God thinks a certain way. He thinks those thoughts that fit into Philippians 4:8. He wants us to begin doing the same thing. Our thoughts control our heart; our heart controls our mouth; and our mouth and tongue control our life. Philippians 4:8 gives us the steps to controlling our whole life, as we put our dependency on the power and guidance of God.

When we are doing things to God, ourselves, and others that we shouldn’t, we need to find a way to steer ourselves in another direction. These eight words, found in this Scripture, are the key words that help change our whole life. God has put these eight words together to give us the answer to living the good news life. They are grouped together by the incredible wisdom of God. He is sharing with us the eight words that make up His criteria for how He thinks. This group of words represent some of the most valuable information we can be given.

As we become familiar with these eight words, we give the Holy Spirit the tools to guide our thoughts, that govern our feelings, that govern our words, that govern our actions and relationships with others.

You need to expose yourself to these words long enough to at least know what they are and what they mean. Pray over them, look up their meaning, and allow them to become a part of your understanding. Then turn them over to the Holy Spirit so He can warn you when there are thoughts running through your mind that don’t fall into these categories. The Holy Spirit will use them to set you free from activities that hurt God, you, and your relationships with people.

Be sure to turn these words over to the Holy Spirit. Don’t take on the assignment of trying to control your thoughts by means of your own efforts. This will bind you up and put you into a legalistic system of fear and confusion.

Pray that Jesus will help you learn these eight words. Ask Him to teach you their meaning and purpose. Pray that He will give you the power to turn the responsibility of warning and guidance over to the Holy Spirit. Ask Jesus to show you how to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you start working on this area of your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions.