Choosing the Right Thoughts

TLG Session Outline

Choosing the Right Thoughts

Basil Marotta Jericho Ministries 719-487-9500

Session Outline: (2 Cor 10:4-5 NIV) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. {5} We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

(Eph 6:10-13 NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. {11} Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. {12} For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. {13} Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

“The enemy’s number one target is the arena of your thoughts. He knows if he can control and manipulate how you think, he’ll be able to control and manipulate your entire life.” Joel Osteen

The enemy here is the devil or Satan… “a person who opposes or fights against another.”

The Bible warns us to guard our minds and thoughts because our thoughts control our lives. If you dwell on depressing thoughts you will live a depressing life. If you constantly dwell on negative thoughts, you will gravitate towards negative people and the result will be that negative things will happen to you.

On the contrary if you think positive, happy, joyful thoughts you will be a positive, happy, joyful person and will attract other upbeat people.

We choose our thoughts. Nobody can make us think about something. God doesn’t and the enemy can’t make us unless we choose to allow it.

Jesus warned us. (Mat 15:19-20 NIV) “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. {20} These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'"

In Proverbs we are told

(Prov 14:15 NIV) A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

(Prov 23:7a KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:

Set your mind on higher things. It is a matter of control. Your will controls your mind…your mind controls your thoughts…your thoughts control your actions. We must take responsibility for ourselves. It starts with our thoughts.

We all go through tough times and experience problems. We say, “My circumstances have me down. You don’t know what I have been going through.” But really it isn’t the circumstances that get us down, but our thoughts about the circumstances.

Paul said, : (Phil 4:11-13 NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. {12} I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. {13} I can do everything through him who gives me strength. I can be content in every circumstance.”

So, the solution is to cast our cares onto the Lord…trust in God …Jesus said, (John 16:33 NIV) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us and remind us of everything Jesus said and did.

As you think and meditate on the promises of God’s Word, you will be filled with hope instead of despair.

(Rom 8:15-16 NIV) For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." {16} The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

(John 7:17 NIV) If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

(Phil 4:8) 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.

Life Implication: So, when your thoughts lean to the negative, remember that negative thoughts are not from God…they are from our sinful nature or from the enemy. (John 10:10 NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Take up the armor of God…put away destructive thoughts…and replace them with positive life giving thoughts.

(Rom 12:2 NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

(1 John 4:4 NIV) You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

(Isa 40:31 NIV) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

(2 Cor 9:6 NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

You reap later than you sow; you reap more than you sow…

If you sow good thoughts, you reap good actions…

If you sow good actions, you reap a good lifestyle…

If you sow a good lifestyle, you reap a good destiny…

And the Lord will be glorified.