For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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[.] 2 Corinthians 10: 4, 5, NKJV
Heavenly Father, it is good to know that we are equipped with everything that we need to fight against whatever exalts itself against God. We thank You for this, in Jesus’ name! Amen
There is a saying that, “we may not be able to keep the birds from flying over our heads, but we can surely keep them from making their nests in it!” That is a great truth simply stated. Nowhere is that truth more clearly manifested, than in the things we think, or, do not, think about. Thank God He has given us the ability to keep the birds of evil thoughts from building their nests in our minds! In speaking about our thoughts, listen to what Jesus had to say: “And He said, ‘What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, coveteousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man’ ” (Mark 7: 20-23).
It is therefore necessary to build up a fortification against evil thoughts. Before any evil thought we may think about, or against, another person can affect them, it first affects us. Its evil effect begins its work of erosion inside of us, where they originate, and before you know it, we begin to “wear away.” Jesus referred to this as “defiling.” We begin to lose our ability to participate in, and enjoy, the nobler processes of forgiveness, and reconciliation, of understanding, and compassion. What is happening, is that the infection of sin is doing its evil work within us. And soon what was merely psychological (mental), becomes physiological (physical). We begin to suffer from ulcers, and headaches, and nausea, and arthritis, and the list gets longer.
I am sure that some of you may have heard the story of the woman who was suffering from such a severe case of arthritis that her fist was closed so tightly she could not open it. She went to doctor after doctor, but to no avail. Soon an evangelist came to town, and her neighbor invited her to attend the meetings with her. She accepted the invitation, and enjoyed the meetings so much, that she did not miss a night. The night the evangelist spoke on the topic of forgiveness, she waited until everyone was gone and then asked if she could speak to him. He invited her into his office; and after prayer, asked how he could help her. Between deep sobs and sighs, she told him of an argument she had had with her sister ten years ago, and since then, had not spoken to her; even though her sister, on different occasions, had tried to be reconciled to her.
At the end of the meeting, after praying with her, the evangelist suggested that she get in touch with her sister, and talk things over, and let bygones be bygones. After hearing how Christ had forgiven her offenses, she was eager to do the same for her sister. As soon as she arrived at home, late as it was, she called her sister. Soon, both of them were sobbing, and asking each other’s pardon. They set a date to meet the following day to have dinner and try to fill in as much of the ten year gap that had separated them.
At the end of the following week, the lady could hardly wait to meet with the evangelist. She was anxious to both tell him, and show him, some good news. Her fist, that for years was clenched tightly, unable to open, even with physical therapy, was now almost completely open. When her mind was willing to let go of her grudge, her body began to heal.
We will continue with this thought tomorrow. Blessings!