October 9, 2025

Minding Your Thoughts

A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Note: The word “thoughts” is used twice in this verse, therefore two devotions are given on the same verse.

In my way of thinking, to go to heaven a person would have to do good works. They would have to go to church every week, pay tithes of all they earn, help others daily, and pray all the time. In short, in order to go to heaven people would have to earn it. However, this is not God’s thought for He says: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8 - 9)

In my way of thinking, before someone is baptized they should bring forth proof that they have been changed. There would be a period, let’s say of about six months, to see if that person would be a good church member. Do they come to all the services? Do they give money to the church? Is their life in perfect order? Have they stopped all known sins in their life? In short, they would have to earn the right to be baptized. However, this is not God’s thought on baptism for His Word teaches that baptism should be as immediate as possible after salvation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)

In my way of thinking…I am wrong. At least about these two issues. You see, man’s way of thinking is horizontal and temporal. God’s way of thinking is vertical and eternal. We judge things by what we experience on this earth and make decisions based upon earthly understanding. God judges things by the understanding of the entire creation from the viewpoint from on high, and with the knowledge of the eternal ages and beyond. His plan for what we commonly call the church age is based on grace, mercy, peace, love and faith. These are attributes that, quite frankly, seldom enter the thoughts of mere humans.

Yes indeed, His thoughts are not our thoughts.

May the Lord bless and be pleased with your thought life today.

Dr. William Howe