Choosing To Guard My Heart And Mind

[Jerry]

Choosing To Guard My Heart And Mind

I made a covenant with my eyes,
Upon virtuous things my mind is stayed;
When temptation comes a-calling,
The decision has already been made.

Like prisoners of war, I’ve taken captive
The thoughts that roam this land;
When an invading army comes to battle,
I know, I’ve already made my stand.

Though I am walking in the flesh,
I choose not to war that way;
Your Word is hidden in my heart,
Before the enemy comes to stay.

I give all my cares to my Captain,
And He gives me His peace within;
Guarding my heart in this warfare -
In Jesus, the victory I will win.

I will put on Your whole armour -
Claim each promise that I find;
With the helmet of salvation,
I know Your Word will guard my mind.

I will think upon things that are lovely,
That are just, and that are true;
And keep on following my Commander
In everything that I say and do.

November 9th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Isaiah 26:3-4  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

[Joe Chandler]

I used to memorize scripture to fight my wicked thoughts. I memorized Romans 6 and 8 just to quote to myself when my mind strayed. My inspiration for doing this is Psalm 1. Especially verse 3. "and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

It is of interest to me that the psalmist meditated "in his law". We take His law for granted, because we live by faith, but the psalmist meditated on it day and night. 

Edited November 28, 2023 by Joe Chandler