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Your Thoughts Matter!

The thoughts we allow into our mind determines what kind of life we will live.  God teaches us in His Word that our thoughts matter and it is commendable to learn how to control our thoughts.  

Romans 8:5 says, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

It can be really challenging to control our thoughts while we live on this side of eternity.  Both our flesh and the enemy of our soul piles on the untruthful thoughts, the negative thoughts, and the destructive thoughts.  Lies we have heard as we grow up, lies we hear on the daily in our culture, and lies we tell ourselves, threaten to keep us on the sidelines instead  of walking forward in our calling to be active ambassadors for Christ.

Guard your mind from programming that comes from television shows, the news, advertisements, music, and academia.  The Bible also uses the phrase "guard your heart" to convey the importance of controlling our thoughts.  Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

How can we control our thoughts when we have such an intense spiritual battle raging all around us?  First, we recognize the importance of controlling our thoughts.  Second, we ask the Holy Spirit for help - He is the Helper and He will empower you to lay down your thoughts at the feet of Jesus.  Third, we fill our minds with God's Word.  Fourth, we pay attention to our thoughts and challenge their truthfulness (or lack thereof) by asking God to show us a more truthful and uplifting way to think.

The Apostle Paul gives us some pointers:  

Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."

Philippians 4:8 says, "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."

Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Regarding the Hebrews 4:12 passage, I want to exhort and encourage you to read The Holy Bible every day.  Don't just read a few verses, read a chapter or two.  Create this excellent habit and you will find your thoughts beginning to more easily align with God's thoughts on all matters.  

Remember your mind is the battlefield.  That is where spiritual warfare takes place.  The enemy attacks you in your thoughts.  If  you tell yourself, "it's too hard to control my thoughts," then it will seem too hard.  Instead, tell yourself the truth, God's Spirit indwells me therefore I can call upon His power to control my thoughts.  

When the battle of your mind rages intensely, take some deep breaths and purposely turn your thoughts to the beauty of Heaven, the goodness of God, the love of Jesus Christ, the beauty of creation, the forgiveness Jesus gave you . . .

1 Peter 1:13 reminds us to set our hopes on Jesus Christ's coming. "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."

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