2024-11-05

The Way to Reprogram Your Brain (Renew Your Mind) Positive Thoughts for a Healthy & Joyful Life

Philippians 4:8
Positive Thoughts for a Healthy & Joyful Life - The way to renew your mind.
  • 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.

  • Finally
    • brothers and sisters
      • whatever is true
        • Focus on what is real and grounded in truth, rather than being swayed by opinions, fears, or negativity. This means letting go of lies, unfounded worries, and exaggerations.
      • whatever is noble
        • Think about things that are honorable, dignified, and worthy of respect, aiming to uphold values that give life meaning and elevate our standards.
      • whatever is right
        • Consider what is fair and just, based on God’s moral standards. This isn’t about personal preference but aligning with what is universally good.
      • whatever is pure
        • Clean and wholesome, free from corruption, free from impurity,
        • Seek thoughts and actions free from corruption, pure in motive, and wholesome in nature. This involves a commitment to integrity and honesty.
      • whatever is lovely
        • Focus on what is beautiful, pleasing, friendly and promoting kindness and grace in our interactions and outlook.
      • whatever is admirable
        • Uplifting, commendable qualities and actions, worthy of respect and emulation. These can be examples of kindness, generosity, or humility that inspire us to live better.
      • —if anything is excellent
        • virtuous, superior quality, outstanding degree of reality, nobleness, rightness, purity, loveliness, admirableness...
      • or praiseworthy
        • approval, emulation, recognition & celebration guiding us toward thoughts that elicit gratitude and joy.
      • think about such things.
  • Neuroplasticity

    Science said Paul is right.

    • Neuroplasticity refers to the brains ability to change, reorganize, or grow neural networks.
    • Neuroplasticity shows that how we think and behave alters the structure of the brain and that every positive thought will reinforce a new neural pathway that will eventually become automatic.
    • For instance, every time we practice positive thinking or engage in a healthy habit, we reinforce the neural connections that support those patterns. Over time, these connections become stronger and more efficient, so the behavior or thought becomes second nature. This principle is at the core of building positive habits or even reshaping negative thinking patterns.
    • In practical terms, this means that we have the power to shape our brains for the better by intentionally choosing positive and constructive thoughts and actions. It’s a beautiful example of how our brains are wired for growth and change.
  • Take Away:
    • Focusing on these qualities initiates a powerful renewal in the mind. Neuroplasticity supports this, revealing that repeated positive thoughts reshape our brain’s pathways, making it easier to think positively and find joy.
    • Consistently aligning our thoughts with Paul’s guidance helps these become our natural patterns. This passage is both a spiritual command and a practical guide for mental health, building resilience, peace, and joy—beautifully aligning faith with science.
  • Prayer:
    • Lord, help me to focus my thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Fill my heart with peace and joy as I dwell on Your goodness. Renew my mind and guide me to think and act in ways that reflect Your love. Amen.


2024-11-03

How Should Christians Behave in Church - 1 Thes 5:12-28

1 Thessalonians Chapter 5:12-28 Respect for Leaders, Love Among Peers, A Life of Gratitude and Joy, Seeking God’s Protection Until Christ’s Return

A Church is not a building but a community of believers in Christ.  

    John 13:35 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

A. Respecting Leaders:

Verses 12-13
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to honor those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and instruct you.
Because of their work, you should show them extra respect and love.
You should live in peace with one another, as peace brings joy to leaders.

Question 1: What is our attitude toward church leaders?


B. Helping Peers:

Verse 14
Brothers and sisters, we urge you:

  1. Warn those who are idle.
  2. Encourage those who are disheartened.
  3. Help those who are weak.
  4. Be patient with everyone.
    Verse 15
  5. Do not repay evil for evil to anyone.
  6. Always strive for what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Question 2: How do we show love to our brothers and sisters?
Answer: Follow steps #1-#6 above.


C. Personal Conduct: Joy & Gratitude

Verses 16-22
    16. Rejoice always, regardless of circumstances.

    17. Pray continually—when worried, turn to prayer.

    18. Give thanks in all things—gratitude brings joy.
    This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

  1. Do not quench the Spirit—follow the Spirit’s lead, discerning between your own thoughts and the Spirit’s guidance.
  2. Do not treat prophecies with contempt—prophecies encourage and warn us, but be cautious of false prophets.
  3. Test everything—do not accept things blindly; verify right from wrong.
  4. Avoid every kind of evil.

Question 3: What attitudes and behaviors lead us to victory?


D. Blessing:

Verse 23
May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely—sanctification is a process of continual improvement.
May your entire being—spirit, soul, and body—be kept blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
---We are spirits with a soul (mind, emotions, and will) that resides in a body.

Verse 24
The One who calls you is faithful, and He will bring it to pass.
--- It is Jesus who purifies us. Trusting Jesus to cause us to change.
(Ephesians 5:26-27) He cleanses the Church with the washing of water by the Word to make it holy and without blemish, a glorious Church.

Jesus is coming for a purified church --- His bride.


E. Prayer:

Verses 25-28
Brothers and sisters, please pray for us.
Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss, building a relationship of holiness.
I charge you by the Lord to read this letter to all brothers and sisters.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

---

Prayer:

Thank You, Heavenly Father. You will keep us holy and prepare us to meet Christ at His return. We respect our leaders, love our peers, and live a life of gratitude and joy—a testimony that draws others to faith in You. To You be the glory. Amen.

2024-11-02

Living with Gratitude brings Joy and Blessings

Psalm 100:4-5 --- Living with Gratitude brings Joy and Blessings
  • #1 Praise & Thank Him
    • "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and
    • his courts with praise;
    • give thanks to him and praise his name.
    • Entering God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise sets the tone for our relationship with Him. Approaching Him this way isn’t just an act of worship but also aligns our hearts to receive His joy and peace.
  • #2 The Reasons
    • For the Lord is good and

      recall how God has been good to you - blessings, healing, restoration of relationships, peace and joy, a bright future, comfort in sorrow ...

    • his love endures forever;

      remember we are His precious. Our well-being is His concern.

    • his faithfulness continues through all generations."

      His goodness and love pass to our children and children's children, forevermore

  • Our Application:
    • Live our life with gratitude and joy, knowing that His goodness and love for us is forever.
    • Replace our doubts and complaints with trust and praise.
    • While we don't deserve it, it is His initiative and nature to give and love us. It is all because of Him and not of us. What a relief.
  • Summary
    • Psalm 100:4-5 encourages us to live a life filled with gratitude, grounded in the understanding of God’s unchanging love and goodness. It calls us to praise Him not only for what He has done but for who He is. Knowing that God’s love is a constant across generations invites us to live joyfully and gratefully, trusting His purpose and care for us and our families.
    • By choosing gratitude, we can see beyond our current struggles and remain anchored in the truth that God is good, He loves us deeply, and His faithfulness will never fail.
  • Prayer:
    • Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending goodness, love, and faithfulness. Help us approach each day with a heart full of gratitude, praising You for all You have done and continue to do. Teach us to trust in Your care and to find joy in Your presence. May we live with thankful hearts, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.


2024-11-01

Live with a Pure Heart - The Steps for A Life without Regrets

 Matthew 5:8

  • "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

  • This verse from the Beatitudes highlights the profound blessing that comes from purity of heart. To “see God” refers not only to the promise of eternal life but also to a deep, personal relationship with God in the present, through spiritual clarity and closeness.


  • How can we be pure in heart?
    • 1 God's Word

      Read God's Word

      • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

        God’s word provides inner illumination and direction, leading to a life that is aligned with truth, where one’s actions speak more than words.

    • 2 Receive Jesus

       to have the Light within

      • 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

         inner spiritual enlightenment from God, whose light brings clarity and understanding

    • 3 Follow Jesus
      • John 8:12 – “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

        Following Jesus, the light of the world, brings spiritual clarity and guidance, echoing the idea that an enlightened, pure heart shines brightly and needs no further justification.

    • 4 Stay in Fellowship
      • 1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

        Walking in God’s light brings a kind of clarity and purity that removes the need for pretense or excessive words; a heart aligned with God walks transparently.

    • 5 Watch What You See & Hear

      Guard Your Inputs

      • Matthew 6:22-23 – “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

        a clear, focused inner vision fills one’s life with light. A heart aligned with God radiates this light

  • The Life without Regrets:
    • "此心光明,亦复何言" --- 王阳明
    • "This heart is clear and bright; what more needs to be said?" ---Wang Yangming on his death bed.
    • WangYM is a prominent Ming dynasty philosopher, military general, and the founder of the School of the Mind within Neo-Confucianism. Wang Yangming emphasized the unity of knowledge and action, advocating that true knowledge is reflected directly in virtuous action and does not require elaborate justification or discussion.
    • cultivating inner integrity and maintaining a positive, upright life attitude. "
    • to let conscience linked to the Holy Spirit guide us, making choices we can face with peace and integrity.
    • a pursuit of moral purity and spiritual fulfillment beyond materialism. Urges us to examine our values, seek inner peace, and find clarity beyond external desires.
  • Final Reflection
    • Both the Bible and Wang Yangming encourage us to cultivate a heart that is clear, pure, and unburdened by the demands for outward justification. A pure heart, anchored in God’s Word, relationship with Jesus, and integrity, leads to an authentic life of peace, moral clarity, and closeness with God—a life without regrets.
  • Prayer:
    • Heavenly Father,
      • Thank You for Your promise that the pure in heart will see You. Help me to seek purity in my thoughts, words, and actions. Guide me through Your Word, fill me with Your light, and lead me in truth. Let my heart be clear, free from regret, and firmly anchored in Your love. May my life reflect Your grace and bring honor to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.