Bible Study & Devotional 202
Written by: Torrie Slaughter
Guiding Scripture: Psalm 17:3 You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.
🔴Motivation
The psalmist pleads to God by lamenting about wrongful accusations. He describes his thoughts as he brings awareness to God’s examination of him. The psalmist resolved and intentionally determined not to sin with his mouth, which is a powerful motivator to think about our thoughts.
Psalm 119:106, ‘I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.’
Toxic, legalistic, unbeneficial, or evil thinking does not help us shine the light of Christ. It kills productivity, steals peace, and destroys the positive influence our lives could have.
What power do pride, envy, jealousy, or vanity have over your life?
Mark 7:23 “All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
The personal conceit is an excuse to be complacent. It never helps us follow Christ. When I was lost in the world, I lived in a constant state of fear. Anxiety ruled my decisions. It became easy to make excuses or blame others -taking my anointing for granted if it was uncomfortable.
To be alive today means Christ nominates us to spread the Good News.
Seeking contentment in our environment from a physical state isn’t evil; however, when we selfishly desire all things to make us happy, we deny the Holy Spirit the chance to develop our character.
The psalmist leads us to resolve to intentional focus. Choosing to be refined by God because of His proven character reminds us of the abundant good things our Lord desires for us.
The next time your thoughts negatively influence your approach to God’s blessings, ask yourself: ‘who planted the idea to be unhappy?’
Use your thoughts as a gauge, not a guide, to go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to purify you like silver. His Holy fire burns off toxic fumes releasing the shame, guilt, pride, and bitterness from your mind. Once you’re purified, shine your faith before others that your influence is a positive motivator to follow Christ. We are His ambassadors.
Prayer: Keep and guard me as the pupil of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings’ Psalm 17:8
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11, Romans 7:1-13, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 19:22-23
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
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