The Blessed Life (part IV)

(Part IV)

“Seven Steps to Mind Transformation”

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. ² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I.                    THOUGHTS ARE REAL ESTATE

1.      Thoughts Produce Signals

2.      These Signals Start a Process

a.       Signal travels to cell chromosomes

b.      They travel to a particular strand of DNA

c.       The strand is zipped up (cocoon state)

d.      The signal causes it to open, unzip

e.       It releases a code (blueprint) determining what type of proteins to create

f.        RNA takes a photo copy

g.       Molecules in the cell create protein around that thought or memory and it is reality

h.      These proteins hold the thought/memory you just created

3.      These thoughts affect us and 4 generations after us

a.       Science has shown how the thought networks pass through the ova by DNA to the next four generation

Exodus 20:5

⁵ Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.

II.                  WE CAN CHANGE OUR BRAIN

1.      Neuroplasticity

When we constantly choose to bring a memory into consciousness, it becomes plastic enough to actually be changed

Our brain generates more energy (electrical impulses) in one day than all the cell phones on the planet.

2.      This is where we must war to change our minds

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

III.               SEVEN STEPS TO MIND RENEWAL

1.      Slowing Down  (Enhancing the Default Mode Network – DMN)

Psalm 46:10

“Be still and know that I am God…”

Proverbs 23:7

As a man thinks in His heart so is He

a.       Entering the Default Mode Network

·         The brain has a series of different networks that coordinate

-          Some coordinate mental tasks

-          Memory Formation

-          Deciding what we pay attention too

-          Sensory Motor (Body function and movement)

·         Most brain activity takes place in the non conscious part of our brain

·         24/7 we are thinking, choosing and building thoughts

·         THE DMN is a conductor between the different networks

·         When we go into intentional rest we enhance and increase the activity in the non conscious brain

-          Gamma waves increase (memory, learning etc.)

-          Coordination between networks increases

-          More activity that is linked to happiness

·         Activities such as: Meditation, ruminations, imagination, self-perceptions, thinking things through, letting mind wander in a focused way, sleeping, deep thinking and prayer all enhance the DMN

·         The business of life often results in a chaotic mindset and the neuro chemical and electromagnetic chaos in the brain.

·         Research shows when we don’t enter into brain rest we may experience negative self esteem, depression, worry, anxiety, and health issues. We may get stuck, be unable to cope, and tend to focus on the problem and not the solution.

·         Multitasking or poor focusing of attention and lack of quality in our thought lives is opposite of the way our brain was designed to function and causes a level of brain damage.

·         According to a report in the archives of general psychiatry, simultaneous exposure to electronic media during the teenage years such as playing a computer game or watching television appears to be associated with increased depression and anxiety and young adulthood, Especially among them.

·         Teens are exposed to an average of 8 ½ hours of multitasking electronic media per day– We need to change something quickly.

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. ³            He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

2.      Becoming aware of negative thoughts (Gathering information)

You must figure out what’s going on in your brain. Become self aware

Psalm 4:4

Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

2 Cor 10:3-5

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

3.     Focused Reflection

a.     Focused thinking is specifically focusing on one thought with all of its ramifications.

b.     It is redirected and deep intellectual process.

c.      It’s a disciplined way of thinking that includes regulating your attention, controlling raging thoughts, and preventing chaotic thoughts from moving through your mind.

d.     Focused thinking includes body awareness, Emotion regulation and a sense of self changes the brain positively.

e.      When you focus your thinking in this way you start redesigning your brain.

4.     Write

a.     Writing adds clarity to what you have been thinking about

b.     It Helps you see your non-conscious conscious thoughts an invisible way

c.      Keep a thought journal and just pour out your thoughts

d.     Be Creative with how you express your thoughts

5.     Revisit

After you have slowed down, gathered awareness, focused reflection and written, you will have stimulated major neuroplastic activity putting your brain in a highly active and dynamic state for positive change. This is the perfect state to be in to rewrite your brain

a.     The gather, focus and writing stage puts the phone into the conscious mind so I can be changed

b.     In this stage you revisit what you have written down and revisit what the new healthy thought you want to develop is going to be

c.      Your don’t just decide where You want to go to also rethink your reactions evaluate how toxic your thinking is

d.     Always use the Word of God as your solution and way out

6.     Action

These are things you say or do throughout the day. It helps new thoughts become automatized

1.      You must do or say something several times a day to destroy old thinking and reinforce the new.

2.      Action causes integrity in the brain

7.     Ask God to add His Super to your Natural.

a.       Believe God for the Miraculous intervention in your mind

b.      Ask the Holy Spirit to hasten the process

c.        

SUMMARY

1.      Do the  steps on one toxic thought daily for 21 days

2.      Takes about 10 minutes

3.      Do an action 7 times a day

4.      In each stage tear down and build up at the same time.

5.      Do another thought or same one if needed after 21 days

6.      Live!!!