Yank the Chains Out!

I heard something on the radio that put in my mind an image of a chain. The radio host was talking about the power of our thoughts and how if we think of something negative and not pleasing to God like hateful thoughts toward someone who has hurt us in some way or derogatory thoughts that put ourselves down and make us feel less than who we are in Christ than we are falling under the influence of the enemy. These kinds of thoughts and others that are not pleasing to God need to be yanked out of our minds as soon as we think them. This takes some intention in reminding ourselves through our prayer time with God that we have that tendency to think things that are not good. Some temperaments will have this tendency even more so but the fact is we are all guilty of negative, sinful thoughts, even the most godly people you know have had thoughts come into their minds that did not make God happy. He knows because he knows every thought, feeling and action we have done and will do. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts and gives us the tools to do that with the Word of God, with prayer and with the name of Jesus. There is power in these to help us conquer those thoughts that want to come into our head that are sinful, negative, degrading, mean and hateful. That first thought that comes in is the first link in a chain that can ultimately bind us and keep us from being all God wants us to be. Take your thoughts each day to the God of the universe who will help you guard your mind from being corrupted.
Romans 6:14  For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 301

I heard this line on a TV show recently regarding a girl who thought her brother was dead for 5 years and turns out is alive and back home. She had become a partier and doing drugs and she said to her brother “I did my best with what I had to work with”. In mulling this statement over, my opinion is she is not taking the responsibility for her own behavior but is making excuses that she was grieving. This is an apparent problem from the beginning of time with Adam and Eve. We seem to be disposed as humans to put the blame on someone or something else rather than honestly admit it was “me”.  She did the best with what she had which did not include God. This is a good example of how without God  in our daily lives and growing and learning through His word, we will not have the tools necessary to fight the devil who will do anything and everything to keep you separated from God and/or separate your already existing relationship with God. The first big hurdle to overcome in working to resolve our problems is to accept the responsibility for them rather than making excuses and passing the blame. Keep this in mind in the days ahead and start a list of instances where you see yourself or others not taking the responsibility. You will see just how much the devil has worked this into our world and realize you are going to have to put on the armor of God and get in the Word to battle the enemy.

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from the nature will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:8

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 34

This scripture in Psalms reminds me of how I have managed to have some self-control over the cookies, candies and rich foods of the past month. I think I have finally managed to find my sweet spot. No pun intended. It’s that place where you can have your fats and sweets in the right amount of quantities that won’t make the scale go up and your attitude go down. I can sing with joy and be glad that the Lord has helped me overcome the eating enemy. God didn’t intend for us to not be able to partake of these food treasures but he doesn’t want us worshipping them either. I know my focus being more on the Lord thanks to doing this blog among other things has definitely been the help I needed to overcome the sweet tooth. Now I will have to pass on this blessing and joy to my daughter who has gigantic sweet tooth. Not sure how to go about helping her overcome her sweet tooth but I am sure the Lord will guide me and I know the first and foremost thing will be to take it to Him in prayer.

Psalms 63:5-7 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.