Scripture
Romans 8:5-8
“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about things sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind there is life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of the sinful nature can never please God.”
Observation
I think this is one of the most fascinating scriptures in the entire Bible. This verse reveals the key to success in your spiritual life. Here is the truth: What controls your mind controls you. What you think about is what you will become. What your mind focuses on will be who you become. Paul said that the flesh thinks about sinful thinks and those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the spirit. What is in your mind controls you. When your sinful nature is in control of your thoughts, it leads to death. When the Holy Spirit controls your thoughts it leads to life and peace. That is a wonderful statement. I think about things that please God I will experience life to the full. I will not have worry or anxiety. I will experience peace. I will not live in fear. I will live in peace. My life will be productive and I will experience success. The battle field is your mind. The key to victory or defeat is your thoughts. Your thought life determines your life.
Application
I can control my thoughts. I have the ability to take captive negative and evil thoughts. I can choose to think about things that please God. I can fill my mind with the Holy Scriptures. I can think about what is good, pure, and pleasing to God. I can focus on the dreams and visions God has given me. I can reject thoughts of worry, fear, and negativity. I can control what feeds my mind. I choose what I watch and listen to. I control the television and radio. I control what I read. I can control what my mind dwells on and thinks about. If I am under the control of the Holy Spirit I will think about things that please God and that is what I will become and experience. The battle field is the mind and I can win that battle.
Prayer
Father, I want to think about things that please you. I want to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. I want to experience life and peace. Fill me afresh and anew with your spirit. Equip me to take my thoughts captive. I want to dwell on what pleases you. I want to fill my mind with your word. I desire to live and experience the abundant life you have provided for me. Thank you for the victory in my mind.
