Intentionality Requires FOCUS and DISCIPLINE! THERE IS POWER IN INTENTIONAL THINKING! 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 TPT [24] Isn't it obvious that all runners on the racetrack keep on running to win, but only one receives the victor's prize? Yet each one of you must run the race to be victorious. [25] A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor's crown that will last forever. [26] For that reason, I don't run just for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches, [27] but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under my control, so that after preaching the good news to others I myself won't be disqualified. If the enemy can get me off course by not practicing self control then HE WILL gain control over me! A Disciplined mind is a prepared mind for what’s yet ahead. Boys in the boat- “It is hard to make that boat go as fast as you want to. The enemy is the resistance of the water… But that very water is what supports you and that very enemy is your friend. So is life: the very problems you must overcome also support and make you strong in overcoming them.” James 1:2-4 AMPC [2] Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. [3] Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. [4] But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. Romans 8:14-15 AMPC [14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [15] For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The spirit of sonship releases confidence and purpose in your life. Operating out of the spirit of sonship as an heir with Christ frees you to live according to God's path. However, Paul writes in the book of Romans that there is a spirit of slavery that fights to consume your thoughts, which is bondage and the root of all fear in your life that needs to be uprooted first. YOU CAN'T BE LEAD BY GOD WITHOUT KNOWING WHO YOU ARE AND WHOSE YOU ARE. Romans 8:14-17 TPT [14] The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. [15] And you did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the "Spirit of full acceptance," enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!” [16] For the Holy Spirit makes God's fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, "You are God's beloved child!" [17] And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has… The words that come out of us define our depth of understanding and revelation of our true sonship. James 1:18-20 AMPC [18] And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself]. [19] Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. [20] For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. Philippians 4:8 AMPC [8] For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. The way you THINK and SPEAK to your self first, AND to others-shapes your life. (How you talk to yourself is how you’ll present yourself to others) Results of THINKING LIKE A SON/DAUGHTER- Reduces cognitive overload… When we focus on whatever is right and pure we bypass unnecessary distractions. This activates the brain selective attention system, reducing the strain on the prefrontal cortex and conserving mental energy. Intentional thinking create space for what truly matters, leaving us more productive and at peace. Improves emotional well-being… Ruminating ( think deeply, chew the cud) on what is lovely and admirable rewires the brain, reducing activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for fear and stress. This lowers cortisol levels, promoting emotional regulation and balance. Scriptures call to think on praiseworthy things -aligns perfectly with neuroscience’s findings on reducing anxiety. Fosters a positive mindset… Focusing on good and praiseworthy thoughts strengthens neural pathways associated with gratitude and optimism, partially in the anterior cingulate cortex. As science shows, intentional positivity helps us become more resilient, mirroring the transformation described in Philippians 4:8. Encourages healthy thought patterns… By replacing worry and negativity with God’s promises, we engage the neural plasticity of the brain—its ability to form new, healthier pathways. This helps us break cycles of fear and rumination, renewing our minds, (Romans 12.2) and promoting long-term mental peace. For every discovery that helps us understand how we are wired and knitted together psalm 139 it makes sense to me that God, the creator of all things on heaven and earth, gets the glory. Again, we are discovering how neuroscience and scripture agree when it comes to intentional thinking… The word (Phil 4:8) tells us to dwell on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, and here is why it matters… Enhances focus: trains the brain for clarity and purpose. (Every brain needs to be trained) Reduced cognitive overload: filters distractions to conserve energy. Improves emotional well-being: lowers stress by reducing negativity. Fosters positivity: Builds resilience through gratitude and optimism. Encourages healthy thought patterns: breaks fear and worry cycles. Scripture and science both affirm the power of intentional thinking, it transforms not just how we think but also, how we live. Victim language… It’s not my fault, I can’t do anything about it, why does this always happen to me? Subtly will sabotage your growth and keep you stuck. The dangers of victim language… Reinforces helplessness: It convinces you that external factors control your life, leaving no room for personal responsibility or action. Kills growth: If you blame circumstances, you miss opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve. You’ll never mature or grow out of this stage. Invites negativity: it attracts similar spiritual forces and people who reinforce a mindset of defeat. Blame the devil every time: It keeps you fighting an endless battle. If you never take an initiative to find the answer in the Word of God and stand on that promise, you’ll always be open territory for the enemy...and if you always blame him for your circumstances, you’ll Iive in a vicious cycle of defeat and victim mentality. Change your language, Change your life! Replace “I can’t” with “how can I?” Instead of “this is unfair” say, “what can I learn from this?” Swap “It’s not my fault” for “I’m responsible for what happens next.“ Key take away… Your words are powerful. By eliminating victim mentality and language, you reclaim control over your mindset, actions, and future. You become spirit lead instead of emotionally lead or soul-ish lead. Speak as if you’re in charge of your life-intentionally- because you are—with the help of the Holy Spirit. THINK LIKE A SON! SPEAK LIKE A SON! ACT LIKE A SON!