The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Romans 8:1-9

“Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
Romans 8:5

Thinking of Salvation

Thoughts are most important in the realms of the spiritual. Solomon said, concerning man, “for he is like one who is inwardly calculating. Eat, drink! He says to you, but his heart is not with you.” [Proverbs 23:7] And the Bible often reminds us, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable … think about these things” [Philippians 4:8]. We know transgressions are thoughts, words, and deeds contrary to God’s will. Let us remember that thoughts come first. Before we speak a kind word, or perform and act of charity, there must be a thought that moves the lips to speak and the hands to give. The Bible is not only to be heard and read, but its precepts and promises are to meditated upon. The finest commendation of the Bible to a human being is this: “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” [Luke 2:19].
There is a reason that thoughts are so important “for to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” [Romans 8:6]. A mind constantly filled with evil thoughts must finally go to the place where those thoughts originate, hell. But with Christ’s Word and Spirit in our mind, always rejoicing that Jesus saved us from sin, we shall be guided on the path of life and peace and heaven.

Heavenly Father, let the same mind be in us that was also in Christ Jesus. Amen.

August 09, 1944