns of depression and all sorts of emotional turmoil.  On the other hand, I know many people who have learned how to take every thought captive, as Scripture teaches, and keep their minds stayed on Him.

So, I will ask: what do you think?  Meaning, what thoughts are you allowing to captivate and to dominate your daily mental and emotional exercise?  What do you think about when you formulate your opinions and beliefs?  If your thought life does not lend itself primarily to what God thinks, what He wants, and how He feels ... then, don't expect much of His Presence in your life.  And, do not be surprised when life throws it's muck and yuck at you, and you have no clue how to 'call on the Name of the Lord'.  You haven't spent much time thinkin' bout Him.

However, that can change TODAY.  Think about it!

Trust. Do Good. Prosper.

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:3-4 NLT)

I love reading the Psalms.  The writings of [King] David reveal a man whose heart and soul had really lived.  David's life is an epic story of mystery, adventure, romance, battle, glory, fame, failure, destruction, heartache, scandal, glory, and legacy.  Sounds like modern day reality TV, huh?!

When I read of David's childhood, his anointing from Samuel, his rugged warrior life, his rise to glory and kingship, his epic adventures in battle and romance, his very public failures and sins, and his ultimate legacy, I am reminded of one of my all time favorite films -- Braveheart --  featuring Mel Gibson as Sir William Wallace, the legendary freedom fighter for Scotland's people.

When David, the shepherd-warrior-poet-king, pens the words " ... do good ... live safely ... prosper ... take delight in the LORD ...", I have to believe this man knew from the depths of his soul what he was passing along to future generations.

Today, I want to be man after God's own heart, like David.  I want to be a freedom fighter, like William Wallace.  So, am I willing to fight like David fought?  Am I willing to admit when I have publicly and privately failed those who trust me most?  Am I willing to stand for justice and possibly become a national martyr like Wallace was?  Are you?

If we are to win this generation to Christ, we must take up our swords and fight, and I'm not talking about brandishing man-made weapons, I'm referring to fighting from our knees and with heads bowed in humility to the LORD.   We must take a stand when others cower.  We need godly warriors in the Church.  The days of passive, sing-me-happy, preach-me-glad, make-me-comfy, normal church must end.  We must become freedom fighters for our children and their children and their children's children.  That's where epic adventures and legacies come from.

O God, give us the courage and strength of our forefathers, that we might fight the good fight, stay the course, and win the prize of the high calling of Christ.