Join us for Day 5 of Soul Detox and then join us for discussion and community in the comments below!
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41 thoughts on "Day 5"
I found today's passage particularly difficult in most ways for me. Blessing enemies, having gifts that differ each according to grace given us, not to think anyone higher than others, concede to lowly things… Etc. Tough stuff today. Much to work on. All with God's help of course.
Verse 16 is hittin' something in my life in this season. "Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." So much for my lofty aspirations–time for a little dose of reality, and a reminder that we are each dealt a measure of faith (v. 3), we are each members of each other (v. 5), we are each to use our gifts (v. 6), and through it all cling to what is good (v. 9) and overcome our toxic thoughts with that good (v. 21).
The verses that really spoke to me from today's devotional were Romans 12:4 – 8. "For as we in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…" I. love. this.
It's reaffirmed here how truly connected we all are in the body of Christ! In order to go out and make new disciples, to strengthen each other so that we might strengthen the numbers of our kingdom, we are called to use the gifts God has given us. On the days where we feel unworthy, like we can't do anything right, or are jealous of another's talent, we need to remember this passage and the fact that God has given us each unique gifts that we must use to ultimately give Him glory. If we are using our gift for the glory of God, we are answering His call!
I've struggled with a family member for several years now, and I've let negative thoughts of that person consume my thought life. Not necessarily "I don't like so-and-so," but even playing out scenarios in my head that would justify me shutting this person out of our lives for good. While I've been learning to forgive this person each day, I still fall. I need to let go of those toxic thoughts. If I don't, it will be impossible for me to live at peace (v. 18) with this person. It's not my responsibility to repay that person for what they've done to me. That is in God's hands. It's my responsibility to be obedient and live in peace with this person. God is really working on my heart where this person is concerned.
This passage is what brought me out of an eating disorder in 2010. To literally give our bodies to Christ means nothing less. In doing so we are leaving no room for evil. He brings light and all that comes with it!
I am so very thankful for the blood that Jesus shed for all of our sins, the love that He showed all of us by giving his life. Give everything He could possible give for us. Lord renew our minds with your word that we would be more like Jesus.
Another WOW moment! Courtney M’s comment on spiritual service being linked to how we relate to others set that aha moment off in my head.
Jesus stated that the greatest of all commandments is that we love one another ( not judge or be self rightious towards each other-toxic). Love is the hallmark of God,. Towards all humanity, good or bad. Satan is our evil adversary. So simple, but so difficult.to follow. I praise God that he will give me his light. To shine…:-)
Rockinat55, God is so good!
Prayers and love to all my SRT Sisters! Thanking you all for all your comments
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Sometimes it is really hard to refocus my mind on God's truth. This week, I want to try something new. Every time I find myself being overcome by evil, I will purposefully replace that thought with something good. God bless you ladies!
I am ashamed to say, I don't always do what I should to renew my mind, but some ways to do this would include quoting scripture, reading god's Word, praying, listening to worship music or any music of a Christian nature. lots of food for thought in these verses; living in harmony with one another, showing love to all, and a biggy: Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices. do not be conformed to this world again makes me think of what I watch on TV, etc. Really have been convicted about that lately.
The devo stated that toxic thoughts can lead to illness, even death…TRUE!!! As I stated b4 that I’d been in a 15yr horribly verbal abusive relationship, I just internalized all the rotten things that were said, including the constant rant at myself for being so stupid, or whatever the issue was at that moment. I went from being the strong, independent gal who never needed a boyfriend to define me to an overweight wreck with multiple medical issues and 3 young kids! Granted, some medical issues are not all bcuz of that, but they sure play a role in how the body reacts. The stress and anxiety along with the anger (at him, at ME) frustration, envy, regret, etc make me a poster child for/about toxicity. I do honestly believe if I don’t learn how to change the toxic thoughts, that I could have even more serious repercussions medically than I already do!
I read the daily reading in several different bibles (a tip from you ladies) and do find it very helpful!
V 2 in the AMP really put it simply-that is something I can do to refocus, along with rededicating myself to the Lord, which I have. I also liked v3-6 in The Message and with v 21 to wrap it up, I think Romans 12 is a good guide to becoming the good, decent, Christian woman I’d like to be! :)
Have a wonderfully re-focused Blessed Day!
All the joy I’m feeling and the hope I have, I give all the glory to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ~
Thank you Jesus!!
Line 20 and 21 stand out to me and there is one person in particular that I struggle with this with. I know in my heart of hearts that I need to let the Lord handle it and be the person I know I am. But it never fails this person seems to pull out the evil from me. There is a saying "Lord put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth" that I try to remind myself in situations that this person is present. I need to remember He is with me and He will fight for me, I just need to be still.
I also like line 12 – rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. What a good reminder!
Happy Friday Ladies!
I really liked the CEV and AMP version of this reading. What struck me hardest from the AMP version was v16…but readily adjust yourself to (people/things). This is something I struggle with, not that I really think I'm better, but sometimes the feeling that talking to some people is not worth my time. Written down that sounds so much more horrible but its the truth. Another toxic thought identified!
I am finding it very empowering and a relief to identify these things that I have lived knowingly with and done nothing about. I have felt the change in my day in just 5 short days in this study, Thank you Jesus!
Oh this is so me! I catch myself thinking, "I don't want to takl to this customer; they are not worth my time." Soooo wrong! I love that wording, "Adjust yourself to others."
Romans 12 is my most favorite chapter. I noticed today that the beginning of the chapter talks about the renewing of our minds which leads in to how we shall live for for others…rejoice with, weep with, live in harmony with. It seems over and over that our spiritual service is inextricably linked to the ways that we related to other humans that trudge through this weary world with us. Not simply other human that we love, but the ones most difficult to love…the world weary, the enemy, the homeless, the mentally ill. It seems that I must work dilignetly to renew my mind for the sake of being Jesus to others.
Thoughts?
I was just thinking about this yesterday! I think every person we come into contact with was placed in our life for a reason. They are there to challenge and motivate us to be like Jesus, show THEM Jesus, and teach us how to be in constant prayer when we are around a person we just don't feel comfortable around. Then I believe that person leaves us in a better place and hopefully, we have left them in a better place too so they can go on an repeat the process, perhaps in the reverse way!
I read something cool yesterday in the book "Max on Life"–he said in response to the question "what are we doing here?" that God is simply collecting a family for his kingdom. He put us all here to interact with each other, build each other up, challenge one another, love one another with His love, and bring glory to Him!
Yes. Together. Others. Why am I separating myself from my sisters and brothers? Thank you Courtney, this helps me grasp this section!
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:1-2
I've read these verses so many times, but today God showed me this: He transforms us into new persons as HE changes the way we think. I used to read it that I need to change the way I think to be transformed into His image. Today Holy Spirit showed me that HE is the one who changes our thinking. Asking Him to do that today.
Reading this morning's passage was like finding a map or medicine that I need. Last night I felt myself getting very frustrated and angry over just trying to figure out who I am supposed to be (bold? confident? sexy? driven? easy-going? outspoken?). I get confused about my role as a woman in this society. These verses today seemed to be saying, stop looking to society! Look to God!
One way that I re-focus my thoughts is by journaling. I feel like I just have to get out of me what's going on inside of my head. My journaling is more like a written prayer of where I am at and where I want to be. I also find reading scripture helpful and being surrounded by God's beautiful creation.
Again, I am thankful for all of the wonderful posts and insights that are shared on this site!
it totally agree about the journaling! i am so much less of a basket case and my prayer is so much more focused as a journal. When I am feeling particuarly out of sorts….journaling helps me to do exactly what you said, "Get out of me what's going on inside my head"
Blessings and happy writing.
"Hate What is Evil, Hold On To What Is Good" from vs. 9 is so tough to carry out! I have figured out how to "avoid evil" or to "dislike evil" or to "judge evil from a distance" or to "talk about hating evil when around like-minded friends", but this concept of simply hating evil, and then holding on to what is good, often eludes me.
How, Lord, can I transition from avoiding evil and occasionally bumping into what is good, to hating evil and clinging to good? I will begin by being in Your presence, and go from there.
I am so thankful for this devotional. I am familiar with the Scripture of renewing our mind with the Word of God. I am seeing that it is going to take a little effort on my part.
It is so easy to end up on the slippery slope of negativity. It does not take much to give it momentum. It takes everything within me to think on good things when I am sad, angry, disappointed, or discouraged.
This devotional and the others I engaged in are helping. I am determined to be transformed. Thank you She Reads Truth and all of you women of God involved!
God has been strongly moving my heart ever since last weekend. He truly got my front and back! Detox plan, as days go by, deeper the connection with the Holy Spirit becomes. Romans 12 contains many things that is asking us to consider! I love it! This is perfect for this plan! :) renewing of my mind…which only can be done through the Holy Spirit's work who is within us! AH! And this sill guide us to find out the very Will of God for each and everyone of us… Reading detox plan not only help me to souldetox but also, giving me so many scriptures that my friends need to hear! God is helping me to minister others, and encourage them! Hallelujah! Verse 9 onwards, it reminds me to hold on to the Truth as I am where I am doing what I'm given to do… :) help me to get back to the very core of my faith to be humble and thankful for our Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection that now He is alive! And that's why we can also be alive! Living the example of Jesus' character! Overcome the evil with good! I love that.
The Lord ALWAYS knows what I need. I thank Him for this devotion-toxic thoughts. This battle we can win with His power releasing the strongholds. Stay strong in Him and the power of His might.
Praise Report***
I went on my interview ystrday. It was lovely, it was empowering. God is awesome!
He truly has a sense of humor. He knows just what you need and how to give it to you. Here I was worried about going to an interview on a WALKER and the person who interviewed me was in a wheel chair with limited use of their hands. Lord help MY mind. And the parking situation and how far I’d have have to walk; well when I arrived at the hugh business park in the middle of the day a spot infront of the suite was open and just waiting for me.
Believe it I was offered the opportunity to write and teach a peer counseling workshop that would encourage disabled individuals and their families. Me who questions their own worth after becoming disabled. Lord I am soooo sorry for my toxic thoughts. For questioning you. I am a work in progress.
Ladies thank you for praying for me. I felt them on yesterday.
wahoo! Was wondering how He took care of yesterday for you & … now, what He's going to do thru that!!! – thx for update! Jehovah Jirah – YES!
Oh rockinet55, how awesome! How awesome God is! Why do we ever doubt Him? yet I do so all the time.
Praise the Lord! So happy for you that He showed up in such a big way :)
Opened this today thinking about you and how it went yesterday! DUH!! Of course – God delivered on his promise! So happy for you! NOW – take this blessing and let it lift you up!
Romans is always so much to unpack! The first few verses stick out to me. "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God." We aren't bodies with a soul, we are souls who have bodies. Our bodies are the one physical thing God has given to us that can't be taken away until death, and it is important 1) that we take care of it and 2) realize we are not the owners of it. Our bodies are a gift, and we need to be good stewards of this gift by loving, respecting, using our gifts will all of our being, not seeking revenge and living with one another.
The ways I renew my mind and focus on truth is to retreat when things get crazy, even just to read the Bible for a minute or two, and also to meet with others who are able to speak truth and life to me when I can't see it or don't believe it. I also keep notecards in my bag that have verses to encourage in different situations- from who I am in Christ/my identity to dealing with hurt/anger. Reading those when I get down in the dumps, stressed or angry helps me to shift my thought pattern.
I pray that God would give me the courage and humility I need to live with those who have wronged me, and to repay them with love and kindness instead of avoiding them or wishing evil upon them. I pray that we would all have the humility to serve each other today and in the coming weeks, and that we would remember to leave the vengeance and judgement to God. Hope you have a great day, sisters!
Since starting this dev I feel lighter. More purposeful n my thinking. Every time I thing I brought my thoughts under subjection. God reveals something else mostly as I read my fellow sisters post God says that’s U to. Wow, cleaning out the closet is no fun. But it has its benefits, no clutter u can look inside and clearly see what’s there, what’s accessible. Christ has put so much into us but we can’t see it, so therefore it remains dormant, unused. Can u imagine Love hanging up with tags still on it? Never worn. How about Peace, hid under clutter at the bottom of your closet.
This devotion is helping me clean out the closets of my mind, and sisters when you share it prompts me to look n my closet to see if maybe I might be wearing the same thing. So all please continue to share.
Lord create within me a clean heart and renew the right spirit…
Really needing verse 12 lately: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Says it all doesn't it! That has hung with me today as well! Love it!
Today’s devotional question–in what ways do I renew my mind with God’s truth–challenges me to follow through on my desire to memorize more scripture. I do my devotional and Bible reading in the a.m. each today and listen to online sermons and podcasts when ever I can, and its all good but if I don’t have God’s Word imprinted only my heart, dealing with toxic thoughts as they occur is going to continue to be difficult. Really glad He led me here.
Whew this mornings scripture literally brought me to tears, as I was praying, I felt so overwhelmed by the spirit. The one thing that stuck out to me this morning, was the beginning of verse 9: "Let love be genuine…" how many of us know what it means to love genuinely and are we loving genuinely and how do we love genuinely in this world?
I work and live in inner city Baltimore as a missionary, and I think that I love genuinely all the time, but when it's written in scripture like that it become convicting and really makes you think, I spent a lot of time in prayer this morning asking God to show me what it means to love genuinely and to forgive me if I have not loved genuinely.
This scripture was powerful to my heart, mind and soul this morning.
God is so funny sometimes. I just stumbled onto this site yesterday and as I sat and read everyone's comments on toxic thoughts it seemed like someone had been inside my head and had started recording my own thoughts. I've noticed a lot over the last few weeks just how screwed up my thought life is. My main problem is fear. I'm becoming afraid of everything. Fear permeates my mind like oxygen permeates the air. It has caused me to be stagnant. Not growing in the Word, in my relationships. Fear is not from God. Fear is not from God. I'm going to have to put this on a permanent loop in my head. And then fill it with scripture.I am thankful today that God lead me to this study. He knows exactly what I need, all the time. I have no reason to be afraid of anything!
Meant to hit the like button! So thankful God led you to join us. Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing "detox" scripture to read!! He layed out a very clear reminder to us of how we should act and be, what we should do, and who we should love: everyone! Sometimes that's just so hard, to love like He did! I was absolutely challenged by this mornings devotion and I hope you were too!
Todays question in the devo asked about renewing your mind. So I went to the definition of renew (restore or replenish).
So I ask god to replenish my mind and help me stay true to his word. It's so easy to be busy with day to day life and forget we need to go to the Lord and his word for all things.
I'ge spent the last few days, as we've talked about toxic thoughts, feeling lighter. The old "knowledge is half the battle" feeling and believing in the idea that naming a problem is the beginning of destroying it. Then I came home to round 3 of financial talks with my busband–who loves to talk money and investments while I prefer to talk about ANYTHING else–and I was at a loss. He only wanted to talk about "one day" and make it easier to provide for our family and all I could focus on was me. This, like many I imagine, is the root of my problem.
I am human, and it's my human-ness that makes it so hard to quiet the inner voice and let God win me over so many times. I found that sometimes the best way for me to push all the toxic mess out is to retreat to somewhere that is bigger than my little world. I run to my family's farm and sit out in the woods, where the quiet is deafening and unavoidable. Or I head to the beach, where the roaring waves wash it all away. Both places remind me of the simplicity and power of God's love for us. It moves me to tears and prayer, and sets me back on my feet.
Jen. L I also like the out doors, the beaches, majestic places. These places remind me of the awesomness of God. But I believe that if we bring our thought life under subjection we would begin to see Jesus in many more places. Pray n w/o ceasing we’d see Jesus n everything.
I have been where u r feeling unheard, unseen. What about me? Hey God loves U, no condemnation n Christ Jesus. Begin to see Jesus n your husband and imagine he to has plans for you. He sent your husband here on earth to verbly voice his care for U. God bless
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. PSALM 51: 10-12
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. PSALM 19: 14
Oh God help me to see your word as you see it, and that my life can be a mirror of it.