“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
Over the years, I had many people tell me what the devil has been saying to them. But my question to them is, “why are you listening to the devil?” When Satan says something, you can be sure of two things: it has no power and it has no truth.
Our text tells us to cast down imaginations or human reasoning of the mind. Now that’s very important. I don’t know if you realize it, but Satan has access to your mind. That means every thought that comes through your head is not necessarily yours. It doesn’t become your thought until you begin to say it. The command “casting down” points to the fact that you have the ability to govern your thought life.
You see, human reasoning is what gets you in trouble – it makes you try to solve the problem in the flesh.
Come on, we have all done it. Do you remember spending many sleepless nights trying to figure out how or what to do about something? Then you went around trying to get everybody’s opinion about it. Don’t you know opinions are like heads, everybody’s got one.
Their opinion is no better than your opinion, and now you’re more confused than when you started out.
Philippians 4:6, tells us how to win spiritually when there is a problem in the flesh. It says to be anxious for nothing. That means don’t worry, don’t fear, or don’t take concern for anything, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving give God your request.
Then the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and your minds through Jesus, the anointed One.
We maintain our peace of mind by adhering to Philippians 4:8. It says, finally whatsoever things that are true, and honest, and pure, and just, and lovely, and of a good report – think on these things. In other words, you make the choice. There is always a good report in everything. If you look for it, you will find it.
As long as you’re still here on this earth, you have something to be thankful about. Now you might have to look to find it – but keep looking. You can always find something good in any situation.
You can choose to change your thinking pattern. Just get out of that negative stuff, and get over into praise and thanksgiving.
Scripture References: Isaiah 26:3-4; Matthew 6:25-34; Proverb 27:3
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Pastor Deborah L. Butler is the first lady Word of Faith International Christian Centre located in Southfield, Michigan where she serves in ministry with her husband, Bishop Keith A. Butler.
Pastor Deborah is a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel. Her encouraging, yet down-to-earth teaching imparts wisdom from the Word of God into all that hear her speak. One of Pastor Butler’s many duties is serving as the Director of the Women of Virtue Ministry. Pastor Deborah is often called to travel to other ministries to teach and admonish women to walk in the wisdom of God, and to experience peace in every area of their lives.