4 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
2 Samuel 17
2 Corinthians 10
Ezekiel 24
Psalms 72
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (CSB): “For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
When we read the words of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, we understand that Paul was immediately addressing a problem with error that was affecting the Corinthian church. Paul noted that he obviously wouldn’t use fleshly weapons (a bazooka, for instance) to deal with the problem (that was a joke). He also didn’t rely upon rhetorical skills or anything else. Instead, he relied solely upon the Word of God and the Holy Spirit of God.
But, I believe that there is an overarching principle here. It’s something that can directly benefit us.
We observe that there are errors, that there are “strongholds.” Further, they are described as “arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God.” They are also called “thoughts.”
These unbiblical thoughts could be anything that we have come to believe. Maybe, we don’t believe that God truly loves us unconditionally. Maybe we don’t believe that God values our prayers. Maybe we don’t believe that we are persons of unspeakable worth. Whatever the thoughts, they are opposed to the truth of God’s Word.
So, what should we do when we have come to believe something that is in opposition to what God has said is true? We take that thought captive.
How do we replace a faulty thought and replace it with a belief that aligns with Scripture? I’ll close by giving a few ideas that I have discovered to be helpful.
- Identify one thought that you want to replace. Catch yourself thinking the wrong way and prepare to take it captive.
- Prayerfully select a verse or two from God’s Word that you will use to replace your flawed thought.
- Write that verse(s) down on an index card (or on something that you can take with you). Regularly read through and memorize that verse(s).
- Meditate on that verse(s). Christian meditation is simply reflecting on something for a prolonged period of time. I have discovered that when I can pray through a verse(s), thinking through each word and line, the Holy Spirit tends to drive that verse(s) home to my heart.
- When you notice that your erroneous thought comes back to the forefront of your mind again, attack it by reciting (over and over) the Bible verse(s) that you have memorized.
- After many frontal assaults with God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit, God will eventually give you victory.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord Jesus, You desire for me to have a mind that is transformed by regular, in-depth exposure to Your Word. I want to get rid of sinful, faulty thoughts so help me as I embark on an intentional plan of replacing what is wrong and harmful with what is good and pure. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 