CAPTURE

ave you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

 

We read in scripture about “taking every thought captive”.

 

Ever really pause and think about just how challenging that is?

But Paul encouraged, no commanded, we do it.

…capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

 

Why do you think he was so emphatic?

Well, Joyce Meyer once wrote that “So many people's problems are rooted in their way of thinking, which can actually produce a lot of the problems they experience.”

 

Hmmm…

Maybe that is why.

 

We are also taught that our thoughts lead to words and words to actions and actions to character and character determines destiny, so our thoughts are the trigger and the catalyst for so much of who we are and what we say.

They ARE crucial.

 

So, I believe Paul was simply encouraging us to take everything we “think” and make sure that it measures up to the standards set by Jesus Christ knowing that our lives and walk with Christ WILL be deeply impacted!

 

But that can be a tough assignment, right?

 

It’s so easy to let the eyes then the mind wander; wander lustfully, unproductively, angrily, discontentedly, or bitterly

 

It's easy to let a little bitter or angry thought creep in about someone who has wronged or frustrated us and turn that into gossip or slander. Got to be careful with that.  Count to 10 perhaps before we speak…?

Remembering that…

people will give account for every careless word they speak… Matthew 12:36 (ESV)

 

Often what starts as a thought can lead to so much more that runs counter to Jesus if we aren't in "capture mode" at all times!

Sin grows up to adulthood and becomes a real killer. James 2:15 (MSG)

  

Far too often we don’t think before we leer.

We don’t think before we speak.

Sadly, we often don’t pause to consider capturing.

 

I know I don’t enough. I will QUICKLY and a little ashamedly admit that.

I fly off the handle and speak carelessly. I catch myself being infatuated with the “next hot thing” or “hot celebrity” a little too late.

 

You see our thoughts are important because they are the “true” us. 

And GOD wants us to take them seriously and to make them holy, acceptable, and motivated by HIS Holy Spirit.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK about these things.  Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

 

So today will you join me in a little thought capturing?

In your life … think the way Christ Jesus thought.

Philippians 2:5 (CEV)

 

I “think” things will certainly be better when we do!

 

I love you all!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE