Think Well – Live Well | Week 3 | Cares of The World Series

^33b …In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  ~ John 16:33b NIV

^33a “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. ~ John 16:33a NIV

Cares of the World ~ When the World becomes more than you can bear

“Think Well — Live Well” ~ How God’s Word & Your Brain can come into agreement for Transformation

What you think shapes who you are. Every thought is like a seed planted in the garden of your mind — if you dwell on fear, shame, or lies, you’ll harvest things like stress and regret and even sickness.

But if you choose God’s truth, replace the lies and toxic patterns by meditating on His Word, and then act on it, our lives can bear fruit that reflects His love, power, and purpose

Biblical Meaning

• Scripture repeatedly connects the mind and the heart with behavior
  • Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinks in his heart, so is he….
  • Romans 12:2a And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…
• “Think Well” refers to thinking according to God’s truth, the kind of thoughts Paul describes in Philippians 4:8
• “Live Well” is the natural outflow: when your thoughts are aligned with God’s Word, your actions, decisions, and character reflect that truth.

Psychological / Neuroscience Meaning

• Thoughts create neural pathways in the brain. The repeated thinking physically wires your brai, for the good or the bad.
• Toxic, fearful, or self-condemning thoughts actually form negative structure inside the brain that reinforce destructive behavior.
• Positive, truth-based thoughts can rewire the brain, creating positive structure and re-growing healthy neural pathways for empowered living.
• In essence: We all “Live Out” whatever we repeatedly “Think About”

Reference:  Dr. Caroline Leaf: Switch on Your Brain 

The Problem: Toxic Thinking/Toxic Living

• Dr. Leaf’s research shows 75–98% of all mental & physical illness comes from thought life, not genetics or circumstances.
• Illustration: Brain scans — toxic thoughts literally appear as dark, thorn-like clusters.
• Biblical Link: Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinks in his heart, so is he….
• Sin starts with distorted thinking pattens-Satan exploits that distortion (John 8:44b …for he is a liar and the father of lies.).

God’s Filter for a Healthy Brain & Spirit

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 and sisters, 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 NIV

Paul gives 8 “filters” — How to determine what thoughts are trash or truth

1. True — Does this thought match God’s Word?
2. Noble — Is this thought noble or degrading?
3. Right— Does this align with God’s righteousness?
4. Pure — Is it free from moral corruption?
5. Lovely — Is it beautiful in a godly sense, not ugly or destructive?
6. Admirable — Would I be proud if others knew I thought this?
7. Excellent — Does this strengthen my moral character?
8. Praiseworthy— Does this glorify God?

Reference:  Dr. Caroline Leaf: Switch on Your Brain 

How to Apply the Filter: Dr. Leaf’s 5 Steps “Neuro Cycle” –“Cleaning up your Mental Mess”

• Gather Awareness – Catch the Thought
  • Biblical: “Be sober-minded, be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8).
  • Notice physical & emotional warning signals: tension, anxiety, shame.

• Reflect – Ask Why It’s There
  • Biblical: Psalm 139:23 — “Search me, O God.”
  • Ask: Where did this thought come from? Is it true or a lie?

• Write – Externalize It
  • Biblical: Habakkuk 2:2 — “Write the vision…”
  • Writing helps the brain objectify the thought, breaking emotional dominance.

• Recheck – Replace & Reframe
  • Biblical: 2 Corinthians 10:5 —Take it captive, replace with God’s truth.

• Active Reach – Do Something With It
  • Biblical: James 1:22 — “Be doers of the Word…”
  • Act on the new thought immediately — speak life, take a faith step

Call to Action

• Your brain is not fixed. Your spirit is not doomed. In Christ you can Think Well –Live Well.
• The Holy Spirit + God’s Word is the ultimate brain healing system.
• Imagine what your life would be like living one year with every toxic thought filtered and replaced.

Words of Knowledge

We believe there is someone suffering with an infected ingrown toenail that is not healing correctly, and the Lord wants to heal you today.

We believe the Lord wants to heal someone suffering with pain in their left hip.

We believe the Lord wants to heal someone suffering with sciatica pain.

We believe the Lord wants to heal someone with severe pain in their right hand, specifically in the pointer finger.