Daily Devotional

A couple of our grandkids were being a bit hateful to each other. Nothing major—just not nice. I asked them to be kind. Naturally, they rolled their eyes. So, I said, “Ok, let me ask you a question. Who is your attitude honoring? God or the enemy?

Immediately, their shoulders dropped. They knew. Even little kids understand who they are honoring. I didn’t have to elaborate. We adults know too.

We all need to ask ourselves that question throughout the day. Is what I think, say, do, listen to, and view honoring God or the enemy? It’s a simple test to align our lives with the Lord. We don’t ask it because we want to justify our actions. But the truth is—just like those kiddos knew—we know.

The Lord tells us to take every thought captive—not just some, not a few here and there, not just the really bad ones. He says to take EVERY thought captive.

“We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God. We take every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, being ready to punish every act of disobedience when your own obedience is complete.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5-6

Think about that. Why would our thoughts matter so much to God? James 1:14-16 gives us insight:

“Each one is tempted (which begins with a thought) when he is dragged away, enticed, and baited [to commit sin] by his own worldly desire (thoughts of lust, power, wants, and passion). Then when the illicit (ungodly) desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. When sin has run its course, it gives birth to death. Do not be misled, my beloved brothers and sisters.”

We are called to examine and control our thoughts to be sure they align with God’s truth and obedience to Christ. If we don’t, we will be enticed, dominated, and ruled by harmful ones.

Satan is an opportunist. He looks for any invitation into our lives. Our sinful ways are permission in his eyes. As believers, we are called to guard the gates of our hearts and minds—always.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8 Don’t let it be you!

Who is honored by the things you think, say, do, listen to, and view? Who is being given permission to rule and reign in your life?

I pray this devotional has stirred your soul and given you something to strengthen your walk with Jesus.

Additional Devotional Reading

* Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

This verse emphasizes the need to renew our minds and resist sinful thought patterns, aligning with 2 Corinthians 10:5

*Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

This connects with the idea of taking thoughts captive and redirecting them toward God’s truth.

*Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

This aligns with James 1:14-15 by showing that what we allow into our minds and hearts determines our actions and spiritual outcome.

* Galatians 6:7-8 – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Blessings to YOU,

Cassandra Lee

There’s JOY in the journey – nourishing body & soul…

I have written two published Devotionals. You can see them on our website. Alternatively, they can be ordered on Amazon.

Order on Amazon:

In These Jars of Clay 30-Day Devotional Journey: https://a.co/d/d1mM5HW

A Pig Trough, Slop, & A Broken Princess 21-day Devotional Journey: https://a.co/d/5HEjko1

#RenewYourStrength #HopeInTheLord #MorningDevotion #soarwithhim

#dailydevotional #BibleStudy #jesus #JesusIsLord #BibleStudy #bibleverse

#StrengthInChrist #GodIsMyStrength #LeanOnHim