Blog post August 7, 2026

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6

Paul has just described what the epic battle is. It is the battle for the control of the mind. Something or someone is going to control our mind.

I think back when Joshua had just taken over for Moses and was about to lead Israel across the Jordan into the promised land. He gives the people some final instructions. He says "study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command - be strong courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua knew that letting one's sinful nature control our minds leads to death. Joshua knew the importance of filling our mind with the word of God. Joshua knew as Israel entered this new promised land there were going to be a lot of distractions and things pulling at them.

By the time we get to the end of the book of Joshua the people have moved into the land and Joshua's fears were coming true. Joshua called the people together and said Thus says the Lord your God. I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and Olive Groves which you did not plant. If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. Joshua said but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord, He is our God.

Bottom line is, we all have choices to make every day, and the reality is we are choosing life or death. Where we park our minds matters. What our eyes look upon matters. For there is a battle going on for our minds. What will we do today to protect the peace of God? Who or what will we give control of our minds today?

Heavenly Father the assault for possesion of our minds cannot be overstated. Our enemy controls most of the media today and has managed to put a device in our hands that is used to control our minds. O Lord may we be diligent to protect the peace you give to us. Help us to "park" our minds on things that are lovely. May we let the Spirit control our minds today. I pray in Jesus name. AMEN