Promises for the Battle
Thinking
Thinking #9—Considered Praise
One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wonderful works, I will meditate. Many shall speak of the power of your awesome acts, and I will tell of your greatness. Psalm 145:4–6 Glorious God, elegant design and exquisite detail … Continue reading
Thinking #7— Insightful Consideration
Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you insight into it all. 2 Timothy 2:7 God’s hope for Bible readers: If we exert ourselves to think carefully about what he has said in Scripture, he will bless us with insight into how to apply his wisdom to our lives; we will be able … Continue reading
Thinking #8—Ponder and Pursue
Since you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth. Colossians 3:1–2 There are four stages of skill development. “Unconscious incompetence,” when we don’t know that we are not doing something correctly. “Conscious … Continue reading
Thinking #6—Joyful Consideration
Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, because the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its full effect, so you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2–4 In the best sense of the word James is a pragmatist. He is concerned that we survive long enough in … Continue reading
Thinking #5—Invigorating Thinking
Consider him who has endured such hostility by sinners against himself, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. Hebrews 12:3 Because we all want to belong and to be loved, experiencing hostility is particularly trying. It depletes our energy. We see the animosity of family and colleagues as life-threatening. … Continue reading
Thinking #4—Captivating Thoughts
We do not war according to the flesh. … We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to make it obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 From the whispered question, “Indeed, has God said …?” to the bold challenge, “Throw yourself down … Continue reading
Thinking #2— Sanctifying Consideration
Consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body for the purpose of obeying its desires. Romans 6:11–12 Thinking about the unseen reality of union with Christ is worth the effort! Jesus is dead to sin—it cannot have a negative … Continue reading
Thinking #1—Transforming Thoughts
For us to succeed as followers of Jesus in a frenetic and fractious world, we would be wise to make time to think deeply about what God has communicated to us about how to live as his representatives. He encourages us to let his word abide in us, to let it be at home in … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Capturing Our Thoughts
Obeying the Lord involves not only our actions but our thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 commands us to “bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” We can dwell on many ideas that contradict the knowledge of God set forth in Scripture. “Cast down imaginations and every high concept that exalts itself against the … Continue reading
Transformation #3—Transforming Thoughts
Do not conform yourselves to our current culture. Rather, transform yourself by renewing your mind so you can experientially confirm what the will of God is—that which is good, soul-satisfying and well-designed. Romans 12:2 Picture an ox-drawn wagon traveling down a wet dirt road; then another cart and another and another … Imagine how deep … Continue reading
