Today I was praying thinking about one thing- which was about watching out for thoughts and about things that try to influence peoples thoughts. I was thinking about it and a word came to me- infected. Sometimes peoples thoughts can be infected. I was thinking about infection.
That it’s where a harmful outside invader enters in to contaminate a system. Then of course the “systems” tries to use the resources available to fight this invader.
I thought about how thankful that by the grace of God this has been one of my stronger areas/etc. I am for the most part able to maintain the “mind of Christ”. It was a weaker area until I got saved. Then through true repentance, as the Bible says a clearing/cleansing is able to come, a renewal among other conditions.
2 Corinthians 7:10-11
10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
I have been able to retain a strong/sound mind through various ways:
First old, worldly, negative, untrue: thoughts, perceptions, world views, beliefs, patterns & habits of thinking have to be purged, released from my everyday thinking. I don’t know how much happened overnight. I’m such much was cleared supernaturally through the power of the Holy Spirit, as I when, once true repentance comes.
Then one has to take on the habit of rejecting old thoughts and old ways of thinking that try to rise up or come into the mind again. This is a daily, not a one time, practice.
2. Very key in this is: refraining from, rejecting, refusing to take in, choose to be bombarded by things that would try to take my back to old patterns of thought. This means not to choose to watch, listen to, read things that are filled with the things/thoughts/belief system that I have repented of and have seen how false it is.
Why should I should surround myself with such things/ideas? If they are untrue, wrong, worthless, destructive, against God and His teachings why should I continue to input that into my life? That would be double mindedness, hypocrisy- in the least.
Some verses that speak to this, how we should get control of our minds.
Romans 12:2 (King James Version)
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
5Casting 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 Timothy 1:7 (King James Version)
7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:7-8
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
So there is no purpose or point to allowing mediums that carry false & anti-Biblical to have the opportunity to infect, corrode & or corrupt the work that God is doing in me.
3. When I am aware of something trying to influence my thinking, and or an attack against my mind I need to consciously reject that. Sometimes that is enough, other times when it really has something demonic behind it, I can reject it along with prayer against it, along with using truth from the Bible to refute it.
Sometimes way out, &/or out of the blue ungodly thoughts may try to hit, invade or infect ones mind. Yet, if we take an active role in protecting our minds, our minds can stay strong and stable and Christ like.
Ungodly, untrue, crazy thoughts may come , but that can be left brief, we are to cast those demonic attacks down, and we need not dwell on them or as the Bible calls it- “give place“:
Ephesians 4:17-18
17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Ephesians 4:22-27
22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27Neither give place to the devil.
4. Once the “house” is swept & cleaned (as Jesus was talking about in the Gospels) we then have to protect & promote growth through then filling the previous space with the right & true thoughts, beliefs, meditations, ideas, visions, patterns of thinking.
Mainly this comes from reading, thinking on, responding with and believing the truth that God gives us in the Bible. Also we have to let the Holy Spirit Guide our minds in what and how and what we should think. The Holy Spirit takes God’s Word and applies it to our daily lives and questions that daily arise.
It’s funny one might think that sounds empty & weak to say that I don’t totally think on my own or “for myself” as I used to so pride myself in doing. Really though it has taken away confusion, incoherence, instability, doubt, from my mind. This letting the Holy Spirit lead and giving my mind over to Christ has protected me, helped heal me, help to keep me from going off into strange teachings and being “blown about by winds of doctrines”, has helped to keep me in sound doctrine, balanced but yet solid in my theology, it has helped to make me wiser and better able to make wise sound decisions, to make me better able at sharing my faith and true teaching/helping to better disciple others. It has helped me connect parts of my faith & teachings together as better able helped me understand other topics and issues in life and with other people.
This is having cohesive thoughts that are connected and not contradictory, as this web/this structure of beliefs connect through all areas of life. It is like the exoskeleton inside a high-rise building. The foundation is Jesus and these steel beams and rivets of truth keep the building together, even as various “truths” are connected and intertwine and support each other.
One really can’t afford to add/allow falsehood and corroded beams into this structure. This as we are building up and up, to be shining lights , like light houses set on a hill, as the Bible talks about. It’s always 3 fold, these things are for our own good, to please God, and to better help others.
This means I am prepared to walk into where ever that may be in person or online, I can walk into situations where there is evil, deception and the demonic trying to influence. These would like to influence my mind as well, invade or infect my thinking, bring doubt, turn me back to old patterns and intimately try to destroy my relationship & walk with God. Yet, because of this preparation (the above mentioned preparations) I am girded up and ready for battle. I am ready for the onslaught, ready to resist. My mind doesn’t have to influenced and tossed around.
1 Peter 1:13-16
13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Ephesians 6:11-18
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
That it’s where a harmful outside invader enters in to contaminate a system. Then of course the “systems” tries to use the resources available to fight this invader.
I thought about how thankful that by the grace of God this has been one of my stronger areas/etc. I am for the most part able to maintain the “mind of Christ”. It was a weaker area until I got saved. Then through true repentance, as the Bible says a clearing/cleansing is able to come, a renewal among other conditions.
2 Corinthians 7:10-11
10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
I have been able to retain a strong/sound mind through various ways:
First old, worldly, negative, untrue: thoughts, perceptions, world views, beliefs, patterns & habits of thinking have to be purged, released from my everyday thinking. I don’t know how much happened overnight. I’m such much was cleared supernaturally through the power of the Holy Spirit, as I when, once true repentance comes.
Then one has to take on the habit of rejecting old thoughts and old ways of thinking that try to rise up or come into the mind again. This is a daily, not a one time, practice.
2. Very key in this is: refraining from, rejecting, refusing to take in, choose to be bombarded by things that would try to take my back to old patterns of thought. This means not to choose to watch, listen to, read things that are filled with the things/thoughts/belief system that I have repented of and have seen how false it is.
Why should I should surround myself with such things/ideas? If they are untrue, wrong, worthless, destructive, against God and His teachings why should I continue to input that into my life? That would be double mindedness, hypocrisy- in the least.
Some verses that speak to this, how we should get control of our minds.
Romans 12:2 (King James Version)
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
5Casting 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 Timothy 1:7 (King James Version)
7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:7-8
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
So there is no purpose or point to allowing mediums that carry false & anti-Biblical to have the opportunity to infect, corrode & or corrupt the work that God is doing in me.
3. When I am aware of something trying to influence my thinking, and or an attack against my mind I need to consciously reject that. Sometimes that is enough, other times when it really has something demonic behind it, I can reject it along with prayer against it, along with using truth from the Bible to refute it.
Sometimes way out, &/or out of the blue ungodly thoughts may try to hit, invade or infect ones mind. Yet, if we take an active role in protecting our minds, our minds can stay strong and stable and Christ like.
Ungodly, untrue, crazy thoughts may come , but that can be left brief, we are to cast those demonic attacks down, and we need not dwell on them or as the Bible calls it- “give place“:
Ephesians 4:17-18
17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Ephesians 4:22-27
22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27Neither give place to the devil.
4. Once the “house” is swept & cleaned (as Jesus was talking about in the Gospels) we then have to protect & promote growth through then filling the previous space with the right & true thoughts, beliefs, meditations, ideas, visions, patterns of thinking.
Mainly this comes from reading, thinking on, responding with and believing the truth that God gives us in the Bible. Also we have to let the Holy Spirit Guide our minds in what and how and what we should think. The Holy Spirit takes God’s Word and applies it to our daily lives and questions that daily arise.
It’s funny one might think that sounds empty & weak to say that I don’t totally think on my own or “for myself” as I used to so pride myself in doing. Really though it has taken away confusion, incoherence, instability, doubt, from my mind. This letting the Holy Spirit lead and giving my mind over to Christ has protected me, helped heal me, help to keep me from going off into strange teachings and being “blown about by winds of doctrines”, has helped to keep me in sound doctrine, balanced but yet solid in my theology, it has helped to make me wiser and better able to make wise sound decisions, to make me better able at sharing my faith and true teaching/helping to better disciple others. It has helped me connect parts of my faith & teachings together as better able helped me understand other topics and issues in life and with other people.
This is having cohesive thoughts that are connected and not contradictory, as this web/this structure of beliefs connect through all areas of life. It is like the exoskeleton inside a high-rise building. The foundation is Jesus and these steel beams and rivets of truth keep the building together, even as various “truths” are connected and intertwine and support each other.
One really can’t afford to add/allow falsehood and corroded beams into this structure. This as we are building up and up, to be shining lights , like light houses set on a hill, as the Bible talks about. It’s always 3 fold, these things are for our own good, to please God, and to better help others.
This means I am prepared to walk into where ever that may be in person or online, I can walk into situations where there is evil, deception and the demonic trying to influence. These would like to influence my mind as well, invade or infect my thinking, bring doubt, turn me back to old patterns and intimately try to destroy my relationship & walk with God. Yet, because of this preparation (the above mentioned preparations) I am girded up and ready for battle. I am ready for the onslaught, ready to resist. My mind doesn’t have to influenced and tossed around.
1 Peter 1:13-16
13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Ephesians 6:11-18
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
