Are your thoughts and worship aligned with your goals? When we try to lose weight, we sometimes get caught up in the physical, categories-in, categories-out processes. But losing weight is a mental game. By aligning your thoughts and worship practice with your goals, you can keep the weight off while becoming a better Christian.

The way that we think of ourselves has a profound effect on our actions. When we think of ourselves as people who are addicted to food, or lazy people, we become comfortable in the habits we’ve formed. By recognizing the gifts God has given us, we can live in his purpose.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[0:00] Introduction

[1:05] Today’s episode is about NEWS, but it will take a different, more spiritual perspective than the previous episode. The “N” in news stands for neurobics, which are activities you can use to exercise the brain; in other words, how you think.

[4:02] Marty tells the story of Victor, a man who was labeled a moron in childhood but was ultimately seen as a genius. Once his genius was recognized, he became an author and became the president of MENSA. What changed was what he told himself.

[9:35] When you take the attitude that “I am all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) and “I am more than a conqueror,” (Romans 8:37) those thoughts also affect how you view yourself.

[14:00] East stands for envision. More than how we think of ourselves, envisioning is about how we see our futures in Christ.

[20:18] How much of yourself can you invest into trying to live a future in Christ when you are drowning in an addiction? What you say and think matters, and envisioning a better future for yourself can help you achieve it.

[22:20] W stands for “why.” Without something to hold you accountable when you face temptation, you still struggle to resist. You “why” is where your dreams meet your discipline.

[26:15] If you don’t know what your why is, you can pray for one. Prayer will help you discover what truly motivates you.

[30:16] S stands for service to others. 1 Peter 4:10-11 reads “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

[34:50] We all have spiritual gifts, and they all work together for God. When we are actively using our gifts for God’s kingdom, it is an extremely powerful feeling.

RESOURCES

Visit the Phoenix Chronicles Website: https://www.thephoenixchronicles.com/

Buy A Phoenix Chronicle by Martin Crowe: https://www.thephoenixchronicles.com/book