Servias Ministries Blog

Your longsuffering will be challenged by those you Love!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:

22  But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is Divine Love in all Its varied expressions:

joy that overflows,

peace that subdues,

longsuffering (patience) that endures,

kindness in action,

a life full of virtue,

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart,

and strength of spirit.

23 Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

Longsuffering is the Greek word makrothumia which is the compound of makros and thumos.  The word makros means long, and thumos depicts a passionate desire, and compounded, it is a long-held passion; the patient restraint of anger and therefore longsuffering.  It can be translated as the words forbearance or patience; it is ready to forbear and patiently wait; it does not easily give up or bow out.

Paul also wrote in 1^st Corinthians chapter 13:

4  Love suffers long (makrothumia) and is kind; Love does not envy; love does not parade Itself, is not puffed up;

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek iIs own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Have you ever had loved ones who have berated you and blamed you for their own actions, shirking responsibility and accountability?  Their flesh is revealing their immaturity.  It is the battle of the flesh challenging the fruit of THE SPIRIT.

Paul urges us by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Thessalonians chapter 5:

14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient (makrothymeō) with all.

15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

16 Rejoice always,

17 pray without ceasing,

18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.

20 Do not despise prophecies.

21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We must not allow the works of the flesh to overtake the fruit of THE SPIRIT.  Love is not irritable and impatient but is willing to wait a long time for someone to change.  You must have Agape Love in order to walk in longsuffering toward another.

Paul also wrote in Hebrews chapter 6:

13  For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,

14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured (makrothumia), he obtained the promise.

Our soul wants to be impatient thus hindering our fruit from being led by THE SPIRIT.  Let us be known for being longsuffering toward others.  Abraham’s blessings required longsuffering.

True Peace is supernatural and rides above the chaos on the earth!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:

22  But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is Divine Love in all Its varied expressions:

joy that overflows,

peace that subdues,

patience that endures (longsuffering),

kindness in action (gentleness),

a life full of virtue,

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart,

and strength of spirit (control of self).

Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

.

25 If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives.

The word peace (Gr. eirene) means: the cessation of war; conflict put away; a time of rebuilding and reconstruction after war has ceased; distractions removed; a time of prosperity; the rule of order in the place of chaos; it is a calm, inner stability that results in the ability to conduct oneself peacefully even in the midst of circumstances that would normally be traumatic or upsetting; it is the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word Shalom, which expresses the idea of wholeness, completeness or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by outward circumstances or pressures.

Peace comes from the inside and is not determined by the outside circumstances.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Philippians chapter 4:

6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

7 and the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Holy Spirit then explains what to do in pursuit of walking in peace:

8  Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and Holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every Glorious Work of God, praising HIM always.

9 Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of peace will be with you in all things.

Paul had many trials and tribulations, yet he was able to walk in peace.  There was chaos all around him, but he did not allow circumstances to rob his peace.  We should endeavor to walk in the same manner.

Paul described the character of the new man when he wrote by The Holy Spirit in Colossians chapter 3:

12  You are always and dearly Loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been Divinely chosen to be Holy.

The mere fact that you are reading these Words would indicate that you have been chosen.

Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.

13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.

14 For Love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.

Walking in Love will produce the other fruit of the SPIRIT and peace will prevail in your life.

15 Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, Who called you to peace as part of His One Body. And always be thankful.

16 Let the Word of Christ live in you richly, flooding you with all Wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts!

17 Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!

We have entered a time of chaos in the world.  There is instability in all areas of society.  The “temporary” is going through a shaking.  It is vital that we embrace the Supernatural peace from GOD in preparation of this time at hand.

Paul warned us in Hebrews chapter 12:

26  The earth was rocked at the sound of HIS Voice from the mountain, but now HE has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!”

27 Now this phrase “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old order, so only what is unshakable will remain.

28 Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakable Kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights HIS Heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe.

29 For our God is a Holy, devouring Fire!

Pursue peace on a daily basis.

Agape Love is expressed in overflowing joy!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:

22  But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is Divine Love in all Its varied expressions:

joy that overflows,

peace that subdues,

patience that endures (longsuffering),

kindness in action,

a life full of virtue,

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart,

and strength of spirit (control of self).

Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

24 Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus Christ have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah.

25 If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives.

26 So may we never be arrogant, or look down on another, for each of us is an original. We must forsake all jealousy that diminishes the value of others.

Joy (Gr. chara) is Divine in origin and is from the same Greek word for grace (Gr. charis).  Joy is different from happiness, hilarity, exuberance, and merriment for these are fleeting emotions.  Joy is a “grace-produced” expression that flourishes even when times are tough.

Paul also wrote in 1^st Thessalonians chapter 1:

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

In other words, they became followers of the Lord’s when they received the Word with the joy of the Holy Spirit, even though it resulted in tremendous trials and persecution.  Joy is supernatural and is not moved by adverse situations.

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 16:

25  But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.

28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.

34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced (filled with great joy), having believed in God with all his household.

What a great example of joy while under duress.  How many prisoners pray AND sing hymns to GOD?  FATHER responded to their joy by opening all the doors to the prison.  Did they escape?  No, the jailer ushered them out and took them to his house.  They were put in a place to minister salvation to the jailer and his family, including baptizing them.  Joy opens prison doors!

James also wrote about joy as he recorded in James chapter 1:

2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!

3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.

4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.

When your faith is tested and you endure the trials and afflictions, your joy will reflect the fullness of walking in THE SPIRIT.

Agape Love is expressed in deed and Truth!

FATHER wants us to walk in this highest form of Love on a consistent basis.

Jesus did and so can we.  We need to become reliable in this walk and as we do, people will ultimately be drawn to us as they were to Jesus in His earthly walk.

The Beloved Disciple wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st John chapter 3:

16  By this we know Love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

18 My little children, let us not Love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in Truth.

19 And by this we know that we are of the Truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

The Truth is harder to find in the media.  Why?  It is because of the love of money.  The media has succumbed to the lure of revenue by those corporations who are more concerned about profits than they are the welfare of the people.  Half truths are actually “full lies” for Truth is pure by nature, it is not tainted with lies.  The pharmaceutical industry has effectively taken over the major networks’ advertising revenue.  In response, the news reporting favors their narrative.  Jesus didn’t need a pharmaceutical to heal the sick or raise the dead.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 14:

1 Pursue [this] Agape Love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the Spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people]. 

My goal is to consistently walk in Agape Love, in all its facets: grace, mercy, and righteous judgment.  This requires being able to hear The Holy Spirit, so we know what facet of Love to administer.  Sometimes, correction is necessary as Paul writes in 1^st Corinthians chapter 11:

29  For continually eating and drinking with a wrong spirit will bring judgment upon yourself by not recognizing the body.

30 This insensitivity is why many of you are weak, chronically ill, and some even dying.

31 If we have examined ourselves, we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged, it is the Lord’s training so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

Righteous judgment is meant for correction, not destruction.  However, it is the decision of the recipient to respond positively to the judgment.

Paul also wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2^nd Thessalonians chapter 2:

9  The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the Love of the Truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

We are not to be silent concerning the Truth of The Gospel.  Those walking in unrighteousness must be exposed to the Truth in Love, whether by grace and mercy or by corrective judgment.  Jesus did not appease Peter when He said, “Get behind me satan!”  This is why we must be extremely sensitive to The Holy Spirit Who only speaks from Agape Love, even if it challenges a relationship.

Agape Love acts and does not seek its own!

Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Peter chapter 1:

22  Since you have purified your souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit in sincere Love of the brethren, Love one another fervently with a pure heart,

23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible Seed, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever,

We have within us, the Life of GOD, the Character of GOD, the behavior of GOD, the power of GOD, and most of all, the Love of GOD!  When we walk in THE SPIRIT, we are submitting to those attributes of GOD within us.  An incorruptible Seed produces an incorruptible Life.  We are meant to produce the Life of GOD in our life.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:

16 Let me emphasize: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (the carnal man).

22  But the fruit of the Spirit is Love (Agape), joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

There are four words in Scripture for Love:

Eros- sexual love, at its root, it means to demand, beg, or request; a carnal kind of love that is thinking of oneself.  It is a “taking” kind of love.

Stergo- love for family, limited restricted kind of love between parents and children or between members of a family… even the love of a dog for its master.  It reflects devotion and loyalty.

Phileo-  love based on mutual satisfaction, it describes affection between two or more people who feel compatible, well matched, well suited friendship.  If one no longer feels satisfied with this relationship, this love can be lost.

Agape-  the Love with no strings attached, unconditional, the highest kind of Love.  It is a giving kind of Love.  Agape always focuses on someone else.  Agape always describes the Love of GOD.

Agape occurs when an individual sees, recognizes, understands, or appreciates the value of an object or a person, causing the viewer to behold an object or a person in great esteem, awe, admiration, wonder, and sincere appreciation.  Such great respect is awakened in the heart of the observer for the object or person he is beholding that he is compelled to Love it.  In fact, his Love for that person or object is so strong that it is irresistible.

I cannot begin to describe all the facets of Agape Love!

With this understanding, we can better appreciate the Words Jesus spoke in John chapter 3:

16  For God so Loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life.

17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Agape always drives one to action!

Agape is a Love that Loves so profoundly that it knows no limits or boundaries in how far, wide, high, and deep it will go to show that Love to its recipient.  If necessary, Agape Love will even sacrifice itself for the sake of that object or person it so deeply cherishes.

The Beloved Disciple wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st John chapter 3:

16  By this we know Love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

18 My little children, let us not Love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in Truth.

19 And by this we know that we are of the Truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

Our Kids In Need program reflects this kind of Love in action. We are not looking for what we can get, we are looking for what we can give to these kids.

Drunkenness and revellings cause enslavement and loss of control!

The Greek word methe means: strong drink or drunkenness or the consumption of wine for the sake of intoxication.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:

19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings (resulting in murders), drunkenness (methe), revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

When you are drunk, you remove all constraints limiting the flesh.  Nothing is off limits once you lose control.  You lose your ability to think rationally which leads to devastating effects.

Paul warned us as he wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 5:

18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation (reckless living); but be filled with the Spirit,

If you drink in excess, you lose your ability to save or spare yourself in adverse situations, you have lost control of your faculties.  You think irrationally, act irresponsibly, and commit acts of excess that normally would not even be a temptation.  Under the influence of alcohol, you waste your life, squander your money, and you desecrate your body ultimately resulting in destruction.

The word komos is translated as revellings,  a nocturnal and riotous procession of half drunken and frolicsome fellows who after supper parade through the streets with torches and music in honor of Bacchus or some other deity, and sing and play before houses of male and female friends; hence used generally of feasts and drinking parties that are protracted till late at night and indulge in revelry.  (Sounds like Mardi Gras to me)

Peter also wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Peter chapter 4:

1  Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the Will of God.

3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

In other words, they marvel that you no longer rush to join them in the excesses of their corrupt lifestyles, and so they vilify you.

Those who participate in revellings cannot bear the thought of boredom, so they continually seek for different forms of amusement and entertainment.  Such a person is so afraid of being bored that he constantly contemplates what he can do next to be entertained.  This person is consumed with fun, pleasure, and entertainment.  He lives for the next movie, restaurant, and vacation.  The issue is all about excess and what you focus on daily. 

Wine, movies, restaurants, and vacation are not bad if you don’t center your life around them and pursue excess.  The Holy Spirit will guide you in these areas if allowed.  This is why Paul urged us to be filled with The Holy Spirit!

Paul warned us of such an environment at the end of the age when he wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2^nd Timothy chapter 3:

1  But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,

7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.

The flesh attempts to seek fun, to avoid responsibility, and to avoid the seriousness of life.  If you let your flesh have its way, it will waste your time, your talent, waste your energy, and you will end up spending all your money for the temporary satisfaction of the flesh.

If we only look around, there is plenty to do without being bored.  Let The Holy Spirit guide you in doing those needful things.

Envy is consuming and therefore it is destructive!

Envy is a hostile feeling toward someone because he has something – an advantage, a benefit, a position – that the other does not possess but would like to have: a despicable feeling toward a person with a perceived advantage that is so strong the one who feels “envy” takes action to remove that person’s advantage in the hope that it will pass on to him: a kind of envy that is evil, sinister, and full of maliciousness. 

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:

19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings (resulting in murders), drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Our Heavenly Father was well aware that the chief priests had envy in their hearts and would use the works of their flesh to fulfill HIS plan, unbeknownst to them.

Mark wrote by The Holy Spirit in Mark chapter 15:

7  And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Jesus for envy.

11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto Him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.

Pilate knew their envy was the driving force of their insecurity of losing power and control over the people.  The priests had a deeply felt grudge toward Jesus because He possessed what they wanted: accomplishments, relationships, admiration of the people, and the title of King of Kings.  They resented His success and were attempting to remove Him from the midst of the people.  Jesus disrupted their control over the masses.  They needed to get rid of the competition.

The envy in their hearts was ultimately used against them and in turn, benefited you and me.

Wisdom wrote by THE SPIRIT in Proverbs chapter 14:

30 A sound heart is the Life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

In other Words, a tender, tranquil heart will make you healthy, but jealousy can make you sick.

Also in Proverbs chapter 23:

17   Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the Fear of the LORD all the day;

Envy is also described as: a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.

If we focus on walking by The Holy Spirit in all areas, we will not seek what others possess.  FATHER will provide exactly what we need and desire in the purity of the heart.  HE wants to bless us in all areas and knows what possessions we can have that will not impact our relationship with HIM.

I have observed people over the years “sucking up” to wealthy people as though the rich man’s wealth will somehow rub off on them.  I have also seen similar situations with ministries where people attempt to align themselves with the head of the ministry as though his anointing will transfer to them.

Be satisfied with what FATHER provides you in your calling.  That is where peace will prevail in your heart.

Witchcraft is more widespread than most realize when you understand its definition!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:

19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The word “witchcraft” comes from the word “pharmakeia” , the Greek word for medicines or drugs that inhibit a person’s personality or change his behavior: mind-altering drugs; where we get the words pharmaceutical drugs or the word pharmacy; used in connection with sorcery, magic, or witchcraft.

During Paul’s time, when the pagans were burdened and troubled by life, and when they went to the pagan temple, their pagan priests would take mind-altering drugs and mix them with wine.  The pagan would drink the wine and feel relieved… temporarily.  Once the drug wore off, they would repeat the process which resulted in addiction.

The root of the problem was in the mirror and no drug would remove the problem. 

In essence, witchcraft is any attempt to not deal with reality!

Don’t get me wrong, if your doctor has prescribed medicines to treat your symptoms, by all means follow his or her recommendations until FATHER heals you of your sickness or disease.  FATHER is not against doctors.  Without them, many believers would have a shortened life.

The work of the flesh is to deny and to ignore reality.  It is up to each of us to mortify the works of the flesh which are preventing us from having a deeper relationship with Our Heavenly Father. 

What would happen if those who are currently addicted to drugs were to repent and mortify their flesh?  The illegal drug trade would cease to be a problem because the demand would be eliminated.

Alcohol provides the same temporary relief as do drugs.  Governments have classified drug addition and alcoholism as diseases.  In the strictest sense, it is a dis-ease.  However, the root of the problem is spiritual, not physical.  You are not a victim of some external source causing your addiction.  You cannot blame your genetics.  It is your own flesh that has taken command of your life.

Only The Holy Spirit can lead you into your solution to overcome your flesh.  Your mind is where the decision is made to choose Life.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2^nd Corinthians chapter 10:

4  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Where do we cast down imaginations?  In our mind.  Where do we take thoughts captive?  Once again in our mind.  This is where the war is fought and where we are to overcome the flesh.