Daily Devotions
The Blessing of Having Jesus First in Our Thoughts
Reading for September 18th: Daniel 10-12
Weekly reading for September 13-19: 2 Thess 1-3; 2-3 John
And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.
2 Thessalonians 3:4
The apostle Paul's letters are literally packed with references to the Lord. In almost every sentence (or at least every other) you'll find some mention of God, Christ, Jesus, Lord, etc.
This emphasis demonstrates a unique perspective. The Lord dominated Paul's thought process. If a problem arose, he thought of the Lord. As he thought of solutions, he thought of the Lord. As he thought of the good things in his life, he thought of the Lord. Even as he thought of the good things in the lives of others (as in this verse), he thought of the Lord.
What did this perspective do for him? First of all, it made him more thankful. He never took credit for himself. His mind was so full of the Lord, there simply was no room for selfish ego.
Second, it made him more positive. No matter how bad things looked (for himself or for others) thoughts of the Lord kept him from losing hope.
Finally, it made him more focused. Selfish concerns were kept at bay because all of his goals in life found their end in Christ.
Father God, give us a mind like Paul's. Help us to lose all thoughts of self and think only of your Son.
