from ULISSESS SOARES

Seek Christ In Every Thought

1  |  He perfectly understands. Christ knows all your thoughts, but more importantly He understands them too. We can derive strength and courage from the Savior because He came to this earth, just like you; He was tempted, just like you; and He felt physical pain and emotional heartache, just like you. Recognizing that Christ already knows and understands the inner workings of our thoughts and feelings, can bring instant comfort in times of anguish. You are not alone. Reach out to Him in your loneliness, frustration, anger, or whatever. Just the thought of Christ in those moments “gives us the promise that we can walk in His light and that His guidance prevents the influence of darkness in our life.” 

2  |  Water the good seeds. Our thoughts shape the desires of our heart and lead us to what we will become in this life and the eternities. As we ebb and flow on the gospel path, it is up to us to determine if we are heading upward to God or downward to despair. We’ve been taught since we were small that faith is like a seed and if planted, it will grow. Well, the same thing applies to temptation. If we let any unclean thought enter our mind it is possible for it to grab hold and grow in our hearts, sometimes without us even realizing it. The adversary knows we have been hit hard this year and I’m guessing he wants to take advantage of our weakened state. The blows will increase the closer we get to the second coming, but only if we let them. The more we say “No” to temptations, large or small, the more power we gain from our Savior, the more we will hear Him, and the more our seed of faith will grow.

3  |  The Lord is ready to assist us. Overcoming temptation can be accomplished by each one of us. It sometimes feels like a huge hurdle, but you do not have to jump over it alone. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) Open the door! Simple as that. He will show us the way to overcome our strongest temptation line upon line, precept upon precept. When we open the door to Christ, our temptations will decrease and our capacity for righteousness and joy will increase.

"Fighting against temptation takes a lifetime of diligence and faithfulness. But please know that the Lord is ready to assist us in our personal efforts and promises remarkable blessings if we endure to the end."

ULISSES SOARES

"Can you imagine, my brothers and sisters, what would happen if we were to derive strength and courage from the Savior and say, “No” and “Get thee hence” to unvirtuous thoughts that very first moment they come into our minds?" 

ULISSES SOARES

INVITATION:

“Seeking Christ in every thought and following Him with all our heart requires that we align our mind and desires with His.” Let’s commit to align ourselves with Christ this week. 

Grab a paper  and write Jesus in the center. Now, using another color, and/or using cursive, write your name over top of Jesus. 

Tape your paper by your bed or on your mirror, use it as a bookmark, or even share on social media. Declare your alignment with Christ, take His name upon you, and stand fast with the Lord.
 

AFFIRMATION:

My temptations do not define me. I am strong enough to say “No” to tempting thoughts and align my mind with Christ. I am not alone, for He has walked the path before me.