when the bird of thought was let go, by A. W. Tozer, Hebrews 3, verse 1. Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus. What we think about when we are free to think about whatever we desire, 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 about whatever he pleased? Toward what has his inner heart turned when it was free to turn wherever it desired? 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, then we can discover not only what we are, but what we are going to become. We will soon be the sum of our voluntary thoughts.

Long practice in the art of frequent, heartfelt prayers, that is, talking to God inwardly as we work or travel, will help to form the habit of holy thoughts. For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is. O Lord, You know the constant struggle which we have with our thought life. You know how often our thoughts settle on rotten carcasses. Take control of my thoughts today. and give me grace to develop the habit of spiritual-mindedness. Amen. Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.