The Battlefield of the Mind

Okay, so let’s think about war and battles…of the mind.

 When going to war you can’t attack the enemy if you are unable to identify them. In our spiritual lives our toxic thoughts are our enemy. In order to battle against these thoughts we must figure out what they are and get rid of them. We MUST get to the root of the problem!! Every battle we face requires the help of the Lord if we expect to conquer it, including those within our mind. We aren't strong enough to fight the battle on our own, even though we like to think we are. Why not seek the help of the greatest Sergeant General, JESUS, lol HE HASN'T LOST A BATTLE YET & NEVER WILL.

So you are probably thinking to yourself, I have some thoughts I need to change, well let me suggest that you allow God to change them and you just be willing to receive his help.  As with all things there is a process and you must begin somewhere in order to make progress. I've developed 3 easy steps that I believe will help you & I continually rid ourselves of toxic thoughts.

 STEP 1: Start by asking Christ to reveal to you what areas in your thoughts aren't like him. If you’re thoughts aren't like him, then they are toxic. We are to keep our hearts and minds on Christ.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 NLT

STEP 2: Once God has revealed to you the thoughts that need to be changed, ask him to help you as you strive to renew your mind. Know that this mind renewal is ONLY made possible through him! Often times we feel as though we can change everything all at once after we figure out the areas we need to work on, however; this is not the case. Ask God to help you to trust HIS PLAN & HIS PROCESS and all him to do his thing!

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the [renewing] of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV

STEP 3: You must be aware that once you do steps 1 & 2 that it is not over. This battle of our thoughts is something we will constantly fight and overcome with God’s help. Steps 1 & 2 must be used continually!!

That’s it…simple as 1, 2, 3.

Okay, okay, I’ll be honest. It’s not as simple as 1, 2, 3. The renewal of your mind is something that is difficult, yet rewarding. So when you feel like this is pointless and you want to give up, DON’T! Know that you aren't the only one struggling and that the outcome is much greater in the end, you have to push through to make it. We want to win the battle. Take some time to read 2 Corinthians 10: 1-6 it discuss how we must put on the WHOLE armor of God. Notice I capitalized and bolded whole for emphasis because so many of us go out half dressed, talking about we’re ready for war. The armor is our protection so we must put it on daily. As Christians, we are to strive to be like Christ and it begins with our hearts and mind, so it’s time to do some cleaning. Whatever is in your heart and mind manifest itself into actions, so let’s get right!

Feel free to comment & share what causes you to think negative/toxic thoughts (maybe its lack of faith or doubt) and helpful ways you've gone about changing your thought process. For example you may pray every time you think something out of line or you journal…etc. Please share I would love to know.

I love you all so much and thank you for being patient with me in writing another blog. It’s been forever, but I plan on striving to post more regularly now. Be sure to comment and subscribe. Until next time, BE BLESSED!!

All For His Glory

“Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

In a society where it’s acceptable to think it’s all about me and to focus on self it’s hard to even grasp what it means to do EVERYTHING for the glory of God. It is NEVER and has NEVER been all about you. This may come as a shock and a slap in the face to some of you, but it’s just the truth. God’s word tells us to give Him glory in all we do. We must deny ourselves daily so that we can follow Christ. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “ those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me.” Matthew 16: 24 This sounds crazy right? Deny yourself and take up your cross? I mean really what does that even mean?  You are probably thinking (I thought I'm suppose to look out for me first because no one else is going to. I mean I know were suppose to have God first in our lives, but I have to look out for me. What’s wrong with that?) this doesn't make any sense. The words God tells us make no sense to our natural mind, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't obey it.  God commands us to forget about SELF...self-protection, self-interest, and self-promotion. Those are all things that we are to deny ourselves of. When we are obedient to God’s word and deny ourselves of these things, the focus turns from us to Him. ALL GLORY BELONGS TO HIM.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 Our life should be a living sacrifice to God. How can we be a living sacrifice? Well in order to be a living sacrifice you must understand that our life is no longer ours, it now belongs to Him (God). We relinquished control of our lives when we choose to accept Christ as our savior. Because God is in control of our life we should no longer be focused on ourselves but on the God whom we are living for.  “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 We must make it our main objective to honor Christ and bring glory to him in ALL that we do. What does it even mean to bring him glory? How do I go about doing that? To bring Him glory in all we do means making sure that everything we do lifts up his name. We glorify God by loving him, by obeying him, by trusting him, and walking with him. We MUST glorify God with our words, actions, thoughts, foods, drinks, music, dances, our WHOLE lives...EVERYTHING!! When you recognize who God is and value him above everything in your life, even life itself, you will be able to bring glory to him. When God’s desires become our desires he will be glorified.

Colossians 3:23 tells us “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the LORD, not for men.”  Yes, that means you are to always give your best because you AREN’T working for the approval of men but for GOD. I mean wouldn't you want to give God your best and nothing less. Exactly, so STOP making excuses of why you aren't doing this and why you aren't performing to your best ability. Work as if God is your boss because he is. Work and live you life in a way that will BRING GLORY TO GOD. When you learn to glorify God in all you do it strengthens your relationship with him, life becomes enjoyable and you know there is more to life than your current circumstance.

“Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

“I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” Psalm 86:12

These two verse should be daily reminders to us of what God desires of us. I challenge you to reevaluate  your way of thinking. Have you been living in such a way that is bringing glory to God? When people look at you do they know that you are living for His glory? If not, make the necessary changes in your life so that everything you do is ALL FOR HIS GLORY. If you are living a life that glorifies Christ in all you do keep it up and never lose sight of God’s commandment. Continue to glorify him in all you do and honor him in all aspects of your life. Remember that He is greater than we are. I pray that this blog is an inspiration to you and you are moved to draw closer to Christ on a personal level. This is my first blog of many more to come. Feel free to comment and subscribe!!