August 3, 2007
Taking Every Thought Captive
Part 3
Recognizing Satan’s Lies
Today’s Truth
“We are destroying speculation and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB).
Friend to Friend
My neighbor, Michael, was a stand in for Samuel, the nine-year-old son of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) in the movie The Patriot. For months, Michael wore his long hair with extensions, slipped on Italian knickers and knee-high stockings and acted the part of an American colonial boy. He traveled to rural
During one scene, Mel Gibson pummeled a British soldier and landed a hatchet square in the middle of his bloody forehead. I covered my eyes. Michael watched nonplused. His comment?
“That guy walked around on the set with that hatchet in his head for three days. We even ate lunch together and he had that hatchet with fake blood glued to his face. It isn’t real.”
Michael knew what was true and it removed all fear. That’s the power of the truth. Yesterday we looked at step one to taking every thought captive. Today let’s look at step two:
Step One: Recognize the Enemy’s True Identity
Step Two: Recognize Satan’s Lies
In 2 Corinthians
If Satan came to you in a little red suit with a pitchfork and announced himself as the devil, you wouldn’t believe a word he said. But he is cunning and disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians
Satan knows exactly which lies to whisper in your ear. He has watched you over the years and is well acquainted with your insecurities, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities. Do you tend to get discouraged? He will plant seeds of discouragement in your mind. Do you tend to feel rejection and loneliness? He will put ideas that you are rejected in your mind. But are they true? No, they are not. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. You are loved and chosen by God. That is the truth.
Here’s simple exercise. If you aren’t sure if a thought is of the enemy, attach, “In Jesus Name,” to the end of it. For example: “I can’t stand that woman, in Jesus’ Name.” “I don’t love my husband, in Jesus’ Name.” I am a loser, in Jesus Name.” Just doesn’t fit, does it? The second step we must take in order to take our thoughts captive is to recognize Satan’s lies.
Join me tomorrow as we look at step three to taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Help me to recognize Satan’s lies. I know the only way to recognize a lie is to know the truth. I pray that the Holy Spirit will convict me when I believe a lie and that He will help me see Your truth.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Think of some of the negative thoughts that have run through your mind this week. Now attach “in Jesus’ Name” to the end of that thought. What does that reveal?
What are some lies that you have believed about who you are? For example: I am a loser. I can’t do anything right. I am used goods. I can never be forgiven. I am too far gone.
Friend, each one of those is a lie of the enemy. Now, who does God say that you are? Who are you going to believe?
More from the Girlfriends
This series of lessons are taken from
Girlfriends in God
Matthews, NC 28106
Originally published Friday, 03 August 2007.