Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Monday, January 26, 2026

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.¹

In his article, "Today I Will Make a Difference," Max Lucado wrote, "Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference."²

The reality is that we eventually become what we constantly think about for what the mind dwells on the body acts on. 

Honestly, controlling our thoughts can be much easier said than done. To succeed, it not only needs consistent practice and mental discipline, but also the resolution of things that bug us. For example, if we have any major personal conflicts that we have not resolved, and have developed negative emotions because of it, this can have a major effect on our thinking. Clear thinking will come as we resolve the issue at the root. We must intentionally work on resolving any and all personal conflicts and underlying negative emotions, so that we can be free and live to our fullest God-given potential, and live a peaceful life. 

Suggested prayer, Dear God, thank you that your Word teaches the importance of positive thinking. Please help me to live in harmony with your will, be rid of all guilt by confessing my sins, and resolving all personal conflicts so that I will be able to fix my "thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable."  In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1. Philippians 4:8 (NLT).
2. Max Lucado, http://www.maxlucado.com/.

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. 

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