Family Life Radio
Go

Taking Your Thoughts Captive

Author: Dr. Randy Carlson
Date Posted: Friday, January 25, 2013

get_out_your_way_1_252.jpg

What have you been thinking about today? Studies show that people have anywhere from twenty thousand to sixty thousand thoughts a day—that’s about one a second!

Rene Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” Yet only we can determine whether our thinking will help or hinder us. In fact, we could modify Descartes’ statement to say, “I am what I think,” because from our thoughts come our words, behaviors and actions—for good or bad.

One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves as we live intentionally is to be sure that our thinking matches what we believe and then start behaving in line with those truths.

When making this change, you “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV) It’s something you do. It doesn’t happen automatically. You must

• Align your goals with what God has planned for you.
• Filter out those things that affect you negatively and ultimately defeat you.
• Focus on that one small thing that will help you achieve your goal. Think about solutions rather than becoming consumed with problems.

When you allow negative thoughts into your mind, you set up roadblocks to success. These thoughts tend to spread like wildfire. So you need to ask yourself, “Is this edifying to me?” If the answer is “no,” then your train of thinking must be replaced with good, positive, edifying thoughts.

What can you do to “take captive every thought?”

1. Refuse to listen or read negative messages that glorify the world and minimize Christ.
2. Internalize what the Lord has to say to you: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)
3. Fill your mind with God’s Word. Meditate on it daily and memorize it.

Tell Us

What are you thinking about today? How are your thoughts influencing your emotions, actions words? We’d love to hear from you. Post your comments below.
 




Post a comment:

Full Name:

Email Address:

Comments:
250 Characters Remaining
Submit

Comments:

  • We all were created in God's image. May our thoughts be as beautiful as his magnificent creations!!
    Posted Monday, January 28, 2013 by Deana McMillan

  • I think about how I can get out of financial ruin and when I will get hired and be able to not worry about paying my bills. I know that God has been faithful with providing enough every month and I just have to keep trusting him and not on myself!
    Posted Sunday, January 27, 2013 by Cathy Boyer

  • For 2 1/2 yrs I worked in a very negative job. I need to release my negativity and get my positive energy back.
    Posted Saturday, January 26, 2013 by Sandie Myers

  • I failed the Holy Spirit, I allowed discouragement to get into my thinking and over the years have become obese, lazy, glutteneous, angry & I procrastinate. I am truely sorry, yet changes are slow at best. I need encouragement, accountability and self control.
    Posted Saturday, January 26, 2013 by Carolyn A. Ruiz

  • I was listening to an audio book. The content changed. I stopped listening as it was not edifying to my spirit.
    Posted Saturday, January 26, 2013 by Nancy Mann

  • I am thinking about a meeting I was in yesterday - typing up minutes. I avoid the news, most TV shows that are not uplifting and listen to Christian radio... I became aware of how those ungodly messages were affecting me negatively.
    Posted Friday, January 25, 2013 by Barbara Uhlmann

  • This goes beautifully with a book my daughter and I are reading...fascinating research into how thoughts physiologically affect your body...it's called "Who Switched Off My Brain?" Thank you for this...God's Word always proves right!!
    Posted Friday, January 25, 2013 by Alba Rice

  • I am dwelling on Mark 11:23 Whosoever shall say unto the mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea... and the lyrics; Jesus saves...
    Posted Friday, January 25, 2013 by Sandy Roberts

Related Products

  • Free eBook

    To jump start your intentional life, we’d like you to have our free eBook called "Really Live" by Dr. Randy Carlson

    Product Details

  • Unlocking the Secrets of an Intentional Life (DVD set)

    New Small Group Study Kit. Find practical steps to help you know your purpose, enjoy living out your purpose and finish strong. Living a better life is easier than you think!

    Product Details

15,769

people on their Intentional Journey

Look who's living intentionally

Marcia L. from Glendale, ArizonaJulie C. from Phoenix, ArizonaAmanda A. from Shepherd, MichiganKelli C. from Casa Grande, ArizonaJohn S. from Tucson, ArizonaGeneva J. from Phoenix, ArizonaAda P. from Sabetha, KansasJoanna L. from los lunas, New MexicoChristie J. from Saginaw, Michigancindy s. from Charlotte, MichiganStella M. from Wilsonville, AlabamaBrittany P. from Buckeye, ArizonaPaola S. from Cali, Colombia, KansasJoseph l. from Peoria, ArizonaDeborah S. from Fort Collins, ColoradoAmy N. from Cleveland, TennesseeTeri W. from Benson, ArizonaRob O. from Sierra Vista, ArizonaDarrell D. from Phoenix, ArizonaDan K. from Mesa, Arizona