It was on this day in 1945 that U.S. marines raised the American flag on Iwo Jima. The 36-day assault saw heavy casualties on both sides. Of the 22,000 Japanese fighting soldiers, just a little over 1000 survived. Although there were many American deaths, over 6800, the battle campaign proved successful, as Iwo Jima was a very strategic location. It was occupied by the U.S. until 1968, when it was returned to Japan. To be successful, the American marines had to become experts at capturing their enemies. The Japanese dug thousands of underground tunnels and trenches. It was hard for the Americans to even find the Japanese soldiers, let alone capture them. But the training and expert command of the Americans proved the difference in the battle.
We are all fighting a spiritual war today. The war is raging on the battle fields of our minds. What is our enemy? Negative thoughts. Have you ever been around somebody who was always negative? It has a way of rubbing off on us. The opposite of that is also true. I just love to be around positive people. For us to remain positive, we must capture all our negative thoughts before they take root. God is our Battle General, and He has trained us well for this war. Today, let's make a true attempt at capturing our negative thoughts. It won't be easy. In fact, sometimes it will be very difficult. But we have a secret weapon....prayer! Are you ready to let God transform your thoughts? Are you ready to win this battle?
Proverbs 16:7 says, "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."
Father, please help me fight off negative thoughts today. I know that through You, I can do all things. In Jesus name, Amen.
I am a little partial to this devotion because I too was a marine ... However speaking of negativity... its brutal and trifling out there in the world and sometimes I stay at home instead of getting out now and then and watch comedy all day and read certain parts of the bible that are uplifting and positive just to rejuvenate, and bring myself back to the level that I know I need to be with god. when you posted "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." thats a big statement ...... because how can anyone be at odds with a man that speaks nothing but positive words and thoughts? its like a magnet that draws peole to you even the ones that are hard to reach??? Another spectacular devotion! You really know how to capture the heart on these.
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