Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional ; Wednesday, 22nd May 2019 ;
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc., DD ;
BAR THE WRONG THOUGHTS FROM YOUR HEART ;
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
The word, “keep” as used in the scripture above is the same used in Genesis 2:15: “And the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” It actually implies taking care of something in a protective way and ensuring its security against an external aggressor.
The Good News Bible translation puts it clearer. It says, “…the LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it.” The word “guard” has a military connotation, which suggests protecting from attack or maintaining safety from danger. This is the sense in which we’re to defend our hearts against wrong thoughts.
Wrong, unwholesome thoughts are enemies you must ward off continually. Read James Moffat’s rendering of our opening verse; it’s profound. It says, “Guard above all things, guard your inner self so you can live and prosper. Bar out all thoughts of evil and banish wayward words.” This doesn’t suggest or give room for you to be casual in dealing with wrong thoughts.
There’s a devil out there trying to send wrong thoughts into your heart through your mind; that’s his job. But you’re to bar his evil thoughts and banish his wayward suggestions by simply saying, “No” to them; erect a blockade against them.
God isn’t going to guard your heart for you. The responsibility is yours. But the good news is that you’re not helpless as to what to do. You’ve been equipped with “…the whole armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:11), and what you need to do is put it on and never take it off!
With your armor in place, you’ll be able to banish every evil thought or contrary idea that tries to assault your mind. Moreover, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 declares, “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
CONFESSION
I refuse to accommodate unwholesome, unhealthy and noxious thoughts or let the news of fear, poverty, economic meltdown, diseases or death run my life or determine the circumstances of my existence. My mind is guarded by the Word and completely yielded to the right ideas, thoughts, materials, and messages. Therefore, I’m built up, edified and strengthened in the Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 10:22-42 & 2 Kings 8-9
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 12:13-17 & Numbers 25