God has commanded us to renew our minds with his word.  We often struggle with areas because we did not take the time to renew our minds.  Learn about the brain and mind to gain success in your thought life.  Taught by Pastor Judy.

Connect Group Questions

Week 1

Connect Group Questions

Week One

1. Based off what we just learned, what does it mean to renew your mind? Using the Bible to reprogram your mind; changing your thoughts to line up with the Word of God.
2. Read Hebrews 4:12 in the Amplified version. What are the adjectives that stand out to you describing God’s Word? “ Alive, full of power, operative, energizing, and effective”
3. Read Psalms 1:2-3 in the Amplified version. What does it mean to “meditate” on the Bible? To “ponder and study.” MSG “to chew on it” Strongs Concordance Hebrew word for meditate means to “murmur, ponder, speak, study, talk, utter”
4. According to those two scriptures, what happens when we meditate on God’s powerful Word? Our life gravitates towards prosperity. A renewed mind equals a prosperous life.
5. II Corinthians 5:17 states we are a new creation in Christ, and that are old self and life have passed away. Why is this sometimes not evident in our lives? When we accept Jesus as Savior, our spirit is made perfect. However, it takes time and the renewing of the mind on God’s Word to change the flesh or soul.
6. Explain the difference between the soul, body, and spirit inside of each of us. Your soul is your mind will and emotions (this is sometimes referred to as flesh). Your body is your physical body on earth, including your brain. Your spirit is the part of you that is born again perfect and new
7. Read Joshua 1:7-8. What was God’s instruction and Will for Joshua? That he would study and meditate on God’s instruction, a.k.a. His Word, so that he would be successful (prosperous) and all he did.
8. What does a prosperous life look like? Health, wealth, peace, high quality, life, favor, successful relationships. Through Christ we are “more than conquerors“
9. Read Romans 12:2 NLT. How does God transform us into a new person and what does that lead to? He transforms you into a new person by “changing the way you think,” and this leads to “knowing God‘s will for you.” Isn’t this what we all want? God created our brains and knows how our minds can control us. This is why renewing of the mind is so important.
10. Does anyone have a testimony about God’s Word renewing your mind in a certain area of your life? Example: when I’m in the car, not driving, but as a passenger, I would sometimes have scary thoughts of dying in a car accident. By renewing my mind with God’s Word “angels protect me wherever I go” Psalms 91 and “no weapon formed against me shall prosper“ Isaiah 54, I now think differently, and have less negative thoughts. Peace!

Connect Group Questions

Week 2

Connect Group Questions

Week Two

1. Genesis states we were created in God’s image or likeness. What does that mean to you? God is miraculous, wonderful, amazing and creative etc. In Christ we are able to take on these attributes since we are made in His image.
2. Read Proverbs 23:7 NKJV. What does this verse say about our thoughts? “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he“ your thoughts define you and your life
3. Read Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT. How do we make the choice between life and death? “By loving, and obeying the Lord, your God, committing yourself firmly to him“
4. In obeying the Lord when it comes to renewing your mind, what are some examples of how you can choose life instead of death? By being conscious of negative thoughts and replacing them with good thoughts that line up with the Bible. For example, “I can’t stand so-and-so, I’m never going to be able to look at her the same after what she did to me.” This is unforgiveness showing up in our thoughts. Replace it with God’s Word and think or speak “Lord, I forgive so-and-so, and I pray for her to be blessed. I will love her as you love her because I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
5. what does neuroplasticity mean? Our brains have the ability to change. Picture of the green tree versus the dead tree. Praise God that He designed us with this transformative ability. We don’t need to be defined by our past thoughts; there’s hope for change.
6. Read Ephesians 4:23-24 in NLT, TPT and MSG. What stands out to you? Is the Holy Spirit urging you to change any negative thoughts in your life? We all should have at least one or two. Share if comfortable.

Connect Group Questions

Week 3

Connect Group Questions

Week Three

1. Read Romans 12:2 NKJV. How do we not stay conformed to this world?

We are transformed by the renewing of our minds.

    2    According to that verse, what will we be able to perceive better?

The will of God.

    3    What does science and the Bible both say about the power of the mind? Read Isaiah 26:3.

That negative thoughts create negative symptoms: mentally and physically. Even though our thoughts are invisible, they create visible effects (depression/sickness vs.  joy/healing, etc.)

    4    How can we be more conscious of our thought life?

By not letting our thoughts run rampant. If you’re feeling sad/angry/anxious, backtrack. What was I thinking about? What verse can I replace these negative thoughts with?

    5    Read Matthew 12:33. Picture your life as a beautiful flourishing tree. What does that look like for you?

Example: for me would look like a life more outwardly focused instead of inwardly or selfishly focused. More patient with my children, etc. These can seem like big out of reach goals but let this motivate you because it is possible!

    6    Read Psalms 1:1 AMP. Notice the verbiage used “walks” vs “stands” and “sits.” What does this tell us about renewing our mind?

We can’t be passive or neutral about it, or we will naturally drift towards the world.

    7    Read psalms 1:2 AMP. How do we not be passive about it?

Habitually meditating on God’s word concerning our current issues or problems spots

    8    Finally read Psalms 1:3 AMP. This is what separates the mature, prosperous Christians from the struggling, baby Christians. It is simply God’s fail-proof Word.

What areas of your life are you ready to be as a tree firmly planted by the water?

Connect Group Questions

Week 4

Connect Group Questions

Week Four

1. Read Psalms 119:15-16 TPT. From this verse, why do you think David was described as having a “heart after God”?

-He not only paid close attention and meditated. He did not then forget what he had pondered and go on with his life. He walked out God’s Word.

2. What stood out to you about the scientific facts Pastor Judy shared? Examples: -“we are wired for love”
   -fear is learned -happy memory equals positive chemicals released, stressful memories just cause a chemical imbalance due to our brains, not having a chemical for that.
3. What does it say to you about God that our brains don’t have a chemical to release for negative circumstances? Read 1 Timothy 1:7.
   God wired us for love and positive perfect lives – think the garden of Eden.
4. Read Deuteronomy 30:19. How does this inspire you to be intentional with your thoughts?
   Our thoughts are choices. Choices of life/blessings, or death/curses.
5. Read Mark 4:24 AMPC.
   They come back to you and more! For example, if you watch “trash TV” then “trash” is going to be abundant in your life. Imagine what the Word can do when meditated on. Praise God! His Word is healing and restoring our minds as we hear it right now.
6. Read Proverbs 4:20-23. What phrases do you notice used over and over in the verses we read and throughout the Bible? Examples: “pay attention” aka WAKE UP! Stop drifting through life.
   God’s Word brings “life” and “healing” to the whole body (mind and body)

Connect Group Questions

Week 5

Connect Group Questions

Week Five

1.  Read II Corinthians 4:3-4. Who is the “god of this world“ and how does he attack?
   Satan; he attacks through the mind. The mind is where the spiritual battle is.
2. How do we combat the devil?
   By God’s Word; replacing his deceptive lie with the ultimate and final truth.
3. What is the chain of events described in Philippians 4:6-7?
   Do not worry —> pray —> tell God what you need (He already knows but this is for your sake. Get it off your chest ONCE not 10 times)—> thank Him for all He has done in the past (this reminds us of Gods faithfulness and goodness to always come through for us) —> then you will experience God’s peace —> God will guard your heart and mind
4. Are there any things in your life you need to do this with?
   As Pastor Judy mentioned, this can be your homework this week
5. What stood out to you about the road trip testimony?
6. How can we have “the mind of Christ” as stated in first Corinthians 2:16?
   God’s Word needs to take first president in our lives. What does God say about my situation? Faith begins when the Word of God is known.

Connect Group Questions

Week 6

Connect Group Questions

Week Six

1. Read II Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV. How did Pastor Judy explain this passage?
   -She explained that our war is against the demonic powers of this world and the devil who will try to place strongholds in our minds and imaginations that are negative/worrisome thoughts
2. What is the key to destroying the strongholds and imaginations?
   -We need to bring into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ. You can literally say out loud “No, I reject that thought! You need to bow down in obedience to Christ!“ and then state an applicable Bible verse to reverse your bad thought.
3. How long should we come back our negative thinking with the Word?
   -DO NOT STOP until you get those thoughts of the devil out of your mind. Faith is an action and requires persistence.
4. Read Hebrews 4:12 NLT. What happens when we are in the Word reading in meditating daily?
   -It “exposes our innermost thoughts and desires”, helping us know what area we need to work on.
5. Read Matthew 11:28-30 AMPC. What stands out to you?
6. Read John 13:2 AMPC. What does this tell us about sin? What does it usually begin with?
   -It begins as a thought! So rebuke the devil with the Word, and he shall flee from you. Otherwise, the door is left open for him to kill, steal and destroy. Guard your heart.
7. What part of your life do you want to change your thinking?
   -The challenge from Pastor Judy is to take time to find the Scriptures you need and then renew your mind with them. Make declarations to stay in memorize. Be intentional and you will see results. Gods Word never fails.
8. Everyone turn to Psalms 91 in TPT and speak it out loud together.
   -We should be reading this passage as much as we can for a peaceful mind and confidence that God will protect us.