It has been said that “We are what we spend the most time thinking about.”
Our minds are Satan’s primary target. If he can get us to think negative thoughts, he can poison the whole well. We can usually tell when Satan is attacking our minds because our thoughts are contrary to the truth of God’s word.
In Philippians 4:8 NLT, the Apostle wrote: “And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, right and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
We are responsible for what we let into our minds and spend our time thinking about.
In Proverbs 23:7 NKJV we read, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he …”
That is why we need to fill our minds with God’s word, because it is truth, and the truth sets us free. John 8:32
In John 17, we have Jesus praying, and in vs. 17 NLT, we have Him praying for us … “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”
What I am challenging you and me to do calls for real discipline. Every day when you listen to the radio and TV, read the paper, and listen to newscasters and politicians, we are fed primarily lies. They are hoping we won’t take the time to sort through their lies.
Another thought I would ask you to consider is to focus on Christ because in John 14:6 NLT we have him saying “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” It is sad to realize that there are many professing Christians who believe God has more than just one way for people to get to heaven.
Luke, in Acts 4:12 NLT wrote, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
It is encouraging to me that a good number of our Jubilee family have committed to a daily Bible reading program. They are getting into God’s word and God’s word is getting into them.
In Matthew 4:4 NLT, Jesus confronted Satan with “no!” The scripture says, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” We need more than food for our bodies. We need daily food for our souls, and God’s word is the food we need.
In Psalm 119:1 NLT, we read “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.” Later in that same Psalm, verse 147, the Psalmist says, “I rise early before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in Your words.” Just about every morning I send out over 400 text meditations. It is so special when people text me back and say, “It was exactly what I needed for what I am facing.” Those meditations are always based upon God’s infallible, inspired word. No wonder people are encouraged by them.
Folks, let me encourage you to daily spend time in God’s word, filling our minds with God’s truth. You and I will be blessed if we do. According to Psalm 1:3 NLT, we will experience fruitful lives, if we do. “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
Praying that each of us will have a fruitful life.
Pastor Leonard
