TAKING CAPTIVE. . .

EVIL OR BAD THINKING IS ANOTHER TOOL TO FIX YOUR FUTURE.


II Corinthians 10: 5 Amplified version

"(Inasmuch as we) refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the (true) knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

and - NIV

"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. Verse 6, And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."

Both versions represent a timely and poignant part of our daily living for Christ. Years ago, when I was in college, they called it "Stinkin Thinkin". We may see something on TV, or hear something someone says, get a phone call, just one little thought flicked at us from the Enemy; and away we go with our thoughts, feelings, and then it becomes real for us. You will hear from many theologians and speakers of the Word, that the mind is a dangerous thing. It is a battle for the mind. How true it is. And, don't get me wrong, real things happen to us that settle in our perspectives.

And, what is the answer you ask.

Evaluating our thinking. Checking it out. "Does it line up with God's Word?" "Does it stand as truth before the living Jesus Christ?" "Is it causing a negative stir?" "Have I checked it out to see if it is worth getting stirred up over?"

If I haven't learned anything, I have learned the hard way to check out that idea, or thought. I can't always trust myself in certain cases. So I decided I would have to check each thing out and bring it to the Lord in prayer and question. "Did she mean to brush by me without speaking, what have I done now?" The other learning is that if it feels negative, or uneasy I need to check it out. If I loose my peace that day, why? Check it out. What do I need to do to check it out? God is telling us to take captive unrestful thoughts. Things that bring frustration, anxiety, and fear. These kinds of things will drive us to the edge and keep us held hostage to the past.

I believe God ALWAYS shows us the truth if we ask, seek and knock. The key here then is, what? ALWAYS ASK, SEEK, AND KNOCK. Go until you know. I have had a lot of surprises doing that. I love God's surprises. Whew, I dodged another stupid idea and perspective. Sue I have good ones, good instincts. I also check them out.

What this means is a 24/7 focus on God. Some people find that too much work. I truly have learned to love it. I am so much more at peace these days. I carry out the trash every day! IT WORKS!!!