The Scarecrow
As you probably already know I have been reading an amazing book called Warrior Chicks (by Holly Wagner) lately. I am even doing an online book study with so many cool chicks from all over the place (YEAH!). Anyways, I was reading the chapter called “Get Dressed” and in it check out what she says about your mind.
“You and I are to put on the helmet of salvation. This helmet is designed to guard our minds. In the midst of battle, our mind must be protected. Most battles truly begin and end in the mind. The mind is the source for every action we take, every decision we make and every thought that we allow to linger. Every behavior we exhibit begins in our mind.”
I absolutely LOVE the Wizard of Oz movie and I didn’t realize how many great stories were actually “in” the stories of the movie. (did that make sense?) I know it has been a little bit since we talked about the The Cowardly Lion and the Courage within him. Or when we talked about the Tim Man and the heart of gold he had deep inside him all the time…but, right now, I really want to take a minute and talk about guarding your mind and your thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version) 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.
I love that verse…I affectionately call it the “whatever!” verse! It’s postive, it’s right, it’s just what I need to correct my thinking when it veers off into the land of “negativity”. (Can I get a witness on that one?) I mean, seriously…do any of you tend to veer off in your thoughts?
Why did she say it like that?
What did she really mean?
Why didn’t she talk to me when I saw her today?
He must be mad at me, he didn’t greet me with a smile?
I mean, come on…thoughts like this almost always lead us to a place where it is hard to come back from. I want to fil lmy mind with positive and uplifting thoughts so that the evil one doesn’t have a chance to take over my thought life.
Colossians 3:2 (New International Version)
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Ladies…it is a daily challenge, but it is one that we can try to do better on! Come on, you know you can! What if we all tried a little harder, what if we all fixed our thoughts on things above instead of the “junk” that goes on here on Earth?
I love this verse in Isaiah…Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
Isn’t that so true! I know that I do not always understand everything that happens in my life and I probably never will on this side of eternity, but I know the Great I AM and I know that HE knows…and for me, that is good!
Ephesians 4:18 – Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.
Thinking for a change,
Mel it is so funny that you ask this question today. I just had a conversation with my husband this morning about this very thing. We have begun to pray every morning about not letting outside forces affect our thoughts and moods. It is so easy to let traffice and that frustrating boss get the better of us. We have made a committement that when we walk out that door in the morning we have our armour on and no matter what happens or what anyone says or does we will not let it affect us. This morning as I was fighting traffic on 595 I had my praise and worship music on and I was singing at the top of my lungs. I didn’t even notice the traffic or the people driving crazy and cutting me off. I totally blocked it out and allowed myself to truly connect with Him. It feels so good to be able to let go of all the outside things and just concentrate on He who is inside of me.
Hi Mel,
I can really relate to having to take thoughts captive and not let satan send my mind reeling with thoughts about what others are thinking.
What I have learned (still learning) to do is, let Him be the lifter of my head and remember that “it’s not about me.”
They may have given me a funny look, etc- but who knows what is really going on in their life today.
For instance, I tell myself before going to church that I am going there to be a blessing and not to see ‘who will talk to me today.’
I try to live with a giving attitude towards others and that helps me from feeling that other’s haven’t been there for me, etc.
Does any of that make sense???? I hope so! It does in my little brain :0) !
Hugs sister,
Sue
Oh boy, is it a daily struggle or what! Mel, you certainly captured this one but I love those positive verses too.It’s the practice of looking at the good that can be difficult but yes, we can all do so much better.
Great post and from the heart
Hello my friend,
Satan is a lair and a deceiver. He wants us to believe the lies he has put before us. Every morning during my prayer and devotion time I focus my thoughts on at least two promises (there are so many) God has given to me and claim them as mine. This renews my mind, focuses my thoughts on my Creator and then satan flees from my thoughts. I find he can’t hang out in my head when my thoughts are on Jesus. And if throughout the day I find satan’s lies creeping back in. I just refocus my thoughts. It is a daily renewal for me!!! A daily struggle. A daily walk. A daily revival.
Hugs
Kathy,
I love that! Start your day with praise and worship and “ignore” all the craziness on I-95.
Sue,
That is great…”I am going there to BE a blessing today”, instead of thinking about WHO I might run into. Thanks!
BunnyGirl,
Believe me, it IS a daily struggle.
MonkeyGiggles (Hope),
It is a daily walk, it is a daily battle…but you are right, if we fix our thoughts on Him there is NO room for the deceiver to sneak in.