" Hearts and Minds Kept by GOD "

 

Philippians 4:6-9 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD. and the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS. 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."

     Believers desperately need the peace of GOD that will "keep (sustain, protect) [their] hearts and minds" (v.7). This inward peace is impossible apart from the LORD, and it only comes as we turn to HIM in prayer and thanksgiving (v.6). In order to have a heart that is kept by GOD, the believer must fill his mind with the right thoughts. What does this kind of thinking entail ? Verse eight of our text lists specific characteristics of those things upon which we are to meditate; we must focus on that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Our thoughts ought to abound with the truths of GOD's WORD as we rest upon HIS person and HIS promises. The inevitable result will be: "THOU wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on THEE: because he trusteth in THEE" (Isaiah 26:3 pictured at top of post)

     Not only should we think on the right things, but it is also necessary to protect our mind against the flood of wicked thoughts that Satan and evil men delight to craftily substitute for the WORD of GOD. Just as the serpent beguiled Eve, even so we, too, can be lured away from simple, trusting faith in what the Bibles says (2nd.Corinthians 11:3 pictured above). Believers "have the mind of CHRIST" (1st.Corinthians 2:16 pictured above); HIS Holy WORD, so they can discern between what is of GOD and what is of man. We must guard against anything that would draw us apart from a close fellowship with the LORD (1st.John 1:6). Beware of modern "scholarships" that promote corrupt Bible versions, humanistic psychology (even if mixed with Bible truth), and evolutionary theories that may allow for a CREATOR but deny the Genesis account. We must always align our thinking with the WORD of GOD. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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