Even though I’m always so totally amazed by it, and now pretty much expect God’s awesome faithfulness to confirm, I have to admit that couldn’t believe it when I heard the following message from Dr. Charles Stanley Sunday morning! What a perfect confirmation of what the Lord had put on my heart for Friday’s SOF post, Understanting the VITAL Importance of Taking EVERY Thought Captive, and most certainly a perfect follow up to Friday night’s FAM Chat! So here is a link to Dr. Stanley’s sermon outline for Controlling Your Thoughts, from this past Sunday’s message, where you can also watch or listen to the message. And here’s the outline:

“Introduction:
Do you have problems controlling your thoughts? Perhaps you struggle with negative thoughts or ones you know are not godly. What you think determines where you end up in life. So, it’s vital that you learn to master your mind.
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-3
The Bible is full of truth about the importance of controlling our minds.
• Unbelievers set their minds on what comes naturally to humans—pursuing sensual, selfish or materialistic things (Rom. 8:5-7).
• God gives disobedient people over to their depraved minds (Rom. 1:28).
• We have to be careful that our minds aren’t led away from pure devotion to Christ
(2 Cor. 11:2-3).
• Controlling our thoughts is a vital part of spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
How can our transformation into new creatures affect our thought lives?
• The Holy Spirit enables us to walk out the Christian life. We died to our old life, and were raised to walk in newness of life. Example: a caterpillar turning into a butterfly
• We can learn to view ourselves primarily as children of God: born-again and citizens of heaven.
• To have the mind of Christ means that we agree with Him about what’s good and evil in this world. We share His values and begin to think like Him (2 Cor. 2:16).
• We have to guard our minds from the influence of the world. Example: watching soap operas
• We must prepare by being alert to erroneous thinking (1 Peter 1:13). “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a destiny.”
• Seek first the rule of God in your life, and He will provide for your needs (Matt.
6:33).
If you want to be happy, even in difficult times, you must think rightly. How do you do that?
1. Screen your thoughts.
• Let the Word of God be the grid of your mind. Reject thoughts that aren’t compatible with the Bible.
• Ask yourself these questions:
1. What’s the source?
2. Where will it lead me?
3. Is this scripturally sound?
4. Is this thought going to build me up or tear me down?
5. Can I share this thought with someone else?
6. Does this thought make me feel guilty?
7. Does this fit who I am as a follower of Jesus?
2. Reject ungodly thoughts.
• If you ask yourself the questions above and realize the thought isn’t godly, choose not to think about it again.
3. Cultivate godly thoughts.
• Dwell on things that are good and practice living out those thoughts (Phil. 4:4-9).
Closing:
Who you will be in the future will be a result of what you’re thinking right now.
If you don’t like where you’re headed, begin to think godly, positive thoughts. God will change your destiny.”

Since I’ve heard words of discouragement from several FAM Fellowship members in the past few days (like I’m just tired or weary and I don’t think I can do this any more), there’s just NO way to over state how vitally important it is for us to TAKE control of our thoughts as we stand against the gates of hell and the world for the restoration of our marriages. And Dr. Stanly helps make that so clear in this message, and gives us some great practical advice about how to DO it. If we give in to thoughts like that, we shouldn’t be too surprised when that is EXACTLY what HAPPENS, so we are all sure to be blessed and encouraged IF we study this and learn to DO it!

This past week has been one of the most exciting and awe inspiring since establishing this ministry, but it’s also been necessary to remind many of the fellowship members that we are actively engaged in spiritual warfare when we stand for the restoration of our marriages, and that we CAN expect to be attacked by the devil when we are the closest to a breakthrough. Christians standing for marriage restoration know full well that it is a matter of spiritual warfare, yet that’s something we seem to forget in the heat of the battle. And that’s sad, because the Bible gives us fool-proof instructions for winning the battle if we’d just remember to DO it! 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, says For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

While a lot could be said about spiritual warfare and the weapons described in the Bible to insure victorious outcomes in every situation, I want to focus on what it means to take EVERY thought captive and MAKE it obedient to Christ, or the Word of God, because that’s got to be our FIRST line of defense. So that’s one of the most important reasons to STUDY and meditate on the Word. We can’t take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to the Word of God if we don’t know it. We have to be familiar with what God says to know how to answer the devil when he tries to tell us something contrary to what the Bible teaches us about the nature and character of God, and His will and ways.

The best example of how that works is provided by Jesus Himself and how He responded when the devil tried to tempt Him, which we see in Matthew 4:1-11. And if we want the devil to leave us as he did Jesus, we need to learn to do what Jesus did, and we obviously have to KNOW what is written to tell the devil what is written!

And it’s very important to note that Jesus did not engage in unnecessary conversation with the devil. He didn’t argue with him or try to reason with him or to understand what he was offering. He IMMEDIATELY refuted him with the Word. Unfortunately, when the devil comes calling on us most of the time, instead of sending him away with the Word, we entertain his temptation by wondering what it means and what the possible ramifications are. But by doing that, we give him power and credibility in our lives and circumstances, and we give him a place at the table. And once we start considering his proposals and all they entail, it doesn’t take long before we’re riding them right down the path to doubt, discouragement and disobedience!

And most of the time, the temptations Satan puts in front of us are not new. He likes to come back with the same issues over and over again, which means he knows the areas or issues of greatest vulnerability to us…probably because we’ve SAID it to someone as we often do, without realizing that Satan is right there waiting to hear what it will take to discourage us or make us give up! That’s why it’s SO important NOT to say “If so and so happens…that’s it.” Or even “I just couldn’t take that.” When we speak or think things like that, we are setting ourselves up for trouble, because we’re NOT taking every thought captive, since Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do ALL things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us, and 1 Corinthians 10:13 says No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. And then there’s Philippians 4:19, which says And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. HE WILL MEET ALL OF OUR NEEDS! That’ means there are NO exceptions. And then there’s no way we can ignore Romans 8:28, which says And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. And if those don’t cover the situation at hand, which they more than likely do, then find a verse or two of scripture that directly and specifically deals with the area of vulnerability in your situation and memorize them. And the next time Satan comes back with the same temptation or weapon, you will be prepared to send him packing!

So when we are under attack, we need to determine the source, and most of the time it’s pretty easy to decide if it’s coming from the Lord or the devil. If it’s causing confusion, anger and other negative emotions, it’s more than likely from the devil. So that’s when we need to make sure our thoughts, emotions and actions line up with the Word of God. And the best way to overcome it IS with the word of our testimony. In other words, who and what will we choose to magnify and glorify with our thoughts and words in that moment; who and what will we surrender our peace, power, and authority to. Don’t forget, Satan only comes to steal, kill and destroy, so that’s the purpose of EVERY attack he brings against us. And if we give way to his will and way, it will be the restoration of our marriages and families that he steals, kills and destroys.

It breaks my heart, but I have witnessed standers giving way to Satan’s plans when I had no doubt there could have been a different outcome if they had chosen to stand strongly on the Word and promises of God instead. And ALMOST ALWAYS, the weapon of choice for Satan is PRIDE, usually manifested in the form of self defense and self protection mechanisms! That’s the poison pill he loves to pull out of his bag of tricks and it’s sad to see how often it very effectively delivers the knock-out punch to so many men and women standing for the restoration of their marriages.

And even though the fellowship members MUST get tired of hearing me say it, the most effective defense against failure to take every thought captive is found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. So when we catch ourselves trying to understand or make sense of things we don’t understand or that don’t make sense, we’re leaning on our own understanding rather than trust what we DON’T know or understand to the loving hand and power of Almighty God. And when we give way to fear or dread of what we don’t know or understand, or even of something we’re pretty sure will happen, we’re NOT trusting God with ALL of our hearts. In fact, WE are then the ones setting up an argument or pretension against the knowledge of God and exalting it over what we SHOULD know about Him and His will and ways, according to His written Word.

If we all find the specific Bible verses that most help us take EVERY thought captive and make them obedient to Jesus Christ and His Word, we’ll all be blessed and encouraged beyond belief, and we will tear down the strongholds of every argument and pretension that has set itself up against the knowledge of God and the sanctity and one flesh covenant of our marriages!

I wrote most of this message yesterday, but ended up being on the phone until quite late last night, and just ran out of steam, so I apologize for not getting it posted until this morning! But that means I had a chance to see the second part of Joyce Meyer’s message from yesterday, which I’ve included a link to as well…and you won’t want to miss it!

In the past week or so, as I’ve watched in total awe and amazement at how the Lord has moved so miraculously in the marriages and lives of so many of the FAM Fellowship members, I can’t help realizing how vitally important it is for all of us to recognize the awesome power of our testimonies. As I shared Monday, there’s no denying that those members seeing the most progress in the restoration of their marriages tend to be the same ones who are the most active in ministering to others through sharing the words of their testimony, by encouraging and supporting other members, as well as praying for them and even fasting with them when the need arises. And we even had further evidence of that yesterday when two more members posted praise reports sharing significant changes in their relationships with their spouses, and another one posted tonight about what could be very significant changes in her circumstances as well. So, as incredible as it seems, that means that other than me, NOT ONE OF THE most CONSISTENTLY ACTIVE FELLOWSHIP MEMBERS HAS FAILED TO SEE VERY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES (OR ACTUAL RESTORATION) IN THEIR MARRIAGES IN THE PAST WEEK! So the events of the past week or so definitely prove that we can absolutely count on supernatural power being released to work on our behalf when we share the word of our testimony, just as foretold in Revelation 12:10-11, which says Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

I wrote this post as a result of pondering Friday night’s chat, and watching ballgames all weekend. It’s nothing profound, but I did have fun writing it and it made a lot of sense to me as I was creating it. So here it goes!
It was a replay of a game played the previous day. The winner had already been determined, and the outcome sealed. Although the results were known, some watched with anticipation and anxiousness as the game unfolded. Could the other team pull off the victory? Of course not, but….. some kept watching with expectancy.
One could clearly see the winning coach’s strategy; the plan he had presented to his team. It was obvious that the individuals had bought into the coach’s philosophy and were enthusiastic in carrying through what they had been called to do. After all, the coach had done his job, collected the important data, and studied the other team. He knew the adjustments necessary to win the game. The players were equipped with the knowledge and ability to perform the specific skills they each possessed. There was humbleness as each individual contributed to the team in their unique way; stepping up at just the right time to display the particular talent they had been given or had developed. There was a joy, peace and intensity with which each player participated with one another; knowing that they could depend on each other.
The victory was a result of trusting the coach, believing in his diligent preparation, scouting, researching, and being ready for the contest. He knew the other team backwards and forwards. He realized that in spite of the talent and knowledge of the opponents, they did nothing different from contest to contest. They always used the same game plan; never varying their approach, predictable in every aspect of the game. Sure, they were able to win some games, but only with those teams who were not prepared; those who hadn’t planned and done a scouting report. Their coach was limited in his power and authority to get players to believe and respond to his way of thinking and doing things. He presented nothing to believe in. Yet, he had a team of players who had talent and skills year after year, even though they went nowhere. They were not, and could not be successful on their own power and abilities.
The coach who led individuals to victory time and time again was a superb recruiter. He would present his expectation, guidelines, rules, philosophy, and share his proven record of success. The players were excited and motivated about the possibilities afforded to them – the hope of victory each and every time they took the floor. Each had the skills and put their faith in their coach, and each other, to achieve victory. There was no leniency for selfishness or egotism – you obeyed or you were not part of the team. No second chances were given.
As I was relating to the SOF post from Friday and how we often choose the wrong “team”, knowing full well that our God has already won the victory. The fact that I often exalt Satan instead of God blew me away. Fortunately, God doesn’t “kick” us off the team when we don’t follow Him completely and fully. He gives us more chances and helps us grow into maturity with Him. Why do we choose to be on the losing team? Why do we exalt Satan? I had to seriously look at myself. Ouch! My opinion is that it is easier than abiding by rules and commands! It involves no faith, no action, no effort, no thought, no trust, no patience, no endurance, no belief system; we can just continue our lives puttering through the days. However, there is a price to pay when we walk with Satan – in fact, there is hell to pay – both in this life and eternity.
Satan knows that if he can dominate our thinking, he can dominate our life. Joyce Meyer shares that he bombards our minds with every negative and ungodly thought imaginable to bring about misery and sorrow. He gets us exalting him.
We can eventually become complacent and settle for a losing team. We go through the motions of life, depressed, rejected, addicted, hopeless, selfish; and living just the way the enemy wants us, as low as we can go. Satan will hold us captive in bondage, if we let him. So it is up to us to let god lead us out of the desert and into the kingdom He has prepared for us- from beginning to end- this life and the next. He gives us refuge. There is a spiritual war going on every day, and we need to choose sides. We know the outcome of the war. We know which side wins. Who in their right mind would choose the losing side? More importantly, who would choose to stay on the losing team when they already know and experience the victory God has brought to all of us through the blood of Jesus?
God gives us authority (another of Joyce Meyer’s teachings) to declare and command with the same authority as Jesus did. In fact, that was one of Jesus’ purposes – to teach us how to live in accordance to God’s law; that we may be like Christ.
God does not kick us off the team. He equips us with the necessary wisdom and strength to submit and be obedient to Him. God gives us the faith to do what He has called us to do and the faith to believe what He wants us to believe. He does not ask us to do something and then leave us to our own accord. He does not want us on the losing team! He will continue to recruit us until we join Him. Have faith in God to deliver His promises for your marriage and mine! Thank You, Heavenly Father. We praise and worship You and give You all the glory and honor for restorations and healing.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Galatians 5:26 (NIV)
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Colossians 2:6-8 (NIV)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Romans 12:3 (NIV)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.