What we think about really matters. "What a man thinks so is he." Our thoughts dictate our actions which dictate our character.
We are called to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." What does this mean?
This means watch what you think about. Self-control. Don't let yourself think about anything you want. You need to reign in your thoughts and not let Satan have a foothold over your mind.
Apart from Jesus we can do nothing, that means we then can't defend ourselves against Satan and his demons as well. I don't think Christians can ever be possessed. There is a verse about "the evil one cannot touch you" once you are saved. But Satan can get into our heads and thoughts a lot.
He is called "the accuser of the brethren." So he can try to accuse our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to us in our heads. He tries to cause divisions and disunity. Divide and conquer. That is his strategy. If he can get us alone he has us. Or at least he can have more influence over us, because there is "strength in numbers." Amen Maybe that is why Jesus leaves the 99 to go get the one lost sheep, because he knows that sheep is a lot more vulnerable and in a much more dangerous situation than the 99 who have each other.
The more we stay connected to the vine, to Jesus, and other Christians, the stronger we are and the more we can "extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one." Satan will send arrows your way all day AND all night, and you need to recognize them for what they are.
"The truth shall set you free." If you don't see the truth that it's Satan you may think God has left you for a time or that others really are out to get you or hurt you. Or that static you may hear that keeps you from hearing God, that is Satan trying to distract you. That depression and hopelessness you feel, that is Satan trying to take you out. That anger at someone you are close to, that is Satan trying to pit you against those you love. The Bible says, "Don't let the sun go down on your anger and don't give the devil a foothold." So our anger and emotions can give Satan a foothold in our lives. Be very careful about anger etc. Be on your guard regarding Satan's attacks on your mind. "Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." "Whatever is lovely, whatever is true....think about such things," and only those things.
May God bless you! :)
He is called "the accuser of the brethren." So he can try to accuse our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to us in our heads. He tries to cause divisions and disunity. Divide and conquer. That is his strategy. If he can get us alone he has us. Or at least he can have more influence over us, because there is "strength in numbers." Amen Maybe that is why Jesus leaves the 99 to go get the one lost sheep, because he knows that sheep is a lot more vulnerable and in a much more dangerous situation than the 99 who have each other.
The more we stay connected to the vine, to Jesus, and other Christians, the stronger we are and the more we can "extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one." Satan will send arrows your way all day AND all night, and you need to recognize them for what they are.
"The truth shall set you free." If you don't see the truth that it's Satan you may think God has left you for a time or that others really are out to get you or hurt you. Or that static you may hear that keeps you from hearing God, that is Satan trying to distract you. That depression and hopelessness you feel, that is Satan trying to take you out. That anger at someone you are close to, that is Satan trying to pit you against those you love. The Bible says, "Don't let the sun go down on your anger and don't give the devil a foothold." So our anger and emotions can give Satan a foothold in our lives. Be very careful about anger etc. Be on your guard regarding Satan's attacks on your mind. "Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." "Whatever is lovely, whatever is true....think about such things," and only those things.
May God bless you! :)
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