How active are our thought and spiritual lives, daily?

[Cally]

Since long before I studied certain parts of the Bible, I could sense the spirit (which is what I later realized what it was), which is connected to our thought lives.

People do a lot of things during the day, some of which are meant to stimulate thought--you might also use the word "personal"--for themselves, such as conversing with someone, reading a book, watching a movie, and the like.

And I always felt like I was the most active thinker that I knew about those things, in this respect: Every single one of those experiences can change who we are, the input we are getting, not limited to the examples I gave either. I can sense a spirit of anger or lasciviousness in an area long before I find out who else it is in a room, for instance.

But my point is, our environment tries to change us, and the spirit realm is constantly sending us complex messages. I might walk with a group after we come out of a movie and everyone is acting slightly different than they were before the experience, and what I was thinking is: snag those thoughts! As Paul says: "take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ," rather than simply swallow it all whole (not to assume how lazy or active others may be).

I, for one, want to stay in control, and make sure that whatever messages are passing toward me, I sort them out so the wrong things do not become a part of me--I am not a "mist driven by a storm," but I discern between spirits until I develop sight in the spirit among many other senses, with the foundation that is Christ; I will catch every thought, test every spirit, and make everything speak before it is accepted or rejected.

Anyone else?

[Elaine]

As I've said before ---we have to be a Sentry at all times.

Then as I've quoted before - but we have alot of new people ---"Thoughts are like birds flying overhead --you can't control them - but you can control whether they make a nest in your hair."

Good post. All thoughts must be accepted or banished - being a constant sentry standing at our post.   I will not be lead around and ruled by "stinkin' thinkin'" in any form.

I find I 'shove off' - like pushing a boat gently away - from people that continually will not get control of their thoughts and thus emotions... their thoughts ruled by childhood unresolved chips on their shoulders.   So they still flip someone off in traffic because, "How dare they cut me off..."   As if it's their father doing it to them all over again on purpose ruining their lives....    it's just traffic!

Sorry - tangent...if thoughts aren't made to be obedient to Christ ---they lead to all sorts of other thoughts, then emotions, then actions that hurt others and ultimately ourselves...oh, and Jesus.

Again, good post, Cally.
:)Elaine

[crowcamp]

I find I 'shove off' - like pushing a boat gently away - from people that continually will not get control of their thoughts and thus emotions- Elaine

I suppose it's different strokes for different folks. I am drawn to those that don't have that control. Feels like that's where I'm most needed. The damaged, the troubled, the confused. I never give up on them.

Once, I was "them". 

[larry2]

Dear Cally, to me it boils down to yielding to the Spirit instead of the flesh so that God can fulfill the righteousness of the law in us. (Romans 8:4) When we do this, we are open to the Spirit's leading as God works in us to will, and to do of His good pleasure.

Elaine brought out a good thought in that we don't have to allow the birds to build a nest in our hair, and that is exactly what many things we yield our lives to constitute.

In 1 John 5:4 all believers have overcome the world, but we must have a vision to be full overcomers, and its benefits to us for eternity; not all Christians do this. I do not walk in fear of my Lord ever casting me from Him, but I seek every opportunity to please Him; I love Him and want to show it in my walk. We are in a fight not as one who beateth the air as in shadow boxing, but as those who submit to God's perfect will to win Christ. (Philippians 3:8)

My thoughts in Jesus' name - larry2

[Elaine]

I find I 'shove off' - like pushing a boat gently away - from people that continually will not get control of their thoughts and thus emotions- Elaine
I suppose it's different strokes for different folks. I am drawn to those that don't have that control. Feels like that's where I'm most needed. The damaged, the troubled, the confused. I never give up on them.
Once, I was "them". 

Oh, honey, I know whatcha mean!! Takes me a looong time to finally "shove off".
I was once "them", too...and was also given alot of rope to hang myself with before I was gently, left, pushed away to different pastures!!   It was the best thing for all involved ---One reason I'm here now ---I  mean, being connected to God.

[crowcamp]

I find I 'shove off' - like pushing a boat gently away - from people that continually will not get control of their thoughts and thus emotions- Elaine
I suppose it's different strokes for different folks. I am drawn to those that don't have that control. Feels like that's where I'm most needed. The damaged, the troubled, the confused. I never give up on them.
Once, I was "them". 

Oh, honey, I know whatcha mean!! Takes me a looong time to finally "shove off".
I was once "them", too...and was also given alot of rope to hang myself with before I was gently, left, pushed away to different pastures!!   It was the best thing for all involved ---One reason I'm here now ---I  mean, being connected to God.

I have a friend of some 40 yrs. (In fact, I'm able to post a lot this week because I am house sitting for he and his wife). He is in nearly constant turmoil with that lack of "control" you mention. He does not know Jesus. I will never give up on him. Never.

I will never give up on anyone. Jesus never gave up on me.

[Elaine]

Crowcamp -well, then, you get the Gold Star.

[Cally]

As I've said before ---we have to be a Sentry at all times.

Then as I've quoted before - but we have alot of new people ---"Thoughts are like birds flying overhead --you can't control them - but you can control whether they make a nest in your hair."

Good post. All thoughts must be accepted or banished - being a constant sentry standing at our post.   I will not be lead around and ruled by "stinkin' thinkin'" in any form.

I find I 'shove off' - like pushing a boat gently away - from people that continually will not get control of their thoughts and thus emotions... their thoughts ruled by childhood unresolved chips on their shoulders.   So they still flip someone off in traffic because, "How dare they cut me off..."   As if it's their father doing it to them all over again on purpose ruining their lives....    it's just traffic!

Sorry - tangent...if thoughts aren't made to be obedient to Christ ---they lead to all sorts of other thoughts, then emotions, then actions that hurt others and ultimately ourselves...oh, and Jesus.

Again, good post, Cally.
:)Elaine

I think I remember you saying that, Elaine. That was very good--it brought this concept to my mind at the time, I think.  We can control what parts of our environment become us.

I've come to understand that our values make a sort of "spiritual digestive system," like some parts of what we intake are absorbed the right way automatically out of habit, and the rest filtered out.

[Elaine]

Thanks Cally


Evan, sorry, it seemed  that there was this one upman'sship going on -so I acquiesced and gave you the Gold Star.  But it's really not about that, is it?

Jesus said (and I paraphrase, son of God, my buddy) ---to tap the dust off your shoe if someone doesn't welcome you and want to hear your message.

It takes time to realize - "guess what!!?" ----They are not going to change.

You love 'em, but I, personally, can not stop by the wayside and for the 100th millionth x  - teach them.

There is a slap upside the head that says, "Move on!!!"    Again ----I could bring up casting what is Holy in front of dogs.    Seeds on rocks...so this actually is a theme of wisdom and maturity - in my opinion that Jesus even tried to point out.

After many times that someone is, for some reason stuck ---move on, already ---God will take care of them in His time.    If it is stunting my soaring  ---just have the wisdom to see that and move on with a smile and a knowing all is well. 

Now, if your lesson happens to be humility and all that stuff then ---well knock yourself out. Hang with someone for years  trying ----gotta run this moment,,,,

:)
-

[crowcamp]

Thanks Cally


Evan, sorry, it seemed  that there was this one upman'sship going on -so I acquiesced and gave you the Gold Star.  But it's really not about that, is it?

Jesus said (and I paraphrase, son of God, my buddy) ---to tap the dust off your shoe if someone doesn't welcome you and want to hear your message.

It takes time to realize - "guess what!!?" ----They are not going to change.

You love 'em, but I, personally, can not stop by the wayside and for the 100th millionth x  - teach them.

There is a slap upside the head that says, "Move on!!!"    Again ----I could bring up casting what is Holy in front of dogs.    Seeds on rocks...so this actually is a theme of wisdom and maturity - in my opinion that Jesus even tried to point out.

After many times that someone is, for some reason stuck ---move on, already ---God will take care of them in His time.    If it is stunting my soaring  ---just have the wisdom to see that and move on with a smile and a knowing all is well. 

Now, if your lesson happens to be humility and all that stuff then ---well knock yourself out. Hang with someone for years  trying ----gotta run this moment,,,,

:)
-

No, it's really not about that.

Everyone seems to find the appropriate scripture to rationalize whatever path they wish to travel. I suppose that's what keeps forums such as these active. I have chosen what He tells us about love as "the" appropriate scripture. Others within this forum and elsewhere have declared those two commandments supercede all else, so I have to believe I am on the right track. The "tap the dust off your shoes" doesn't work for me. I always think of the thief on the cross instead. At the very end of this earthly life he was saved. I have to believe that is possible with everyone.

Once I had much in the way of "earthly possessions." Now I have none of that, but I have Him. I once used every rationalization and justification to make the token effort, but now I have Him.

I'd rather have Him.

[Elaine]

Ok, hon, you win you get the Gold Star, imo,
See, I don't see us as pitting each other against each other as in ---"I'd rather have Him." ---Oh ---But Elaine doesn't..... and she doesn't think of the thief next to Our Lord----see?  ---words  ---pick your words...
Gold Star goes to you --go in peace, bro.


I'm moving on, as they say.

You stay with your friend of 40 years and God Bless ya. You're doing good work --I've been there and my head hurts from knocking it against a hard wall.

I'm moving on to greener pastures ...

I can co-habitat with someone like you -I hope you can co-habitat with someone like me.

[crowcamp]

I can co-habitat with someone like you -I hope you can co-habitat with someone like me.-Elaine

Elaine,
It is not my intent to put myself in one square while placing others in another. I wish I were better with words so that what I'm trying to say might not be so disquieting. It is not meant to be.

I find we humans are only willing to give so much, and then we give up. I have been on both sides of that.

Back when my friends and associates considered me to be more "normal" (believe me, they no longer do!), I felt the compulsion to assist where I could. But only to a point. There were retirement accounts to fund, vacations to plan, new "toys" to be purchased. There was "my" future, "my" life, "my" wants. Charity to a point, dedication to a point, but then the rationale, "Guess what? Their not going to change no matter what I do!"
And having convinced myself, I moved on in search of greener pastures.


And now? It is I who is "not going to change no matter what they do." After all, they have retirement accounts to fund, vacations to plan......................................

And I have at last found those greener pastures.   

[son of God]

(Phi 4:7)  And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

(Phi 4:8)  Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things.

[Elaine]

Evan,



Love those verses son of God, thanks.