“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Did you know that the average person has between 6,000 and 10,000 separate thoughts each day? That works out to be around 3.5 million thoughts a year. That’s a lot of thoughts.
Every one of those 6,000 to 10,000 thoughts represents a choice you make, a decision to think about this, and not about that. Let’s say someone gave you 10,000 euro’s today and said, “Spend it any way you like as long as you spend it all before you go to bed tonight.” You’d be careful how you spent it, wouldn’t you? Well, the way we spend our thoughts should be more important than the way we spend our money. Why ?? Because our life moves in the direction of our strongest thoughts.
Our minds can become so cluttered with negative thoughts. Worry, anxiety, fear… These thoughts can also lead to feelings of rejection, unworthiness, hopelessness, etc. This is because when the thoughts are allowed to come into the mind, they quickly travel to the heart.
What you think today, you become tomorrow. Your mind is the best predictor of your future.
If you think you can’t, you probably won’t.
If you think angry thoughts, angry words are sure to follow.
If you fill your mind with sexual fantasies, your body will find a way to fulfill those desires.
If you dwell on your problems, they will soon overwhelm you.
If you feel like a victim, soon you will become one.
If you give way to worry, don’t be surprised when you get ulcers.
If you think low thoughts, low living is soon to follow.
If you expect defeat, you’ll probably lose.
If you dwell on rejection, you will set yourself up for even more rejection.
If you focus on how others misunderstand you, you will soon become angry and bitter.
What goes in must come out. Sooner or later your thoughts translate into reality.
Philippians 4:8. says:
“Finally, brothers, 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.”
The flip side is also true.
If you focus on the truth, you will speak the truth.
If you look on noble things, nobility will mark your life.
If you seek out lovely things, your life will be lovely to others.
If you dwell on that which is right, that which is wrong will have no attraction to you.
If you think on pure things, you will become pure.
If you look for virtue, you will find it.
If you search for higher things, you will elevate your own life.
Here is God’s prescription for believers trapped in unhealthy living: Think On These Things! Focus on the good, the pure, the true, the holy, the right, the lovely. Find those things that elevate the mind and think on them! This is part of Gods plan for us.
The Bible offers great insight into God’s plan. The Lord has a great plan for your life. Scripture tells us, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” Jeremiah 29:11.
HERE YOU HAVE 3 WAYS TO ALIGN WITH GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE
1. Allow the Holy Spirit to Lead You
Romans 8:14 says, “For all those who are led by God’s spirit, these are God’s sons.” One of the greatest gifts God offers us is the privilege of being led by the Spirit of God.
2. Let Go of Distractions
In this world, it’s so easy to get distracted but if we want to fulfill God’s calling for our lives, we must refuse to be distracted, particularly by advances made by the enemy. The Bible tells us, “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of you own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you”
(1 Timothy 4:16).
3. Discover Who You Are in Christ
Your purpose as a believer is to build the Kingdom of God. Your role in His Kingdom will require your natural gifts and talents. As Christians, it’s important to start the exploration of calling with the call to follow Jesus. The Bible tells us that we will receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus and the eyes of understanding will be enlightened (Ephesians 1:17-18). God reveals a calling only to those who accept Jesus as Savior. Knowing Him intimately will change you.
“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.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
HOW DO WE TAKE THOUGHTS CAPTIVE? HOW DO WE FIGHT?
We arm ourselves. Arm yourself with scripture. Each morning during your prayer time, choose a scripture and memorize it…meditate on it throughout your day. Each time the devil comes at you with a negative thought, recite the chosen scripture in your mind. That’s how you take thoughts captive; you fill your thoughts with the word of God and let it renew your mind, calm your spirit, and bring your joy and contentment to light.
PRAYER
Father God, help us to take captive all thoughts that are not from you, Lord, and help us to hunger for your knowledge and wisdom to fill our minds with your Word and your love. Our hearts belong only to you Lord. Thank you for your direction and guidance to enable us to live a better life through Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit I surrender to your leading, Lord help me to trust and believe in you and your word. I come into agreement with heaven, and I align myself with your word, In Jesus name. Amen
God Bless,
Pastor Randy
Opmerkingen