Are you conquering negativity or is negativity conquering you?
In this season of focusing on “Algorithms” we are learning that we have been given power to become all God has designed us to become. God’s master design involves an elaborately perpetual and ultimately unstoppable process.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them (he gave) power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. KJV
WE ARE ALL IN THE PROCESS OF BECOMING AND WHAT WE PROCESS DETERMINES WHO WE BECOME.
Romans 8:5-7 Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. NIV
Life is not about what happens to you. Life is about what happens in you when things happen to you.
The buzzard and the hummingbird both fly over the same desert. The buzzard finds dead, decaying carcass while the humming bird finds sweet nectar and colorful blossoms.
We all have a flesh and it does not magically vanish when a person becomes a believer. Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” The flesh is our old, carnal nature. It must be dealt with. Think of it as the weak-willed man within us. Our fallen nature has a side to it that has no character, no resolve, no backbone, and no self-control.
Fleshly algorithms are these deeper realities that exist beneath the surface of the obvious in our lives. Negativity begins on a deeply personal level. God designed us with the capacity to produce reactions from a place that is deep beneath the obvious. Controlling your reactions is one thing but addressing the deeper narrative that exists within your soul producing the reactions is another.
How my question today is, “How is your soul?”
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. NKJV
Most of us are both ignorant and negligent of this important realm of the soul.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV
God designed you spirit, soul and body.
Neuropeptides are protein-like molecules found in the brain and science defines them as chemical messengers to other brain cells and other parts of our bodies. These little intelligent beings, as one doctor described them, are mobilized with the information that we allow ourselves to dwell upon.
Perhaps this is why we are told to let our confession be God’s Word:
Josh 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night… NIV
Psalm 91:2 – I will say of the Lord
Joel 3:10 weak say strong
Notice in the very beginning what God demonstrated about saying something before seeing something.
Genesis 1:6-12 “God said….God said…God said…God saw”
EVERYONE IS CREATED FOR ABUNDANT LIFE
John 10:10b "...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]." Amplified
The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy but realize the aim of death is not to kill you but to keep you from the fullness of life until you die.
GP2RL: Pay attention to what you’re saying about what you’re seeing all week long.
ALGORITHMS: Conquering Negativity
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Click here for a downloadable pdf file of this guide.
UNDERSTANDING THE SEASON: As a church family we want to be OUTRAGEOUSLY LOVING people who PASSIONATELY PURSUE the Lord with IRRATIONALLY GIVING lifestyles as we CONSISTENTLY SUBMIT to God’s desires and EFFECTIVELY DISCIPLE others to do the same.
Our 2022 New Year’s Revelation as a church family is EVERYONE IS CREATED FOR ABUNDANT LIFE! Much will flow from heaven into our hearts and homes this year!
The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy but realize the aim of death is not to kill you but to keep you from the fullness of life until you die. Distraction is destruction of what could have been in your life.
John 10:10b “...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” Amplified
Jesus came demonstrating that true life is discovered in a willing death. When we die to ourselves we learn what it means to be alive in Christ.
God’s plan is for us to hear his voice together as a family. This is why we start each group with the first question:
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
1. Where are you reading in your Bible and what are you sensing from God?
Ask each person in your group to answer the discussion questions below after reading the verses. Don’t move on to the next question until everybody who is willing to share has had the opportunity to give their perspective.
Romans 8:5-7 Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.. NIV
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Have each person give a 60 second summary of what these verses are saying, in their own words.
What do these verses teach us about God?
What do these verses teach us about people?
What should you do this week in response to what we are reading and what God is revealing?
Who comes to mind when considering a person you might share this with this week?
We Bring GP2RL Action Point:
Pay attention to what you’re saying about what you’re seeing all week long.