Today’s Scripture: Matthew 9:4, NKJV- “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?”
We must be careful as to the thoughts we allow into our hearts. In Matthew 9:4, the NIV version states it this way, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?” That is a great question. Why do we entertain evil thoughts in our hearts?
We can choose to entertain the thoughts of Jesus Christ in our hearts instead. In fact, in writing this just now I experienced the value of memory verses. Although I am weak in my memory in general and my memory verses may be worse, over the years I have attempted to memorize scriptures from time to time. As I was writing this message, I recalled a scripture that promised we could guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Although I do not consider Google a dependable partner in the faith, I was able to Google those words and realized, I had indeed entertained the thoughts of Jesus and His commands deep within my heart and mind. The scripture I recalled was Philippians 4:6-7 which most of us may recognize, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God, I am praying and requesting that You fill my heart with the thoughts and peace of Jesus. When I started collecting Affirmations of God, my intent was to claim God’s commands and welcome His words into my heart so that I would take on the character and thoughts of Christ instead of the thoughts and character the world throws at us daily. To fill our hearts with God we must continually go to His Word.
I love how the Word of God brings new meaning to our lives every time we return. Even today I came across a word I did not recall ever seeing in scripture before. In Mark 7:34 Jesus was healing a deaf man with speech disabilities and “He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”).”
I am looking up to heaven now and asking God to open my heart to the thoughts, commands, and purposes of God. Earlier in Mark 7:21-23, Jesus provides a list of evil that comes from the heart. You may read that list for yourself. I am praying now that God fills our hearts with so much of Jesus there is no room for such evil.
What fills our open hearts is what will pour out of us. What are you entertaining in your heart today?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am opening my heart to You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit now. Fill me LORD with Your thoughts, commands, and purposes. I am praying that You pour out of my heart. Fill me LORD with Your love and goodness so there is no room for evil to exist deep within my heart. My heart ephphatha. With thanksgiving and peace in my heart I am presenting this request to You Father God. In the name of our teacher and Lord, Jesus Christ, I am praying. Amen.
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