"For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)..." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

For a long time, I have thought of these verses in the context of "negative" thoughts, part of the sin nature in my flesh that needed to be brought into subjection to Y'shua: bad attitudes, bad habits, etc., that were strongholds in my life that kept me from experiencing all Holy Spirit had for me.

Holy Spirit has shown me another angle, however, in "leading every thought captive into the obedience of Christ".

For starters, every thought means just that: every thought. I realized that thoughts pass through my mind for a purpose, but I don't always readily recognize what that purpose is. I must "capture" every thought and take it to Y'shua, asking Him what I am to do with it. In doing so, I am offering myself, my time, my mind to Him and giving Him the opportunity to use me/move in me. People, places, pictures, memories flash through my mind all day long. How many of those things is He bringing to my mind so that I may intercede, that I may stand in the gap, that I may prophesy and see strongholds torn down in the Spirit? How may times do I miss that opportunity because I'm simply not paying attention?

I want to walk in the Spirit more than I walk in the flesh. I want to be connected to Yahweh all the time, every minute, always listening, always ready for battle. The first step to that kind of Spirit life is, I believe, taking all of the negative thoughts/attitudes and everything that is "fleshly" and "leading it captive to the obedience of Christ". In this way, I tear down strongholds and pride in myself. 

It follows then, that the second step to that kind of Spirit life is leading all of the other thoughts that are not necessarily "negative" or "personal" to Him as well: "Holy Spirit, I just thought of (________) - show me how you would have me pray for this/them....." Then take time out of whatever it is you're doing to pray in the Spirit and listen for Holy Spirit's directive.

After all, if I truly belong to Him, my life is not my own...