The Origin of Our Thoughts

Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

If asked concerning the origin of thoughts, the average person would swiftly respond with “the mind” or some similar answer. This is not, however, the emphasis of scripture. Overwhelmingly, scripture indicates that thoughts proceed from the heart. This does not mean the beating organ within one’s chest since the scriptures use “heart” in a different manner. When God brought judgment in the days of Noah, He saw that the thoughts of man’s “heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). In Matthew 15:19, the Bible says, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts.” In Luke 24:38, the Lord Jesus asked the disciples, “why do thoughts arise in your hearts?” When one’s thoughts are not according to God’s will, it is a matter of the heart not being right with God.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): Jeremiah 4:14 tells us our thoughts come from within. God wants us to keep our thoughts right with Him because He knows we tend to become that upon which we think. (Read Proverbs 23:7a for a clear explanation.)

(For everyone): If thoughts come from the heart, how do they first enter the heart? Why is their origin so very important? What can we do to ensure that our thoughts are righteous thoughts?

(For everyone): What was David’s prayer in Psalm 139:23? When would God know David’s thoughts? Is this something you would be willing to pray?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to guard your heart from evil thoughts.

Ask God to search you, try you, and know your thoughts.

SONG

All For Jesus

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