Every day is a battle. No, we are not talking about a physical battle of sorts, but a mental battle, where we are constantly bombarded with information. Known as “news” to many, this information, produced by “news outlets,” can be good, positive, or productive in its nature or it can be bad, negative, and counter-productive depending on the source. We know most of you see the availability of this information, this “so-called news” as a positive thing because it allows you to stay informed as to the important things that are happening in the world. Now we have devices that enables us to be connected to the news sources every second, of every minute, of every hour, of every day, in every corner of the world through what is called “news feeds.” We can even tailor these “news feeds” so that we can constantly have an ear tuned in to the things that we are most interested in and eliminate or skip over those things that do not interest us. However, the truth of the matter is that all of this kind of information, this “so-called news” from these “news feeds” is actually bad, negative, and counter-productive. They actually take away more than they give. Why do we call the “so-called news” from these “news feeds” bad, negative, and counter-productive?
The “news outlets” specifically cater the information they send over their “news feeds” with one purpose in mind. They want to keep us engaged in their programing so that we keep coming back. What an interesting word “programing.” The word “program” means “to set, regulate, or modify so as to produce a specific response or reaction.” It also means “to cause to absorb or incorporate automatic responses, attitudes, or the like; to condition.” The “news outlets” set, regulate, modify, and design this “so-called news” so that it, the information itself, will produce a specific response or reaction in us and from us. Again, the intent of the “news feeds” is to keep our mind engaged in the “news outlets” programing.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).
When we follow the behavior of the world, we become like others in the world. Our thoughts are like the thoughts of the world. Our actions and reactions are like the actions and reactions of the world. This is why the scriptures tell us not to be conformed to the patterns of this world and not to copy the behavior and customs of this world. We are instead to be transformed from all of these things by the renewing of our minds. When we renew our mind, we change the way we think. We change the way we think through the word of God.
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:20:21).
God tells us to pay attention to what he says and to not let his words depart from our eyes. He tells us to listen carefully to his words and to keep them in the midst of our heart. This is not something that a person who is being programed by the “news outlets” tends to do. Since the “news feeds” seldom carry anything that pertains to the goodness of God, the mercy of God, or the grace of God, much less the word of God, then it is impossible to attend to God’s word or to his sayings. Without attending to God’s word, then we do not change our way of thinking. Without changing our thinking, we are never transformed; instead, we conform by the programing of the “news outlets.” This programing will never allow us to learn and know God’s will for us. It will never allow us to, by experience, have knowledge of the good, pleasing, and complete purpose and/or will of God. This programming will cause us to lose sight of the word of God and it will never allow God’s word to penetrate deep into our heart.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).
God will keep them in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him and whose thoughts turn often to him. The “news outlets,” on the other hand have specifically program the “so-called news” that is piped through these “news feeds” to keep our mind engaged in their programing and not engaged in the things of God. Therefore, transform yourself by the renewing of your mind that you may, by experience, have knowledge of the God’s good news and not the bad, negative, and counter-productive news of the world. Now that you know the truth, which “news feeds” will you choose to listen to?
We forever pray that our inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it. If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well. Amen.
Enjoy your blessings - KW
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