Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength and Mind. The mind is the mouth of the heart and soul, the mind tastes and swallows down things into the heart and soul.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare (the words of God, the Spirit of God, prayer, meditation) are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Our thoughts must be brought into obedience to Christ Jesus Himself. Ask the Holy Spirit to purify your thoughts, guide your intents, and give you a Sound Mind. Gird up the loins of your mind, and be sober.
Thoughts are very powerful; thoughts are like seeds that grow into words and actions. As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. The lost soul is always minding earthly things, that is all he can do. Who controls your mind and thoughts? What do you think about when you are all alone? Remember: You are, what you are, Alone. Your inward parts is where God wants to dwell and live, that is, in your mind, conscience, will, thoughts, desires, heart, and soul. Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober.
How does a Stronghold begin in the mind? First with a thought, then a desire, a look, a touch, a deed, then a habit, and finally a Stronghold. Sin begins with Presentation (through thought, sight or sound), Illumination (Conscience alerts and warns you), Debate (your will deliberates), Decision (Sin is allowed to enter, or Sin is rejected), and finally the Action. I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
The very thought of foolishness is Sin. The thought of evil, imaginations, lust (delight in viewing it), enticed (weakening of the will), yielding (lust is conceived), sin (act committed), death (the result of sin). Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we pull down the devilish strongholds in our hearts and minds. Only the Holy Spirit can open the eyes of your blinded mind. Ask the Holy Spirit to control your mind every hour of the day. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
My thoughts lead to my words and actions. The natural man, the lost man's mind is at war with God and hostile towards the Holy Spirit and His ways. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
And seek ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
My friend, Beware of who and what you listen to, for words are like spells that can easily take over your thoughts and mind, bewitch you, and eventually damn you. Evil thoughts are a slow poison to the soul. Bad thoughts (ill will, selfishness, resentment, envy, bitterness, lust, hatred, and the like) are like unclean birds flying through your mind, and the birds must fly through, but don't let them build their nests, hatch their young, and dwell inside your mind.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. The world's system and its thoughts are trying to conform your mind, and lead you far away from God and His wisdom and peace. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. We should be vigilant and sober minded, wide awake and aware of what is going on. Victory in your thought life must be fought for daily.
The Holy Spirit works and moves in a pure mind. But first of all, you must be born of the Spirit of God in order for your mind to be transformed and renewed. You are what you eat, and you are what you think. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Keep an open mind, but just like your windows, keep a screen over your mind (the words of God) to keep the world's bugs out. My mind, be on thy guard, for ten thousand foes arise, the hosts of sin are pressing hard to draw you from the skies. O watch and fight and pray, the battle never give o'er, Renew it boldly every day, and help divine implore.
Keep an open mind, but just like your windows, keep a screen over your mind (the words of God) to keep the world's bugs out. My mind, be on thy guard, for ten thousand foes arise, the hosts of sin are pressing hard to draw you from the skies. O watch and fight and pray, the battle never give o'er, Renew it boldly every day, and help divine implore.
