Growth How Important are our Thoughts?

[Sandy Zalecki]

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

Have you ever known anyone who felt it way their mission in life to expose the works of the devil? I have a friend that feels he should point out everything that the devil could be doing in our lives. Let's see so far he has told me how Christmas, Easter, the Catholic Church, the Free Masons, the American government, President Obama, the educational system, and many other institutions and celebrations are tools of the devil. He believes that everything is some kind of conspiracy of the devil to be avoided. Even a cloud in the sky means we are being sprayed with some kind of chemical.

This man has been deceived by a false prophet into believing that everything in life is of the devil and he has made it his person mission to expose the devils deceit. Although this sounds good, is it Biblical? Even when we know all these things, what can we do about it? In and of ourselves, not much. However, the Lord told us to spread the good news of the Gospel to all nations. (Matthew 28:19) and to meditate on the good things of life.

Only the Lord can effectively fight the devil. We are to be obedient to Him, spread the Gospel, and stay away from evil thoughts that might distract our thinking. Thoughts are very powerful things and we should occupy ourselves with profitable thoughts under the control of Christ. Our thoughts affect who we are, and they influence our relationships with those around us.

 

[Obadiah]

The way you describe your friend makes it sound like we know the same person! Actually, I know a few Christians (and non-Christians as well) that are exactly as you describe, although I don't consider any of them "friends". We have little in common since their whole life focuses on evil and the hopelessness of it all. When I read the "fruits of the Spirit" and similar passages it seems to me that scripture indicates an outlook and attitude that is quite the opposite of these folks who see evil in everything.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

The way you describe your friend makes it sound like we know the same person! Actually, I know a few Christians (and non-Christians as well) that are exactly as you describe, although I don't consider any of them "friends". We have little in common since their whole life focuses on evil and the hopelessness of it all. When I read the "fruits of the Spirit" and similar passages it seems to me that scripture indicates an outlook and attitude that is quite the opposite of these folks who see evil in everything.

I'm not sure he is really my friend, but we keep in touch because we go to the same church. I am friends with his wife. She doesn't have the same outlook. I actually feel sorry for him. How sad it must be to have such an outlook on life.

 

[for_his_glory]

Is the glass half full or half empty! Being positive always brings about Gods blessings, but when one is always full of doom and gloom there is no place for Gods blessings to be poured out upon them. Jesus has won the battle over Satan and has given us the victory over him. The battle has always belonged to the Lord and all we have to do is trust in Christ.

 

[BigSodaExposer]

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

Have you ever known anyone who felt it way their mission in life to expose the works of the devil? I have a friend that feels he should point out everything that the devil could be doing in our lives. Let's see so far he has told me how Christmas, Easter, the Catholic Church, the Free Masons, the American government, President Obama, the educational system, and many other institutions and celebrations are tools of the devil. He believes that everything is some kind of conspiracy of the devil to be avoided. Even a cloud in the sky means we are being sprayed with some kind of chemical.

This man has been deceived by a false prophet into believing that everything in life is of the devil and he has made it his person mission to expose the devils deceit. Although this sounds good, is it Biblical? Even when we know all these things, what can we do about it? In and of ourselves, not much. However, the Lord told us to spread the good news of the Gospel to all nations. (Matthew 28:19) and to meditate on the good things of life.

Only the Lord can effectively fight the devil. We are to be obedient to Him, spread the Gospel, and stay away from evil thoughts that might distract our thinking. Thoughts are very powerful things and we should occupy ourselves with profitable thoughts under the control of Christ. Our thoughts affect who we are, and they influence our relationships with those around us.

I could have been that guy, a few years ago on youtube. For me it was thinking the chemtrail planes were actually fallen angels...doing some nefarious purpose. And I heard some great cases for it. But, I finally realized I couldnt do anything about it either way. And I was doing what Peter did when he walked on the water coming to Jesus, then heard the thunder and looked down and fell in. That was Gods metaphor for falling off the narrow path, looking at the world and not at Jesus. There are so many on the internet that are taking advantage of lost people. I was a noob in Christ. And when you are babe/noob you believe anyone that says God or wears a crucifix necklace is really of God. And its not till you try very hard to learn the truth of the word, that you can see the truth in people thats out here taking advantage of the lost. Its like the farther you follow Christ down the narrow path, the more truth you gain.

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

Yeshua. (the answer)

"Have you ever known anyone who felt it way their mission in life to expose the works of the devil?" (the question)

everywhere He and everywhere His disciples went after He gave them commission/authority, they cast out demons and destroyed the works of the devil. (there's more definite references, but this is one of the best) >>>

1 John 3
King James Version (KJV)
3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.


the prevalence of demonic activity today is illustrated in Scripture :

Revelation 9:20
The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot either see or hear or walk;
Revelation 9:19-21 (in Context) Revelation 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Revelation 18:2
And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! It has become a dwelling place of demons, a haunt of every foul spirit, a haunt of every foul and hateful bird;
Revelation 18:1-3 (in Context) Revelation 18 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

 

[turnorburn]

It can really be felt when your with a small group of people..when the conversation centers around Christ and how salvation is a free gift you can see the gleam in their eyes a broad smile here and there, but when the conversation begins to drift into the "negative zone" those smiles turn upside down everything changes from day to night.. The most powerful thought/word on the face of the planet is Jesus..

tob

*edit: spelling

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

It can really be felt when your with a small group of people..when the conversation centers around Christ and how salvation is a free gift you can see the gleam in their eyes a broad smile here and there, but when the conversation begins to drift into the "negative zone" those smiles turn upside down everything changes from day to night.. The most powerful thought/word on the face of the planet is Jesus..

tob

*edit: spelling

"odd" at first thought, but the same thing happens(even in 'Christian circles') about disease. the confident believers rejoice in (final)victory even if they are grieving the loss of a family member or get news that someone was diagnosed with terminal cancer or lekmeia or the kind where amputation is almost first protocol now-a-days in pro-official-medical circles.

but the weak or uninformed have cast down looks immediately, with the look like all is lost or woe is them for suffering so.

this was even propagated on popular shows like LASSIE and M*A*S*H and (recently) Dr.HOUSE and many other 'family friendly' shows broadcast 20 to 50 years ago and more. the public was thoroughly brainwashed to accept the official medical opinion and told to ignore those doctors and nobel prize winners and others who were telling the truth!