This notice was posted in the elevator of our apartment building. Someone had started breaking in frequently, which prompted Strata to remind residents to be alert. There were numerous complaints from residents -parcels being stolen, Uber Eats meal deliveries taken and locker rooms emptied.

God’s Word also gives us a similar warning –  deny access to thoughts that try to enter our mind, if it doesn’t align with God’s Word. We need to send every thought that presents itself to us through a Godly filter, before we give them permission to remain in our minds.

2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting 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;

How do we take a thought captive?
How would you describe a person that’s taken captive?

• May be bound hand and foot.
• Loses the power to do anything.
• Is subdued by a stronger person.
• Cannot do further harm.
• Is under the command of someone else.

This is how we take thoughts captive too. We bind them, subdue them, make them powerless and cast them out of our minds – as many times as necessary.

Use the Word of God as a weapon against the thoughts the enemy tries to plant in your mind. This is the method Jesus used when tempted in the wilderness. He said “it is written…”, and the devil departed from Him for a season.

Guarding our thoughts alone is not enough. We must fill our minds with God’s Word and think of things that are pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, 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.

Well known neuroscientist, author, and podcaster, Dr Caroline Leaf, after 40 years of researching the mind-brain connection, has this to say about our thoughts.

“Thoughts are real, physical things that occupy mental real estate. Moment by moment, every day, you are changing the structure of your brain through your thinking. When we hope, it is an activity of the mind that changes the structure of our brain in a positive and normal direction.”
― Caroline Leaf 

“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought”.
― Caroline Leaf

I was as surprised as you to find out our thoughts can actually change the structure of our physical brain.

Since we know our thinking plays a significant role in how we live our lives, we must study God’s Word, to find out what God says about our mental health.

We bring this year to a close soon. I encourage you to spend time thinking about what you think, how you think, and why it’s necessary to deal with thinking patterns, mind sets and strongholds, that may hinder your walk with the Lord.

With Jesus’ help, we can heal our minds and next year by this time, you will look back and see the fruition of a renewed mind when you deny access to strange and ungodly thoughts.

In His Service,