God gave us a mind to use, but there are times when we have to get out of our mind, so to speak, and into the Spirit. How do you set your mind aside in those times when you need to operate in the Spirit? By getting your mind in shape. And you get your mind in shape by bringing it under the control of the Holy Spirit.

It's important to get your mind in shape because if satan can defeat you in your thought life, he can separate you from your faith and what you believe.

You can keep your thoughts under control by doing what the Bible says: 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 (II Corinthians 10:5).

We can't stop our thoughts, of course. They come. But once ungodly thoughts come, we have to say, "No! Down, flesh! I will not entertain that thought." Then you put on the mind of Christ by renewing your mind with the Word of God.

Romans 12:2 NKJV says, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Think of it as washing yourself in the Word-of taking a bath in it. When you immerse yourself in God's Word, the truth of the Word wells up within you and you can effectively come against the attacks of the devil in your mind.

God needs to know if He can trust us with doing the little things He asks, because if we won't do the little things, how can He trust us to do the big things? God said in Jeremiah 7:23 NIV, "Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you." Obedience is the key. No matter what God calls you to do, be it large or small, obey Him. Then He can begin to bless you abundantly!