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Message summary: Today let us strive to have a non-congested mind. let us keep our head on straight and have a clear mind!

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"But you, keep your head in all situations" (2 Timothy 4:5a). "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray" (1 Peter 4:7).

I (Stephen) deal regularly with nasal congestion due to asthma and allergies. While many take for granted the blessing of being able to breathe in and out without obstruction, those who deal with asthma and allergies know just what I'm talking about. Sometimes it would be no different if I just put a clothespin on my nose!

VapoRub helps some, I suppose due to the menthol. But many years ago I tried the Breathe Right™ nasal strips and found they helped me breathe much better at night. Nasal strips are shaped like band-aids, but when they're placed on the exterior of the nose they open up the nasal passage to relieve congestion. These nasal strips are now seen on many football players and other athletes, presumably to help them as they physically exert themselves making it easier for them to breathe.

But there's another type of congestion most all our readers will readily identify with. If I were to describe this as a medical term it would be mind congestion. People need their thoughts to be clear-minded and non-congested.  It would be great to have something like a Think Right™ to help us think clearly. Rubbing VapoRub on our heads won't help with this type of congestion although it might smell good to some (me); but for some it's an unpleasant medicinal smell!

We need Think Right™ in light of the increasing evil that permeates our society along with the prevailing philosophies and confusion (or should I say delusion) of our day. Increasingly, it seems that wrong is endorsed as right and right is denounced as wrong. I've written about this theme many times, but it seems everyday there are more and more examples that we come across.

We must be on our guard lest we be seduced into this topsy-turvy, touchy-feely system of beliefs based on popular and politically correct notions of morality, especially to the exclusion of critical or sound judgment. To hold to ancient, proven truths is being viewed more and more as old fashioned and will likely bar you from the “cool, hip or cutting edge” in-crowd (not that I’m really trying to get in that setting in the first place.) Here in America and around the world a battle for the heart, soul and mind rages.

I believe among the greatest challenges for us as believers in any age is keeping a non-congested mind. We live in a time of moral confusion and I believe Greg Nelson and Phil McHugh got it right when they wrote: “We are called to take His light to a world where wrong seems right....” in the inspiring song, “People Need the Lord” written in 1983.

In Paul’s final letter to Timothy he writes, "Keep your head in all situations". Other versions translate the phrase "always be sober-minded" (ESV), "control yourself at all times" (NCV), "keep a clear mind" (NLT).

Greek scholar Fritz Rienecker points out that in this passage Timothy is called "to be in a vigilant, wakeful, considerate frame of mind, taking heed of what is happening and pursuing a course with calm and steady aim."

In a similar way Peter wrote, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray" (1 Peter 4:7).

Today let us strive to have a clear and non-congested mind!

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber