"Try me, and know my thoughts" (Psalm 139:23).
Countless options present themselves to our minds for consideration. Pathways of thought beckon us to consider this, or ponder that. Many are good, beneficial, and productive as the Lord orchestrates His influence in our lives. Others, however, tempt us to perspectives and attitudes that lead to harm and even destruction in our own lives, and in the lives of those around us.
"To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).
We do well to frequently echo David's prayer for the testing and knowing of our thoughts. Moreover, the Apostle Paul commanded that we wield the spiritual weapons provided by our Heavenly Father to "bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5). This includes "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God," along with "the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16-17). The fellowship of other believers also aids and assures that our thinking aligns with Truth rather than fleshly, worldly, and devilish falsehoods. "In the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).
"Am I thinking well about the matters of life?" We do well to consistently present this question to the Lord, and to keep in mind how easily false notions and thought patterns can root themselves in us, leading to attitudes that poison the soil of our hearts. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father knows how to uproot thinking that does not accord with His truth, purifying our hearts and minds by His Spirit, His Word, and the fellowship of His children. "O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me" (Psalm 139:1). We begin from where we are, seeking confirmation of spiritual mindedness, and correction regarding carnal mindedness. The process will be lifelong, and this moment provides opportunity to join the Psalmist in thanksgiving for past searchings, and request for this moment and all to come.
"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."
(Psalm 26:2)
Weekly Memory Verse
But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).Countless options present themselves to our minds for consideration. Pathways of thought beckon us to consider this, or ponder that. Many are good, beneficial, and productive as the Lord orchestrates His influence in our lives. Others, however, tempt us to perspectives and attitudes that lead to harm and even destruction in our own lives, and in the lives of those around us.
"To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).
We do well to frequently echo David's prayer for the testing and knowing of our thoughts. Moreover, the Apostle Paul commanded that we wield the spiritual weapons provided by our Heavenly Father to "bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5). This includes "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God," along with "the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16-17). The fellowship of other believers also aids and assures that our thinking aligns with Truth rather than fleshly, worldly, and devilish falsehoods. "In the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).
"Am I thinking well about the matters of life?" We do well to consistently present this question to the Lord, and to keep in mind how easily false notions and thought patterns can root themselves in us, leading to attitudes that poison the soil of our hearts. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father knows how to uproot thinking that does not accord with His truth, purifying our hearts and minds by His Spirit, His Word, and the fellowship of His children. "O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me" (Psalm 139:1). We begin from where we are, seeking confirmation of spiritual mindedness, and correction regarding carnal mindedness. The process will be lifelong, and this moment provides opportunity to join the Psalmist in thanksgiving for past searchings, and request for this moment and all to come.
"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."
(Psalm 26:2)
Weekly Memory Verse
(Ephesians 2:4-5)
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