A new beginning … with new thoughts – 19 January 2023

In December, a day after André de Ruyter, CEO of Eskom, resigned, someone tried to poison him with cyanide. A small amount was poured into his coffee. After he drank it, his face turned red, he started vomiting and he had trouble breathing. His security personnel rushed him to the hospital which saved his life.

Cyanide prevents any absorption of oxygen in our bodies. One capsule is enough to kill us within minutes if we don’t get emergency treatment.

This shocking news of De Ruyter made me think of how Satan also tries to “poison” us on a daily basis. He does not use cyanide, but negative thoughts. Initially we might not see the danger in that. Yet, if we do not stop negative thoughts, they turn into bitterness, offence, hatred, blame and even depression. In the same way cyanide prevents oxygen absorption, negativity prevents us from “absorbing” hope and beauty in our hearts.

In Proverbs 4:23 we read: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)

In Ephesians 6 we are reminded to wear the helmet of salvation to protect our thoughts daily as armour of God. In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 we read: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds … we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (NIV)

And in Philippians 4:8 we are reminded of what we should be focusing on: “… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. (NIV)

Cyanide can cause our death – so can negative thoughts. Let’s ponder what we think about and capture any negative thoughts before they ruin our lives. God bless.

Prayer: Father God thank you for giving us weapons to fight against the enemy. Please help me to intentionally keep my mind pure. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.