Devotion
Bring Every Thought To Christ
David Jacobs
There has been one thought that has run through my mind for many months now every morning when I pray: I want to remove every evil thought from my imagination. This verse was the impetus for this meditation. Every thought that is not good, not in obedience to the word of God, or negative in any interpretation, I want to remove from my imagination. I am not even saying that I want to not commit evil actions. I am not saying that I want to stop thinking evil thoughts. I want to not even be able to IMAGINE an evil thought.
I have had some difficulties managing my ego. I have often thought that I was better or more important than other people based on my accomplishments or actions. What does that mean exactly? For one thing, it means that I am putting myself above others. I am not humbling myself in the sight of the Lord, I am not helping those that most need it. I began to notice these negative thoughts about others creeping into my subconscious and infecting my daily thoughts about others. I needed to step back and reflect on this.
Three verses really stuck out to me during this period of self reflection. 2 Corinthians 10:5, the verse above, and the two below:
James 4:10 - Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
What had I done? How selfish and sinful I had been! I knew that I needed to make changes to my life, and every morning that I prayed, right after waking up, I kept these verses in my head. "Be humble." "Bring every thought to the obedience of Christ." These words were like a soundtrack in my mind.
Prayer
I began noticing a difference almost immediately. As the Bible says, knock and the door shall be opened, seek and you shall find (Matthew 7:7-8). I needed to be more humble and I needed to discipline myself by keeping my ego in check. I needed to be more open and positive towards other people. I turned to God, asked for forgiveness, asked for help, and received it. I can firmly say that there is no more positive a meditation than asking God to remove negative thoughts from your imagination. It is He that deserves thanks. Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
