What's Holding You Back?Sample

CAPTURING REBELLIOUS THOUGHTS

I remember playing the game “Cops and Robbers” as a child. The primary objective was for the cop to capture the bad guy to prevent them from engaging in other destructive lousy behavior. The highlight was that if someone had a pair of handcuffs, it made the game much more fun. Scripture also advocates us playing Cops and Robbers as in 2 Corinthians 10:5, where we are instructed to capture rebellious thoughts and make them obedient (arrest them) to Christ – truth.

The biblical root word for “thought” in this text is “neoma,” which means a mental perception or thought with a specific evil purpose. The term neoma is used in every verse in today’s bible reading plan.

The word neoma is also used when speaking of the “schemes of the enemy” and the word “minds” that have been blinded or led astray by the enemy. The critical point is that a thought’s only power over you is if you “agree” with it. Once you agree with a thought, it becomes a belief that impacts your emotions and behavioral choices. Therefore, growing awareness of your thought life is crucial as so many of our thoughts hold us back from living in the fullness of our intended design.

A simple question such as “Is this thought bringing me life or death?” reveals the fruit of the thought and, therefore, the source of the thought. Take time in your week to jot down thoughts you believe are holding you back.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS.

Does this thought bring me . . .

• Peace or Fear?
• Reconciliation or Revenge?
• Love or Hatred?
• Forgiveness or Animosity?
• Expanding or Shrinking?
• Humility or Pride?

PRAY

Lord, I pray for wisdom and discernment over my thoughts. Please point out any beliefs and thoughts I have that are not of you. Please give me the strength to fight this battle so I can walk in the fullness of all you have planned for me. Amen.