Based on “How to Control Our Thinking” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 2/4-5/12,
Message #6090; Daily Devotional #2 - “Think about What You Are Thinking”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV) How many times have you read or heard that statement? How many times have you actually thought about what it really means? There is a definite connection between what we think and what we become. Right thinking will lead to right living, while self-centered thinking will lead to self-centered living. A joyful life results from a joyful mindset, while negative thinking will result in negative living. The Bible tells us that we have a choice: Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5) Christ follower, what you think is crucial to how you live—and the choice is yours!
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Satan knows that the mind is the place where battles are won or lost. Our minds are constantly bombarded with wrong thinking, some very obvious, but some, perhaps most, deceptively subtle. Pastor Mark gave us three fundamental R’s for controlling what we think. First, we must recognize wrong thoughts before they take hold in our minds. Daily meditation on God’s Word gives us the wisdom to discern what is right and acceptable. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit encourages us to be like-minded with Christ (Philippians 2:1-4). Knowing God’s Word gives us a standard against which to measure our thoughts. Second, we must reject any and all wrong thoughts—refusing to give them a place in our minds. Third, we must replace wrong thoughts with the Word of God. The Word, which we treasure in our hearts through our daily meditation, is our greatest weapon in defeating the enemy (Psalm 119:11).
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Your mind is a battlefield. Your thoughts are weapons—for God or for the enemy, Satan. God has promised you victory. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (I John 4:4) Christ follower, think about what you are thinking!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Colossians 2:8-9; I Peter 5:8-9
klw
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.