You Are BELOVED...🕊

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You Are BELOVED 🕊

“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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” Philippians 4:8, NIV.

Some have a drinking problem. Some have a smoking problem. Some have an eating problem. Some have a porn problem. Me? I have a thinking problem. I can resist the temptation to go and purchase and consume liquor. I can ignore a popup ad on the internet to watch porn. I can say no to eating the whole German chocolate cake. But when the enemy presents a negative and toxic thought to my mind, I have to, on purpose, say, “No, I’m not thinking on that! No, I cast that imagination down in Jesus’ name. No! I bring that thought captive in the obedience of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10:5)!” If I don’t, my beautiful and blessed mind gets all preoccupied with all the wrong stuff. The only solution I have found is to change my thinking.

God teaches us that we can train our minds to think on the right things. In Philippians 4:8, we find all of the good stuff we are to fill our minds with: thoughts that are true, noble and right, pure, lovely, of good report. Then He says if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things. That sounds very easy, but it takes a lot of effort for an introvert like me, with an active mind and a vivid imagination.

But aren’t you glad that God didn’t leave us alone? He gave us His Holy Spirit to help us. With our willing hearts, He can help us train our minds to believe the best rather than assume the worst. With His help, we can think on positive things rather than negative things. We can let peace guard our hearts and minds through Jesus. We can choose to spend quality time in prayer, praise, and meditating on God’s promises, which is the breeding ground for a disciplined and well-trained mind.

Father, I love you.

Thank you for loving me. I need your help with my stinking thinking.

Renew my mind, Father. Help me to fill my mind with the right things that glorify you.

I submit to you and resist every lie from the enemy.

I receive your wisdom and your grace to walk this out in my daily life.

In Jesus’ name...

Amen 🙏🏾