Thinking with God

 Many people do thinking about God, only few who are thinking with God. 

Thinking with God

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . page 5

Chapter 1 . . . . . . . . page 7

READINESS OF MIND

Chapter 2 . . . . . . . . page 13

FAITH AND PERCEPTION: THE POWER CONNECTION

Chapter 3 . . . . . . . . page 17

SPIRITUAL FRUIT: THE CULTIVATION OF GOD

CONCLUSION . . . . . page 21

INTRODUCTION

In the Holy Bible, Proverbs 23:7 says that "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." So many of the problems we struggle with are intensified because we simply do not know how to think with God.

In one European nation, people are showing an increasing tendency toward depression and alcoholism. This is a country where, though people pay high taxes, they are afforded almost total social security in return. The unemployed are well taken care of, so they do not feel the brunt of any economic slumps. The cities as well as the countryside are extremely clean. Still, with all of their natural and financial resources, sociologists and psychologists are spending hours studying this trend of unhappiness among the people there. 

The problem is wrong thinking. Their views of success are not framed according to truth from the Word of God. 

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Real success only comes when one learns how to think with God.

This booklet examines the believer’s need to guard his/her own heart and mind by consistently receiving the Word of God into the perceptive area of his/her mind. From there, it can be transferred by the power of the Holy Spirit through the human spirit and into the soul, bringing the mind of Christ into every detail. In these pages, we will look at the power of reception and perception in combating the attacks of the enemy as we learn to think with God.

                    Chapter One

     READINESS OF MIND

    “Now, I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

   “But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

   “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

   “(For the weapons of our warfare 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” (2 Corinthians 10:1-6). 

   “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 

   “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 

   “I know both how to be abased, and I know how is to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 

   “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

   “Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 

   “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 

   “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 

   “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 

   “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 

   “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:10-19).

     That’s Your Problem

   Many people have a problem with their thinking. First of all, many of us just don’t knowhow to think right, having thoughts based in theWo rd of God (see Philippians 4:8). Secondly, after the problem of wrong thinking, many have trouble in the processes of thinking. 

   In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul draws an illustration from the great fortresses that were constructed in his day.  Almost every one of these structures featured a tremendous tower, a gate, or a bridge. When it was convenient, the enemy would attempt to get across the bridge and go through to the inside. At other times, they would charge up a hill and try to assault the tower. The enemy would do everything they could to overcome the physical challenges of the fortress. Their warfare was physical. 

   The apostle Paul describes how Satan, our accuser and enemy, does all he can to attack our thought  life with weapons that are not physical. 

   Paul says, “There is one thing I want to make clear. One of the greatest problems that you will ever have on earth is with your thoughts.” His contention is that we must fortress our thoughts the way the countries in ancient times fortressed their cities. 

   Satan does everything in his power to eliminate right thinking. As we go into the study of thinking, we will come to the realization that every single thought is recorded in eternity. Every single thought you will have today is recorded in eternity.

          Concentration for Victory

   Then Paul declared, “For the weapons of ourw a r f a re are not carnal, but they are mightyt h rough God to the pulling down of stro n gholds.” 

   As we take up these mighty weapons, wea re able to cast down every imagination andhigh thing that exalts itself against categoricaldoctrine. Then, we bring into captivity eachthought to the obedience of Jesus Christ; beingready to revenge all disobedience until our obedience is fulfilled.

   Christians today seem to have trouble with having their thoughts controlled by God through what we call the proper channels of thinking.* (*Read The Hearing Heart by Pastor Stevens (Grace Publi -cations, 1996).

Believers must learn to concentrate and to have their thoughts transferred from channel A of the mind (the area of perception and awareness) to channel B (the human spirit) and down into channel C (the soul). From there, the products of these thoughts can be released through the body.

   One of the most important things in the world is to have a thought-premise, a thought process, and a thought-provision based in the truth of God’s Word. A healthy thought life is consistently maintained by the human volition*, which is the gift of God given to every person. (volition, noun; the faculty or power of using one's will.)

     Casting Down Imaginations

   What is an imagination? 

   An imagination (2 Corinthians 10:5) is like the photographic negative that has yet to be developed in the darkroom. It remains a “negative” or a shadow of what it is to become until it goes through the process of becoming a picture.  Our imaginations are thoughts that are in their beginning stages, things that have not yet been fully developed and processed through our minds. 

   What Christ wants to do is to bring our minds to the place where we are equipped to think with Him in every situation. More than just images or shadows of truth, He desires thatour souls have the content of truth. With thiscontent, we see Him as beautiful for every situation. We never accept defeat, and we learn to war with spiritual weaponry. 

            Chapter Two 

     FAITH AND PERCEPTION: THE POWER CONNECTION“ 

  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them”(Hebrews 7:25). 

   Jesus Christ does not leave anything unfinished. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He always finishes His task, and right now Jesus Christ is in heaven making sure that we are becoming finished products on earth. He will stay with us until we have become the finished product. 

   I would never want to face Jesus Christ without straightening out my strongholds.  There is no reason for God’s people to have anything but the most godly, qualified, tremendous, powerful, enriched strongholds in their souls. 

          Cleansed and Purged by the Word

   “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

   “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 

   “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:1-3).

   “That he might sanctify and cleanse [the church] with the washing of water by the word ” (Ephesians 5:26). 

   “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean,  sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 

   “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13-14).

   In John 15, Jesus said, “I am the true vine, my Father is the husbandman.” God the Father personally takes care of His garden. Everything in me that doesn’t bear fruit, God purges. The areas that do bear fruit, the Lord arranges with His process of thinking so they will produce more fruit.

   Then, the Lord Jesus Christ says, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” We are made clean through the washing of the water of the Word — through a mental catharsis. This means that He has thoroughly purged our conscience until we are absolutely cleansed by the purging power of the Word and the Blood of Christ operating in our minds. 

            God’s Strongholds

   “So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

   “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm119:130). 

   The first thing that God wants us to have is a tremendous understanding of God in our perception (our capacity for comprehension or discernment that begins in the receptive part of the mind, referred to as “channel A”). If there is anything that we need today, it is to have the strongholds of God in our perception. Once we have God’s strongholds, through His promises and through fellowshipping with His Spirit, the next thing we need is to respond by faith to what we  perceive. 

   My faith will always equal my perception. If I am thinking with God, and I believe that God is love, God is forgiveness, and God is powerful, then my perception will grow and my faith will be elevated until my faith reflects and responds to my perception. I will see that He is the Lord and He is my Healer, and I will operate from that position. 

           Chapter Three 

SPIRITUAL FRUIT:THE CULTIVATION OF GOD 

   “In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. 

  “I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day” (Isaiah 27:2-3). 

   God says He will water His vineyard every moment. He did not say it is kept by the minute nor that it is kept by the second, but He keeps it every moment. Before you have a second, you have moments. God goes to work and begins to take care of us from His viewpoint with His love and mercy in the moments, before those moments even become a second. 

   Now the beautiful thing is that each of our lives is like a symphony that God is composing. God finishes His symphony, and our prayers are answered. God is in the business of perfecting everything He touches. That is where we stand in positional truth. 

   In positional truth, the moment we are saved we are seated above. We are in union with Jesus Christ. The basis for our process of thinking is changed as we begin to think with the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). In that process, the Lord Jesus says, “If you are faithful to understand a premise for thinking, I will train you and teach you. I will teach you how to have a godly premise and a godly process. And I will teach you what you will become as the product of your own thinking.” 

   Our actions will always reveal our thinking. 

   There is not a single thing today that I can do to improve myself. Perhaps I think I could become more spiritual, but I cannot improve upon what God has done. He that has begun a good work in you will perform it (see Philippians1:6). God has a perfect plan for every believer, and that is revealed as He finishes the product. 

   The thing that I love about the promises of Scripture is that there is never a time when Jesus Christ would ever leave us or forsake us. There is never a time when He will not love us. There is never a time when He will love you or me less than He loves us today. 

   A person could be failing right now—God forbid—but God’s love would be just exactly as great as it is when he is succeeding. (Please, don’t go out test Him on this one!) 

   Satan as an opposing force wants to gain control of our thinking. Part of the deception today in education and in various parts of our lives stems from a permissive society filled with self-centered thinking. The devil starts with the mind. First he attacks the goodness of God, and then he attacks the truthfulness of God. That is what he did in the garden with Eve. And the first thing he mentioned to Eve was “If God is so good, why is He withholding that tree from you?” She was dumbfounded. 

   He made sure that he did not say, “If God is so good, why is He withholding the nine trees? ”

  He said, “There is one tree God will not let you have, because He is not a good God.” 

   Today the devil says, “If you would really get honest with yourself, you could see this. It is very simple. God withholds things that you deserve to have. He lets you see, but He withholds them.” 

   Do not believe that lie for one moment. Satan is the biggest liar ever. He is the father of all lies. But when God comes into the picture, we see the principle of the vineyard. Imagine growing up in a place where they grow tons and tons of grapes. The grape growers would arrange the vines so they would grow separately, supporting the vines so they could get maximum exposure to the sun. Within a year, these vines would produce a tremendous amount of grapes—more than you could even believe. They were all sweet and you could eat them right off the vines. In fact, those are the best kind of grapes. 

   The Lord Jesus Christ is ready for every single one of us to enter in and cause us to become very productive, just like those vines. He is ready to bring great fruit out of our lives.

   How will He do it? By teaching us how to think with Him. 

                    CONCLUSION

   Grapevines exist simply to produce fruit. They have no value except to produce grapes. And the Holy Spirit of the living God has said to us in this message, “You have great value in producing God’s thoughts in your mind, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the grapes. Don’t trample the tender shoots. Just receive God’s life and begin to produce those grapes.”

   The Lord Jesus Christ will help us to do this, for He has said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” God the Father will be the caretaker of our lives. He will cultivate in us a great capacity to serve Him and to think with Him. 

   Let’s be tremendous bearers of grapes during these days. The Lord has given us His Word so that we might think His thoughts. Let us be more ready to hear and more ready to receive His truth as we walk with Him.

MIND OF GOD 

Today we will talk about Bible Verses About Thoughts. Our thoughts can often shape our lives in profound ways, and the Bible offers us guidance on how to think in a way that aligns with God’s will. It’s crucial for us as Christians to engage with God’s word and let it transform the way we think. In this journey together, let’s explore how the Bible reveals the power of our thoughts, teaching us to harness them for good and to delight in God’s wisdom.

Bible Verses About Thoughts

The Power of Our Thoughts

In our lives, the thoughts that occupy our minds can create either a positive or negative atmosphere for our hearts. When we reflect on Bible verses about thoughts, we begin to understand that our mind is a battlefield. Each thought we entertain has the potential to lead us down a path of peace or turmoil. By focusing on uplifting thoughts, we cultivate an environment of faith and joy. It reminds us that what we think ultimately shapes how we view ourselves and others. By trusting in the Lord and aligning our thoughts with His word, we can manifest goodness and honor in our lives!

Proverbs 23:7

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ‘Eat and drink!’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.”

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

2 Corinthians 10:5

“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.”

Colossians 3:2

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

The Importance of Guarding Our Thoughts

As we navigate life, it becomes imperative for us to guard our thoughts diligently. The Bible teaches us that our minds are like a garden and we need to tend to them carefully. Negative and harmful thoughts can easily take root if we’re not careful. By being intentional about what we think and allowing God’s word to shape our perspectives, we can maintain a healthy mental space. God calls us to place our thoughts under His authority, guiding us away from self-doubt and negativity. This is an invitation for us to embrace thoughts that uplift and inspire our spirits!

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Philippians 4:7

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Psalms 139:23-24

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

James 1:8

“Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

Meditation is a beautiful practice that connects us deeply with God. When we meditate on His word, we allow His truth to permeate our thoughts. It enables us to reflect on the richness of Scripture, transforming our minds into tools for His glory. Meditation helps us slow down and focus, creating space for peace amidst chaos. As we meditate, we invite God into our thought processes and invite His transformative power into our lives. By soaking in His presence, we find direction and clarity that guide us in our daily lives. It is an enriching experience that deepens our relationship with God.

Psalms 1:2

“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

Psalms 119:15

“I will meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”

Psalms 63:6

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”

Joshua 1:8

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Psalms 77:12

“I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Surrendering our thoughts to God is a pivotal step in our spiritual journey. When we lay our worries, doubts, and fears at His feet, we open ourselves up to divine guidance and wisdom. This act of surrender promotes trust and allows us to relinquish control over our minds in exchange for peace. The Bible encourages us to invite God into our thinking process, transforming our fears into faith, and negativity into hope. Surrendering our thoughts aligns our will with His, paving the way for clarity and strength as we walk the path He has set for us. Let’s embrace the peace that comes with surrender!

Psalms 55:22

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

It’s not uncommon for us to face negative thoughts that can weigh us down and cloud our minds. The Bible provides us with assurance that we can overcome these thoughts through faith. By replacing negativity with God’s truth, we can transform fear into courage and doubt into assurance. We need to remind ourselves that negative thoughts do not define us, but our identity in Christ does. Engaging with scripture empowers us to combat the lies of the enemy and walk confidently in our purpose. Overcoming involves recognizing and confronting those negative thoughts with the goodness of God.

Romans 8:31

“What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Gratitude shifts our perspectives and transforms our minds in remarkable ways. When we focus on thankfulness, we cultivate a positive environment. The Bible encourages us to always give thanks in every circumstance. It’s a reminder for us to recognize God’s goodness in our lives, however small they may seem. Thankfulness liberates us from feelings of discontent and opens our eyes to the abundant blessings we hold. By embracing a heart filled with gratitude, we become radiant lights in a world that desperately needs hope and joy. The act of thanksgiving allows our thoughts to dwell on what truly matters.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Psalms 100:4

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Colossians 3:15

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Ephesians 5:20

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Psalms 118:24

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Choosing what we fill our minds with has a profound impact on our lives. The Bible admonishes us to focus our thoughts on the things that are pure, lovely, and admirable. By shifting our perspective towards positivity and purity, we align our hearts more closely with God’s will. The focus of our thoughts can elevate our spirits and inspire us to act according to God’s calling in our lives. We find hope and encouragement from engaging in uplifting activities, scriptures, and community. Focusing on goodness helps us repel negativity and empowers us to shine brighter in our daily lives.

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Proverbs 4:25

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.”

Psalms 119:105

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

1 Timothy 4:15

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.”

Hebrews 12:2

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

As believers, we are encouraged to have the mind of Christ. This means that we are to think like Him, embodying His love, compassion, and grace. By embracing the mind of Christ, we begin to reflect His character, demonstrating His love to those around us. This transformation is a gradual process, often achieved through immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer. As we pursue a closer relationship with God, our thoughts are reshaped, helping us respond to life’s challenges with wisdom and faith. The mind of Christ empowers us to navigate our journeys with assurance, trusting in His divine plan.

1 Corinthians 2:16

“For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Philippians 2:5

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:1-2

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Romans 15:5“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”

Ephesians 4:23-24

“To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Final Thoughts

As we’ve navigated through these Bible verses about thoughts, let us reflect on the powerful truths we’ve discovered. Our thoughts are not just fleeting ideas; they shape our character and influence our actions. We have learned the importance of guarding our minds, meditating on God’s word, and surrendering our thoughts to Him for peace and clarity. Recognizing the impact of gratitude and the need to overcome negativity allows us to embrace a more authentic life in faith.

Focusing our thoughts on Christ not only brings us closer to Him but empowers us to shine His light in our world. As we continue our journey, let’s commit to nurturing our thoughts with love, hope, and a spirit of gratitude. Together, through the guidance of Scripture, we can cultivate minds that honor God and reflect His glory in all that we do.

May our lives be filled with thoughts that are pleasing to God, leading us into paths of joy and purpose. We are never alone in this journey; God’s Word is our anchor, guiding our thoughts and changing our lives for the better.