the 4:8 Principle- "To Think" List
So...the Road Trip continues!
Every day this week I will be posting on my blog, little tidbits to help you live out the 4:8 principle that I taught on Sunday. ( http://www.capitalcitychurchdc.org/new-ccc/podcast ) . Changing the way we think is not something that happens overnight! It's a journey folks, well a "road trip" so to say, and the first peice to understand is that you and I are not perfect, (a shocker I KNOW!). It's going to take some "walking" out, and there IS grace for the journey. So let go of any condemnation or shame to begin with, and determine NOTHING is gonna stop you in the PROCESS...when it doesn't work the right way...keep going- don't stop! Remember - how we think determines our direction! As relentlessly as you try, you cannot think one thing and experience something else. Keep a happy, positive outlook in life- you'll be amazed at how your life will begin to look!
Paul's "to think" list:
Paul in Philippians 4:8 encourages us to seek out and dwell on the positives in our lives. When we look for places where God's character is seen we are reminded of His very real presence on our lives. So many people have "to do" lists to clarify their priorities and guide them through the day. Very wise to do that...but...I think even more wise is to have a "to think" list. Philippians 4:8 is kind of like a "master" "to think" list that shows us the type of thoughts we should have that will produce positive results.
"finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue and excellence, and if there be any praise, think on and weigh and and take account of these (fix your mind on them)..Phil 4:8
So the fact that Paul is telling us what to focus on tells we always have a CHOICE. It's up to you whether you choose to count your blessings or choose to complain. Cool thought - when you focus on the good, you not only notice more good but you actually CREATE more good! So if that's true - what happens when you focus on the negative? hmmmm..,.here are 5 "junk producing thoughts".... I'm never gonna be really happy again,this probably won't work, I hate myself, I can't, that's just who I am, blah, blah.....you get it. So how about this- negative thinking produces anxiety, moodiness, anger, etc....But how about choosing to think some of these "joy producing" thoughts this week starting today...
I expect the best, and it shows!, I trust God, my faith is strong, I am responsible, I take deliberate action to reach my goals, I now accept the best that life has to offer, I am a new creature through Christ, My metabolism works effectively!, I believe for the most perfect outcome for every challenge in my life, I am healthy and strong, I,m making progress, I am ready for a breakthough! I am lovable, I am bold, I am learning alot through this experience........just a few to start!
Establish your "to think" list today and choose to think on the awesome positive things God has for your life!!! - YOU CAN do it!
Let today be the first day of a lifechanging week!!!
xoxoxo
I encourage you to the the book "the 4:8 Principle" by Tommy Newberry - alot of the content of this weeks blog is taken directly from the book
