Pondering A Thought!

"But I thought . . . ." Have you ever said that to yourself when you found yourself in trouble after having done what "you thought" was the right thing to do, but realized later you were mistaken? You had a thought, but apparently it was not the right thought. Your way was not the correct way. And it was the dependence on your thinking that led you astray. We have all been there. There are many people in this world who have found themselves in trouble when they refused to listen, thinking they had a better idea of what to do. Some even approach God's teaching that way. They apparently think God has offered us a "Burger King Religion" -- you know -- "Have it your way!"

We must always keep in mind the contrast between GOD'S THOUGHTS and ours. Israel struggled with this and so God attempted to remind them through the prophet Isaiah . . .
"(8) For MY THOUGHTS are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY WAYS, declares the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY WAYS HIGHER than your ways AND MY THOUGHTS than your thoughts." ( Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)

Oh how we need to listen and take GOD'S THOUGHTS to heart. It is dangerous for us to attempt to depend on our own wisdom to get us through life. GOD'S WAYS are right! HIS WAYS work! He has revealed HIS THOUGHTS to us so that we can be spared some costly and even deadly mistakes.

May we have the focus on GOD'S THOUGHTS that the Psalmist had where we read. . .
"(17) HOW PRECIOUS TO ME ARE YOUR THOUGHTS, O GOD! How vast is the sum of them! (18) If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you." ( Psalm 139:17-18 ESV)

Who am I to think I could have a better idea? I think I will focus on GOD'S THOUGHTS. How about you?

Have a THOUGHTFUL DAY FOCUSED ON GOD'S WAY!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 07/09/1998 (edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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