Power thinking. 2 Corinthians 10.5

Warning: What you are about to read will challenge your thinking.

The most powerful line in 2 Corinthians 10 is at the end of verse 5-- PLEASE focus yourself, and read today’s briefing with care, seeking to understand and then apply the power that is meant to be yours. “God, please open our minds to understand the truth of your Word that we might be changed by it. Amen”

…“we are taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” verse 5

Hmmm . . . if it is true that we become what we think about, then our thoughts are very critical to our well being. You and I should value good thinking. Indeed, friends, place a premium on good thinking! Desire to ‘be transformed by the renewing of your mind’.1 That means ‘be ready to be radically changed, for the better, by refreshed thinking patterns.’ Choose to think about that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable….2 Are you ready?

Take (ing) every thought captive-- Paul wrote. It would not be there if it were not possible, but it requires personal action. We must take action in choosing our thoughts. Right thinking comes as a result of good intention. Our words were first thoughts, as were our actions. Do not be a victim of your thinking; get a hold of it. Are you feeling empowered?

I read a fascinating little ditty about earworms—you know, tunes that get stuck in your head, that you just keep mindlessly singing over and over
. . . Research was done on the best way to rid the brain of such annoying jingles; there really was no psychological cure or remedy. The only way to ensure that you are not subject to such hindrances is to not expose yourself to them in the first place. ‘The point? Because it takes intentional action to control your thinking, you must be careful what you let get into your stream of thinking. Be wise about your consumption. Oh, Friends, be wise consumers of that which you allow to enter your mind; you are the gatekeeper.

‘Okay, okay, but I am plagued by my runaway thoughts! Is there anything I can do about the things that are constantly coursing through my brain?’ Truthfully, after studying this matter for years, I believe the best way is to

Learn to change your thoughts by replacing them. David said, ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.’ David chose to be mindful of God’s words and thoughts so as not to sin. God’s words can also be used to replace our fallen thinking. To purpose not to think certain thoughts is next to impossible, but to replace the errant thoughts with virtuous thoughts is doable. Let’s practice--

What thoughts plague you? Are you worried about the future? Change your worries about tomorrow by living in today. We live in uncertain times, don’t we? Financial pressures and worries are immense, and they produce an unparalleled anxiety, and present disquiet within. Jesus looked at those he loved and said, ‘Do not be anxious for tomorrow for tomorrow has cares enough of its own.’4 ‘Sure Lord, how do I stop being anxious?’ Trust me, he says. ‘Trust me with all your heart, and do not trust your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge me, and I will direct your paths.’5

If God's eye is on the little sparrow, rest assured he is watching out for you. Rest in that . . . rest in him. And live today. Why? Because this is the day the Lord has made. Let’s rejoice and be glad in it!6 Choosing to rejoice means we are choosing joy. And we know the joy of the Lord is our strength.7 Do you know that feeling when your heart is filled with joy? Why, it seems your heart is soaring, that it has wings to fly! In order to give yourself to it, you must deal with patterns of thinking that rob you of God’s refreshed thinking for you—that keep you from
experiencing joy.

First, seek God. And the rest will come.8 Ask him to give you pure, new thoughts; he will. Go ahead … think on these things.

You can be a power thinker!

Christine

1) Romans 12.2. 2) Philippians 4.8 3) Psalm 119.11 4) Matthew 6.34

5) Proverbs 3.5-6, personalized 6) Psalm 118.24 7) Nehemiah 8.10

8) Matthew 6.33