Philippians 4:8 Think List

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9

1. Make a list of 50 things for which you are thankful or grateful. Put this information on 3X5 cards. Be specific; use no generalities. Look at Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 4:20. After completing the list, pray “with thanksgiving,” for a few of these things every day.

2. Make a list of 20 or more Bible verses that are proving to be helpful at this time in your life. Again, write out all the words and the reference on 3X5 cards. Consider these as possibilities to start with: II Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 2:5 & 4:8, Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:2, James 1:22-25, Psalms 119:11, James 3:13. Memorize at least one of these verses per week. Meditate on (think deeply and personally about) these verses daily.

3. Make a list of 10 “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." Write out all the words on 3X5 cards. Ephesians 5:19. Sing these songs daily, especially during “down" periods in the day.

4. Make a list of 25 other things that you can think about, things that would be pleasing to God if He caught you thinking about them. Consider hobbies, family, your faith, God's creation, future plans, goals, sports, etc. Put them on 3X5 cards. Make yourself think about these things when your mind wants to wander to thoughts that would be displeasing to God.

5. Read a chapter in the book of Proverbs every day. Read the chapter that corresponds with today's date. From this reading you are to find additional Bible verses that you can add to your Bible verse list mentioned above.

6. Obtain Changed into His Image by Jim Berg, Bob Jones University Press, Greenville, SC. Use this book to guide you in a personal discipleship plan. In your Bible study, consider using one or both of these study Bibles: The NIV Study Bible by Zondervan Press and The New Geneva Study Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Summery: Carry your 3X5 flash cards with you everywhere you go. When having a difficult time with your attitude, mood, or thoughts, get them out and start to “think about such things." Thank God for his goodness, study the verses, sing the songs, think on that fishing trip coming up next month, etc. Do it every day for 6 to 8 weeks. By working faithfully on this project you will during that period be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2.

This homework assignment will play an enormous part in helping you deal with the problems that brought you to counseling. Do not neglect it in the smallest of ways. Remember the choice of your thoughts is an act of your will. You are responsible before God to “put it into practice.” God bless you.

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