captured thoughts

Friday, November 22, 2013 (6:58 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Father God,

Today is the anniversary of a United States of America tragedy. 50 years ago a beloved president was shot and killed. Millions have watched through the years as the incident has played over and over again on television and in the movies.

(8:21 a.m.)

And right here, I stop and change directions!

My plan? Rehash, relive, remember the Kennedy tragedy all over again. Thank You Father for reminding me of Jesus' words in John 16:33. Unlike the people of this world who are completely unaware of what is coming next at any given moment, Jesus knew.

He was speaking to His followers. Preparing them as best He could for all that was to come. He let them know full well that, “I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world” (TLB).

Cheer up! Be of good cheer. Be confident. Be encouraged! Be brave! Be of good courage. Have confidence. Take heart. Be of good comfort. Be courageous. Never lose heart. Have courage! Take courage. Take hope! You need not fear. Be glad. Trust ye.

These words. Each used in a different translation or paraphrase. All to remind us Who ultimately has “power over the world” (Worldwide English). Jesus “triumphed over this corrupt world order” (The Voice). To this we say thank You Father!

Thank You that NONE of the tragedy that comes into this world goes unnoticed by You. Thank You that while we certainly can get caught up in the sadness and despair, YOU have provided us the antidote to our own thought process.

The apostle Paul wrote to the people of Corinth with these encouragingly wise words, “The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight battles that way – never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity” (2Corinthians 10:3-5 The Message). All this loosely translated to 'taking all our thoughts captive'.

You helped me do that this morning. As I feared one thing and another, remembered tragically sad memories, You reminded me that this is also the date in history that a fine young man was born. It is also the day that a middle aged woman decided she just didn't want to drink anymore. When we capture our thoughts, You are able to change our hearts, our souls, even our strength.

Father, thank You. Use me this day to bring You glory. I love You Father. Thank You! Amen.

(510 words ~ 9:42 a.m.)