Change the Movie; Change the Tape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI

You Say ~ Lauren Daigle

 

… and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), ~ 2 Corinthians 10:5 AMPC

 

If you don’t like where the pattern of your thoughts is taking you, think a different thought. ~ Graham Cooke

 

Have you ever watched a bad movie and realized halfway through you could either keep watching or do something else? Graham Cooke’s quote means as soon as you sense the downward spiral in your thoughts, it’s time to make a choice. Maybe, though, you’ve already fought the battle in your mind and are now feeling frustrated at having to battle for it, again. I felt that, recently. It’s not that I’d lost the ground I’d gained – I certainly wasn’t battling depression as I did in my teenage years – but I had become a bit lazy in taking every thought captive. That, coupled with some pain, I was ripe for attack.

 

Falling under attack isn’t the same as losing ground. As Joyce Meyer says in the opening of Battlefield of the Mind, “No matter how much we know in any area, there are always new things to learn, and things we have previously learned that we need to be refreshed in.” Clearly, I needed refreshing in this area, as God spent a week walking me though 2 Corinthians 10:5.

 

Have you ever struggled to follow verse 5? Years ago, a friend told me there were two parts. First, you need to know God’s truths to discern truth from lies. The second part is to take your thoughts captive. Think of your thoughts in a comic strip bubble. Then, you can easily grab and examine them. If they are truths from God, you can let them go. But if not, you need to throw them down and stomp on them. Luke 10:19 says we have the power and authority to trample on the head of the enemy. With your shoes of peace, trample the lie till it’s dead!

 

If you’ve been struggling with fear or lies, here are some truths to help you overcome. God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14); more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37); more precious than rubies (Pr. 31:10); and created for a purpose (Jer. 29:11). He also said you are unique, lovely, cherished, forgiven, victorious, chosen, and His (Ps. 139:13; Dan. 12:3; 1 Pet. 2:9; Ps. 103:12; 1 Jn. 5:4; Jn. 15:16; Is. 43:1). Don’t take this battle lying down; conquer it with God’s truth!

©Heather Potts 2022

Keep Going

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69m3X-DQxOA&list=RD69m3X-DQxOA&start_radio=1

Jesus What a Savior ~ Housefires

When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you. ~ Psalm 56:3 NIRV

Yesterday's whining was about how tired Elizabeth's little legs were as she desperately tried to keep up with her older sister. I took the girls on a bike ride and let Elizabeth set the pace most of the way, so that she could make it home. But once Savannah took the lead, as expected, she left Elizabeth in the dust. There were multiple times that Elizabeth said, "I can't make it. I'm too tired." I felt badly for her, but said, "Unfortunately, the only way to get home is to keep going." She’d say OK, but would tell me, about every half block, how tired she was, and I’d have to tell her that the only way to get there was to keep going.

Isn’t that what Holy Spirit does with us? Whether it’s a season of quarantine, looking for a job, working to restore a broken relationship, or struggling through an illness and treatment, when the finish line feels ever elusive, it can be hard to keep going. But that’s when we’re encouraged and challenged to stay the course.

Fear constantly offers us an “easier” way: “You’re too tired and can’t make it. Stop now to save what little strength you have left.” But Jesus, who overcame fear and death, reminds us that, in Him, we do have what it takes: “You’re more than a conqueror! Through me, you have the victory! Keep going! Be steadfast and immovable from this course,” (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

Whatever you’re facing today, put your trust in God and keep following Him all the way to the finish line!

©Heather Potts 2020