Embracing Positive Thinking: The Joy of the Lord
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the power of positive thinking and the momentum it creates in our lives. We began by reflecting on Nehemiah 8:10, which reminds us that "the joy of the Lord is your strength." This verse sets the stage for understanding how our thoughts and words shape our reality. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "the tongue has the power of life and death," emphasizing the importance of speaking life-giving words. Similarly, Proverbs 23:7 states, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he," highlighting the impact of our thoughts on our identity and actions.
We explored the concept of momentum, both in physics and in our spiritual lives. Just as a car rolling down a hill gains momentum, our thoughts—whether positive or negative—gain momentum over time. The University of Kentucky's study on the 17-second rule shows that if we dwell on a thought for more than 17 seconds, it starts to gain momentum. This principle applies to both positive and negative thoughts, making it crucial to shift our focus quickly when negativity creeps in.
We also discussed the importance of leading by example, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to make disciples through our actions and teachings. Living a life that reflects Christ's love and positivity can have a profound impact on those around us. This was illustrated through various stories, including a marriage counselor who transformed his practice by focusing on the positive aspects of relationships, and the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16, who maintained a positive attitude even in prison, leading to miraculous outcomes.
Finally, we were reminded that our identity is not defined by our struggles or negative thoughts but by our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:1 and Acts 16:9-10 encourage us to have faith and follow God's vision for our lives, even when circumstances seem bleak. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and we are His joy. He rejoices over us and wants to guide us from where we are to where He wants us to be.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Thoughts and Words: Our thoughts and words have the power to shape our reality. Proverbs 18:21 and 23:7 remind us that both our speech and our internal thoughts can bring life or death. Therefore, it's crucial to cultivate positive thinking and speak life-giving words. [01:34]
2. Momentum in Our Lives: Just like a car gains momentum rolling down a hill, our thoughts gain momentum over time. The University of Kentucky's 17-second rule shows that dwelling on a thought for more than 17 seconds can set a positive or negative trajectory for our day. This highlights the importance of quickly shifting our focus from negative to positive thoughts. [12:10]
3. Leading by Example: Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes the importance of making disciples through our actions. Living a life that reflects Christ's love and positivity can have a profound impact on those around us, often more than words alone can. [04:15]
4. Faith and Vision: Hebrews 11:1 and Acts 16:9-10 encourage us to have faith and follow God's vision for our lives, even when circumstances seem bleak. Paul and Silas maintained a positive attitude even in prison, leading to miraculous outcomes. This teaches us the power of faith and positivity in difficult times. [36:59]
5. Our True Identity: Our identity is not defined by our struggles or negative thoughts but by our relationship with God. Nehemiah 8:10 and Zephaniah 3:17 remind us that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that we are His joy. He rejoices over us and wants to guide us from where we are to where He wants us to be. [52:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - Introduction to Positive Thinking
[01:34] - The Power of Words and Thoughts
[02:21] - The Impact of Positivity and Negativity
[04:15] - The Great Commission and Leading by Example
[06:18] - Understanding Momentum
[09:52] - The 17-Second Rule
[12:10] - The Science Behind Positive Thinking
[19:59] - Transforming Relationships with Positivity
[23:03] - The Effects of Negative Thinking
[29:40] - The Power of Positive Reinforcement
[36:59] - Faith and Vision in Difficult Times
[42:46] - The Influence of Positivity on Others
[50:13] - GPS Analogy for Spiritual Guidance
[52:49] - The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 8:10 - "For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
2. Proverbs 18:21 - "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
3. Proverbs 23:7 - "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Nehemiah 8:10, what is described as our strength? How does this relate to the overall theme of the sermon? [00:59]
2. What does Proverbs 18:21 say about the power of the tongue? How does this verse emphasize the importance of our words? [01:34]
3. In Proverbs 23:7, what is the significance of the phrase "as he thinks in his heart, so is he"? How does this relate to the concept of momentum in our thoughts? [03:07]
4. How did Paul and Silas demonstrate a positive attitude in Acts 16, and what was the outcome of their actions? [42:46]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How can the joy of the Lord be a source of strength in difficult times, as mentioned in Nehemiah 8:10? [00:59]
2. What are some practical ways to ensure that our words bring life rather than death, in light of Proverbs 18:21? [01:34]
3. How does the concept of momentum in our thoughts, as explained in the sermon, align with the message of Proverbs 23:7? [03:07]
4. What lessons can we learn from the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 about maintaining a positive attitude in adverse situations? [42:46]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you allowed negative thoughts to gain momentum. How could you have shifted your focus to positive thinking within the 17-second rule? [12:10]
2. Think about the words you use daily. Are there specific phrases or habits you need to change to ensure your speech brings life and not death? [01:34]
3. Identify a person in your life who exemplifies positive thinking and speech. What can you learn from their example, and how can you apply it to your own life? [02:21]
4. How can you lead by example in your community or family, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 28:19-20? What specific actions can you take this week to reflect Christ's love and positivity? [04:15]
5. Recall a time when you faced a challenging situation. How did your faith and vision, as encouraged in Hebrews 11:1 and Acts 16:9-10, help you navigate through it? [36:59]
6. What steps can you take to remind yourself of your true identity in Christ, especially when negative thoughts or struggles arise? [54:51]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of writing down positive aspects of your relationships, as mentioned in the sermon, to improve your interactions with others? [21:29]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Thoughts and Words
Our thoughts and words have a profound impact on our lives. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "the tongue has the power of life and death," emphasizing the importance of speaking life-giving words. Similarly, Proverbs 23:7 states, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he," highlighting the impact of our thoughts on our identity and actions. When we focus on positive thoughts and speak encouraging words, we align ourselves with God's truth and create a reality that reflects His love and purpose for us. Conversely, negative thoughts and words can lead to a life filled with despair and defeat. It's crucial to be mindful of our internal dialogue and the words we speak to others, as they have the power to shape our reality and influence those around us.
[01:34]
Proverbs 12:18 (ESV): "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Reflection: Think about a recent conversation where you spoke negatively. How can you replace those words with life-giving ones today?
Day 2: Momentum in Our Lives
Just like a car gains momentum rolling down a hill, our thoughts gain momentum over time. The University of Kentucky's 17-second rule shows that dwelling on a thought for more than 17 seconds can set a positive or negative trajectory for our day. This principle applies to both positive and negative thoughts, making it crucial to shift our focus quickly when negativity creeps in. By intentionally focusing on positive thoughts and God's promises, we can create a momentum that propels us towards a life filled with joy and purpose. On the other hand, allowing negative thoughts to linger can lead to a downward spiral that affects our mood, actions, and overall well-being.
[12:10]
Philippians 4:8 (ESV): "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Reflection: Identify a negative thought that has been lingering in your mind. How can you replace it with a positive thought based on God's truth?
Day 3: Leading by Example
Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes the importance of making disciples through our actions. Living a life that reflects Christ's love and positivity can have a profound impact on those around us, often more than words alone can. By embodying the principles of love, kindness, and positivity, we can inspire others to seek a relationship with Christ. Our actions serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God's love. Whether it's through acts of kindness, patience, or forgiveness, our behavior can lead others to experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing Christ.
[04:15]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can demonstrate Christ's love to someone in your life today. How can your actions lead them closer to God?
Day 4: Faith and Vision
Hebrews 11:1 and Acts 16:9-10 encourage us to have faith and follow God's vision for our lives, even when circumstances seem bleak. Paul and Silas maintained a positive attitude even in prison, leading to miraculous outcomes. This teaches us the power of faith and positivity in difficult times. When we trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in our faith, we open ourselves up to His miraculous interventions. Our faith can move mountains and bring about change in ways we never imagined. It's important to hold onto God's promises and keep our eyes fixed on His vision for our lives, even when the path seems uncertain.
[36:59]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's vision and maintain a positive attitude through it?
Day 5: Our True Identity
Our identity is not defined by our struggles or negative thoughts but by our relationship with God. Nehemiah 8:10 and Zephaniah 3:17 remind us that the joy of the Lord is our strength and that we are His joy. He rejoices over us and wants to guide us from where we are to where He wants us to be. Understanding our true identity in Christ empowers us to live confidently and purposefully. We are not defined by our past mistakes or current challenges but by the love and grace of our Heavenly Father. Embracing this truth allows us to walk in the fullness of who God created us to be.
[52:49]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are God's workmanship change the way you view yourself and your purpose? What steps can you take to live out this truth today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You ever walk into a room and just, everybody's negative? And it will attach itself to you, and you'll walk out of there. Have you ever just, like, you walk into a room where a lot of people are speaking negatively, and they leave the room, but you walk into it, like, right after they leave, there's just, like, that presence there, that negativity. But the same thing works with positivity." [02:21] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Nowhere in this scripture do I see that Jesus says, go there and say this, or go there and say that. Now, you're saying, oh. It says, teach. You got to open your mouth to teach. No, the best teaching is done from example. If I got up here and I told you guys, hey, guys, man, if you become a vegan, it is so healthy, such a healthy lifestyle. I mean, you will feel so energized. You'll sleep better. You'll be more positive. And then we have like a lunch, or we have breakfast, or I go into the social hall, and there's a whole bunch of bacon. And I'm like, oh, I love bacon. And I just grab that whole thing, and I just start chowing down on bacon. You'll be like, yeah, he said this, but he's not leading by an example on this. It first comes by living the example." [04:15] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, one of the things that stops momentum, I found this extremely interesting, because it makes so much sense, is sleep. Because when you go to sleep, your mind slows down, it stops. So, it makes so much sense that people that deal with depression always want to sleep, because they are trying to disconnect. Disconnect from those negative thoughts. But what it is, it's this snowball effect is coming down, and the thing is, then when you wake up, if you still continue to think of those negative thoughts, it's just going to start snowballing again. And it just becomes this cycle, and becomes this pattern." [12:10] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A positive mindset can increase your lifespan by up to seven years. Anybody want to live a little longer, right? Somebody said, hey, um, you're going to die this year, but you're going to get seven more. You have a chance to get seven more, but you just got to get rid of all this negative thought. You got to think positively. That may, like, force you. You might be like, hey, yeah, maybe I should. But a positive mindset can increase your lifespan by up to seven years." [23:03] (4 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For some of you, the best thing that you can do, the best thing that you can get from this message today is to get your phone out right now and delete some people in your contact list. And when you see that number come up and text you, you say, who dis new phone now." [29:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Now, Paul, in Acts chapter 16, verse 9 and 10, he had this vision. It says, During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia, standing and begging him, Come over to Macedonia and help us. After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. They got excited. Okay, they need us. They want us. We have this vision of this guy saying, Come. They get up and they go. They get there. They meet this chick named Lydia. They tell her about Jesus. They stay with her for a little bit. She gets saved. Her household gets saved. Now, they're out. They're out preaching in the streets." [36:59] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul and Silas, they get. I just want to say this. Remember this whole story started with Paul having a vision. Do you think right now this looks like the vision Paul had? He's probably like, man, I got this one wrong. Sorry, guys. My bad. My bad. Yeah. Yeah. Just having one of those crazy dreams. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It would have been. How easy would it have been for them to get negative? How easy would it have been for that snowball effect to take place and just go from negativity, negativity, negativity? But no. They're just. They're sitting there in the cell. And then the Bible says they just. One of them just started singing. What can take away my sin? And I can see Silas going, nothing but the blood of Jesus." [42:16] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You see, some of us were like, well, if we're suffering, everybody around us needs to suffer too. That's fine. You can think like that. I'm just telling you this. In the story that Bible talks about the jailer. He's thinking he. After the earthquake. He sees the doors open. He's like, man, I'm done. But because of their positive mindset. And because of their actions. He's like. I want what these guys have. Not only do I want what these guys have. I want my family to have what they have. And I don't know about you. But I want to be that person that everybody around me says. I want what you got. Not only do. Can you come talk to my wife? Can you come talk to my kids? Hey, can you come talk to my cousins? Can you come talk to my pastor?" [44:44] (96 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes we all need a little bit. Of rerouting. Sometimes. off the path sometimes we all are like oh wait i can just go i can go behind the circle k right here and then i can cut across to this road and go there and then we get there and we find out oh man they put up a fence because they got tired of people cutting through that the back of circle k now i can't get through there all right siri reroute me so maybe you have gotten off the path maybe you were going down that and maybe everything was going good but right now you think you've messed up to the point where man i've messed up too many times no no no he wants to take you from where you are at right now he wants to take you to places that you never thought you would be able to go to because i can tell you this i know but from experience our heavenly father he redeems years that we've messed up that we've wasted" [51:26] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For the joy of the Lord is your strength and I asked what's the joy of the Lord and I don't know if anybody gave me an answer I wasn't really listening because I'm the one up here talking but I found the scripture in Zephaniah 3 17 says this the Lord your God is with you the mighty warrior who saves he will take great delight in you in his love he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing a of times we we we picture you know we sing to our heavenly father but a lot of times i mean how often do we picture our heavenly father singing over us now while we're singing praises to him he's rejoicing and singing over us do you say this is for the joy of the lord he will take you to the glory of the lord is your strength what's the joy of the lord can i just be so bold can i just be so brave can i just say this what is the joy of the lord you are you are you are thank goodness that our heavenly father doesn't think of us the way we think of us joy of the lord is our strength so you right there with us those negative thoughts you right there that are lost you right there that you do not know where you're going to go when this service is over no he rejoices in you he takes joy in you he wants to take all that negativity and all those thoughts because let's just face it guys 17 second rule all that aside we're not going to get there without the help of our heavenly father because there's a lot of things to get negative about but he wants to take us right where we're at and he wants to take us to new places so my friends and my family and all you good-looking people of fairlawn church you make the shift from a negative mindset to a positive mindset may you take comfort and that the joy of the lord is your strength and may you fully understand Understand and realize that you are the joy of the Lord. And that right now he is rejoicing and singing over you. Grace and peace. I love y'all." [52:49] (195 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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