Devotional for Thursday, January 5, 2017
“Your Thoughts = Your Words”

by Dona Hake
Recently, I heard someone say this on a news cast regarding politicians keeping their word. I thought this quote was an excellent bit of advice and rich wisdom for all of us .
“Promises are not made to be broken.
Promises are made to be honored.”
Now let us look at the scripture that I have chosen to go along with this quote.
“May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my
heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my defender.”
I believe that God desires for us to have hearts that determine to be pure and upright before Him. He also desires that we value each and every word that proceeds from our mouth. He wants us to diligently watch over and guard our hearts that the words we speak will be pure and acceptable to Him. I believe He also wants to see us guard the words or promises that we make to people around us. When a man or woman makes a promise and does not keep his word, it conveys a message of one that does not watch over the words that they speak.
I encourage you today to make a constant effort to be purposeful to speak words that are edifying, true, and words that are full of goodness and mercy. Today what I am sharing boils down to asking ourselves…”Am I thinking good thoughts, pure thoughts, thoughts that are of honor and praise?” Philippians 4:8 instructs us in how we should keep our hearts and minds for our thoughts surely become words sooner or later. May we watch over our words and promises that we speak to our family and friends that we can be known as a person of our word. God desires that the words we speak be honored as we keep our promises.
Lord, help us today to purpose to be pleasing to you with the thoughts of our heart and words of our mouth. Remind us of the words we have spoken to those around us. Help us Lord to honor our promises to people, that we may honor You in word and in deed. In Jesus name, Amen.
Philippians 4:8 Expanded Bible
“ Finally; In conclusion; or Now then] Brothers and sisters, ·think about [focus your thoughts on; fill your minds with] things that are true and honorable and ·right [just] and pure and ·beautiful [lovely] and ·respected [commendable]. If there is anything that is ·good [morally excellent] and worthy of praise, ·think about [focus your thoughts on; fill your minds with] these things.”