DAY THREE (WEDNESDAY)
“Only Let In What God Allows”
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV
• As we seek to give the Lord our ALL, it is vital that we keep our hearts open to the Father, and closed to everything that He doesn’t support.
• A stronghold is a mindset impregnated with hopelessness that causes the believer to accept as unchangeable something that he or she knows is contrary to the will of God.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 NLT
• There are gates to a persons heart. To “guard your heart” is to protect the gates. Allowing “in” only the Father’s words, and opinions, and perspectives, and plans. Here are the gates to the heart: a. Ears- The ears of our heart is where we hear God’s voice. b. Eyes- The eyes of our heart is where [we see visions from God]. c. Mind- The mind of our heart is where we [ponder what God has spoken to us, and what He has shown us]. d. Will- The will of our heart is where we [establish conviction from God and speak them forth]. e. Emotions- The emotions of our heart is where we [feel God’s emotions, and they move us to action]. Example:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT
In these two verses, see if you can find what you should guard against, and what you should open your heart to.