Thought Life

Daily Reading:  Luke 12

Scripture Focus:  Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. (Luke 12.2)

Devotional Thought:  Have you seen those window stickers on cars that say "Salt Life"?  What a smart marketing strategy!  Salt Life Co. gets people to pay for stickers to advertise their products for free! 

Are we as wise about our thought lives as Salt Life is about their marketing?  We think of our thoughts as secret, but God knows our thoughts - better even than if they were plastered on our car windows! 

It is easier to excuse our sinful thoughts than our sinful acts.  But, is there a difference really?  Jesus says in Matthew 5.28 (NIV) that “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  The thought principle is not limited to lust.  It also includes anger, bitterness, worry, envy, covetousness, and pride.  Sin of the heart that is never realized outside of the body is still sin; the Lord sees no difference, because he looks into our hearts (1 Samuel 16.7).

Consider Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10.4-5, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”  To guard our hearts against sinful thoughts and attitudes, we must rely on the Holy Spirit every moment of every day, positioning ourselves in surrender and obedience to him.  We do this through knowledge of his Word and by unceasing prayer.  It takes effort in our busy lives, but the effort is worth it!

How is your thought life?

Jenny

Prayer: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Amen.  (Psalm 19.14)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 139.1-6

1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.