heart, Lord, and I didn't even
know they were there. I have
allowed "me" and "my personality"
to take Your place because I
thought that You were working
through them. But I was letting
them have their way in my
thoughts and in my words, rather
than letting You have Yours. I
sometimes can't tell the
difference between my thoughts
and Your thoughts when they are
inside my head, but when I quiet
my heart and really listen, You
are there speaking to me in
unmistakable ways. It's just that I
don't always like what You have
to say as well as I like my own
perceptions. Forgive me, and
help me to know how to resist an
idol that I cannot physically
escape.
children encounter. I speak to you many times in ways that seem like your own thoughts, and
it can be difficult to know whether it is My desires you are hearing or your own. I know it
would be easier if I wrote everything clearly in the sky along with your name and address so
that there would be no confusion, but I speak instead to your heart. I am willing to risk that
confusion in order to have a relationship with you that requires your willful attention.
Remember that My words to your heart will never contradict the written Word that you
already have.
It is easy for your thoughts to spill over into sarcasm and cynicism. That is a clear
indication that you are not listening to My voice. You do not need to speak your mind at
every given opportunity, but do not shrink from speaking Mine. My Word speaks often of a
perverted mouth and perverted speech. These are the result of twisting something that may
be true into something negative, harmful, bitter, or without hope. Perverted speech starts
with a perverted thought.
You are in a war. You must take every thought captive; look at it closely to see if it
squares with My Word; let Me show you truth, and speak only from that outflow. This is an
active, deliberate choice in each thought process. You cannot passively ask Me to change
your heart or thoughts. I have already given you a new heart. I have also given you
weapons; you must pick them up and do battle. Actively subject each thought to My Spirit
and Word and test it. Reject what is false and replace it with truth. As you do this, the
fortresses of the enemy are destroyed in your life and in lives around you. You will be
destroying speculations and the lofty things that comprise the high places of idolatry in your
own mind. It is only pride that would prevent you from following My instruction in this, and it
would break My heart, for it would mean that My children are taken captive by another.
Thankfulness and humility are the safeguards of your mind and essential to bringing
your thoughts into obedience. They change your perspective and your heart. They free Me
to accomplish My will. They free you to express love and worship. They become your
mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting or heaviness, your beauty for ashes, and your
oil of gladness instead of mourning. Walk in them and you will be able to serve from the
overflow of My love for you.
Do not fear the enemy's accusations against your soul. Your own thoughts and
emotions are not the truest thing about you; Christ in you, the hope of glory is your true
identity. Walk humbly and thankfully. Be strong and of good courage as you wage war.
Remember you belong to Me, and I win.
Hebrews 12; James 3:1-4, 12; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Jeremiah 13:17
Isaiah 61:1-4; Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 4:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Joshua 1:6; Revelation 21:1-7
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