As much as we're in control of our lives and specifically minds, we mostly give in to the tactics of the enemy and fall for his deceit. Several times i have had to over and over again find a way to get out of anxiety and fear. It is usually an unsettling feeling which can mess up my whole day. But as soon as i realise it's part of the enemy's scheme, i immediately speak out the Word to myself(mostly quoting Psalm 23 and Psalm 27) then follow on with some praises or worship to God. As I shared on earlier, Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God......by quoting scriptures to yourself, you are also hearing it as you speak(almost like you're preaching to yourself) and the more your hear, the more you build up on your faith in God.
The battle of the mind is not one to be taken lightly. A big part of standing against the enemy of our souls is taking control over our minds. As the bible says, we must learn to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 10:5).....This basically means by holding on to the truth that Jesus was obedient to the Father by agreeing to die on the cross to take away every pain, fear, anxiety, death etc so we shouldn't have to suffer. Mostly people have misunderstood this scripture and think it means by doing the right things to be obedient to God. Now think about this, who has ever set out to do the right thing by their own strength and achieved results before? No One can unless you accept the truth of Jesus' obedience and depend on That Word....that is what this scripture is asking us to do(I will go into this more in a later post).
We must learn not to entertain every thought that comes into our head. We have a choice whether to listen or not. If you have ever had thoughts that makes you physically weak, moody or even feel a tightness in the stomach, know that they are not of God.......the enemy brings thoughts into you mind like, 'What if i jump over that window', 'what if i crash my car' and so many other unthinkable thoughts which we are sometimes too scared to even share.....It is the enemy trying to to gain control of your mind.
We can overcome the lies of the enemy with Prayer, Faith and The Truth of God's Word. The enemy will try and steal God's Word from you by getting you to question God's Word. He will contradict God's Word but remember that certain thoughts may appear to you to be accurate, but when you hold them up next to God's Word, the lie is exposed.
Today choose your thoughts wisely. Regularly access your thinking and recognise where it's coming from.......sitting in church and thinking of the harsh words you're going to give that brother if they should be on your case after church is definitely not of the Lord. Rather than beat yourself up for having impure thoughts, tell the enemy to get off your brain because you will not allow your soul to be a dumping ground for trash. Tell him you "have the mind of Christ" and you won't listen to anything that is inconsistent with that (I Corinthians 22:16).*
PRAYER
Lord, help me to never exchange Your truth for a lie. Where I have accepted a lie as truth, reveal that to me. Help me to clearly discern when it is the enemy who is speaking. I don't want to think futile and foolish thoughts or give place to thoughts that are not glorifying to You (Romans 1:21). I don't want to walk according to my own thinking (Isaiah 65:2). I want to bring every thought captive and control my mind.
Your Word is "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). As I read Your Word, may it reveal any wrong thinking in me. May Your Word be so etched in my mind that I will be able to identify a lie of the enemy the minute I hear it. Spirit of Truth, keep me undeceived. I know You have given me authority "over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19), and so I command the enemy to get away from my mind. I refuse to listen to lies.
Thank You, Lord, that I "have the mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16). I want Your thoughts to be my thoughts. Show me where I have filled my mind with anything that is ungodly. Help me to resist doing that and instead fill my mind with thoughts, words, music and images that are glorifying to You. Help me to think upon what is true, noble. just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). I lay claim to the "sound mind" that You have given me ( 2 Timothy 1:7). Amen.
Scriptures for Meditation
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
II Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Ephesians 4:22-24
That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
#inspired...ann #WiseQuotes
*Stomie Omartian, The Power of a Praying Woman(2006)
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