This Sunday is world Mental Health Day (October 10), and next week Australia recognises national Mental Health Week (October 9-16).
Over the last 10 weeks, our global Teaching Pastor, Robert Fergusson has been sharing a series of brief preaching tips with 4,000+ preachers and teachers around the world.
The theme of this particular series was ‘Thoughts on Thinking’ – with subjects such as ‘The Battle for our Mind’, ‘The Development of Thinking’, ‘The Possibilities of Thinking’ and ‘The Limitations of Thinking’.
Whether you are a preacher or not, it is important to understand how God thinks, how we think, and the necessity to protect our minds.
If you would like to go back and read all 10 of this current series, plus all 89 previous weekly tips, simply subscribe as a complimentary Associate of the Hillsong Leadership Network here.
But for now, here is the tenth tip in the ‘Thoughts on Thinking’ series from Ps Robert Fergusson…
The Use of Spiritual Weapons…
In the Book of Ephesians, Paul paints the picture of an alert soldier, partly armed with belt, breastplate, and shod feet, taking up three further weapons when under attack: the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-20).
If we are going to gain victory in our thinking, we need to learn to guard our mind, defend our faith and confess the truth. But there are other weapons which are equally important.
In the Book of Philippians, we are promised that the peace of God will protect our minds (Philippians 4:4-8).
However, this promise is dependent on three actions: consistent praise (v.4), grateful prayer (v.5), and intentional positivity (v.8).
The prophet Habakkuk learned to praise despite the circumstances (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
Jesus gave thanks before the miracle (Mark 6:41).
Jeremiah gained hope through deliberate meditation and positive confession (Lamentations 3:19-24).
As the preacher, Martin Lloyd-Jones said, “…most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself…”
Do you rejoice, even when you don’t feel like it?
Do you give thanks before your prayers are answered?
Do you tell yourself the truth on a daily basis?
Robert Fergusson
Oct 8 2021
