Day 19 - Deepest Fear

Today's Scripture: Psalm 56:1-13

Devotional: In order to face the "what ifs" of fear, you must acknowledge your fear
and choose to trust God.

Response by: Jay Vance

Psalm 56:4 says “I praise God for what He has promised. I trust in God, so why shouldI be afraid?"

So if this is what God says, why don’t we let go of our doubts and trust him? What fears do you carry with you? Some of the types of fears that I know I’ve experienced are/ have been:

• Unknown
• Failure
• Success
• Change Uncomfortableness Complacency Becoming stuck in a rut Unreliable
• Letting others down
• Not meeting the expectations of others

I know that this list is not an entire complete list of fears that exist, but I know that I’ve been lived/living with them as we speak.

So what do we do then? How do we go about trusting God to where we no longer need to be afraid? We own our fears, making them something we no longer have to hide them from others, allowing us to overcome them.

One of my favorite movies is “Coach Carter.” In the movie, the coach continually asks one player “What is your deepest fear?” This takes place multiple times, each time the players on the basketball team are confused as to why that is the question. Finally, one person stands up and provides the answer below:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Something to talk about: What things are holding you back from acknowledging your fears and putting your full trust in God?

Day 18 - Fear Reveals

Today's Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Today's Devotional: What you fear reveals what you value the most. What you fear reveals where you trust God the least.

Response by: Morgan Coil
Well I was definitely meant to write the blog post for today! It couldn't have been more spot on with my life. I am in fear of the future and what I will be doing with my life. This reveals I value my life, my hopes and my dreams but it also reveals the area where I lack trust in The Lord. It's not that I don't want to trust him-- I know he has it all figured out it's just I'm so nervous and that fact that I don't have a perfectly laid out plan  that I could physically hold drives me crazy. Every part in me wants to trust God but it's like I just want to know what I will be doing with my life... Right now!! This struggle has been ongoing for awhile now and I don't think I'm alone at all but it is definitely frustrating. I know that what I need to do is hand over the power to God. Hand over all of my worries and fears to him and let him take the reigns (which the controlling side of me will struggle with).

But one thing that has made this easier is reading the word!!! There are countless bible verses relating to my fears. I strongly encourage you to read the passage that went along with day 18. It was my first time reading those verses and they are now some of my favorite verses! I especially loved these two verses ..Psalms 91: 4-5 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield. You won't need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day.

My goal for the week is to keep reading verses like this to encourage me! And continue to pray and talk to God about my fears and worries.

Something to talk about: What things are you not trusting God with that you need to?

Day 17 - What If?

Today's Scripture: Exodus 4:1-17

Today's Devotional: Fear is having faith, but it's placing your faith in the wrong things. Fear is placing your faith in the "what ifs". So much of our fears are focused on things that may or may not happen. There is no reason to fear things that might not even happen. Even people in the Bible struggled in fearing their own "what ifs". You will read today about Moses' "what if" fear and how God gave him strength to overcome his fear.

Response by: Doug Giffin

If you think about it, the “what if” fear, is the silliest of them all.  What you’re really fearing is a situation that has not occurred, may not occur or may not occur to the extent you fear.  For illustration sake, let’s say I am really fearful of cloudy days.  I am petrified when the sun doesn’t shine.  Now, the weather man says that tomorrow may be cloudy or it could be partly cloudy or the sun might shine.  It all depends on the how the weather systems move and when they move.  Wouldn’t it be silly for me to lose sleep about it tonight?  I have no control over the weather and whether it’s cloudy, sunny or some combination of the two.  I will still have to deal with it either way.  And, it won’t kill me!  But I still worry and fear the what-ifs because I don’t have faith in God who created me.

If we give up control of our lives and trust that God, who has a plan for each of us, will take us through and sustain us in whatever happens the what-ifs lose their power.  The clouds will come, the rain will fall and the wind of the world will blow but I will remain, I will survive, heck I might even thrive, because God strengthens me.  Now I can’t tell you that you’ll never say or think “what-if” and not have trepidation.  We’re human, just like Jesus was before he was to be crucified when he asked his father “So, what if I don’t have to die” (I’m paraphrasing).  But just like for him, God’s plan, God’s protection and God’s strength gets us through.

Something to talk about: What are some of the "what ifs" that fuel your fears?

Day 16 - Four Fears

Today's Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-18

Today's Devotional: There are four types of fears: fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of the unknown. It is very likely that you are struggling with one or more of these fears. These fears can paralyze you and keep you from God's best. Remember what 2 Timothy 1 says in that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.

Response by: Brad Krebs
Fear of loss, failure, rejection, or unknown...

We had this discussion in our small group this week.  Which fear dominates our thoughts and our being?  I remarked that I struggle with loss, but I think I need to retract my statement.  I don't like loss.  I've experienced loss.  It hurts, and takes a long time to recover.  But loss, is not a fear that encompasses me.  It's not something that dominates my thoughts and my actions.  So, reflecting deeper, I think that my greater fear is failure.  But, it's still not the fear that overcomes me.  For me, it is the satisfaction of status quo, the pleasure of knowing that my life is ok for what it is now.  Why would I risk doing something may result in harm and pain if what I have now is perfectly fine?  That is probably the most dangerous way to view a fear.  We don't even acknowledge that there is fear.  It robs us of true greatness.

Instead of facing loss, we protect ourselves in such a way that we cannot even allow there to be a loss (except of freedom and peace)

Instead of possible rejection, we avoid situations in which we may be rejected; we live "contently" with what we have, instead of striving for what we want

Instead of facing the unknown, we plan everything "to a t" and avoid impromptu situations and spontaneity that can bring true joy and pleasure in ways that we have never experienced.

Look at what you want in life...  really look.  Don't be ok with status quo. Don't be content when God has much greater blessings out there.  Paul rights in the verses for today (2 Timothy 1) that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of POWER! (and of love and of self-discipline).  What do you want?  What greater is out there waiting for you to conquer?

Bill Cosby (the theologian?) says it well: "Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it".

Use the spirit God has given you, to conquer what you want!  God will give you the support to get there, or the support you and catch you if you don't!

May God give you the encouragement and the power to face your fears today!

Something to talk about: Which fears do you currently struggle with the most?

Day 15 - No Fear

Today's Scripture: Psalm 27:1-14

Today's Devotional: We are often paralyzed with irrational fear that something may happen. Rather than living by faith, we live by fear. These toxic fears can cripple our lives and rob us of our joy. This week you will read what God's Word says about toxic fears and how we should face them.

Response by: Nick Baker


Do you remember the popular “No Fear” campaign?  Maybe it’s still active, I’m not sure, but you used to see all kinds of stickers in car and truck windows with the “No Fear” logo.  Don’t you wish it were that easy to live a life without fear?  To just put a sticker on your car, your house, your job, your kids, your marriage, your heart, your life…and know all will be just fine.
We can’t fight fear with a sticker…but we can fight it with a Savior.  When I read David’s Psalm, a lot of images come to mind.  The strongest image is of me and Jesus, back to back, dukes at the ready with a circle of bad guys closing in.  If I were alone, I wouldn’t be able to defend myself because regardless of what direction I faced, there would always be danger behind me.  With Jesus literally having my back, I know I am protected from all angles…that my foes and enemies, the toxic elements of the world, will stumble and fall. (verse 2)  I don’t have to fight the fear alone, He is with me.
His presence makes it easier to push back the fear and anxiety of the world.  Voices shouting “You’re not good enough!” and “You messed up before, you’re gonna’ mess up again!” have less power when the Lord is with you.  Even though your “father and mother” (the world) forsake and reject you, the Lord will be there with open arms to welcome you to the kingdom. (verse 10)  David calls out to be taught His ways and guidance to find the straight path. (verse 11)
It’s your turn to call out to the Lord for help.  Your turn to stand back-to-back with Christ to fend off the toxic fear and anxiety that stalks you.  He’s there.  He’s ready.  He’s able.

Something to talk about:  How have you seen your toxic fears influence your actions and thoughts? What fears are you facing today?  How can calling out to Him make a difference?  Are you ready to fight the fear?

For added encouragement, give a listen to The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. 

Day 14 - Removing the Lies

Today's Scripture: Mark 11:12-25

Today's Devotional: Not only should we speak life-giving words to others, but we should also speak them to our circumstances and ourselves. The toxic words we speak to ourselves can be some of the most dangerous.

Response by: Chad Schuchmann

The words we say to ourselves are as important as the words we hear from others, maybe more-so.  Have you ever found yourself whispering or thinking phrases like,

"I can't do this." "I'm not good enough." "I'm not worthy."

While many of these phrases stem from the ideas placed in our heads over the years, the moment we start muttering them to ourselves is the moment we've begun to believe Satan's lies.

John 8:44 says, "The devil was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

So often I encounter people who have begun to believe the lies the world tells them.  Once we believe something, that's what we begin to expect to see in ourselves.  And, as the author of this Soul Detox series, Craig Groeschel, puts it, you will find what you are looking for.

If you wake up every morning with the mindset that you are a failure, an addict, or a sluggard; if you look in the mirror expecting to see someone who is overweight, ugly or pathetic; then that is exactly what you will find. Ultimately, those thoughts and ideas become poisonous toxins which cause us to sink futher into Satan's lies and can darken our souls.

But we don't have to accept Satan's lies.  Instead, we are invited to accept the truth Jesus brings.  In John chapter 8, Jesus makes some beautiful claims that we can hold onto.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (v12)

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (v31-32)

In THE LIGHT, we discover the TRUTH and the FREEDOM to change and replace our toxic thoughts with those which bring encouragement and God's truth to our lives.

There really is something to the power of positive thinking and the beginning of that process is to recognize and remove the toxic lies we receive with God's truth.


I'm reminded of the Saturday Night Live character, Stuart Smalley, and his own personal statement of encouragement.

"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me." 

Something to talk about: What types of toxic words are you saying to yourself? What steps do you need to take to stop saying these toxic words to yourself?

Day 13 - Divided House

image from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Today's Scripture:  Matthew 12:22-37

Today's Devotional: Anytime you think something positive about someone else, you should tell them. We should all live by that rule, as it will help us become more comfortable speaking life-giving words.


Response by: Nick Baker

Challenged by the Pharisees when He drove demons out of a man, and accused of being Beelzebub in the process, Jesus said that “a kingdom divided against itself will be ruined.” (verse 25)  He asks why evil would cast out evil.  It wouldn’t make any sense for evil to rid the world of evil.  How does evil win in that equation?  If He truly were Beelzebub or Satan, he is effectively putting himself out of work!

Abraham Lincoln used the “divided house” metaphor when discussing the progression of slavery in the Union.  Lincoln advised that the nation could not endure half-slave and half-free.  One of the sides would ultimately win out.  So it goes with our lives.  If we try to straddle the line between toxic and life-giving, a battle will surely be waged.  The prize in this battle, however, is not land, money, pride, or glory…it is our soul.

This philosophy of the “divided kingdom” or “divided house” can be viewed through the lens of our words and thoughts.  A person who uses toxic words toward others has a hard time feeling like a life-giving force to those around them.  They can’t be both toxic and life-giving at the same time.

Later in the passage, Jesus talks about trees and the fruit they bear.  “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” (verse 33) What Jesus tells us is that our actions are direct outcomes of what is in our hearts.  If you dwell on toxic thoughts and words, your actions are likely to be toxic.  By contrast, if you focus on life-giving thoughts and words, the outward display of this will reflect life and love.

Whether you dedicate yourself to words, thoughts, and actions that are life-giving or toxic, you will get more of the same.  Just remember that if you try to have both, you (like Jesus’ “kingdom” or Lincoln’s “house”) cannot long endure.  You will inevitably become one or the other.

Something to talk about: What does your “house” look like?  Do your words, thoughts, and actions reflect what you want…or are you trying to have it both ways?  How would your life look different if you focused on just the life-giving and ignored the toxic?

Day 12 - Become A Contractor, Not A Demolition Expert

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32

Today's Devotional: God's Word gives us a very important instruction that we must all take to heart and obey. That instruction is to speak life-giving words to others every chance we get.

Response by: Jay Vance
The question posed today by the devotional has me really thinking.  Especially after yesterday’s.  Moving from why do we speak toxic words to others, to now who do we speak them to.

Why we do things is one thing.  We can look for the reasons of our actions in all sorts of places.  But being honest with ourselves and looking at WHO we do these actions to is something completely else.  It made me feel that this is the beginning of a paradigm shift in my thoughts.  This question forces us to really look at not just who we use toxic words to, but also where do we use them?  Are our words/actions different with our friends versus who we are when we speak with people at church, for example?  Are we the same person in public that we are in private?  Which person do we want to be?

How do we go about making sure that everything we do is building others up, instead of tearing others down?  This is an extremely hard, but important, question that has to be answered by us individually.  When we put these answers into place, I really believe a paradigm shift is going to take place in our lives, our community, our country, and quite possibly the world.

Something to talk about: Who do you need to start speaking life-giving words to? How will you go about doing it?

Day 11 - Watch Your Words

Today's Scripture: James 3:1-18

Today's Devotional: Don't internalize the toxic words that others speak about you. Instead, guard your heart against toxic words, and every chance you get, speak life-giving words.

Response by: Morgan Coil
It's easier to speak toxic words rather than life giving words because we are surrounded by a toxic world. In school, at work, basically everywhere we go we are hearing toxic words. Toxic words are contagious as is a toxic attitude. If given the choice between only speaking life giving words or toxic words--many of of would chose life giving words. 

But it's not that simple. If we want to use life-giving words and live a life-giving life then we as Christians have to make the choice of being the minority. We have to be mindful of what we say and do even if it is not the normal thing to do. 

This reminds me of our small group discussion last week "just because the majority of the culture is doing it doesn't make it right." I love this because especially as a teenager (not limited to just teens though) it is so easy to watch my peers sway back in forth and shape themselves into what the culture says is right but not what God says is right. 

This week I want to think of what we as a girls small group came up with..."What would God think of what you are saying/doing?" Like if he were physically in the room. Would you still say what you were thinking about saying? It kind of puts you in perspective....

Something to talk about: Why do you think we tend to speak more toxic words than life-giving words even when we don't intend to?  How would your perspective change if you constantly asked yourself "What would God think of what you are saying/doing?"

Day 10 - Guard Your Heart

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 4:1-27

Today's Devotional: Even as you strive to stop saying toxic words to others, you will still have to deal with toxic words being said to you. As a result, you must do what God's Word tells us to do when others speak toxic words to us: you must guard your heart against them.

Response by: Doug Giffin

I’m afraid I don’t have much of an answer to today’s question.  Guarding my heart against toxic and hurtful words has always been difficult for me.  I’ve always been soft-hearted but yet I know hardening one’s heart isn’t the solution.  Unfortunately the world moves many in this direction.  The thing is a hardened heart repels the bad and the good in turn.  Still, if we don’t harden our heart we remain vulnerable to hurt just like we do if we allow ourselves to care for and love people.  And I think that’s at the core of Christianity.  So what’s the solution?  Must we remain punching bags and martyrs to those that will hurt us with their words?

Perhaps if we are able to love those that speak hurtful or toxic words to us we can take the sting out of those words.  We can resist the all-too-human urge to respond in anger or hurt or withdrawal.  We can forgive those that speak in hurtful ways and care for them enough to council and minister to them so that they don’t hurt others.  It’s a tall order but one I really think we should strive for.

Something to talk about: Imagine if everyone chose one person in their life and tried to do this.  What kind of world would we live in?  How could our own lives be brightened?

Day 9 - The Power of Words

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 15:1-33

Today's Devotional: Our words are powerful. They have the power to kill and the power to give life. Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon often writes about the dangers and the life-giving abilities of our words. He was very aware of the power of words. As a result, Solomon encourages us all to be aware of the types of words we speak to others and the positive and negative affects they can have.

Response by: Brad Krebs

Michael Jordan always joked that when he would play sports against his kids, he would never let them win.  He wanted them to know that when they beat him, they earned it.  As I examine my life and my experiences of life giving words, I seem to live this philosophy.  I don't compliment often; not because I am mean, but because when I do compliment, you know it actually means something.  Far too many times in my life, I have received insincere lip service. People will compliment so vaguely, or so often that it doesn't seem genuine.  So my response: rarely compliment.

After reading today's Proverb's verse, I don't think either methods are very biblical.

Verse 4: Gentle words are a tree of life
Verse 23: It is wonderful to say the right the right time

It is a blessing to build someone up. Our words can do great things.  I know in my personal life, I need to do better at sharing "gentle words", without losing the sincerity of the words.

Our words can build up and also tear down.

Verse 1: Harsh words makes tempers flare
Verse 4: A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.  

In our small group we discussed words that have hurt.  How much damage can be done by painful words said by family and loved ones?

The study refers to reckless mouths and evildoers, those that don't intend harm and those that do. The problem is that the effects are the same... hurt feelings and harmed relationships.

Our words can give glory to God and to man, or can tear down both God and man. My goal this week is I be aware of my words and open to Gods direction when my words can uplift.

P.S.: parents, you may want to post verse 5 somewhere where your kids can see it.


Something to talk about: What types of words do you tend to speak most - toxic or life-giving? Explain.

Day 8 - Choices

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 12:11-23, 18:21

Today's Devotional: Words can hurt you and the right words can help heal you. Those words that crush and hurt you are known as toxic words. Toxic words are incredibly dangerous not only when they are spoken to you, but when you speak them to others. This week you will read from God's Word about the dangers of toxic words and the power of life-giving words.

Response by: Nick Baker

Every day we have choices to make.  Some choices are good:  I better not stick a penny in that light socket.  Others are bad:  Honey-scented deodorant in bear country?  Don’t mind if I do!  

Today’s scripture outlines consequences of good and bad choices.  Good:  Working hard will provide reward (12:11) … Positive words bring joy (12:18).  Bad:  If you act wicked or evil, you are in for a lot of problems in life (12:21) … Mean language will get you in trouble (12:13).

Some choices involve our words.  When you choose words that are positive and build people up, the both of you walk away feeling better.  On the other hand, when you choose words that are mean and tear people down, typically you’re both worse for the experience.

Consider a time when you spoke positive words to yourself.  How did you feel?  Pretty good…right?  What about a time you used hurtful words on yourself?  Still feeling good?  It’s not just important to use life-giving words with others.  Toxic words hurt just as much when you use them on yourself as when you use them with others.  If you can’t love yourself, it makes it pretty hard to love others.  If you constantly use negative words to beat yourself up, you can’t build up others.

Life and death can be dealt out by the words we use, and the choices we make will impact our future.  The writer in Proverbs is not simply referring to our physical life and death, rather the life and death of our hearts, souls, and spirit.  Whether we give “goodness” and “love” or “pain” and “hurt”, we will get as much as we give.

Something to talk about: What toxic words do you choose to use with others?  With yourself?  How does that compare with the life-giving words you choose to use with yourself?  Are you making the right choices?

Day 7 - It's The Thought That Counts

Today's Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17

Today's Devotional: Colossians 3 encourages us to set our minds on God and not on earthly things, which, cause our toxic thoughts.  One of the best ways to start focusing your thoughts on God is to spend more time with Him each day in prayer and in the reading of His word.

Response by: Chad Schuchmann

At 25 years old, as I was leaving my first job as a Youth Pastor, the senior pastor at the church told me I should spend some time considering whether I was called to ministry.  For a couple of weeks, I sat totally dejected, unable to focus on anything except those words.  The Questions swirled in my head, was he right?  Had I failed miserably at youth ministry?  I had spent the past five years preparing for a vocation in youth ministry. If I didn't continue in Youth Ministry, what would I do?

After some encouragement from the pastor of the church I grew up in, my parents, and a couple other mentors; I began the search process and was eventually hired at a new church.  And yet, those words still haunted me, caused me to question every decision and at times, disabled me.

A little over a year later on our summer mission trip, our youth did an exercise in which each person shared something positive about every other person in the group.  When it was my turn, I listened to the words of affirmation, of gratefulness for my ministry and of the ways kids said they felt impacted by me.  New thoughts built up in my head.  They replaced the questions and doubts I had struggled with over the previous year.  I no longer doubted what God had prepared and called me to do.


It is so easy to have toxic thoughts--thoughts that tell us lies about ourselves, thoughts that cause us to act, react and respond to things negatively.  One toxic thought can lead us down a very slippery slope. One toxic thought can cause us to believe all kinds of lies.

Have you ever thought, "I'm not good enough," "life doesn't matter," "God doesn't care about me," "That's so stupid," "I hate this about myself," or "I hate myself"?

What toxic thoughts do you have?  Really think about it.  Do you believe them to be true?

Proverbs 4:23 tells us to "carefully guard our thoughts because they are the source of true life."

What you think determines what you become.  If you are always thinking negative thoughts, then you will begin to think of yourself negatively or lower than you really are.  Likewise, positive thoughts can help us develop a more healthy mindset.

Today's passage tells us to "put to death" (v. 5) and "get rid of" (v. 8) our toxic thoughts.  Instead, it encourages us to "put on the new self" (v. 10) and "Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts." (v. 15)

When we learn to hear the words God speaks into us, we begin to change the way we think.  We begin to hear "You are loved," "You are good enough," "You have worth," and "You have great purpose"! And our thoughts about ourselves begin to mirror God's.

Something to talk about:  What are some specific toxic thoughts you have that need to change?  What are some ways you can begin to make that change?

Day 6 - Whole

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-6

Today's Devotional: Hebrews 3 encourages us to fix our thoughts on Jesus; however, that can be difficult with so many toxic things trying to capture our thoughts away from Him. Our thoughts are so easily influenced by such toxic things as influences, relationships, and words. Strive to block out and remove all of the toxic things polluting your life and instead fix your thoughts on Jesus. Fixing your thoughts on Him is critical in filtering out all of the toxins in your life.

Response by: Nick Baker

Today’s scripture reminds the early Christians, and us today, that those who consider themselves holy…followers…believers in God, must remember to focus on God and the gifts He has given.  God is faithful.  He was faithful to Moses, who in turn was faithful to God.  God took care of Moses and provided for him.  While on earth, Jesus was also faithful to God and his tenets…even more so than Moses.  For as honored and esteemed as Moses was in the eyes of God, Jesus’ place in God’s eyes was even greater!  Jesus is elevated above all others, in part, because He (as part of His Father) built the foundation upon which we stake our lives and hearts.  

Over 300 years before Christ was born, and nearly 400 years before the book of Hebrews was written, Greek philosopher, Aristotle, taught that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.  This means that the full, itemized measure of every component in something still does not exceed the value of the collective, whole, single item.  

This is demonstrated by today’s scripture when it states that “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” (verse 4)  Consider a house.  If you add up the importance of all the windows, doors, carpet, sinks, appliances, etc, the total will not exceed the overall importance or value of the entire house.  Not financial value…but value as a structure for safety, or a home filled with love. These things have no value by themselves.  Only when combined does the individual find value in the whole.

So it is with us.  God, the Supreme Carpenter , created us out of countless, individual elements into a single entity for the purpose of living, loving, and enjoying the world around us.  He also made us to avoid those worldly things that are toxic.  Houses are treated to protect against mold.  Pipes are constructed to withstand rust.  Filters go on our furnace and air conditioner to keep out pollution.  Mold, rust, and pollution are toxic to our homes just as sinful things, thoughts, words, and deeds are toxic to our hearts and souls.

Something to talk about: How different is your life when you focus on the whole instead of individual parts?  If you focus on the small, toxic things in your life, are you missing out on the large, blessed life He has given you?

Day 5 - Thoughts Control Our Lives

Today's Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-21

Devotional: A toxic thought contains poisonous material that can cause sickness and even death. We will identify and reject all toxic thoughts and we will replace those thoughts with God's truth.

Response by: Jay Vance

Toxic thoughts are things that eat away at us until we don’t recognize ourselves any more.  When we allow ourselves to be what the world wants us to be, we have lost sight on what God has planned for us.  “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.”  (Verse 2).  Instead of trying to do everything on our own, we instead need to be remember that God has a plan for us, and any deviations from that plan take us further away from him.  As long as we stay in God’s presence, the chances of our thoughts becoming toxic as much less.  

Recently, I went out for a run.  The plan was to run with some others, but I decided to get out early and start on my own.  Everything started out fine, I started faster than I had planned and it just wasn’t feeling particularly great.  After awhile, I noticed a little discomfort in my hip, but didn’t think anything other than hey it’s cold, so that’s what that’s from.  The upcoming schedule for the day, things I needed to get done at work and home, and the general business of life kept me moving, just not at the pace I knew I could go.  

Along the way, I ended up running into the original group and we took off together.  After spending time talking with them, I didn’t notice my hip.  In fact, I wasn’t thinking about any of those other activities.  We went a few miles and when I took note of our pace, and it was quicker than when my hip was bothering me.  We kept going until there was just myself and a friend left.  The early miles were starting to catch up to me, and my thoughts started to revert to where they were earlier.  I know that I would have quit, except my friend was telling me that there was no way I was going to quit, that he knew I could do it.  This change of my thoughts brought me back to the better part of my run and I was able to continue at the quicker pace.  When I remembered to keep myself in that positive mental attitude, everything went well.  

So it is with God.  When we remember to keep our lives in line with God and others in the family of God, life will go better for us.  When we allow us to think we can do things on our own; the struggles of life will overtake our lives and we will struggle.  Verse 21 reminds us to not let evil conquer you, and we can do this by making sure our thoughts remain focused on God.

Something to talk about: In what ways do you renew your mind and focus your thoughts on God's truth?

Day 4 - What is Your Focus?

Today's Bible Reading: Philippians 4:1-13

Devotional: The next step in battling against your toxic thoughts is to replace those thoughts with God's truth. The best place to find God's truth is in His Word.

Response by: Morgan Coil

To me, toxic thoughts sounds so harsh and makes me think of extreme scenarios, but what my toxic thoughts really consist of are "busyness" it's not that I'm constantly thinking of awful things; it's more that my mind is always thinking about what I have to do like school work, clubs, activities, work, chores, plans... etc. My issue is that I'm not taking the time to think about what deserves time:  things like the Lord and the Word. I haven't been making time for "stillness" like pastor Craig talked about in the sermon this past Sunday. 

I loved the Bible reading that went along with the devotion for today because it is a verse that I am constantly reminding myself of, "Don't fret or worry, instead of worrying pray. Let God know your concerns..." I love this because it gives me an opportunity to release and connect with the Lord--it seems like I am always worried or stressed with something whether it's big or small and I allow it to consume me... But when I read this verse it reminds me to give it to the Lord. 

My goal for the next week is: when I find myself stressed or worried, to simply just pray. These extra prayers will bring stillness into my life. My prayers could be as simple as: "Lord, I am really stressed out about __________. Please help me to not let this take over my day or week. I want that time I would usually spend worrying, to be spent with you. I want to be mindful of the moment that I have and know that I am not alone in that moment. I want rest for my soul. I want to be filled with stillness and allow you to speak to me."

Something to talk about: Why is it easier to think toxic thoughts rather than focus on the truth?  How can you find ways to be still before God and allow God to remove those thoughts from our minds?

Day 3 - Four Kinds of Toxic Thoughts

Today's Bible Reading: Jeremiah 12:1-4

Devotional: There are four common categories of toxic thoughts. These are negative, fearful, discontented, and critical. Chances are you are struggling with toxic thoughts in one or more of these four ways. Don't let these toxic thoughts grab hold of you and consume you. The deeper you let them take root inside you, the harder they will be to shake off. Identify those thoughts and reject them today.

Response By: Doug Giffin
When I think of the categories of toxic thoughts (negative, fearful, discontented and critical) I realize how deep some of them are rooted in how I think.  I think the old saying has something about turning a jaundiced eye toward a situation and I realize that these four, like the horsemen, are a nasty bunch.  If I let them in and then worse, let them remain, they have the capability to turn everything I look upon to garbage.  I probably struggle most with discontented thoughts but they’re all sort of intertwined.  The process goes something like this:

I look at my life with a discontented eye and I am critical of so many things (note the focus on things).  I have negative thoughts about the things in my life that have led me to this point, people, fate, situations, my own shortcomings and I am upset about it.  The longer I keep these thoughts in me and brood over them the more fearful I become that I am powerless to change and so I become defeated.  In my defeat I am disappointed and discontented about myself and so the cycle goes.

The thing is; how do I break the cycle?  Even though I know where this path leads, at times I seem unable to avoid it.  What I need are tools to use when I start thinking that way and I think I couldn’t start anywhere better than the Bible.

Something to talk about: Which types of toxic thoughts do you experience most often? What are some examples of your toxic thoughts?

Day 2 - A Battle Like None Other

Today's Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 & Ephesians 6:10-20

Devotional: To battle against your toxic thoughts, you must identify and reject them. As 2 Corinthians 10 tells us, the battle against our toxic thoughts is like none other. It is not a physical battle, but rather it is a spiritual battle that requires God's help in fighting.


Response By: Brad Krebs
Everyday we wake, we face a losing battle.  Sinful actions keep us from a true relationship with God.  They keep us from intimacy and all the blessings that come with such a relationship.  However, in the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus takes that a step further.  He argues that if we have sin in our heart, or in our mind, we have already sinned.  He says that we can sin with out even acting on the sin!  (Matthew chapter 5).  

• Belt of Truth
• Body armor of Righteousness
• Shoes from the Peace of the good news
• Shield of Faith
• Helmet of Salvation
• Sword of the Spirit--the Word of God.  

In order to defeat the onslaught of attacks, we need to equip ourselves with these items.  Arming ourselves is the difficult part.  Luckily for us, if we keep reading, Paul advises on how to do this:

"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion" Verese 18a.  By pray in the Spirit, Paul means pray with connection to God, or pray in his presence.  The only way to arm ourselves with God's weapons is to spend time with God, in prayer and study.  

In the scriptures for today, Paul shares that this battle is difficult because the devil works in secret ways.  He works in such ways that we cannot with the battle on our own!  We cannot use weapons of this world, but only the weapons of God (2 Corinthians 6).  Paul elaborates in Ephesians by explaining what these weapons are:


The Soul Detox devotion talks about fighting the toxic thoughts that creep into our minds and hearts.  The devotion also asks about the causes of our toxic thoughts.  For me, they seem to vary.  Usually it comes out of anger.  Luckily for me, I have known this for year, and have become very aware when I become angry. I can't always stop, but I have started praying as my emotions rise.  I try to be in the presence of God, reciting scriptures (or my version of what I can remember of the scriptures) to fight off the toxic thoughts building.  It isn't easy, but the more I equip my self with God's word, the easier it becomes.  

You may never be able to stop them all together, but by arming yourself, by praying in the Spirit, you can more easily defend yourself and purify your heart and mind. 

Something to talk about: What are some of the causes of toxic thoughts in your life?