“Therefore since we have these promises let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Cor 7:1)
Thoughts that are neither illuminating nor glorifying God can happen to anyone. They could be thoughts of worry or diversion. These thoughts can be full of poison and leave you down and quite depressed.
How do you fight negative thoughts when they throng your mind? The word of God is always our refuge. First of all, we are reminded, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” ( Prov 4:23, NIV). This means we should be most careful in putting ourselves in such situations where our minds are saturated with that kind of information that only leaves us dishonoring God. There is that company which is always full of negative vibes and we should just steer away far from.
Then also we should remember that the word of God is our ultimate weapon. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” ( Heb 4:12, NIV).
Here is the trick. When Satan dared penetrate the ranks of Jesus by casting doubts, he was immediately rebuked by the Word of God: “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” ( Mathew 16:23).
Next time you find negative thoughts taking the better part of you, aside from keeping far from such crowd, just cast them off with God’s powerful and liberating word.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I cast off any thoughts that do not honor you and want to push me back, out of my mind, with your powerful and liberating positive Word, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
