Tuesday's Tool - Truth Proof

Recently we had an exterminator check our home for pests - specifically termites. After a thorough search, we learned that we were proud owners of some termite nests! A few weeks later, the exterminator paid another visit to our house.  But this time he was armed with a shovel and some bug killer.  Over the next two hours, he diligently dug a small trench around the perimeter of our home, put in pesticides, and then filled the trench back up.  Afterwards, he assured me that our home was officially bug proofed...for the next year atleast!

I started thinking about what we proof our lives against.  We disease proof our bodies by eating good nutrition, taking vitamins and exercising.  We baby proof our homes by putting in baby gates and outlet covers.  But what about the importance of Truth proofing our minds and hearts.  I can't tell you the number of times my lack of knowing God's Truth has hindered me from handling a situation the way He would want me to handle it. Jeremiah 17:9 says, ""The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?"  And then there are those times when I do know what His Word says, and in obedience and trust I follow God. By His grace, I am able to successfully navigate difficult situations because God's Word always leads us in the right direction.

So how do we Truth proof our hearts and minds?
1.  Scripture memory is vital. Psalm 119:11 says, "Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you."  Learning what the Bible says and 'taking it to heart' is the beginning of Truth Proofing our hearts. The more Bible we get into our hearts, the more Truth we know to steer us away from sin and give us direction. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Hiding God's Word in our hearts puts a guard around our hearts. 
2. Taking our thoughts captive is key.  Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." In 2 Corinthians, Paul discusses taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  By not allowing our minds to "go to those dark places" (and this is especially difficult when we are hormonal!!!) and keeping our thoughts focused on the things of God, we are Truth proofing our minds!

So that's the tool for the week!  Find a few Bible verses and Truth Proof away!!!