THE WORD OF GOD. 086

The reason why the youth, and even those of mature years, are so easily led into temptation and sin is that they do not study the word of God and meditate upon it as they should. The lack of firm, decided will power, which is manifest in life and character, results from their neglect of the sacred instruction of God’s word. They do not by earnest effort direct the mind to that which would inspire pure, holy thought and divert it from that which is impure and untrue. There are few who choose the better part, who sit at the feet of Jesus, as did Mary, to learn of the divine Teacher. Few treasure His words in the heart and practice them in the life. {8T 319.2}

It is a powerful thought that our thoughts can be powerful, or that they can be weak. A simple yet profound idea is that the more we think a specific thought or about specific subjects, our neurons wire in a way that makes that thought pathway more powerful. This makes thinking that thought easier the next time; it also makes not thinking it harder. If we struggle with tempting thoughts two general things have to happen. The first is we need to pour our souls out to God and ask Him to do a miracle and rewire our brain. Then we must speak and act in harmony with our prayers and intentionally think the thoughts of God, which come from the word of God. Quite literally, imagine it like a mental workout. The best way to do this is to commit scripture to memory. Go for a walk and take a chapter or half of the Bible and repeat it to yourself and test yourself until you remember it. As you do it pray through the texts, think about their relevance to your life.

The truths of the Bible, received, will uplift the mind from its earthliness and debasement. If the word of God were appreciated as it should be, both young and old would possess an inward rectitude, a strength of principle, that would enable them to resist temptation. Let men teach and write the precious things of the Holy Scriptures. Let the thought, the aptitude, the keen exercise of brain power, be given to the study of the thoughts of God. Study not the philosophy of man’s conjectures, but study the philosophy of Him who is truth. Other literature is of little value when compared with this. {8T 319.4}

As we meditate on the word of God and pour out our souls to Him, as we literally give our brains these workouts we will grow.

The mind that is earthly finds no pleasure in contemplating the word of God; but for the mind renewed by the Holy Spirit, divine beauty and celestial light shine from the sacred page. That which to the earthly mind was a desolate wilderness, to the spiritual mind becomes a land of living streams. {8T 319.5}

If you find it "boring" to read the Bible try what I have mentioned here this please.

Father, please give us a desire to meditate on your Word, release the neuronal pathways that we have strengthened in vice for years, do a miracle for us Lord. Give us the ability to then develop new pathways that reflect Who You are,

IJN

amen

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