Tag:

Thoughts

Memory from 2019

by TerryLema

This came up in a memory from 2019 and I thought it was so appropriate for today’s message at The Way Middleton on “Taking Every Thought Captive” that I decided to repost.

August 13: California trip. 3 AM living room curtain rod breaks, must nail up a sheet before we leave. Work Zones/pilot cars. Flying locust attack over Donner, hundreds of insect bodies impact Black Bart head on. Non-working hair dryer at first hotel. Tahoe Joe’s gave us worst waiter they had. Forgot hat and got scalp sunburn while eating outside in hot sun at lunch following older grandson’s scrimmage. Santa Cruz boardwalk, crowded, noise level off the charts. Traffic ….

Wait. Stop there. Don’t hold that thought!

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” [Phil 4:9]

Enjoyed a meal with two couples (brothers and sisters in Christ) we hadn’t shared a meal with in almost 20 years; talked about old and new times! Hugs. Movie, Der Wienerschnitzel and a round of Mini-Golf with youngest grandson. Hugs. Football scrimmages with both California grandsons. 16th birthday party.  Driving with 16-year-old who has his learner’s permit. Hugs. Spent time with my brother. Hugs. Family party where we laughed so hard telling “family tales” we could hardly catch our breath. Santa Cruz boardwalk unicorn bike taxi with youngest grandson and a puppy named “Princess.” Watching a group of teenagers have a blast on rides I wouldn’t ever consider. Hugs. Watching youngest riding with his dad, showing how brave he was. Did I mention hugs?

Everyday life presents us with the things lovely and unlovely.  It is our choice which we will think about and what we dwell on.

0 comment
FacebookEmail

Every Thought?

by TerryLema

I was studying for last Sunday’s message on Spiritual Warfare regarding “Strongholds.” The text for the message was from 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “Since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.” [HCSB]

I had my PowerPoint finished and my computer in my case. I had reviewed and revised my message repeatedly since putting it together the previous Wednesday. I was certain I covered everything. Then just as I was getting ready, the phrase “every thought” popped up in my mind. “Every thought?” Did Paul really mean we take “every thought” captive to obey Christ?

The word for “every” is “pas.” It means all, every, the whole, every kind of. So, I guess Paul did mean “every thought.”

I think a lot of things. Thoughts flow through my mind constantly. I think about what I need to do that day, any plans I might have, what I have to organize for messages or devotions. I think about my LORD. I think about my husband and family and friends. I think about myself. I pray. I sing at times. I read. I watch television. “Every thought?”

I think all day long, and Paul says I need to capture every thought in obedience to Christ? Yes, because tucked in beside all those normal, everyday thoughts, the enemy will seek to insert a deception or lie. He will try to make me believe his lies about God, or he will try to make me believe his lies about me. That is what he does.

So, as Paul commands, when one of the enemy’s lies (God doesn’t care about this situation!) tries to pass through to my heart, I capture it. When the enemy tells me (You are worthless, you cannot do anything for God anymore!), I seize it. I remind both the enemy and me “that is a lie,” and I replace it with the truth found in God’s Word.

The most basic truth is God loves me because I am His child.  That settles it.

0 comment
FacebookEmail