OBSERVATIONS

 

Jonah 2:8 (King James Version)

 8They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

Lying–

 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood

a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity

b) emptiness of speech, lying

c) worthlessness (of conduct)

 

Vanities –

1) vapour, breath

a) breath, vapour

b) vanity (fig.

 

Joshua 1:8 (King James Version)

 8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Observe –

1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed

a) (Qal)

1) to keep, have charge of

2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life

a) watch, watchman (participle)

3) to watch for, wait for

4) to watch, observe

5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)

6) to keep (within bounds), restrain

7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)

8) to keep, preserve, protect

9) to keep, reserve

The question is, what are we observing? What are we watching with our minds eye? We are the ones who are to exercise control over the “remote” of our minds. The enemy has no remote privileges. When the wrong “movie” starts playing CHANGE IT!

 

What are we retaining and treasuring up in our memories?

 

Are we allowing ourselves to think (dwell, ponder) on the “good things” of Phil. 4:8 or upon evil, unbelieving, empty, worthless, vain or false things. Dwelling on the symptoms, the problems, the failures, mountains or obstacles is vain and worthless. Worrying about these things and dwelling on them is describing the same mental activity. Worrying doesn’t solve anything it just makes the problem worse or prolongs it. We need to direct our thoughts to the solution, to the promises of God, the wisdom of God and to the direction and answers He provides in His Word.

 

The Word of God has all the attributes listed in Philippians 4 and it appears that the other things have the attributes that come from the father of lies.

 

You and I choose the “movie” we watch. I want to watch the one written by my Father in heaven, produced by the Lord Jesus Christ and directed by the Holy Spirit.

 

SELAH