Evangel Prision Ministries
Proverbs 23:7,
“…as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”
Psalms 94:11, “…the Lord knows the thoughts of man…”
God knows all of our inward thoughts, motives, desires, and fears –
as well as our outward habits and actions. He knows all we do from the
beginning of the day to its end. He knows all about us, what we think
and why we think it. There is a saying, “You can fool other people,
you can even fool yourself, but you can’t fool God.” This
is true, true, true. God created us and has perfect knowledge of us and
all of our thoughts, whether they are pure and pleasing to Him –
or not.
We are exposed visually (sight) and audibly (sound) to
things that can cause ungodly thoughts and feelings. Have you ever been
sitting, not thinking much of anything and suddenly – thoughts are
racing across your mind. You think, “This can’t be me, I can’t
be thinking this!” You’re probably right. More than likely,
it is an attack from the enemy. Satan is throwing his fiery darts. He
is launching his personal attack against you. Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above
all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench
the fiery darts of the evil one (here it is talking about the armor of
God, which we will discuss in a later issue).
Just one bad thought – not dealt with and taken control over –
will open the door for other bad thoughts that will blossom into major
problems. You should take that little thought and deal with it at the
beginning instead of allowing it to remain and take root in your life.
REMEMBER - EVERYTHING HAS A BEGINNING.
You may be saying. “I’ve never done this or I’ve never done that.” But have you thought on these things? The way to keep wrong thoughts out of your mind is to fill your mind with right thoughts. God doesn’t condemn you for the sudden wrong thoughts that satan may place in your mind. He will, however, judge you for the wrong thoughts or desires accompanied by the approval of your will or the desire that would seek fulfillment if the opportunity were there. Or, Let’s say it this way: When those wrong thoughts come at you and you let them stay and you find yourself thinking about them… and thinking about them… and thinking about them…and thinking about them – you have opened the door until finally you will put actions to your thoughts.
Thoughts – even if combined with desire – in the beginning it’s only a temptation. But if allowed to remain it will fester and fester and fester until it turns into a full-blown sin. But the good news is – we can take control of our thoughts. We have the choice. Joshua 24:15, “…choose ye this day whom you will serve…” Life is choices. You CAN choose what you think about. Don’t fill your mind with the trash you can find on TV, websites, films, videos, or pornographic literature. These ARE addictive; it is a controlling spirit behind this garbage. YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS – YOU CAN BE FREE.
You can’t stop birds from flying over – but you don’t have to let them stay and build a nest in your hair. We can’t allow thoughts to dictate our behavior.
You may be asking, “Is there an answer?” YES – AND THE ANSWER IS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
1 Corinthians 10:13, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able. But with the temptation will provide a way of escape, also, that you may be able to endure it.”
Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, think about these things.” We must have our minds conformed to God’s way of thinking by filling our minds full of God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to obedience of Christ.” The way to freedom is to ask the lord for help.
Psalms 121:1&2 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
Pray this prayer: Father God, I come to You today asking You to forgive me for thought I’ve had that are not pleasing to You. Forgive me for any sin I’ve committed against You, against others, and against myself. I ask You to come into my heart and I make you my Savior and Lord of my life. Help me to live for You and to be the person You want me to be. Help me to read the Bible, pray, and to be a witness for You, from this day forward. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.