How the Holy Spirit Frees Us from Uncontrolled Thoughts

Current Teaching Series How To Get Through What You're Going Through

How the Holy Spirit Frees Us from Uncontrolled Thoughts By Rick Warren — May 12, 2017 “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5 NIV). There is a battle going on inside you between your old, sinful nature and your new nature that comes from Christ. If you want to win this battle, you’re going to have to change the way you think. Satan gives you thoughts; they are temptation. And God gives you thoughts; they are inspiration. Which are you going to choose? Romans 8:6 says, “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (NIV). I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t choose life and peace over death. But the truth is, we have self-destructive thoughts all the time. So what do we do? Here is how the Holy Spirit frees us from uncontrolled thoughts. It’s the principle of replacement: Whatever you want to change in your life, don’t resist it; replace it. If you’re watching television and a show comes on that you know is bad for you to watch, change the channel to something better. If you want to quit smoking but you keep thinking about cigarettes, focus on something else. The Bible says you have to replace the old mindset with the new mindset. When you start thinking about something positive instead of something negative, something good instead of something evil, the old will lose its appeal and won’t have its allure anymore. Invite the Holy Spirit to have free access to your mind to help replace those uncontrollable thoughts. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over Ask the Holy Spirit to give you new ideas to think about that will replace the old, bad thoughts. Pray this: “Dear Holy Spirit, I give you permission to give me thoughts anytime you want. I’m wide open, and I will accept them. I have an open mind to you.” The Holy Spirit will also use Scripture to direct your thoughts toward God. If you’re not already in the habit of memorizing Scripture, begin doing that today with a friend so that you can remember God’s Word when you need it most.

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Series Summary Session 1: SHOCK — When Your World Collapses Session 2: SORROW — Getting Through Life’s Losses  Session 3: STRUGGLE — When Life Makes No Sense Session 4: SURRENDER — The Path To Peace Session 5: SANCTIFICATION — Transformed by Trouble Session 6: START SEEING — Finding Treasure in Darkness Session 7: SERVICE — Never Waste Your Pain PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered around the world. This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe