Peace Of God: From The Mind To The Heart (Part 2)
[ Preached by Pastor Kenneth Chin at Acts Church Malaysia on 23 July 2017 ]
There is a difference between head-knowledge and heart-knowledge.
To experience breakthroughs, one must not only believe it in their mind but also their heart for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45)”. And unless your heart truly believes, there is no power no matter how many words you utter (Romans 10:9-10).
We must unite both our mind and our heart in Christ.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word discerns between our soul and spirit, as well as the thoughts and intents of our very own heart. Reading the bible is God’s heart-checkup for you, as it challenges your heart with the conviction that only the Spirit can bring.
While the mind in your head can be filled to the brim with the promises of God, no breakthrough can happen unless the mind in your heart is equally convinced. As we have learned, the Devil is adept in sowing doubt and fear into our minds, but the killing blow is when he successfully does the same to our hearts.
If your heart is filled with hope, you will speak hope. If it is fear, you will speak fear. As a person prays, even if power-packed verses are running through his mind but his heart is doubtful, the Bible calls him a double-minded man (James 1:6-8).
Even though you can KNOW that nothing is impossible, but you can also FEEL the situation is beyond hope.
In our everyday lives, we are so confident in the things around us such as medication for a headache or a hot drink while suffering from a cold. Are we as confident with God knowing that He always has good plans for us? Do we trust Him with all we are and all we have?
Here are a few ways to work on our double-mindedness and let God’s peace flow from our mind to the heart.
Choose to Praise and Worship
Believe until you sing or sing until you believe. Worship God from an abundance of joy or seek Him in worship at the foot of a battle. Praise and worship fill your heart with gladness toward God, leaving no room for doubt.
Long to Pray and Speak in Tongues
The flesh is weak but the spirit is willing (Matthew 26:41). Whenever we speak in tongues, we speak in the spirit and invite God’s presence into the room. The Holy Spirit is our helper and will bring forth within us words of faith that fill the heart with faith and fill the mind with victorious thinking.
Choose to Draw Near to God
James 4:8 implores us to draw closer to Him, and He will cleanse us and help us with our “double-mindedness”. As we purposefully draw close to God’s presence, ask that He purify your heart from the things of the world so that our minds will be single-focused.
The Bible says in Matthew 18:19 that when two agreed on anything they ask for, God will come through for them. Multiple people can come together and pray, but if their heart and head are not aligned, there is no power in that meeting.
Similarly, in our individual lives, Mark 12:30 tells us to love our God with all our heart, all your soul, and all your mind. You must rely on God with ALL your mind and heart, body, soul, and spirit.
When both our heart and head believe, then the flesh, spirit and soul will also be aligned to God. Then as Matthew 18:19 promises – breakthroughs and testimonies will come!
Written by Writer’s Ink
Edited by Ivy Wambaa & Hailey Chung
