Due to personal experiences, my mind became filled with worries and fears; negative tapes controlled my mind. To get rid of this mind-set I had to replace all these thoughts with something else. Getting into a Bible study started me on a journey of learning scripture, memorizing verses and applying it all to my life. Some of what I learned is here.
I read: Matthew 12:43-45– “…Unclean spirit returns” …”with more “…and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”
Notation from the Spirit Filled Life Bible (NKJ) stated: Jesus’ teaching specifically applies to the emptiness of Judaism in substituting reformation for regeneration. Israel will be in a worse state than before. Once the nation rejects Jesus, nothing is left to replace the vacuum except satanic deception. As I considered this passage, I could relate it to my struggle against negative thinking. I didn’t want to create a vacuum in my mind. I needed to guard my heart and mind.
I focused on these passages: Phil 4:6-9- “…whatever things are true….If there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” 2 Cor 10:5 – “… casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ …” Ephesians 6:10-20 – Describes the Whole Armor of God: “ gird yourself with truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, …” I had to practice capturing my negative, evil thoughts and replace them with the words of God.
Over the years, I came across the following statements and questions: Prayerless lives are powerless and unprotected The only power Satan has is what we give him through fear and doubt Not being filled with the Holy Spirit is an open door for evil. Can an evil thought and a Godly thought occupy the mind at the same time? Would it be true that a mind so focused on all that is of God would leave no time to sin? In some worldly meditations you are to “empty your mind of all things.” Would it be true that creating such a “vacuum” is a dangerous thing? Would focusing on the current pandemic open a mind to Satan?
The desire for victory in Jesus also brought me to: 2 Tim 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” John 15:1-8 – …”Abide in Me. (Christ Jesus)…If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” If I stay in the Word, memorize it, meditate on it, I can call upon it in times of stress. Victory came with developing a relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray this has been helpful. His words are there for whenever you need them.
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