Philippians 4:7-9 KJV
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.Satan is shrewd at getting us off track and causing us to stumble.
He loves to insert things in our mind or capitalize on things that are already in our mind, causing us to look away from Christ or not trust fully in Him.
Although it may not be usually thought of as such, one of the hardest things some humans face, is controlling their minds.
At times, one can get something on their mind that is hard to shake off. Something has angered you. Someone has said something that hurt you. Something has become a worry or concern for you. Satan loves these situations and will do his best to keep these things in your mind. They fester, grow and start to control you.
Sometimes, the mind might race like a racehorse, and it seems impossible to slow it down. If this should happen at night, good luck going to sleep.
But it doesn’t have to be so.
The fact is, we ARE in control of what we think, and we DO have the ability to change our thoughts and control our mind. It just takes practice and discipline. And asking for God’s help makes it so much easier.
We must always remember that Satan wants to control our minds and cause us to stumble.
Remember that “fruit” on the tree and how Satan deceived Eve?
Also, remember that thinking or thought, always comes before sin.
Satan first got Eve to start thinking about the fruit on the tree and also about what God had told them.
Then, came their disobedience to God.
SOME OF SATAN'S PLOYS
Some of the things he will place in our mind or capitalize on should they already be there, are listed as follows.
These are directed at others, but hurt us more than them.
- Anger
- Resentment
- Bitterness
- Animosity
- Jealousy
- Grievance
- Grudge
These are internalized and concerned with self, which also do us great harm.
- Hurt Feelings
- Self-Pity
- Pettiness
- Discouragement
- Fear
- Doubt
- Anxiety
- Worry
- Selfishness
- Self-Centeredness
- Self-Importance
- Self-Glory
- Self-Righteousness
WHAT IS WRONG WITH BEING POLLYANNA?
The modern-day definition of a “Pollyanna” is a person with irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything.
You might know someone who the world would likely call a “Pollyanna.” Unfortunately, when the term is used, it is almost always used in a derogatory manner., for many don’t appreciate or like to hear positive attitudes being constantly expressed or shared.
In reality, this is the very type of attitude that we should maintain each and every day, but not in an obnoxious manner. And it can be done.
Let’s read again the words of the apostle Paul.
Philippians 4:7-9 KJV
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Yes, there truly are those who maintain optimism throughout their lives, regardless of their circumstances.
The apostle Paul was one of those people, despite the hardships and suffering that he faced.
If ever a person had a right to complain, it was Paul. Yet, he was one who remained optimistic and found good in all things.
He truly lived by the words he taught us to live by.
Philippians 4:11 KJV
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
And we can live by those teachings with God's help, thereby controlling our thoughts and keeping Satan from hijacking our mind.
WE NEED TO MAKE SURE SATAN ISN'T CONTROLLING OUR THOUGHTS
The purpose of this lesson is to simply go over and think about the above emotions or thoughts that Satan loves to use and capitalize on. for
For he loves nothing more than having our minds to be filled with any or all of these harmful thoughts, as well as others.
To be effective, please go over them slowly and thoughtfully, being honest in your assessment of these ploys of Satan and how often he tries to fill your mind with some of them.
If you find you have a problem with some of these, study further how Paul taught us to live above these things and in full control of our minds.
And, as you study God's word, ask Him to help you.
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
RVH