Show Notes
Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry
Battles are Won or Lost in the Mind
Introduction:
In this episode of the Teachable Woman Podcast, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry dive deep into the significance of controlling and aligning our thoughts with God’s will. Drawing on scripture and personal experiences, they address the profound impact our thinking has on our actions and lives, emphasizing the need for believers to think correctly. Here are seven key highlights from their discussion.
1. Responsibility to Think Correctly:
Reverend Michele Owes opens the conversation by underscoring the responsibility believers have to think correctly. It's not enough to have a right or reason to think a certain way; our thoughts can significantly impact both ourselves and those around us. She stresses that thinking correctly is crucial for living a life that honors God.
2. The Battle of the Mind:
A central theme throughout the episode is the idea that the mind is a battleground where spiritual battles are fought and won. Reverend Owes refers to Matthew 22:37, reminding listeners that loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind involves bringing our thoughts into alignment with God's will.
3. Capturing and Correcting Thoughts:
Reverend Diana P. Cherry shares a personal practice she developed for controlling negative thoughts. She describes envisioning a "cage" in her mind, where she captures unworthy or sinful thoughts. By examining these thoughts and comparing them to God’s truth, she then punishes them with scripture. This practice, she explains, has transformed her ability to think correctly and resist destructive thinking patterns.
4. Importance of Renewing the Mind:
Both reverends stress the necessity of renewing our minds to live a life pleasing to God. Reverend Cherry recalls how regularly examining her thoughts and praying for integrity has been crucial in her journey. She emphasizes that as Christians, we must strive to live what we teach, ensuring that we are constantly growing and renewing our minds to align with Christ’s example.
5. The Impact of Unchecked Thoughts:
Reverend Owes highlights the dangers of allowing thoughts to go unchecked, noting how thoughts can lead to behaviors such as dishonesty, immorality, and even destructive habits like addiction. She explains that when we don’t control our thoughts, they can take over our lives and lead us away from God’s will, requiring believers to stay vigilant and proactive.
6. Influence of Media and Environment:
The episode also touches on how the things we watch and listen to can significantly affect our thinking. Reverend Owes discusses the impact of inappropriate media, particularly on young people, urging parents to be mindful of what their children are exposed to. She notes that even seemingly harmless content can plant seeds of negative or ungodly thoughts.
7. Thoughts as Devices of the Enemy:
Reverend Cherry shares a powerful insight: thoughts are devices designed to manipulate the intellect. She warns listeners that the enemy uses thoughts to lead us into disobedience, reinforcing the need to be on guard and to resist thoughts that do not align with God’s will. Spiritual and moral battles, she reiterates, are fought and won in the mind.
Conclusion:
This episode of the Teachable Woman Podcast provides listeners with valuable insights on the power of the mind and the critical importance of thinking correctly. By renewing our minds, capturing negative thoughts, and guarding our exposure to harmful influences, we can align our thoughts with God's will and live lives that reflect Christ’s teachings. As Reverends Michele Owes and Diana P. Cherry remind us, our thoughts not only shape our actions but determine our spiritual victories.
