Oct 19 2023 From Thought to Action: Chapter 11
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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 11: Emotional Assets – Griping or Gratitude
“He (Jesus) consistently taught contentment is the result of selflessness, not self-indulgence. In fact, we learn from Jesus that the more we hoard wealth and possessions, the less grateful we become.”
“The apostle chose to be content, which came easily after he intentionally looked for reasons to give thanks.”
REFLECT:
- Journal this question: What is it actually like to live with me every day? Be specific.
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- When you come home from work, does your family scurry off to their respective rooms or do they welcome you as a breath of fresh air?
- What kind of energy do you bring home? Stress or joy?
- What are you like at work? Do people want to drop by your office for comfort or encouragement, or do they avoid chance encounters in the hall or around the coffee pot?
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Chuck Swindoll wrote, “We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.”
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: Help me be content
EXHALE: No matter what my life may hold
MEMORIZE: Take this week to memorize Philippians 4:11-13 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 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
WORSHIP: Listen to this song called Jireh by Maverick City Worship.
TABLE TALK:
Family activity: Every day this week, everyone list 5 things you are thankful for! No repeats!
TEACH:
- Stinky Egg object lesson (Col. 3:15)
- You’ll need to plan ahead for this object lesson. Put one egg in a carton and leave it out on the counter for a few days.Carefully draw a sad face on the “stinky” egg. Put a happy face on a fresh egg. Explain to the children that the stinky egg wants to be alone, doesn’t like to share and is never thankful. Crack the egg in a bowl so kids can smell the stinkiness in side. In another bowl, crack a fresh egg. Let kids see how fresh the egg looks. Ask kids to choose which kind of egg they want to be.
PLAY: Object lessons:
- Gratitude Garden object lesson
How to Have an Attitude of Gratitude
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- Realize all you have is God’s… not yours
- Hang around and help the less fortunate.
- Commit to avoid all complaining and grumbling.
- Be accountable to someone for your attitude
- Frequently express your thanks to God
- Pay attention to God’s blessings
- Enjoy God’s blessings!
That’s it for Chapter 11!
Now…go! And make disciples!