Actions become habits, and habits form the direction of our lives. Philippians 4:8–11 (NLT) 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. • What You Feed Your Mind Will Fuel Life Philippians 4:8 (NLT) 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Filter Your Thoughts Is it true, or is it an assumption, or fear pretending to be a fact? Does it agree with the character of God and what the Bible teaches? Does it lead me toward faithfulness, love, courage, repentance, and wise action? Would I say this to another follower of Jesus? 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, • Put Into Practice What You Already Know Philippians 4:9 (NLT) 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Discipleship: is learning the truth of Jesus, seeing it lived out, and practicing it together in Christian community. Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:9 (NLT) 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. • Contentment Is a learned Behavior Philippians 4:10–11 (NLT) 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Philippians 4:12–13 (NLT) 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Next Steps Begin a seven-day gratitude journal Memorize Philippians 4:8 Filter thoughts through Philippians 4:8