Core Scripture: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” (2 Corinthians 10:5-6)

Message: I am not a fan of SET.  Not sure anyone is.  Scheduled extra time.  Translation: You have to work on your day off. 

Ugh!

To make matters worse, the notification came in late.  Merely two days before I had to work on Sunday.  The rest of the Amazon crew did not take it well either.

Let’s just say the language was rather … colorful that day.

My alarm jolted me awake.  I went downstairs to ready my coffee and spent some time in the Word, but it wasn’t until I was praying in the car that I finally submitted.

On that 13-minute drive I exposed my heart to God, and His reply was simple … 

Clint, I love you.  You have the power to choose your thoughts today.  Take them captive!  Filter your thoughts toward the positive!  Embrace the opportunity before you! 

A scripture came to mind that my Dad used to recite often: “Today is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).  My heart began to change.

I clocked in and allowed this fresh spirit to spill into my colleagues.  Dishing out a few fist bumps and smiles, I made my way around, trying to encourage others.

“Let’s do this!”

There were a few eye rolls and shrugs, but I have to say that most of my friends allowed that positive spirit to flush out any negativity, all be it for a brief moment. 

The results were phenomenal.  I walked with purpose in my step, helping others, and like the core scripture above, I took every thought captive, punishing any temptation to deviate.

It was not easy.  There were times when the noise of beeping overfilled hampers echoed through the warehouse.  I countered that with my headphones, drowning out the noise with uplifting Christian music. 

The coolest thing, however, was what happened to my colleagues around me.  They began to step it up.  We all helped each other.  It was the epitome of teamwork.

Romans 15:13 talks about allowing God’s hope to bubble up inside you, overflowing into those around you.  That is exactly what happened.  The Holy Spirit was alive! 

I capped off that memorable morning by going to the Amazon A to Z app and giving some shout outs.  I likewise posted to My Voice, recognizing the names of the friends who amped up their performance. 

Looking back on that day, I marvel at what God did; however, I have to be honest.  Since then, my thoughts have shifted again.  The mind is a battlefield, and the moment your guard is down, the enemy will strike. 

That is why it is essential to take up your cross daily (Luke 9:23).  One day of magic doesn’t mean Satan will stop his prowl to attack.  

Strap on God’s armor.  Take those thoughts captive.  Filter out the mess of the world and replace it with the beauty of God’s truth. 

The choice is yours.   

Challenge: Before you begin your day, start with prayer.  Ask God for His help in taking those negative thoughts captive and destroying the enemy’s agenda.  Then, as you go through the day, examine your mind.  Are the thoughts positive and uplifting?  Or are you drowning in a sea of negativity?  Focus your heart on the good.

Bible study: Read Ephesians 6:10-20 and journal about or discuss the following questions …

1. What negative thoughts has Satan planted in your mind?
2. How does Paul tell us to counter these ruthless attacks?
3. What is the lone offensive weapon that Paul speaks about?
4. How can you use the sword of the Spirit today?

Just for fun: My wife sent me a picture of my oldest son on the first day of kindergarten last night.  There he was, in all his glory, sporting a spiderman shirt and … cowboy boots?  I wonder what kind of reaction that would elicit today if he wore the same outfit as a 10^th grader? 

Bonus thought … I miss those days.  If your kindergartner wants to wear cowboy boots to school, God bless him!  Let him!  It may be the only time he can get away with it.  John Wayne, eat your heart out!  😊

Prayer: Lord, only You can help fight off the negative thoughts that enter my mind.  Help me take those thoughts captive, replacing them with your truth.  Amen.