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  THE HABIT OF HOLY THOUGHT
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: The habit of holy thought is developed through surrendering to
God and training our thoughts through prayer, ultimately shaping who we
are and our spiritual condition.

Topics: "Surrendering to God", "Thought Life"
Scripture References: Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 23:7, Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 6:21, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2, James 1:8, 1 Peter 1:13

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of our thoughts in shaping our
spiritual condition, urging believers to examine their voluntary
thoughts to understand their true selves. He illustrates the importance
of surrendering our minds to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our
thoughts towards holiness. Tozer encourages the practice of mental
prayer as a means to cultivate a habit of holy thought, suggesting that
consistent communication with God can transform our thinking. He
highlights the struggle many face with their thought life and calls for
divine intervention to help develop a mindset aligned with God's will.

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CONTENT
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Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against
the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the
obedience of Christ. --2 Corinthians 10:5

What we think about when we are free to think about what we will-- that
is what we are or will soon become....

Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so by
noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours or
days. What has he thought about when free to think of what he pleased?
Toward what has his inner heart turned when it was free to turn where it
would? When the bird of thought was let go did it fly out like the raven
to settle upon floating carcasses or did it like the dove circle and
return again to the ark of God? Such a test is easy to run, and if we
are honest with ourselves we can discover not only what we are but what
we are going to become. We'll soon be the sum of our voluntary
thoughts....

The best way to control our thoughts is to offer the mind to God in
complete surrender. The Holy Spirit will accept it and take control of
it immediately. Then it will be relatively easy to think on spiritual
things, especially if we train our thought by long periods of daily
prayer. Long practice in the art of mental prayer (that is, talking to
God inwardly as we work or travel) will help to form the habit of holy
thought. Born After Midnight, 44,46-47.

"Oh, Lord, You know the constant struggle so many of us have with our
thought life. You know how often our thoughts do indeed settle on rotten
carcasses. Take control of my thoughts today, and move me along in the
development of the habit of holy thought. Amen."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/the-habit-of-holy-thought/
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