Oct 19 2023 From Thought to Action: Chapter 10
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Before we begin, remember…making disciples can be as easy as reading a chapter of The Four Priorities and discussing it with someone else. This blog series is designed to supplement your journey. Feel free to take what you need and leave the rest! And remember, please share this post with your disciple so they can subscribe, too!
KEY QUOTES from Chapter 10: Mental Assets – The Importance of Influences
“Our creator gave us a unique mental capacity that, in part, reflects His image and gives us the exclusive ability to relate with Him.”
“Truth is the way things are, not the way we want them to be. Truth stands the test of time and will always be supported, either directly or indirectly, by Scripture. Not all truth comes from Scripture, but all that Scripture teaches and validates is true.”
REFLECT:
- Training your thoughts is an art and a skill. It’s hard work, but it is doable. Journaling is a way to help you become more aware of what you are thinking and assess whether they are worth meditating on or if they need to be taken captive and let go of!
- Use the downloads to help gain awareness and control over your thoughts. (CBT download sheets that we would add to the downloads folder on the website!)
PRAY: We have a tendency to overcomplicate things – especially our prayers! One way to simplify your prayer life is to pick two phrases or truths from scripture and attach them to your breath pattern. As you inhale, internally say the 1st phrase. As you exhale, say the 2nd phrase.
INHALE: May the peace of Christ
EXHALE: Guard my heart and mind today
MEMORIZE: Take this week to memorize Philippians 4:8 with your household. Write it on a sticky note to place on your car dashboard, your bathroom mirror, or wherever you will view it often.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
WORSHIP: Listen to this song called Faithful Now by Vertical Worship.
TABLE TALK:
Talk about what was true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, anything excellent or worthy of praise, (from Phil. 4:8) that you each saw this week!
TEACH:
- Memorize Philippians 4:8 with your kids!
- Review these 3 helpful worksheets from TherapistAid.com to work through how thoughts can lead to feelings which lead to actions.
PLAY: Object lessons:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” Matthew 22:37 (NIV – emphasis added)
Steps in the Thinking Process by N. Sellers
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- Definition: Define what you are or where you are. Define your purpose, your mission statement, why you do what you do.
- Analysis: Analyze strengths and weakness. Analyze the situation.
- Judgement: Past experiences will help you make assumptions about future.
- Decision: Define your objectives. An objective is something that happens by (when).
- Action: What’s the next step?
- Results: Using steps 1-4, evaluate from a results standpoint.
- Feedback: If you’re not willing to take feedback, then you’ve not really completed the whole process.
That’s it for Chapter 10!
Now…go! And make disciples!