JesusWalk Bible Study Forum: Q4. Mind Control and Peace - JesusWalk Bible Study Forum

Q4. (4:8) Why is mind control necessary for success? For mental and spiritual peace? What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties? How is this working for you?

Controlling the mind is seriously one of the greatest keys to joyful, victorious Christian life. Our thoughts are vulnerable to the enormous influences of Satan, and any mind that is not disciplined and guarded by the Spirit is going to be the devil’s playground. His game is to frustrate, demoralize, torment, and create doubt. Any of these things can generate fear, steal peace, stall progress, and cause destruction.

Scripture and life’s experiences make it clear that the human thought processes are shortsighted and seriously flawed, and therefore unreliable on their own. I’ve got to actively involve the Lord and study the Word so that He can transform my thinking by renewing my mind. The Spirit uses that to guide my thoughts according to His thoughts. Every time I have a thought that will lead in the wrong direction, I'm responsible to make the choice to “arrest”, banish, and replace it with something that will take me in the direction of God’s wisdom, truth, and perfection! Speaking the Word to myself is a great start.

My focus is mostly on learning what is true, desiring to serve God with excellence, and turning to Him in all things with thankful praise. My life has been totally changed. I don’t worry a lot or struggle with fear. There are moments, of course, but for the most part, I have a joyful, peaceful spirit. This is one of the most treasured blessings in my life.

If we don't cleanse our mind daily by reading His Word we will have a filthy mind. We are bombarded daily with the world's noise and it is very necessary to wash our minds out with God's truth. If we don't, the world will find a nice resting place in our heads. As Jesus said, "Just as you have believed, so let it be done to you". We believe what we think and our actions are based on our thoughts. Jesus also warned us to be careful about what we hear. We must filter out the junk with God's truth. I experience fear, doubt and anxiety but when I turn to the Lord and give it to Him and/or focus on Him it totally dissipates my fears. I know I'm supposed to keep my eyes on the Lord and not my circumstances because we don' t know His plan but I still look at the circumstances - I'm learning!

Q4. (4:8) Why is mind control necessary for success? For mental and spiritual peace? What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties? How is this working for you?

OUr mind must be disciplined to concentrate on the God things. It is a ground for Satan to use and we must be constantly filling it with Godly thoughts. Then when the attacts come from Satan we will be equiped to combat his arrows with Godly ways. The more time spent in prayer and study of God's word the more we will walk in the Spiritual realm - -

Refocusing is a constant battle in my life. My mind wonders and the world is full of "candy" for the eye, ears, nose, etc. Discipline and choice are the factors in where you spend your time. I know this is silly, but I continuosly ask the question "how would Jesus respond?)" Helps me to reflect on His character and see Him more clearly.

God gave us choice which He doesn't remove from us. With choice comes responsibility, accountability, and consequence.Choice operates out of the mind. Originally God told Adam "Don't eat of the Tree...." He expected Adam's will to be functional on his order. Adam is conscious of his choices. This consciousness resides, with his will, in his mind so that he knowingly takes decisions. He has to have control of his mind in order to obey God. We have to have control of our mind or take back control of it in order to make good decisions. Success lies mostly in good decisions. Therefore we need CONTROL of our own minds to be successful. If we are not in control of our minds, then who is? - and that's a frightening question!

The same logic applies for mental and spiritual peace. We have controll of our mind, then seeing that we trust God above ourselves or anything/one else, we submit our minds deliberately and consciously to His Word, and there find our spiritual peace.

Instead of my anxieties I focus on the needs of other people. There is always someone who needs my attention. This enables me to see that I share an earthly footpath with other sufferes. A sense of community envelopes me together with a sense of Christ. I count my blessings, which I think is one of the great secrets of a sensitive life, pray for others and seek to serve them. Most of all I give thanks for all sorts of things, some of which must make God laugh.

At the end of the day it is good to give my anxieties to Father - He has bigger shoulders than I have, and it's such a relief. I can't take responsibility for everything on this earth, but Father truly can! I like to let Him! It all works out pretty well as long as I stick to the game plan.

Paul told us in Chapter 3 that we should make every effort to take hold of the prize. Here Paul explains that we must focus on what is right.

Just like in any sport, excellence is achieved through practice and repetition, and avoidance of distraction. So it is with our growth in Christ. Every day new challenges threaten to derail our quest. Sometimes we find ourselves alone, while our neighbors, co-workers, and even family members go about their earthly lives. Satan sets many an obstacle in our path. He points out our weaknesses… he offers us immediate gratification… he promises us esteem and privilege. If we’re not mentally prepared… if we haven’t made virtue a habit… if we haven’t dwelt on the goal ahead, we can find ourselves lost.

One of the greatest threats I face is negativity. I find it helpful to meditate upon what God has already done for me—both in my depths and at my peaks—and I visualize the joy that awaits me. I pray for the ability to overcome obstacles that threaten to sidetrack me from that goal. When I can turn a ‘negative’ into a ‘positive’, I break the chains that detract from God’s work in me.

I’ve found Bunyan’s classic text, “Pilgrim’s Progress” to be an invaluably helpful lesson on focus, perseverance and endurance. I recommend in strongly to all Christians.

Why is mind control necessary for success?
that depends on whom is controlling the mind. if you think that you can do it alone think again. i'm sure we've all thought more than once that we can make up our own mind. but when we do it without Jesus' help the devil jumps in and goes to work. and we don't always recognize him. so if you consider that asking Jesus for help everyday to direct you in the right direction mind control. than i agree that it's necessary.


For mental and spiritual peace?
if you agree that Jesus should be in control, than spiritual and any other kind of peace is always there.


What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties?
praying for peace and salvation for others

How is this working for you?
i'm kind of impatient. i've seen an improvement in many but not to the point of salvation yet. it kinda takes longer than i'd like. keep praying that it won't be to late for them.

The mind tends to wander so we must keep it in control by thinking on good things and focus on what we want to accomplish.
Think on what the Bible says in Phillipians 4:8. Dwell on these things.
To focus on eternity and my reward of spending it with Christ.
I no longer worry, because all my needs are met. My wants I'll always have and are different than my needs. I no fear death because I no where I'll spend eternity. When satan tries to sneak in my thoughts , I rebuke him in Jesus' name. He ( Satan) has no rights on this body as I am a child of the Living God! Hallelujah!!!!!! Praise His Holy Name!!!

Self-control is a fruit of Spirit. God says in Proverb 25:28, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." We will be useless if we don't control our mind. God works for those of who wait for the Lord. Lack of control is mainly coming from selfishness. Moreover, if God doesn't work in our life, we tend to fail.
When we say about mind control, it means controlling our mind in Spirit. And God is peace.
Based on this, I am praying that God will drive me every moment: in working, talking, serving, even in sleep. I want to be a God-driven man. It works sometimes. But in many times, I need to control my mind. I still have selfish part in me (old being). God says in 2 Corinthian 5:17.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Praise the Lord!

Quote

[color=blue]4a.) Paul tells us: "[/color][color=purple]The mind of sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so[/color][color=blue]." (Romans 8: 6-7) Choose life![/color]
4b.) (4:8) For mental and spiritual peace?
[color=blue]4b.) The answer is included above also.[/color]
4c.) (4:8) What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties?
[color=blue]4c.) That God is in control.[/color]
4d.) (4:8) How is this working for you?
[color=blue]4d.) Slowly but surely, my tendency to be a worry wart is almost non-existent. "[/color][color=purple]Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light[/color][color=blue]." (Matthew 11:28-29) [/color]

Lesson 8 Q 4
(a) Why is mind control necessay for success?
Mind control is necessary for success because if we do not learn to control our mind we will lose, we will fail, we will be in bad trouble.

(b) For mental and spiritual peace?
Mind control is necessary for mental and spiritual peace because if we do not learn to control our mind it will be difficult to focus on God and our relationship with Him. We will be failing to trust Him. We will not have any peace without controling our minds to think healthy thoughts. We will be in bad shape, spiritually. We will not experience the peace that God promises us.

© What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties?
What I have decided to focus on instead of my anxieties is God's Word. I am trying to study and asking God for understanding through this Bible Study ( Thank you Dr. Ralph F. Wilson for being obedient to God). I also listen to Joyce Meyer's tapes while I am doing my housework. When I am called to do work for the Lord I do it. I try to focus my mind on positive things (which is God's way) instead on negative things (Satan's way). Amen?

(d) How is this working for you?
This is really working for me because it relaxes me and takes my mind off my worries and anxieties. It also gives me a really good feeling. PEACE!

We have to have control of our mind or we open the way for the devil to get control. In the Bible it says to have a renewed mind, one that will focus on the good things, pure and honest things.

When I get all stressed over circumstances I try to run to the Bible and get me some Scripture to concentrate on. I will confess I am not very good in this area. I have been accustomed to worrying all my life. But I will continue to strive to break free from this sin of worry.

Like you said in your lesson, you have to concentrate on the task at hand if we are going to succeed in what we attempt to accomplish. We are human, we have carnal minds. We have to force ourselves to focus on the Godly. I think that although Satan can’t read our minds, he can play with them, he puts ideas in our heads to try to destroy our relationship with God, fear comes from him. when I find myself anxious about something, I first rebuke Satan and then I ask God to give me the comfort that I need and thank Him for giving me the peace. Then I either read the Bible or sing a song of praise, even if it’s only in my heart. Some times if I’m in a place that I can relax, I will ask God to wrap His arms around me and let me feel His presence. When I do these things I do find the peace, if I don’t take the time when I first feel anxious, it just gets worse until I ask myself what I think I’m doing trying to handle it on my own, then I turn to God—after going through more trouble than I had to if I would have gone to Him right away.

Mind control is important because the things happening can easily take us out of Christ. Our minds are carnal so we have to consciously fix our mind on the sriptures and on Christ. That way we can be at peace wth God and ourselves.

I have decideed to focus on God and not on my anxieties. I ususally tell myself that worrying about any situation will not change the situation but get me all stressed up and unhappy. I have to consciously tune into God and his word.

Q4. (4:8) Why is mind control necessary for success?

It is important to control your thoughts for you to be able to be pleasing to God. He will not look upon sin and if sin is in your thoughts you are not pleasing to him. We have to us control of what we let our minds dwell on. We will be blessed and be a blessing if we practice this to its fullest.


For mental and spiritual peace?
You become stronger when you think on the right things and Satan's attacks are not as effective on you. When he can't get you to worry and be upset all the time it is harder for his attacks to hold you down. When you think on the things of God you will have spiritual peace at all times. Not peace as the world gives but the peace of God that passes all understanding.

What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties? How is this working for you?
When I am under attack I find to keep repeating scriptures works really well. It is what Jesus said to Satan as he was tempted and it still works today. It is not big secret how to handle this it is a matter or memorizing the word and using it to your advantage at times of temptation. The answer to every question is in the word you to every problem. We are blessed to have computers and there are many help tools on here for us to us and I thank God for them and for Dr. Wilson and these studies.

[color=purple]"The mind is a terrible thing to waste." If all you focus on are the bad things in life, all the bad things in life are going to focus on you. They tear you down. Cleansing your mind each day will help you begin the day with positive thoughts. Some of us have to clean it more than once a day, some every moment of every day. The old adage "garbage in, garbage out" comes to mind. If you think positive things, positive things will happen. At times you can be so far in the dumps because the world has beaten a hole in you. When I feel that way I go to "Fake It Til' You Make It." There are so many people out in the world that are teaching 'the power of positive thinking'. You don't have to pay people to teach you how to think positively if it is all right here in v. 8. These are the positive thinkers rules. Focus on these. Life can be so unbearable but you don't have to handle it all on your own. God's Little Instruction Book has all of the answers and can help you with all of the positive thing that you need.

Everybody has different anxieties. It is kind of funny because my anxieties are also what I consider to be 'something really worthwhile' for me to focus on. This is the case in most all aspects of my life. As a minister with my church, as a counselor with my clients and as a spouse with my partner. I tend to pour my all into everything so finding a distraction can prove to be difficult. I try to keep focused on the positive things and I try to turn the negative into positive but it is exceptionally hard to do at times. I always try to consider everything as learning experience and if I learn something from the negative then I will be able to handle them better if they ever pop up again. I have also learned that many of my anxieties come different people or different situations. I try to change what I can n the situation. (being a perfectionist it is hard to remember I can't fix everything or everybody.)
When it comes to people I can only change myself. I cannot control or change anyone else (however I could if I would). I try to remember the question, "What Would Jesus Do?) and try to follow His example.

How is this working for me?...depends on the situation. I have started this bible study which has been helpful. Giving it up to Jesus is probably the hardest thing I have ever done because that means I have to give up control. I am quite the control freak, ask anyone, they will tell you. I am trying to make the changes in my life that I need to make but it is not easy. I do find that as I change my outlook on life, I am becoming a happier, less anxiety filled person. 25 years and I am still working on it, with many more years to go.[/color]

[color=green]JESUS LOVES YOU, HE ABSOLUTELY, PASSIONATELY LOVES YOU!!![/color]

[COLOR=blue]
Q4. (4:8) Why is mind control necessary for success? For mental and spiritual peace? What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties? How is this working for you?

We must focus our thoughts on our present occupation in order to perform our task properly. If we allow our minds to wander wherever our random thoughts take us we become subject to all sorts of subjects some whick can lead us to sin and/or tremendous anxiety. I have decided to focus on thankfulness. Right now I have extreme stress at work, when I feel like blowing up and walking out, I try to remind myself how thankful I need to be just to have a job. I also pray for the ones who are making life more difficult for me. This does bring me peace and enables me to carry on.

Q4. (4:8) Why is mind control necessary for success? For mental
and spiritual peace? What have you decided to focus on instead of
your anxieties? How is this working for you?


Q4. (4:8) Why is mind control necessary for success?

If we don't learn to control what goes into our minds. We won't always desire to do what is right in Gods eyes. Having wrong thoughts can make us do the things we shouldn't do.

For mental and spiritual peace?

It brings peace to think on good things. On Gods word


What have you decided to focus on instead of
your anxieties?

On Gods word

How is this working for you?

If keeps me from turning away and doing what i want instead of what God wants. I desire his peace at all times

It is easy for us to be overrun by worry, cares and concerns. We must condition our minds to process only the data that will be of benefit to us. This can help bring us peace.
My focus, when I’m not crosseyed, is to try to do His will for me. It is a constant battle to surrender my worries about money, health and etc., but I do try every day to leave these cares t the foot of the cross.

Q4. (4:8) Why is mind control necessary for success? For mental and spiritual peace?
Mind control is necessary because we need to be in control of our thoughts and actions so we can keep our focus where it belongs…on Jesus. Control in necessary for success, and for our mental and spiritual peace.

What have you decided to focus on instead of your anxieties?
When I begin to feel stressed or feel Satan trying to influence me to sin, I have a song that I sing in order to keep my focus on Jesus. I either sing to myself or out loud depending on where I am. The song goes like this. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful Face. Then the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace.”

How is this working for you?
It keeps my focus on Jesus, so it works for me.