Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading – Friday, April 9, 2021

Theme: SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS, KEY TO HEALTHY LIVING

Text:  “And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.’  – Mark 7:20-23.

Comment:  Our Lord Jesus Christ here explains that  spiritually speaking, it is what comes from the heart that defiles the man not what goes in. He went on to list  the various sinful thoughts which are common among men, pointing out that these have negative effects on the person and make him unacceptable to God.  Our thoughts affect both our emotions and our actions. Therefore, if we can change negative thoughts, we can also change our negative emotions and actions. Negative thoughts can paralyze or freeze up one’s entire being and inhibit progress in all pursuits or goals in life. Yes, the solution begins from within: transform the mind and you will transform the person. – Romans 12:2.

According to medical experts, decline of physical energy and vitality comes about due to guilty conscience,  following sinful behaviour. Chronic aches and pains result from long-held and suppressed grudge; Some skin rashes occur because of a quarrel with someone; high blood pressure could come from bouts of anger, or fear and stress, or imagined problems.  Scientists believe that many health problems (often including cancer, chronic fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, insomnia, irritable bowel disease, certain digestive disturbances) do not entirely clear up unless the mental aspect is also addressed. The truth is that our bodies react positively or negatively according to the state of our minds. Solomon admonishes: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.’ – Proverbs 4:23.