For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Daily Devotional Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible. The Wisdom of God Verses for the Day: Proverbs 24:9 (KJV): 9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men. Proverbs 24:9 (AMP): 9 The plans of the foolish and the thought of foolishness are sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men. Thoughts for the Day: This verse in Proverbs tells us that even our thoughts can be sinful and one who is a scoffer is an abomination to men. God knows every man's thoughts and we are told in this verse that foolish plans are sinful. The word foolishness in this verse has the meaning of trusting in one's own heart and mind. When we plan our own way and leave God out of those plans, it is very foolish indeed. The Bible tells us to trust in the Lord and not to rely on our own understanding. Because God is "all knowing" and "all wise," He will lead us in the right path. Proverbs 3:5-7: 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Isaiah 55:8-9: 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. The Lord tells us in these verses in Isaiah that God's thoughts are higher than man's thoughts. That is why we must ask for the mind of Christ so that our thoughts will become holy and righteous and we will then be able to overcome carnal thinking. In fact, the Bible tells us to cast down all imaginations and any high thing that would exalt itself above the knowledge of God. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6: 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. This means when the devil is attempting to get us to believe a lie, we must quote, in faith, the scripture that would offset and overcome that lie. When Satan tempts us, we are told to "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Submission to God is an attitude of the heart shown by obedience to His Word. Resist means to refuse to cooperate with the devil. To walk in the Spirit means we are to live in prayer and in the Word of God. Really this is not much different than walking with a friend. You become friends with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. God loved us so much He provided for victory. He provided for victory even if when we have a failure and yield to temptation. The way to overcome, is to repent and confess our sin and then get back on the right track with Jesus and go on and not allow the devil to condemn us and keep us away from God. We must ask God to cleanse our hearts and our thought life, as this will get to the root of our sin. Our sinful and foolish actions are the result of sinful and foolish thoughts. We must also not be guilty of being a scoffer or scorner, as these sins will alienate us from other people. Nobody wants to be around someone who is continually railing and talking against others. People who mock sacred things really are an abomination to others. Prayer for the Day: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your patience and love toward me. I have failed You many times, but You have never failed me. Lord, purify my thoughts so that they will be pleasing to You. May Your Words dwell in my heart and my mind so that I will not sin against You. Lord, may I think loving and kind thoughts toward others and may I never be a scoffer and one who demeans others. Deliver me from all foolish thoughts and give me the mind of Christ so that I am a good witness for You in this world. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen