Guarding Your Mind

On a morning that I woke before my "desired" time....the craziest phrase kept rolling over and over in my mind. "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country." Remember it? The phrase was created in 1867 by Charles E. Weller merely as a typewriting exercise.

However, the real need is this:

For all (men, women and children alike) to pray!

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" Acts 2:17-18

This was from Peter's first sermon which took place in Jerusalem--he was quoting from the Scriptures, the Prophet Joel. (Read the whole book of Acts-you will be encouraged by what you find.) The power of the HOLY SPIRIT was given to all who seek Him.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call." Acts 2:38-39

If your children have a need...who do they go to for that need to be met? You. We have an extreme need. A need to be filled to overflowing with the POWER of the Holy Spirit. I have told my oldest child many times, "in the last days we will need the power of the Holy Spirit to see us through the tough circumstances of life."

The unexpected.

When you don't know what to pray...the Holy Spirit does so for you. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26

I am urged on as never before to seek more of God in my life. There are many that feel that some things that the world partakes of is alright. . . . It may be for them, but it is not for me. I WANT the Spirit to speak to my heart when I am about to step into an area that is not "for me". I WANT the Spirit to direct my footsteps and yes, even the words I say.

Matthew 12:36 says, "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Christ's own words. Think He meant it? Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Right. He meant it. Big time sister.

During a time of devotion on our Sisters of Faith Retreat 2008, I told the dear sisters that I felt that even the "thoughts" of our mind would be accountable to Christ.

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 NLT

When provoked to the point of anger, where does your mind go? I know EXACTLY where mine goes. And I have to pray. The mind is a dangerous place for most of us.

For men, when they see a woman on the cover of a magazine---half naked---where do you think their mind goes? Same for many women. The body of muscles rippling on a naked torso of a man sends some women into a frenzy of lust. And almost every single magazine you pick up from the newsstand screams that today. Makes me want to wear a blindfold many times at the check-out counter!

As I watched the movie Fireproof a while back, I was reminded of the book by Beth Moore, Get Out of That Pit where she describes many pits that are waiting traps---and many we dig ourselves right into...

I have plunked myself straight into the pit of depression...all because I did not capture the flailing thoughts and I allowed the enemy to plant seeds of doubt and discouragement there. Then, I sat idly by as he (the enemy) watered those same seeds until I was a complete and total mess.

Only through the power of prayer---the POWER from the Holy Spirit was I ever able to break free from the debilitating grip of the enemy in my life. Over my mind and heart. It happens. As surely as a panic attack can come on some, despair can come on others. Depression. I've been there.

I used this passage yesterday...but it's needed again today. "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12

I have committed my heart and mind to following Jesus Christ. As the song says, "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back."

Allow HIM to come into your heart and life today. When you give HIM full control over your heart and mind....He will do some amazing things ...on a daily basis. I know. I am there.

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21




(picture from Bella Lino linens--not my bedroom---I only wish!)
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