When The Door Slams
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God's word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is any worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 AMP
There is a children's song that says, "Be careful, little eyes, what you see." The song continues by urging us to be careful with what our ears hear, where our feet go, what out hands do, and what our mouth says.
If we think about things that are off-limits for too long, we will see, hear, do, and say the wrong thing. When bad ideas gain a foothold in our life, we will go to the wrong places as well. It seems that this song for children is just as befitting to everyone.
We almost always become trapped when we give bad ideas too much time in our mental understanding. Bits and pieces of wrong thinking leaves us confused and unfocused. In these vulnerable moments, our greatest adversary, the devil, makes sure we have everything we need to tempt us to try the life that God has always warned us against.
God knows that the battles we most often lose start in the mind. Getting our thinking straight can help keep our decisions honorable. Deciding beforehand how you will respond to sin-influenced ideas will go a long way in helping you make the best decision when it's easier to move in the wrong direction.
Think about this: As you search for solutions to the inevitable challenges of everyday life, be sure to talk often with your heavenly Father. And after you have finished talking, listen carefully, as God speaks to us in different ways at different times.
Sometimes He speaks loudly and clearly. But more often, He speaks in a quiet voice that is best heard in silence. So you must carve out quiet moments each day to study His Word and to sense His direction. If you sincerely desire to hear His voice, you must listen carefully, and you must do so in the silent corners of your quiet place in your heart. When God Speaks, oftentimes His voice will call for an act of courage on your part.
Renewal: May I not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove that the will of God is good acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Never Rest Ministries
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