Joel Dennis
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. 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.” Philippians 4:1-9 NIV
How to defeat the enemies of joyful thinking:
Enemy #1: Angry thoughts
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Vs. 1-5
The Battle plan:
- Seek the common ground not the battleground
- Cultivate compassion
- Rejoice in the Lord
Enemy #2: Anxious thoughts
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Vs. 6-7
The Battle plan:
- Determine that nothing is worthy of worry
- Determine that everything is worthy of prayer
How to Pray:
- Adoration: Talk to God about God
- Supplication: Talk to God about your needs and the needs of others. Make requests not demands
- Appreciation: Cultivate a grateful heart
“If you woke up tomorrow with things you thanked God for today what would you have?” Unknown
PRAYER SCALE
I Pray About:
Nothing
Crises
Big decisions
My needs
Friends’ needs
Worldwide needs
Plans and goals
God’s purposes
Everything
Enemy #3: Negative thoughts
“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. 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.” Vs. 8-9
The Battle plan:
- Focus on the positive
True: That which will not let you down.
Noble: That which lifts your eyes up.
Right: Things being done God’s way
Pure: That which is so cleaned it is ready to be brought into God’s presence and used in His service
Lovely: That which motivates love.
Admirable: The things that are fit for God to hear.
Excellent: Any mental excellence or moral quality or physical power.
Praiseworthy: Anything that calls down the approval of God.