Your Thoughts a Sanctuary
Tozer emphasizes the importance of making our thoughts a sanctuary for God, where He can dwell comfortably and we can experience a deeper connection with Him.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of our thoughts as a sanctuary for God, urging believers to maintain purity in their thinking to foster a closer relationship with Him. He reflects on how wrong thoughts can disrupt our fellowship with God, highlighting that while we cannot control our hearts, we can govern our thoughts. Tozer illustrates that our theology forms the foundation of our faith, while our thoughts are the high towers that express our spiritual experience. He encourages making every thought a place where God can dwell, ensuring that our entire lives honor Him. Tozer concludes with a prayer for thoughts to be a comfortable sanctuary for God.
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For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." --Isaiah 57:15
I have been thinking recently about how important my thoughts are. I don't have to do wrong to get under blistering conviction and repent. I can lose the fellowship of God and sense of His presence and a sense of spirituality by just thinking wrong. God has been saying to me, "I dwell in your thoughts. Make your thoughts a sanctuary in which I can dwell. See to it." You can't do anything with your heart--that is too deep--but you can control your thoughts....
Your theology is your foundation. The superstructure is your spiritual experience built on that foundation. But the high bell towers where the carillons are--those are your thoughts. And if you keep those thoughts pure the chimes can be heard ringing out "Holy, Holy, Holy" on the morning air.
Make your thoughts a sanctuary God can inhabit, and don't let any of the rest of your life dishonor God. See to it that not a foot of ground is unholy. See to it that every hour and every place is given over to God, and you will worship Him and He will accept it. Tozer on Worship and Entertainment, 10-11.
"May my thoughts be a sanctuary this morning, Father, where You can dwell comfortably. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Thoughts
- The Foundation of Our Thoughts
- Making Our Thoughts a Sanctuary
- Control our thoughts to honor God
- Every aspect of life should be given to God
- Purify our thoughts to worship God
Key Quotes
“I dwell in your thoughts. Make your thoughts a sanctuary in which I can dwell. See to it.” — A.W. Tozer
“May my thoughts be a sanctuary this morning, Father, where You can dwell comfortably. Amen.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to control your thoughts and keep them pure to honor God.
- Give every aspect of your life to God, including your thoughts, to deepen your relationship with Him.
- Understand the importance of theology as the foundation of your spiritual experience.