10/17/2023 0 Comments The War IN Our MindsNow that we remember that there is a war for our minds, we also have to be cognizant of the war within our minds as well. Specifically, it is possible, as Pastor Doug says, to form new “neural pathways.” We need to do that in order to have minds trained on and listening to Him and the things He wants us to think on, and nothing else.
Questions for further thought: 1. What things do we think on daily? (Take a moment to ponder, and be honest). 2. Do we think of the things OF God as often as we should? If not, why? Challenge: Lord, we know that you are the highest and best being in the universe. You created everyone and everything, including us. Please help us to pray and think on the things you want us to, and guide us daily in so doing. Amen.
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10/16/2023 0 Comments The War FOR Our MindsWe’ve known, probably, since we were kids that there’s a spiritual battle going on all around us. But we sometimes forget this spiritual battle comprises our minds as well. Simply put, we believe things that are “just not so” about God and His power and promises, etc. And guess who is tempting us to think wrongly and overtake our right reasoning? What to do?
Questions for further thought: 1. Do we recognize that the battle for our minds is going on all of the time? 2. Do we sometimes let the enemy get us down by implanting negativity about us and those around us to deceive us? Challenge: Lord, help us to remember that you want our minds to be fully with you and that you will destroy all of the lies the enemy gives us to think about you and ourselves. Help us remember that we are yours, and we always will be. Help us to pray to remember that always. Amen. 10/13/2023 0 Comments Standing on the Promises of GodThe Bible says that God hears our prayers for mercy. When there is a stronghold in our lives holding us hostage and making us do the things we don’t want to do, we can cry out to God for mercy. Jesus came to free us from sin and death.
Questions for further thought: 1. What is a stronghold that’s holding you hostage? 2. What are some examples you’ve read in the Bible of God delivering people from their strongholds? Challenge: Do a Google search of the hymn “Standing on the Promises” and read through the lyrics. Also search for the song’s writer, John Newton. It is encouraging to read and sing the hymn and learn how God worked in Newton’s life. 10/12/2023 0 Comments Truth = FreedomEveryone desires freedom, but true freedom is only found in Jesus Christ. The freedom He offers is better than any freedom the world can give. When we dive into the Bible, we learn what is true and we find freedom. Even if we study a passage we’ve read many times before, God will teach us new things because His word is living.
Questions for further thought: 1. How have you experienced God’s word anew, even with very familiar passages? 2. How has God’s truth set you free? Challenge: Join a Bible study or buy a study you can do on your own or with a friend or family member. If you’re not sure where to start, ask our pastors or another trusted Christian. 10/11/2023 0 Comments Peace for Your Mind and HeartSadly, I can sometimes let a negative thought about a situation or a person get the better of me. It’s possible I don’t know the context of a situation or why a person acted the way they did. I need to stop and think about whether continuing with the negative thoughts is going to bring the peace that God desires for me.
Questions for further thought: 1. What negative thoughts have become strongholds in your life? 2. What are some ways you can promote peace in your own life and the lives of others? Challenge: Jesus is our Prince of Peace and provides the peace that passes understanding. Spend time in prayer thanking him for the peace He gives and asking to be a peacemaker in your circle of influence. 10/10/2023 0 Comments What Do Your Thoughts Contain?When I spend time with positive people, it changes my outlook and thoughts for the better. When I spend time with God, it makes an even greater positive impact. God wants us to think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Focusing on His qualities is a great place to start.
Questions for further thought: 1. What are some things we might allow in our lives that negatively influence our thoughts? Maybe certain TV shows, music, social media channels? 2. What are some things we could do to help fix our thoughts on what God wants us to fix them on? Challenge: Write or type a list of God’s qualities (attributes) using the alphabet and refer to it often throughout your week. Example: A=Amazing; B=Beautiful; C=Compassionate, etc. Then spend time worshipping him in prayer and listing these qualities as you pray. 10/9/2023 0 Comments Our Father Knows BestGod wants the best for us. He is our good, good, Father. It is for our benefit that He tells us not to copy the customs and behaviors of this world. Believers have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. God promises that if we let the Spirit control our minds, it will lead to life and peace.
Questions for further thought: 1. Why is it hard not to copy the behaviors and customs of those around us? 2. When was a time you let the Holy Spirit change the way you think and what did it feel like? Challenge: What is an issue you’re dealing with? Talk to God about it and ask Him to transform your thinking. 10/6/2023 0 Comments Don't Lose FocusIt’s been said that one of the greatest mistakes a believer can make is to forget that Satan exists. The second great mistake is to give him too much attention. The way to win the battle for our mind is to do everything we can to keep our focus on God – minute by minute, day by day. How you do this differs for everyone, but there are some basics. Some of the basics would include knowing His promises by reading His word, spending time with him in prayer and hanging out with other strong believers.
Questions for further thought: 1. When or where do you find it easiest to focus on God? 2. What areas of your life seem to shift your attention away from God? Challenge: If your daily relationship with God is right where it should be, great! If there are some areas where you’d like to get stronger, pick one and come up with a plan to address that area. Need help making a plan? Phone a friend! Then put it into action…today! 10/5/2023 0 Comments Mister TwisterIt is truly one of the oldest tricks in the Book. “You shall surely not die,” says the serpent just before the fateful bite. Satan is not a creator. Rather, he takes the truths of God and twists them. He is “the father of lies,” and lies are one of his go-to weapons in his fight to stunt our growth and reduce our effectiveness. Our defense? Know God’s word and choose to believe His promises, not the devil’s lies.
Questions for further thought: 1. Why does it sometimes seem easier to believe the devil’s lies about us than God’s truth? 2. What is the most persistent lie that the enemy repeats to you? Challenge: Find the truths in the Bible exposing the lie that Satan keeps bringing to your mind. Write these truths down, repeat them to yourself until you have them firmly in your heart, then keep them handy for reference if the lies resurface. 10/4/2023 0 Comments Don't Open the DoorWhat does it mean to give the devil a foothold? How does this usually happen? Sin is the short answer. When we “hide,” rationalize or stubbornly fail to admit our sin, we give Satan room to work. Confession to God, to ourselves, and to anyone we have hurt short circuits the devil’s plans and keeps sin from compounding. Confession and repentance are key weapons in the war for your mind.
Questions for further thought: 1. Can you think of a time in your life when sin gave the devil a foothold? What was the outcome? 2. How does Satan use your sin and twist it into lies to hinder your relationship with God? Challenge: Who do you need to make peace with? God? Yourself? Spouse? Child? Parent? Friend? Co-worker? Read Romans 12:18. You’ll know what to do. |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
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