A - Preparation doesn't begin with what you do, it begins with what you believe.
S - "Test me, O Lord, and try me; examine my heart and my mind." ~ Psalm 26:2
A - As you continue looking at building your relationship with God in preparation for His purposes, it's time to do a little self-examination! Are there thoughts and/or feelings in your life hindering your relationship with Him? Are there actions and attitudes that get in the way? So far you've learned to look upward through prayer and to look outward to see where God is at work. Now you're being asked to look inward...not always the most fun!
Everything we do starts with a thought (mind) that creates a feeling (soul) that leads to an action (heart). Think about it....you have a negative thought come into your head. It makes you feel negative which usually results in some sort of negative behavior (and vice-versa). What does the verse for today say? David knows he battles with his thoughts and actions, so he's asking God to test him; examine his heart and mind. He wants to understand the motives behind why he does things (actions). In Psalm 139:23, David again asks God to: "Search me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."
Romans 12:2 tells us to ..."let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (NLT) The Enemy loves to mess with your mind. He knows if he can get you to think about his lies, it will effect the way you feel about yourself/others and then will lead to some sort of action that is not pleasing to God (sin). Do not fall into his trap.
P- Spend time today in thoughtful prayer. Confess your anxious thoughts and/or attitudes to God. Think about times you've let your negative thoughts, lead to negative feelings and negative actions. Then consider when the opposite happened. Which time do you think God was glorified the most?! Be more aware of how your thoughts, feelings and actions are linked together :)
Next Time....Building Character
No comments:
Post a Comment