Midweek Encouragement - "Capturing Our Thought Life”

"Capturing Our Thought Life”

    ^{Do you realize that our thoughts shape our character? The inner anatomy of our minds reveal our true spiritual condition. Inner deceit is as evil as a criminal act.}

         ^{Many of us think our thoughts are private. Surely no one gets arrested for thinking evil. But is the domain of the mind private turf? Wouldn’t you think that as long as we act civilly, no one can charge us with wrong behavior because of what we’re thinking. Think again, my friend.}

         ^{That whole line of thinking is really deceptive. It’s a delusion of the mind. Jesus said there’s a link between thought and action. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28 NIV). In other words, the thought is the same as the action.}

         ^{How controllable is your thought life? Is it like an untamed river rushing down a canyon? Unchecked it could wipe out your reputation, ruin your career, and hurt people very badly.}

         ^{The Bible puts the blame for a nasty thought life on the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan is the deceiver. He tries to control the human mind. In fact, our minds are probably the real battleground where spiritual warfare happens.}

         ^{While some people are concerned with external appearances, God looks on the thoughts and intents of our hearts. He’s never fooled by outward conformity to what’s expected by our society. Psalm 94:11 says “the Lord knows the thoughts of person.” So what does God expect of our thought life?}

         ^{God calls for a renewal of our minds. Even though you’re blinded by sin and affected by the fall, your mind can be transformed by the saving grace of God. If you’ve given your life to Christ, He has begun to bring your thoughts under His lordship.}

         ^{Obviously, being rescued by Jesus hasn’t prevented your mind from thinking nasty thoughts. It’s a daily battle. The fortress of the mind, under the new management of the Holy Spirit who came to live in you on that first day can help you take your thought life captive. That’s 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”}

         ^{Let me give you a very practical way to capture the mind. It’s found in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Focused thoughts are the best guarantee of an inner pure thought life.}

         ^{If you want your thought life to be pleasing to God, stay focused on Christ. He’ll help you think about true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things. And day by day, you’ll take your thought life captive. It’s a process . . . so don’t give up!}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.