Encouragement

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"Miss, why aren't you protected?", the phone technician asked me in a tone that shouted - you should know this. " You have no virus control - why would you place yourself at risk?" That was my question of the day a few weeks ago! It was the warning message on the computer screen that prompted me to make a phone call to figure out why this "slightly used - like new" computer brain that my husband had purchased online would not allow me to load my newly purchased Office 365 program. Now please understand, we both had laptops, so this computers purpose was simply to store photos and some writings of mine and replace an outdated home tower. I assumed it was ready to use, as my husband said it was ready ...so back to the phone call. While on the phone with the technician, whom was trying to help me, I was instructed several times to type a series of different command prompts to reboot my computer - all failed. She finally asked for my permission to access my computer via remote to allow her to better assist me, which I granted her . I was somewhat familiar with this process as I've had phone technicians use this technology to assist me with some problems in my accounting QuickBooks program...kind of weird to watch the cursor move knowing you aren't moving it. Oh technology! The technician began to retry the things she asked me to do while she spoke and then proceeded to check out other areas of the computer as I listened and watched the cursor maneuver around on my screen. She searched a few things and gasped, then the technician went in to an area that showed a screen that listed a bunch of programs that were compromised "disabled" - 89% of the computer was not functioning! This is when she questioned me about why I would choose to not protect my computer and it's data - and before I could explain- asked me if I knew what a computer Trojan was, to which I asked her to fully explain. Her response was that a Trojan assists an attacker into a user's computer and then steals various data and can install malware that performs other malicious activity. Was the prior owner aware of his " like new " computer being 89% compromised and not functioning properly? I wondered. Or were they deceived, and in their own thinking unaware that most of its components were disabled. It was hard to believe that it functioned well for them. To make a long, frustrating story short, the technician after several attempts, scans and cleanings was able to clean up the infected files and get rid of the four Trojans that were found by the end of the evening. Of course I paid a fee, but the computer wasn't sick anymore and could perform as it was designed - problem solved. Lesson learned - don't buy a "slightly used - like new" computer I suppose?! But you know, a lot of thoughts ran through my mind throughout that long, frustrating day-- on the phone, then off, then on-- a debit charge on my bank account before anything was repaired--confusion on where my technician lived and the phone number to reach her--my internet provider obviously experiencing high volume and the service kicking me on and offline making it impossible to get the scans done all at once--the list went on. My mind wondered, questioned and quite honestly felt like it was spinning - my brain was overloaded ! Hmmm..and there I was trying to fix the computer's brain. I was not calm, but restless and irritated and as I went through my work, I knew I was spent . I recognized and remembered that I hadn't spent any time with the Lord that morning in prayer or in the scriptures which is something I practice daily, but I hadn't taken the time because it happened to be the day that I had a woman coming to do some work in my home and I got caught up with her- oh Lord, I can't even go the morning without talking with you and asking You to help me keep peace! Anyone else out there? At the end of the work day, the technician did call me after 5:00 pm, as promised, to finish up the clean up on the computer because of my internet difficulties. By the time I wrapped up on the phone with the technician it was late and I was thankful and tired. The next morning (a new day!) is when I really begin to ponder some thoughts. The Spirit brought to mind the word compromise - probably because I was still baffled by our "new , slightly -used" computer brain being 89% compromised. The Holy Spirit was doing His work here! I think what was impressed on my heart was the reminder that Satan works overtime in the world to attack us and doesn't need our permission. He works to influence us to think contrary to what God wants us to think so we stay deceived. My mind, just like my computer, needs to be protected and guarded. The Word of God in daily doses helps us see what is true. The world is full of things that can lead to my compromise and attacks in my mind if I don't guard it - kind of like that computer Trojan that assisted the attacker with the "bad stuff" on my computer. Over time and not recognized and treated, the bad stuff disabled all the programs on the computer - yep, same as any thoughts that run through my mind that aren't filtered - they can over time hinder us from the lives God has for us. I lived some of my younger years assured of salvation, but constantly feeling defeated because I didn't understand that I needed to consistently and intentionally seek truth daily and believe the stuff that I needed to be believing, instead of lies. I lived by my emotions, until slowly, by studying the truth in scripture I began to start recognizing and understanding that Jesus could give me victory in my thoughts every day. I had to practice what I learned. Satan wants to attack us in our minds, but we can decide and learn to stand firm against him by guarding our hearts and minds - I think someone needs to hear this today! One of my many favorite verses in Romans 12:2 says "For do not be conformed to the world's way of thinking, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. In one days time, I process many thoughts - as do you. Do you think it's important to guard your mind (control center)? Will we allow whatever comes to mind to dictate the way we live without testing it or even taking notice of how are thinking effects our behavior? I needed this reminder and felt the prompting to share my experience in case you might need the reminder as well. We don't have to live defeated in our minds, let the truth continue to transform you!

Reflection:
What are you thinking about today?
What will you choose to think about today that is uplifting, despite your mood or circumstances? A great encouragement is found in Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message) that says " Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious --the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we give you permission to continue to help us with our thoughts. You died to save us and give us life to the full - in YOU and through YOU our minds can be transformed! Thank you for loving us more than we can fathom.

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