From Thought to Action: Chapter 8

Oct 19 2023 From Thought to Action: Chapter 8

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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 8: Physical Assets – Caring for the Temple

“Ironically, technology surrounds us with time-saving conveniences, yet we can’t find time for the single most important factor in combating the effects of age: moderate physical activity.”

“Somehow, we have managed to turn workaholism into a spiritual virtue and neglect God’s provision of rest as though it were a burden!”

“God gave humanity work to keep us active, but He knows we need breathing room somewhere between vitality and exhaustion.”

REFLECT:

1. 1. First, think about times when a close friend feels really bad about him or herself or is really struggling in some way. How would you respond to your friend in this situation (especially when you’re at your best)? Please write down what you typically do, what you say, and note the tone in which you typically talk to your friends.
   2. Now think about times when you feel bad about yourself or are struggling. How do you typically respond to yourself in these situations? Please write down what you typically do, what you say, and note the tone in which you talk to yourself.
   3. Did you notice a difference? If so, ask yourself why. What factors or fears come into play that lead you to treat yourself and others so differently?
   4. Write down how you think things might change if you responded to yourself in the same way you typically respond to a close friend when you’re suffering.

Why not try treating yourself like a good friend and see what happens?

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 I treat my body today

EXHALE: with kindness and honor

MEMORIZE: Take this week to memorize 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 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.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.”

WORSHIP: Listen to this song called Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship
 

TABLE TALK:

• How do you think God sees you?
• What do you think God loves the most about you?

TEACH:

This is how God sees you:

• You are His creation. God made you (Gen. 1:27)
• You are His children. God loves you (Rom. 8:17, Gal. 3:29; Titus 3:7; John 3:16)
• You are worthy of being saved. Christ died for you (Eph. 1:4; Rom. 5, 6)
• You are blessed. God has gifted you (Eph. 1:3; 1 Cor. 12)
• You have purpose. God has a plan for your life (Jer. 29:11-13)

PLAY:

• Go on a family adventure/hike/walk/workout, remembering that it is our job to care for our bodies well.
• Cook a meal together where each family member is in charge of something! (i.e. Build your own pizza night.)
• Using dry erase markers, write what God says about you on your bathroom mirrors!
• Practice creating by playing with play dough! Give each person a ball of play dough or clay. Call out an item for everyone to make within a one minute time limit. Discuss how different and unique each one is and how God did not make us clones, but made us unique also. Discuss how amazing it is that God created so much in just a little time, and He created it all out of NOTHING! Only God could do that!

• Watch the Four Priorities Chapter Video
• Listen to the Four Priorities Chapter Video

“Dr. T’s Tips for Staying in Tip-Top Shape”

1. 1. Take personal responsibility for your physical fitness
   2. Gain a physical edge through emotional health
   3. Change your habits
   4. Value your sleep! Rest was God’s idea.
   5. Develop healthy sleeping patterns. Establish a routine.
   6. Don’t stress about insomnia. It happens. Pray. Listen. Meditate. Read the Word. If it persists, check in with your doctor.
   7. Don’t oversleep!
   8. Learn to take a nap!
   9. Exercise for sound sleeping.
   10. Decrease intake of fat.
   11. Decrease intake of sugars.
   12. Replace processed snacks with fruits and veggies.
   13. Eat a balanced diet. At least 3 meals a day!
   14. Avoid overeating! Reduce your portion size or your plate size!
   15. Buy garden variety.

That’s it for Chapter 8!
Now…go! And make disciples!