Ensure your thoughts are wholesome (2)

"My soul bless the LORD, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name."    

                                                                                                  Psalm 103:1    CSB 

As we know, our soul is made up of our mind, will and emotions. Therefore when a thought comes into our mind, we have a choice. If it is a negative thought, we can discard it. If it is a good thought, we can take it on board. What we think determines how we will act; so, a bad thought takes up residence in our minds and, if we're not careful, we choose to believe it and we 'will' to do something about it. Our emotions are then governed by this and can lead to anger, anxieties and upset. Alternatively, we can choose to capture that thought (2 Corinthians 10:5) and make it obedient to Jesus. By this 'will' our emotions are at peace.

Warren W Wiersbe, famous for the Back to the bible series several years ago, says, 'The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God's Word, will have a built in radar detecting wrong thoughts.' I like that. 

As we saw yesterday in Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul shows us the correct way that we should focus our minds on. However, imagine if you will, the alternative to this. What if we refuse to think and believe in what is true, what is honourable, what is just, what is pure, what is lovely, what is commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy? What if we refuse to dwell on these things? The devil would have us believe this way; he is a truth-twister and wants to see you destroyed.

This is why Satan plants bad thoughts in our minds; thoughts that are so convincing that we cannot fail to believe them. If he can split a marriage, a relationship, a church or a family, he will do with devilish joy. Therefore, may I ask you, are you struggling with your thought life? Is the devil playing mind games with you and you are believing it? Rather like gossip can appear very true, the devil's lies can also. He is a master trickster. Don't allow him to cause you this pain and upset. Focus on a scripture such as Philippians 4:8 and tell him, 'Devil, it is written', then tell him to leave; he has to do this when you command him in Jesus' name.

Start believing the truth - Jesus and start receiving all of His benefits (Psalm 103:2); His benefits are not means-tested.