دانلود برنامهPray While You’re Prey Devotions For Singles, 2نمونه
Where's Your Head At?
It is amazing how our thoughts can hold us captive when we are instructed to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). On more than one occasion, I have found myself mindlessly watching television and everything that happens on any show I immediately relate back to the situation with which I am struggling. Usually, that situation is singleness. I find myself daydreaming about my future family. In times when everything is quiet, I think about how much I yearn for a loving husband and children of my own.
Perhaps these thoughts crowd my mind because that is where my treasure lies in those moments. At those times, I want nothing more for my life than to have this picture perfect ideal family fantasy. And, there is nothing wrong with desiring to be in a family unit. God created family. The problem arises when we stop just thinking casually about these desires and begin to fixate on the desires.
There is a problem when our focus is shifted from God to our desires. There are so many verses in the Bible about guarding our thoughts. Thoughts can lead to actions. And, depending on what our thoughts are, those actions may be disobedient to God. That is why we are instructed to think on true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8). If we are thinking about these things, then the actions that follow cannot help but be pleasing to Him.
The things that we spend the most time thinking about show God what we truly treasure. The most dangerous thoughts are ones about issues or people that seem benign. I am not talking about illicit sexual thoughts, hateful thoughts, or destructive thoughts. I am speaking of thoughts about family, friendships, and finances. I am talking about the thoughts that start off in a good place in your heart, but end up being used by the devil to cause you to doubt God.
The devil will take the thing that you desire most and ask, “Why hasn’t God sent you a husband yet?” Or, “Why won’t God give you that job you have been working so hard for?” The devil will make you think that God has been holding out on you. He has been using the same trick since the beginning of humankind. It still works. Why stop now?
We must realize that God is the ultimate treasure. I am not saying that every thought we have is going to be about God; I do not know anyone who can do that. However, God and His ways and His will should be the only thoughts on which we fixate. Living the life that He has planned should captivate our thoughts. Our relationship with God should be our only obsession.
Prayer
Thank You, God for being the greatest treasure.
Please forgive me for thinking too hard about other things
that distract me from living the life You have for me.
Lord, please help me to keep my focus in the right direction.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
It is amazing how our thoughts can hold us captive when we are instructed to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). On more than one occasion, I have found myself mindlessly watching television and everything that happens on any show I immediately relate back to the situation with which I am struggling. Usually, that situation is singleness. I find myself daydreaming about my future family. In times when everything is quiet, I think about how much I yearn for a loving husband and children of my own.
Perhaps these thoughts crowd my mind because that is where my treasure lies in those moments. At those times, I want nothing more for my life than to have this picture perfect ideal family fantasy. And, there is nothing wrong with desiring to be in a family unit. God created family. The problem arises when we stop just thinking casually about these desires and begin to fixate on the desires.
There is a problem when our focus is shifted from God to our desires. There are so many verses in the Bible about guarding our thoughts. Thoughts can lead to actions. And, depending on what our thoughts are, those actions may be disobedient to God. That is why we are instructed to think on true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8). If we are thinking about these things, then the actions that follow cannot help but be pleasing to Him.
The things that we spend the most time thinking about show God what we truly treasure. The most dangerous thoughts are ones about issues or people that seem benign. I am not talking about illicit sexual thoughts, hateful thoughts, or destructive thoughts. I am speaking of thoughts about family, friendships, and finances. I am talking about the thoughts that start off in a good place in your heart, but end up being used by the devil to cause you to doubt God.
The devil will take the thing that you desire most and ask, “Why hasn’t God sent you a husband yet?” Or, “Why won’t God give you that job you have been working so hard for?” The devil will make you think that God has been holding out on you. He has been using the same trick since the beginning of humankind. It still works. Why stop now?
We must realize that God is the ultimate treasure. I am not saying that every thought we have is going to be about God; I do not know anyone who can do that. However, God and His ways and His will should be the only thoughts on which we fixate. Living the life that He has planned should captivate our thoughts. Our relationship with God should be our only obsession.
Prayer
Thank You, God for being the greatest treasure.
Please forgive me for thinking too hard about other things
that distract me from living the life You have for me.
Lord, please help me to keep my focus in the right direction.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
کلام
دربارۀ اين برنامۀ مطالعه
Several years ago, I wrote a book called, Pray While You’re Prey: How God Turned my Loneliness and Frustration into Contentment and Commitment. It was always my intention to revisit the Bible verses in the book and other Scriptures that have been uplifting to me during this season of singleness to encourage others. The first part of this devotion received a lot of feedback and requests for more, so here is and additional part. I pray that this devotion continues to honor Him and bless you. Enjoy!
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