Date: 18-Apr-2024
Name: Flo
Topic: TRAINING THE OBSERVANT MIND
Content:
*Psalm 101:3*
I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar
Research shows that people who can selectively attend to relevant information while ignoring distractions, exhibit better cognitive performance and decision-making abilities.
The Hebrew word here translated “vile and vulgar” is “belial,” which can also be rendered “wicked, ungodly, evil, or worthless.”
David couldn’t help it if something “belial” appeared before him, but he could refuse to set his eyes upon it for any length of time.
*In What Areas Do We Need To Train Our Observant Minds?*
1. *Relationships*
Avoid dwelling on shortcomings; focus on the positive aspects of others.
*Philippians 4:8* - 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.
2. *Career/Business*
We must refrain from comparing ourselves to others, and concentrate on our own growth.
*Proverbs 4:25* - Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
3. *Media Consumption*
We need to be very selective about the content we expose ourselves to; avoid excessive negativity.
*2 Corinthians 10:5* - We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
4. *Personal Goals*
Let us visualize success, and focus on achievements rather than potential blockers.
*Habakkuk 2:2* - Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
5. *Health*
Choose food that is nourishing, and healthy habits over indulging in unhealthy options.
*Corinthians 6:19-20* - Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God
6. *Spiritual Lives*
The Bible encourages us to seek God without distractions; create a sacred space for reflection.
*Matthew 6:6* - But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you
7. *Finances*
Resist impulsive spending; focus on financial goals rather than short term burning desires.
*Proverbs 21:5*- The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Prayer Points:
*Prayer Points*
1. Father, empower us to turn our eyes away from that which is wicked, ungodly, and worthless. That our minds be aligned with your righteousness.
2. Pray that God will grant you the discernment to avoid the pitfalls of prolonged, observations that may lead you away from His path.
3. Pray that God will give you the grace that will enable you to decide in advance not to linger on that which corrupts your heart and mind
4. Pray that God will grant you the wisdom to discern the healthy observations from the harmful
5. Ask God the strength to make choices that will reflect the light of His truth; as a testament to our dedication to walk in His ways.
