When we eat, we decide what we put into our mouths, because food doesn’t simply jump in, instead we make a decision about whether we will eat this or won’t eat that. We pick it up, take a bite, chew it, and then swallow it.

Pastor Greg Laurie says, In the same way, we decide what goes into our minds. We let certain thoughts in, and we keep certain thoughts out. This is important, because the first temptation that came to Eve was to think wrong thoughts about God. We read in Genesis 3:1, “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden” ’?”

Notice that he didn’t come to Eve and say, “Hi. I’m the Devil, the enemy of God. You’ve probably heard about me.” No, he was more subtle. He came slithering in like a snake. He did it that way because the Devil is a liar and he likes to deceive us, and that is why we need to control what goes into our minds. It is there that we dream. It is there that we contemplate. It is there that we reason.

With our minds we can reach into the past through our memories and reach into the future through our imaginations. We can focus on good or bad thoughts and negative or positive thoughts. That is why the apostle Paul said, “I take every thought captive unto the obedience of Jesus Christ, casting down every imagination, and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” ( II Corinthians 10:5).

So when you start thinking negative thoughts, sinful thoughts, thoughts of humiliation and shame, STOP and say, “Father, I am taking these negative destructive thoughts and giving them to You. I put them under the obedience of Christ and I will now think about Your Word, which is the truth, and focus on what You say about me: I know that nothing can separate me from You and Your love for me. You are for me so who can be against me. You are faithful and all Your promises are true. In all things You work for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. No weapon formed against me will prosper. Even though my enemies surround me, my God surrounds my enemies. My enemies come at me one way and I will cause them to flee seven ways. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who strengthens me.”

Start training your mind to think properly and biblically, not emotionally, by filling it with the Word of God. Return to The Lord and His Word and He will restore you. “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. This is how the Lord responds: “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze. They will not conquer you, for I am with you to protect and rescue you. I, the Lord, have spoken! Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands.” (Jeremiah 15:16,19-21 NLT).

Are you ready to think differently?
Let your mind be washed and cleansed with the Word of God and you will be amazed at the change in the way you think.

Start cleansing your mind today by learning these passages:

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

“The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.” (Psalm 118:6-8).

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”(Psalm 27:13-14).

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”(Psalm 100:5).

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I thank You that I do not have to be held captive by evil or negative thoughts or shame and humiliation. Jesus set me free and that is why You want me to put all my thoughts under the obedience of Christ so that I can live in freedom, peace and joy. Father, I will no longer be careless about what I put into my mind through social media, the internet, and the television. I will meditate on Your Word and let it saturate my mind. I know that Your Word is alive and it will transform me from the inside out and cleanse my thoughts so that they are pleasing to You. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13 ). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.