Thought Control

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10: 5   KJV) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2: 9)

Have you ever wondered why God blessed/ cursed us with our imagination? I have. When I read Hebrews 2: 9 I thought that it was a hyperbole but I now realize that it is a proper use of a saint’s imagination.

When you pray do you ever take the time to imagine where Christ is and what He is doing that He should stop to listen and to do what you desire? He does, you know. The passage sees Jesus enthroned with His “servants” who are ready to do His bidding so:     “Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there,” wrote the hymnist.

When we struggle with temptation we need to bring every thought into captivity.   Temptation only exists as long as our thoughts feed it.   Use the thoughts that Paul mentions in Philippians 4: 8 .  You cannot not think!   You can, however, use good thoughts to replace evil ones (2 Corinthians 10: 5).

To stop unwanted negative thought you must ignore the negative by concentrating on the positive. The feelings that we have that come from our thoughts will change almost immediately.

I remember my first boot leave in San Diego. I was alone in front of a night club. There was no one there to report my actions but Jesus was very real to me. I said to Him. “You can wait here and I will run in and come right back out. I just want to see what it is like.” I felt that the Lord said, “No, that’s alright, I will just go with you.” At that point I said, “No forget about it. I just won’t go.”

When Christ is that real, temptation loses its power. Dr. H. G. VanSandt recently went home to be with Jesus after open heart surgery. He was a dear friend of America’s Keswick

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 4605-4632).  . Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 12-14; Revelation 19

Quote of the day: Just as the winds whip up the sea, so does anger stir confusion in the mind. John Climacus

Bible Memory: “May my heart be blameless in your statues, that I may not be put to shame.” Psalm 119:80 ESV