Luke 19:37-44

 37 And as soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, 38 shouting:

“Blessed is the King, the One who comes in the name of the Lord;
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39 And yet some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!” 40 Jesus replied, “I tell you, if these stop speaking, the stones will cry out!”

41 When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known on this day, even you, the conditions for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you when your enemies will put up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, 44 and they will level you to the ground, and throw down your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:37-44 NASB

Captives: Mind Tell him

We have been talking about the mind and captives and today we put a pin on this subject after today. I say pin to say that we are not finished with this subject but for now, we will move on tomorrow.

5 For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, Romans 8:5-6 NASB.

Tell the darkness that you have the mind of Christ!!!! For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:16 NASB

Tell the darkness today that your mind is set on the thing's heaven, not on earth!!! Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 ESV.

Tell the darkness that our minds are ready for action!!!!! Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 NASB

Tell the darkness that you stand and let God do His part!!! 

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Philippians 1:27 NASB.
So we can tell the darkness that we are guarded by Jesus Christ.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 1 Philippians 4:7 NASB

Tell the darkness hands off that we are God's chosen he must flee!!!!

 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7

Then we will come close to God and He will come close to you

8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. James 4:8

Take back your mind today!!!

Have a blessed day!!!!

1 Timothy 2:14-26

 An Unashamed Workman

14 Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. 15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 16 But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have deviated from the truth. They claim that the resurrection has already taken place, and they undermine the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God [which He has laid] stands [sure and unshaken despite attacks], bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord stand apart from wickedness and withdraw from wrongdoing.”

20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common). 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels. 24 The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be], skilled in teaching, patient and tolerant when wronged. 25 He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it], 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.  2 Timothy 2:14-26 AMP

Captive: Mind Questions Answered

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isiah 55:8 ESV

How much is thought more than said? 

21 For from within, out of the hearts of people, come the evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, 22 deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile the person.” Mark 7:21-23 Everything we think and what comes from the heart starts in the brain. So, with that being said thought is more than said.

What stays in the mind rather than spoken? 

Everything starts in the mind, and we have millions of thoughts a day that never make it to the surface, but God sees and knows all the thoughts. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV

What is more sinful to think and never speak it or to think it then speak it? 

5 For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, Romans 8:5-6 NASB. It does not matter if we speak it only that we think it.

Which is more powerful your mind or your voice as it pertains to yourself (not talking about what you say to others only yourself)? Since most people don't talk to themselves it is what is thought that is more powerful than what is said as it pertains to you. 17 For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. Galatians 5:17 NASB

Does trying to stop those thoughts matter? 

Yes, they do. 7 Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4 :7. If we turn to God and submit all the bad things will flee. Turning from anything unholy to God is a big deal.

What do you do when thoughts come that are not of God /unholy?

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

The answers to these questions are answered directly from the Bible with a little commentary. I tried not to stick my opinion in the answers, and I hope I have not, but I hope what I have said is what is in the Bible and what it true.

Have a blessed day!!!!!

James 3:13-18

 Wisdom from Above

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18 ESV

Captive: Mind Questions

How much is thought more than said? 

What stays in the mind rather than spoken? 

What is more sinful to think and never speak it or to think it then speak it? 

Which is more powerful your mind or your voice as it pertains to yourself (not talking about what you say to others only yourself)? 

Does trying to stop those thoughts matter? 

What do you do when thoughts come that are not of God /unholy?

James 3:8 (ESV) says that the tongue is evil and poisonous. But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Bible verse after Bible verse talks about the tongue and its evil. The mind is worse than that because a mind is not something you can see, or others can see. When you speak you can see what you are saying and correct it or have someone tell you to correct it. Only you can correct your mind but even then, it's not that simple the devil tries to tell you and say what you thought is ok. The mind is so much harder because of the devil, the lies, our flesh, the world, and such that we have to contend with.

You cannot tame the tongue as James 3:8 says but you can tame and train your brain. 

Think about the questions that were written above and see if you can answer them.

Colossians 3:1-17

 Put On the New Self

3 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. 3 For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

5 So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God]. 6 Because of these [sinful] things the [divine] wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience [those who fail to listen and who routinely and obstinately disregard God’s precepts], 7 and in these [sinful things] you also once walked, when you were habitually living in them [without the knowledge of Christ]. 8 But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self— 11 a renewal in which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, [nor between nations whether] [c]barbarian or Scythian, [nor in status whether] slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all [so believers are equal in Christ, without distinction].

12 So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; 13 bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. 14 Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. 15 Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. 16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:1-17 AMP

Captive: Mind part 4

Once we empty our minds and fill it with Christ, we need to draw nigh to God so that he will draw nigh to us. Once we are filled with Christ, we need to keep filling ourselves up with God. So, we can stand and let God truly fill our minds with Him.

8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 AMP. 

If we are to be sober-minded, we need to keep running toward Christ. So, that the enemy will not have an inch to get through or a leg to stand when he comes. I am getting out of the way and let the Bible speak:

14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 AMP.

16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 AMP

God, I praise You and thank You

God, I pray our minds to be empty of all the stuff of the world

God, I proclaim that we would have minds like Christ

That we would nigh to you through it all that we would built up so that the devil cannot come and do anything

I pray hands off our minds devil we have Christ's minds

I thank and praise you again God for it all

In Jesus Name

Amen

1 Peter 5:6-11

 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 

7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 

8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 

9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] 

10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. 

11 To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11 AMP

Captive: Mind Part 3

We have been talking about the mind. The mind is a horrible thing to waste. We need to be like Christ which means we need to have the mind of Christ. We need to as I talked about yesterday empty our minds and let God fill up our minds.

Empty our minds of all the worldly stuff and fill our minds with Christ!!!!

So now that we recapped, let's look at what we need to do after we empty our minds and let Christ fill them up.

If we empty our minds and leave it empty or if we empty our minds and fill it Christ and do nothing what will happen? 

25 And when it comes, it finds the place swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in [the person] and live there; and the last state of that person becomes worse than the first.” Luke 11:25-27 AMP

If we leave and do nothing after we fill it up with Christ and as the verse says have it in order, you think the devil is going to say that is that, no he is going to bring more and more evil to do as John 10:10 says, 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. John 10:10 AMP.

The devil does not want us to have the mind of Christ. The devil does not want us to pray and worship!!!

Humble our minds, our bodies, our soul+ Submit to God, and the devil flees+ draw near to God then he draws near to us= what we need to do is keep and have the mind of Christ.

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 

7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. James 4:6-8 ASV

I use the ASV Because I like the poetic of verse 8 which says, draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Draw nigh means to draw close.

Continue tomorrow

2 Corinthians 10

Paul Describes Himself

10 Now I, Paul, urge you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am meek [so they say] when with you face to face, but bold [outspoken and fearless] toward you when absent! 2 I ask that when I do come I will not be driven to the boldness that I intend to show toward those few who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh [like men without the Spirit]. 3 For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man. 4 The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is complete.

7 You are looking [only] at the outward appearance of things. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, he should reflect and consider this, that just as he is Christ’s, so too are we. 8 For even though I boast rather freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed [of the truth], 9 nor do I want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters; 10 for they say, “His letters are weighty and forceful and impressive, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible [of no account].” 11 Let such people realize that what we say by word in letters when we are absent, is the same as what we are in action when present.

12 We do not have the audacity to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with some who [supply testimonials to] commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they lack wisdom and behave like fools. 13 We, on the other hand, will not boast beyond our proper limit, but [will keep] within the limits of our commission (territory, authority) which God has granted to us as a measure, which reaches and includes even you. 14 We are not overstepping the limits of our province, as if we did not [legitimately] reach to you, for we were the [very] first to come even as far as you with the good news of Christ. 15 We do not go beyond our proper limit, boasting in the work of other men, but we have the hope that as your faith [in Christ and His divine power] continues to grow, our field among you may be greatly expanded [but still within the limits of our commission], 16 so that we may preach the gospel even in the lands beyond you, but not to boast in work already accomplished in another one’s field of activity. 17 However, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not he who commends and praises himself who is approved [by God], but it is the one whom the Lord commends and praises. 2 Corinthians 10 AMP

Captive: Mind Part 2

 What is a mind if it is not being used correctly? It is a wasted mind. 11 Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character]; Ephesians 5:11 Amp. 

No one can see into your mind except God.

Let us empty our minds of all the stuff of the world!

2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. Colossians 3:2 AMP

5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5 AMP

Let us set our minds on God!!! Let us take captive all the stuff of the world that we put into our brains and set our minds on heaven! The devil wants no more than to corrupt your mind so that you do worship and pray to God and have the mind God wants for you.

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. John 10:10 AMP

The devil only comes to wreak havoc and one of those ways is to corrupt our minds so that we feel we cannot worship God or pray to Him.

5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5 AMP

We need to take captive our minds and fill our minds with God.

Tell the devil my mind is Christ and hands off!!!

But be careful if you leave it empty or are not careful it can be filled again with the same thing you empty your mind of... 

James 4:6-8, Romans 12:2

 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. James 4:6-8 ASV

2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 ASV

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:6-8 KJV
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV

6 But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].” 7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. James 4:6-8 AMP

2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Romans 12:2 AMP

Captive: Mind

 16 So the poor have hope, And injustice shuts her mouth. Job 5:16 NKJV. 

22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Daniel 6:22 NKJV.

What if we put so the poor have hope, And we shut the mouth of satan and the lie he has for us. Tell the devil to shut his mouth today. Tell the devil I want no more of the lies that you put in my mind and also the lies we tell ourselves.

I want to be free and have freedom, I don't about you. If God can send angels to shut the mouth of a lion for Daniel, then what more can He do for us. When we shut the mouth of the devil then be humble and submit to God and the devil will flee. This means that the bondage we are talking about which is the mind will flee in Jesus' Name.

Every evil thought and lie of the devil must go today. Even the lies we tell ourselves must go In Jesus' Name. That we would renew our minds today, that we would empty our minds and let God fill our minds with Him.

Speak it out:

My mind belongs to God.

Again, yell it from the rooftops:

My mind belongs to God.

If this is you and want this, pray the prayer below:

Dear God, I want the renewing of my mind

God help me to empty my mind so that you can be the one to fill it back up

devil you no longer have a hold of my mind

My mind belongs to God

God protect my mind from anything that is not of you

In Jesus' Name

Amen

Take captive your mind today so you will no longer be in bondage or that it will have a hold of you!!! as you go throughout the day just speak it out in your mind or aloud my mind belongs to God.