Have you given much consideration to the origin of your thoughts on any given day? For example, you’re standing in the kitchen and all of a sudden you hear something from within. You’re not thinking in that direction, you’re not thinking about what that thought was but it just appears?
Thoughts reveal things we aren’t aware of and are way more influencing than we realize. So I usually pay attention to those out of nowhere thoughts. Sometimes when the thought is from the Lord, it’s usually scripture or something that draws me into his presence but not always… sometimes it’s a warning. But that’s not always so easily discerned when I don’t slow down. When I sense it's not from the Lord, I’ve learned to slow down even more to question the origin of the thought.
Lately, I’ve sensed the need from the Holy Spirit to pay attention to all of the ways I am being influenced on a daily basis. So Romans 12:2, and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, have been my meditations.
“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 NIV
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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 10:3-5 NIV
Do you know what’s shaping your thoughts or moods? Are you a pensive person-aware of your thoughts? We’re all made very differently and maybe not as self aware as we need to be.
What are your daily routines that are good and which ones are not so good?
Do you watch too much TV or read too much fiction? Things like books, media, or Hollywood entertainment influences can be somewhat easily discernible. Hopefully we all recognize those daily, worldly influences- especially the way they affect our relationships and our love towards others.
But what about ways that we’ve been shaped over time that are separate from our daily routines? Are they so easily discernible? I think not-because we are shaped over time. For example, are you easily offended? Do things always have to go your way? Do you forgive easily and quickly? Or do you harbor grudges? Do you criticize others often, etc..Depending on your answers to such questions, you may find a clue to what’s shaping you or has shaped you over time.
Learning how to take those thoughts captive to obey Christ is paramount to real transformation; and it’s where we find the help we need to be more like Jesus.
Transformation starts in our thinking and self awareness is the key.
There’s so much more I could add to this topic as it relates to mental warfare, but for today we’re gonna leave it here.
I’ve always considered January a month to reflect with the Lord, so as to hear from him for many reasons but mostly for what needs changing in my life. I’m not responsible for a lot of the change that happens around me but I am responsible for the change that needs to happen within me.
Praying for you too. ❤️
And Shalom to you as you take each thought captive to obey Christ.
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