APRIL 23: The War for Your Mind
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Romans 7:22-23 reads, I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.
In The Lord of the Rings, the young hobbit Frodo Baggins is tasked with a challenging mission: to destroy the ring of power. As the story progresses, the burden becomes heavier and heavier. Frodo wants to be rid of the ring, yet he also finds a unique desire to keep the ring close at all costs. He discovers the truth of Romans 7:22, that there is a power at war with his mind.
The story is an excellent reflection of what Paul is communicating in Romans 7. As Christians, we are not immune to sin. While we have been set free from its reign in our lives, we are still flawed. The desire to sin against God or others can creep in even in the most unexpected of moments. We must constantly keep our thoughts and hearts on Christ, knowing that He and He alone can remove the burden of sin in our lives.
READING & JOURNALING:
There is an ongoing war for your mind. What, specifically, is your responsibility in that battle?
Romans 7:22 notes that there is another power (sin) that is at war with your mind. What are two or three Scripture verses you can regularly turn to to replace sinful thoughts with the truths of God’s Word?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I don’t need to read Romans 7 to know that there’s an ongoing war for my mind, but it is a helpful reminder that I need to accept my responsibility in this battle. Today, may my time, energy, thoughts, words, actions, and even spending reflect that I am taking this responsibility seriously. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Mark 1
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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