Did you know that you can be completely convinced of something but be wrong?  You have built your case in your mind.  You know within a shadow of a doubt that you are right about a particular situation or choice that you have made.  And later you see that you were completely off base.

Does this mean you are lacking in the area of intellect and wisdom?  Absolutely not!  While our spirit is redeemed and flawless, our minds and emotions are not.  The enemy can’t touch our spirit for it is sealed.  Ephesians 4:30 tell us that we are sealed until the day of redemption.

But the enemy can influence our minds and our emotions.  One of the first things he will try to convince you about is that he doesn’t exist.  Or if he does, he only spends time on criminals and child molesters.  But the bible tells us different.  I Peter 5:8 tell us he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.

We never want a steady diet of humble pie.  It’s always shocking to me when the Holy Spirit opens my eyes and I realize I was actually wrong about something.  I’ve learned to say three words after certain definitive thoughts that I have in my mind.  Those three words are: maybe, maybe not.  We forget that we are to be totally dependent on our Heavenly Father.  Why?  Is it because His ego is huge and He demands his people to lean on Him?  No!!!  Or as the bible sometimes says, “God forbid!!!”  At one time in my life I saw God in that way.  God knows that because of the “fall” our minds and emotions have been scarred and we NEED Him!  So He offers us a solution.

Take every thought captive to Him. II Corinthians 10:5

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:1-2

You have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:16  (so use it…Rebekah’s words)

I think a very good practice, other than saying those three words I mentioned earlier, is to get into the practice of asking God some questions.“Father, would you open my eyes if I am not seeing things correctly?”  “Is there another way I could be looking at this situation?”  “Father, you are the only all-knowing God!  Help me to realize there are areas I need to grow and change and I am not always right.”  “Holy Spirit please put a check in my spirit if my thoughts are not coming from you but the enemy.”

I hate conflict and hurtful relationships, however, they will come even if I try my hardest to avoid them.  The fact of the matter is we grow through conflict and hurtful relationships.  We learn how to CHOOSE to forgive even when we don’t “feel” like it.  We learn how to humble ourselves and talk to someone when we have no strength to do it.  (Okay Jesus, you are on!  You have to do this through me.)  We realize our fragile humanity and that we are in desperate need of a Savior that is actively engaged in our lives and our minds.  We learn how to CHOOSE to surrender rights and then experience that peace that passes all understanding.  Underneathe the surrendering of a right is an active trust in your Heavenly Father.  He will be enough, no matter what happens!

We don’t have to get jerked around by unstable emotions and constant negative thoughts.  As I say often; Jesus did not die to just give us a ticket to heaven.  He died to give you victory.  It’s ours for the taking!  I Corinthians 15:57 says, “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I hope this blog enourages you to be proactive with taking your thoughts captive to your Heavenly Father.  He is for you!  The enemy knows his time is short and he can only work on our soul.  And he is against you and against your relationships.   But take heart, Jesus has overcome and called you His!  Remember who you are and whose you are.

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