In our last lesson (Our Thought Filter) we looked at the need to filter our thoughts through the mesh net of God’s Word – To let what God says about us, our circumstances and all things in between be what we choose believe, not the lies of the enemy – To not allow the words of others or the pain of our past to define us, but to intentionally trust what God’s Word says to be true regardless of how we feel, what we think or what others say.
The process of victory over our thought life is a process not an event. We often find ourselves floundering in an attempt to gain ground on our future because we only implement a partial plan to defeat the fiery darts and wayward thoughts that somehow disable us in the journey.
Taking our thoughts captive is an imperative part of winning the war, but we must also intentionally replace thought thoughts with irreplaceable truths. If not, we leave those places open for more fiery darts and more wayward thoughts.
I’m reminded of how a deep wound must be packed in order for healing to take place. You can remove what caused the wound but if you don’t replace it by packing it with sterile bandages and cleansing ointment, infection is inevitable.
In much the same way, we must replace thoughts that wound our hearts and threaten to infect our future with the cleansing ointment of the Word. If we don’t pack those open places with the “Whatever List” God gives us as a remedy for our souls, then we leave ourselves open for infection that can render us ineffective and unable to take the front lines of our God-given destinies.
The Lord calls us to take our thoughts captive, to guard our hearts and minds – and it’s important to know that what He calls us to He also enables us to do. But all of this is only part of the process.
We are also told what we are to think on. We’re given a “Whatever” list of sorts in Phil 4:8-9. Today, in your Bible study, you have a place where you can make your own “Whatever List”.
The process of victory over our thought life is a process not an event. We often find ourselves floundering in an attempt to gain ground on our future because we only implement a partial plan to defeat the fiery darts and wayward thoughts that somehow disable us in the journey.
Taking our thoughts captive is an imperative part of winning the war, but we must also intentionally replace thought thoughts with irreplaceable truths. If not, we leave those places open for more fiery darts and more wayward thoughts.
I’m reminded of how a deep wound must be packed in order for healing to take place. You can remove what caused the wound but if you don’t replace it by packing it with sterile bandages and cleansing ointment, infection is inevitable.
In much the same way, we must replace thoughts that wound our hearts and threaten to infect our future with the cleansing ointment of the Word. If we don’t pack those open places with the “Whatever List” God gives us as a remedy for our souls, then we leave ourselves open for infection that can render us ineffective and unable to take the front lines of our God-given destinies.
The Lord calls us to take our thoughts captive, to guard our hearts and minds – and it’s important to know that what He calls us to He also enables us to do. But all of this is only part of the process.
We are also told what we are to think on. We’re given a “Whatever” list of sorts in Phil 4:8-9. Today, in your Bible study, you have a place where you can make your own “Whatever List”.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things arejust, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
As you make it, remember, think about what makes your heart smile – those things that fall in line with the Philippians 4:8-9 criteria of whatever topics.
What are some things you’ve placed on your “Whatever List”?
Boy are you right Stephanie! Our taking captive over our life is a process! It take practice too I might add! Hugs and blessings, Cindy