Author’s Note: This is part of a 40 Day Lenten & Easter YWAP Devotional that explores self-sacrifice as it relates to the death and resurrection of Christ.
FOREST FIRE IN THE MIND
Wildfires cause an enormous amount of damage all over the world every year. Some are caused by natural occurrence while others are caused by carelessness and ignorance. The introduction of an invasive species could be considered careless and ignorant. When a non-native species is allowed to invade an area, it helps to create a condition for flames to erupt and spread.
Ecosystems differ in many ways and are specifically designed by nature for their particular habitat. When a non-native plant is introduced into an area, it can cause catastrophic damage. Nature is designed to have space between plants and trees. When the space is filled with the wrong vegetation. the ecosystem changes. Ornamental grasses planted in a neighborhood garden will spread its seeds through the wind into a nearby forest or desert. They may fill spaces or overtake and kill the natural growth.
Non-native grasses may burn with a higher intensity than native plants. When vegetation is left in its natural state, fires will burn out or be easier to extinguish because they burn less slowly in natural conditions. Highly combustible non-native plants allowed to take up space become the kindling of widespread destruction through wildfires. They need to be removed. Plans need to be made to prevent the further introduction of vegetation with the potential to disrupt the natural habitat.
The mind of man is made in the image and likeness of God and placed in a habitat of flesh. Many things are unnatural for man, but he allows them to enter his mind anyway. The fire of illicit passion does not erupt without the kindling of lustful thoughts. Like a wildfire that consumes a forest, what consumes a man's thoughts generally ignites the actions of his life.
Instead of burning with wrong passion that leads you into the inferno of sin, it would be wise to stop the fire from starting. The Bible is a great playbook for changing our thoughts. Our minds will have many good and bad thoughts pass through it all day long. It's possible to regulate the flow of potentially damaging thoughts by focusing on the Way, the Truth and the Life of Christ.
As a personal habit to protect the habitat of my mind, I repeat these words when a bad thought comes, "I plead the Blood of Jesus over my mind and nothing is allowed here that will not bring glory to God." Our minds need to be renewed in Christ as often as possible. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. Keep the mind renewed and the temple clean.
DAY FIVE WORD
“Do not be shaped by this world. Instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.
Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you.
And you will be able to know what is good and pleasing to God and what is perfect.”
Romans 12:2 (ICB)
“It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire.
A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that.
By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation,
send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it,
smoke right from the pit of hell.”
James 3:6 (MSG)
HEART THOUGHTS
How do you deflect the fiery darts of the enemy when they come into your mind?
Can you repeat defensive Bible verses as a defense strategy?
HEART REFLECTIONS
A good teacher will learn well what he or she needs to teach.
Who can you help teach how to deal with the temptations of bad thoughts as you strengthen your own mind?
Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we.
#ywap40daysoflent #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW
Ecosystems differ in many ways and are specifically designed by nature for their particular habitat. When a non-native plant is introduced into an area, it can cause catastrophic damage. Nature is designed to have space between plants and trees. When the space is filled with the wrong vegetation. the ecosystem changes. Ornamental grasses planted in a neighborhood garden will spread its seeds through the wind into a nearby forest or desert. They may fill spaces or overtake and kill the natural growth.
Non-native grasses may burn with a higher intensity than native plants. When vegetation is left in its natural state, fires will burn out or be easier to extinguish because they burn less slowly in natural conditions. Highly combustible non-native plants allowed to take up space become the kindling of widespread destruction through wildfires. They need to be removed. Plans need to be made to prevent the further introduction of vegetation with the potential to disrupt the natural habitat.
The mind of man is made in the image and likeness of God and placed in a habitat of flesh. Many things are unnatural for man, but he allows them to enter his mind anyway. The fire of illicit passion does not erupt without the kindling of lustful thoughts. Like a wildfire that consumes a forest, what consumes a man's thoughts generally ignites the actions of his life.
Instead of burning with wrong passion that leads you into the inferno of sin, it would be wise to stop the fire from starting. The Bible is a great playbook for changing our thoughts. Our minds will have many good and bad thoughts pass through it all day long. It's possible to regulate the flow of potentially damaging thoughts by focusing on the Way, the Truth and the Life of Christ.
As a personal habit to protect the habitat of my mind, I repeat these words when a bad thought comes, "I plead the Blood of Jesus over my mind and nothing is allowed here that will not bring glory to God." Our minds need to be renewed in Christ as often as possible. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. Keep the mind renewed and the temple clean.
DAY FIVE WORD
“Do not be shaped by this world. Instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.
Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you.
And you will be able to know what is good and pleasing to God and what is perfect.”
Romans 12:2 (ICB)
“It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire.
A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that.
By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation,
send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it,
smoke right from the pit of hell.”
James 3:6 (MSG)
HEART THOUGHTS
How do you deflect the fiery darts of the enemy when they come into your mind?
Can you repeat defensive Bible verses as a defense strategy?
HEART REFLECTIONS
A good teacher will learn well what he or she needs to teach.
Who can you help teach how to deal with the temptations of bad thoughts as you strengthen your own mind?
Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we.
#ywap40daysoflent #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW
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