I titled this: Taking every 9/13/2019 *“Thought Captive” = *(is like a

prisoner-You don’t let out until is time”) Philippians 4:8 Buttons-

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever

things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these
things.”
Just as we need to follow the exhortation of Phil 4:8, as we consider the
future and the past, we need to think on what is true and real in the
present, and, as I know from experience, that is not always easy to do.
Thoughts, to me are like Buttons- because they come in different sizes,
colors, designs and texture. Thoughts are our ideas, opinions, and beliefs
about ourselves and the world around us. Thoughts are the combination of
experience, emotion, knowledge; attached with imagination.
1.Embellishment= (change or modified in a positive manner; that is not
necessarily true) for ex: Add detail-to make busier, adorn w/highlights or
decorations. Make beautiful to look at- outside appearance is good, but the
actual situation can be troublesome.
-God’s purpose here has something to do with the material things of life,
but He is considering something much greater than that, something
spiritual. He is indicating that spiritual things in our lives are also going to
have to be embellished, added and guarded. There is work involved in
those activities.
-We all have a role in the body of Christ. We need to concentrate on our
spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities. Everyone is different but plays a part in
the body of Christ with your gifts. We need to take that extra step in helping
someone in need. We need to get out of church walls and go where the
sick are. We need to lift up those in need.
2.Bind or Held= (it means training your thoughts). So, what can you and I
do to develop the kind of thinking that leads to loving God with our entire
mind? How can we discipline ourselves to stop thinking along the useless
and destructive paths of “what if” and “if only”?
The key is: our relationship w/God and the power He gives us to do all that
He calls us to do.

1
When was the last time or ever you held someone’s hand? We as
Christians are held responsible for how we act, whether at home, church,
work, neighborhood, etc.
3.Hot buttons (means something that elicits a strong emotional response
or reaction). Confrontation or truth. When someone causes you to worry,
get hurt, annoyed, angry, depressed. This is the power of the tongue,
keeping quiet when you should be good advice. Proverb 15:1 says “A soft
answer turned away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

4.Bottom Use. Fasteners buttons and Decorative buttons. Am I a fastener

(diligent, worker, useful to the body of Christ, or a decorative button? Do
you serve a purpose, do you just hang there looking pretty?
I will tell you that a button can symbolize your life; meaning your life can be
closed, or your life can be opened.
We need to fasten that button up against people that just want to interfere
in your life or include you in their gossip. We should turn away from
dwelling on that which is offensive, destructive, and negative.
Some have extra buttons, some have none= yet we should not look down
at people, because we have more material things than they. When we
know the truth of Scripture, we can lay before God all these buttons
meaning: our hurts, the tragedies, and the challenges we face. Instead of
dwelling on our problems, we can choose to think about Gods ability to
handle those problems.
Since the Bible is the thread that holds everything together from Genesis to
Revelation, we need to take every thought captive. God knew the events of
our lives before the foundation of the world. He knew each detail of the
path our life would take. He has allowed our lives to unfold as it has, and
He has overseen all that has happened to us. He has been present with us
and involved in our lives as His plan for us has unfolded as He saw fit.
Our only one button should be “I press on toward the goal for the prize”.