Taking Control of My Thoughts Through the Gospel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5znVUFHqO4Q Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Philippians 4:4–9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Truth #1: God you, and all His thoughts and intentions toward you are : Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Hebrews 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— Part of taking control of my thoughts is living with this as my foundation: God loves me and all His thoughts and intentions toward me are good: Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, Truth #2: We all experience . God can use suffering to refine our : Romans 5:3–5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. God can use suffering to help us on Him and others more deeply Truth #3: God’s presence and provision serve as of His peace. … 6but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” —Psalm 34:4 Truth #4: Every anxious thought can be through the lens of the . Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Memorize Philippians 4:8 Take time each day to memorize it. Then, focus each day on one aspect of God’s character found in this verse that describes the new creation we will dwell in forever. Morning Prayer (meditation): • For example: “pure” – Lord help me to have pure intentions today. • Or “admirable” – I’ll look for good in others, not criticize. “Lord, help me see and reflect what is ___ today.” Midday Check-In (2–3 mins) — Redirect if Needed • Ask yourself: “What’s been occupying my thoughts today? Does it match the word I chose?” • If not, pause. Breathe. Realign. Evening (5 mins) — Gratitude + Reflection • Write down: • One thing you saw today that was true, pure, lovely, et • One way you tried to do something true, pure, lovely, etc. • Thank God for it, even if it was small.