scripture: 2 corinthians 10:4-10:5

Paul produces a filter for our thoughts in Philippians 4:8-9

The human mind is an amazing thing. It gives us the ability to think, reason, and even speak. It also controls bodily functions. It interprets inputs from the five senses and directs the physical movements so that we can walk, talk, stand and sit. Science has evolved to the point where it is now possible to manipulate physical objects by using brain power. By simply thinking, someone can move a wheelchair, or direct the flight of a remote control drone. The brain has enormous power. What we think affects us both physically and emotionally. Science tells us that 75-90% of illnesses that plague our life are a product of our thoughts. Toxic thought can cause cancer, diabetes, asthma, allergies and many more. We suffer from an epidemic of toxic thoughts that bring on illness and sickness in our body. Research shows that fear can trigger up to 1400 physiological reactions in our bodies. Conscious control of our thought life is the best way to control our brain. We control our thoughts, not the other way around. Too many people are tormented by their thoughts. Changing our way of thinking is essential if we want to cleanse our minds. Science has discovered all of this, but long before we even had a study of the human mind, the Bible laid all these concepts out for us. God is concerned about our thoughts, that is why He said “as a man thinketh, so is he.” It has been said, you are what you eat. The same can be said about thought. As we allow our thoughts to go along, that is what we will become. God stated this long before motivational speakers began talking about the power of positive thinking. The toxic thoughts that come can load us down with trouble. Toxic thoughts can be deadly. Our mind is a battle ground and we must learn to win the battle of our mind if we can hope to win the war of life. Toxic thoughts affect more than just us. Toxic thoughts depress us, disable us, and keep us from becoming what God wants. Those things often affect loved ones around us. The list of negative things we say about ourselves are endless: I’m a loser, I’m fat, I’m no good..... None of these things will bring us closer to people or to God. Toxic thinking can keep us from walking in what God has ALREADY given us. God promised a blessing to Jacob, but he did not walk in that until he wrestled with the Angel some 22 years after God had given it to him. Toxic thoughts cost us much. When we allow ourselves to be consumed with toxic thoughts, we can get into the habit of being in that rut. We must break out of that line of thinking by washing our mind with the word of God. When we read, when we hear the preached word of God, it reminds us what HE has said, not what the world says. He says we are worthy, we are accepted, we are redeemed. We must guard our minds and get rid of toxic thoughts.