Philippians 4:6-9 AMP
[6] Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. [7] And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. [8] Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. [9] The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
Sometimes, no matter how long you walk in the faith,you feel like you’ll never get to the place where negative, discouraging thoughts don’t come. For example: “You’ll never recover your health, never pay off your house, never see that relationship restored.” The enemy’s main tools are deception and lies, and your mind is the bull’s-eye of his target. If he can control your thinking, he can control your life. You can’t stop negative thoughts from coming, but you don’t have to keep thinking about them.
Just remember what Jesus said in John 10:10 NKJV :[10] The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
That’s why the Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:4-8 NKJV, this: ” For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, [6] and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. [7] Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. [8] For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—
Proverbs 4:23 NKJV
[23] Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Also to guard our minds, to be selective in what we allow in. If the thought is negative, discouraging, and brings in worry or fear, don’t let it in. Don’t dwell on it. Too often we just allow these negative thoughts access and go around worried, discouraged, and intimidated. Start paying attention to what you’re dwelling on. Ask yourself, where is this thought coming from? If it’s not positive, hopeful, and encouraging, it’s not from God. That’s the enemy trying to plant negative seeds. Take control of the doorway to your mind and refuse to dwell on it.
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Matthew 25:40
My 🙏🏽 Prayer…
God, we thank you that loving others is not only a choice as Christ followers it’s a command. You command us to love beyond what is reasonable. Let us be obedient in following your words and Jesus’ example as he cared for the suffering while on Earth. Show us how to join in your Kingdom’s work of caring for those who are vulnerable. God, we also ask that you do what only you can do! Break the chains of injustice, racism, violence, addiction, mental illness, and more. Bring healing and hope to those who are lost. Restore families, end unhealthy cycles, bring light to the darkness that is all around us! We need you. You are great and able to do more than we could think, ask or imagine!
Thank You that Your Word is true and we have all we need for life and godliness contained within the sacred pages of Scripture. I pray that my heart and mind would be open to Your pure scrutiny and that all I say and do would honour You. Thank You that You know the end from the beginning, and I pray that any evil that is being secretly plotted today, to dishonour Your name and shipwreck the faith of Your people, will be exposed and that truth will prevail. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the sacrifice for my sin and that He took the punishment I deserve so that I could be declared righteous in Your eyes. Praise Your holy name, IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. AMEN 🙌 👏
Jude 1:24-25 NKJV
[24] Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, [25] To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
Hope and Enlightenment 