Experiencing God’s Peace Message 8

Experiencing God’s Peace

Message 8

Intentional Thinking

Me:

1. Internet Trolls

a. Sitting in their momma’s basement.

i. A person who makes a deliberately offensive or provocative online post.

ii. Negative mean people.

iii. I have been a victim more than once.

iv. My practice is not to respond.

b. KC the blogger

i. There was a person that went around to church and wrote a critique of the worship service.

ii. She came to our church.

iii. Someone called and said hey you might want to take a look.

iv. I did. Meh.

v. I want you to understand that this person will stand before God someday and answer for every word she wrote.

vi. I want to be at the back of the line.

vii. God loves His bride.

c. I do not criticize other ministries.

i. The glee over a pastor being kick out of our SBC sicken me.

We:

Why are we so negative?

a. People can exhibit negativity for various reasons,

i. We are all unique.

iii. It is a good reference point for us to work from.

1. Personal struggles:

i. People may be dealing with personal challenges, such as health issues, financial difficulties, relationship problems, or unresolved emotional wounds.

ii. These struggles can weigh heavily on their minds and emotions, leading to a negative outlook on life.

2. External influences:

i. Negative environments,

ii. Toxic relationships

iii. Exposure to constant criticism and negativity can shape a person's perspective.

iv. If individuals are consistently surrounded by negative influences, it can impact their own attitude and behavior.

3. Fear and insecurity:

i. Fear of failure,

ii. Rejection

iii. The unknown

iv. Insecurity about one's abilities,

v. Appearance

vi. Your worth can lead to a pessimistic mindset.

Past experiences

i. A negative past experience

ii. A trauma

“Abuse, Repeated disappointments, can shape a person's worldview and create a defensive or negative mindset as a way of protecting themselves from further pain or disappointment.”

Learned behavior.

i. Negativity can also be learned from family members, peers, or society.

ii. If individuals grow up in an environment where negativity is the norm,

iii. They may adopt similar attitudes and behaviors without questioning their impact.

iv. They often don’t even realize it.

v. They think it’s the normal.

Most important is what does God say.

God:

Intentional Thinking

“Fix your thoughts.”

i. Concentrate on this.

ii. Think about it.

iii. Mediate on it.

iv. Philippians 4:8 (The Living Bible, Paraphrased) — 8 And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.

Philippians 4:8 LBP

And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.

v. What is true and good and right.

vi. Think about things that are pure and lovely.

vii. Dwell on the fine, good things in others.

1. You don’t have to point out my flaws I am fully aware of them.

2. A pastor did a survey. They criticized his wife. She was devastated.

b. Intentionally focus on what is good and pleasing to God.

i. In a world bombarded with negativity, chaos, and distractions,

ii. It is increasingly important for believers to guard their minds.

iii. Intentionally focus on what is good and pleasing to God.

Renew your mind!

i. God tells us to renew our minds.

ii. Romans 12:2 (NCV) — 2 Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.

Romans 12:2 NCV

Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.

iii. Romans 12:2 (NIV) — 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

iv. What a way to live our lives.

v. Renew your mind!

You:

Our thought life

a. As a man thinks…

So is he.

ii. Our thought life has a profound impact on our attitudes, emotions, and actions.

iii. “When we allow our minds to dwell on negative thoughts, worries, or ungodly influences, they can slowly erode our faith, steal our joy, and hinder our spiritual growth.”

iv. Are you trapped by your negative thoughts.

v. It’s hurting your walk with God.

vi. However, when we intentionally shift our focus to thoughts that align with God's character and truth, we invite His presence and guidance into our lives.

Not wishful thinking

It’s intentional thinking.

ii. It is an intentional decision to filter our thoughts through the lens of God's Word and His perspective.

Meditate on the truth of Scripture.

Fix our minds on the attributes of God.

1. His promises

2. His faithfulness

3. His divine wisdom

4. His amazing grace

5. His power that transforms our lives.

v. That is power in positive thinking.

Just imagine:

Just imagine.

a. The joy of your salvation on display.

Renew your mind!