At some point in time, we have all had to deal with some kind of distorted thinking. This distorted thinking may have come after damaging words were spoken by a significant person in our lives, or perhaps by a past failure. Either way, when we allow the opinions of others or our experiences to determine the way we see ourselves, a distorted image develops.
The danger comes when distorted thoughts begin to build a stronghold in our minds. But regardless of the source of the stronghold and how long it’s been there, God’s weapons can destroy them. Second Corinthians 10:4-5 says,
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
(NK.JV)
The meaning of the Greek word for stronghold is very interesting. Not only is it a fortress as we might imagine, but according to Thayer’s definition it is “an argument or reasoning used by one endeavoring to fortify his opinion and defend it against his opponent.”
That’s exactly what happens when distorted thoughts become a stronghold in our minds. They rationalize why God hasn’t done what He promised for us. A stronghold says, “God may work miracles for others, but not for me.”
God’s Word is the only power that can overthrow and destroy every stronghold built in our minds.
Second Corinthians 10:4-5 assures us that God’s weapons are mightier than any stronghold of the enemy. It doesn’t matter the nature of the stronghold, or how long it’s been there, God has promised that when we use His weapons, they will be destroyed!
It is one thing to know God’s weapons have the power to destroy strongholds, but knowing how to destroy those strongholds is valuable information. Strongholds of the mind are destroyed when we follow Paul’s instructions to “take every thought captive.”
The idea of taking a thought captive can sound very elusive and mysterious, but it’s really very simple! We capture a thought the same way a thief is captured. In reality, wrong thoughts are thieves that come to steal God’s promise of peace, health, favor, joy, and prosperity.
The first step we must take to capture a thief is to identify wrong thoughts. If you are a new believer and you aren’t familiar with the will of God, there is a simple, yet foolproof way to determine whether a thought is from God or not. Simply ask, “Does this thought bring peace and life, or is it upsetting and destructive?” Notice how Jesus identified a thief:
The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.
(John 10:10 NKJV)
When thoughts produce a response that steals, kills, or destroys then we can be certain they come from the kingdom of darkness. On the other hand, if thoughts bring life, peace, and joy then they’re from God.
Begin to identify wrong thoughts and stop them from stealing your God-given inheritance!
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.