When I think about the impact that having a Christian education had on my life, I just can't help but share why I believe it matters. Please read my article at http://www.godfruits.com/10130/why-having-a-christian-education-matters.

1. Thought WarsThought Wars
a Fat her & Son J ourneya Fat her & Son J ourney
A Family Experience

2. Thought
Wars
IntroductionIntroduction
 Problem Statement:
– Have you ever had this happen to you?
– How did we get here?
•Born from sheer frustration
•Pleading with God to help solve this
•Why don’t our children “get it”
•Where is the “User Guide” for the kids?

3. Thought
Wars
How did God answer our prayer?How did God answer our prayer?
 God gives us a variety of support mechanisms:
– The Bible
– Mentors/Teachers/Body of Christ
– Experiences (how we were raised, professional
training, etc.)
– Holy Spirit – revelation, working through us

4. Thought
Wars
What did God impress upon me?What did God impress upon me?
 The “problem” is not necessarily my child.
Kids are incredible imitators
–Look inside my heart
–What’s going on in my mind?
–Focus on God’s ability to change my heart
–Let God work THROUGH me to reach
my kids
–Study the role models God has given in
His Word.

5. Thought
Wars
What does the Bible have to sayWhat does the Bible have to say
 A Father’s call: Eph. 6:4, “Do not provoke your children to
wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the
Lord.”
 A Mentor challenged me, “it all starts with a THOUGHT.”
1 Peter 4:1, “arm yourselves with the same mind.”
 When kids don’t “retain God in their knowledge, God gives
them over to do things which are not fitting….disobedient to
parents.” Rom. 1:30
 Phil. 4:2 “…be of the same mind in the Lord”
 Phil 2:5 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ
Jesus”

6. Thought
Wars
Why did the Holy Spirit impressWhy did the Holy Spirit impress
upon meupon me “ThoughtWars”“ThoughtWars”
 I don’t know, He just did…
Spiritual Warfare – Eph 6:12
Spiritual Protection – Eph 6:13

7. Thought
Wars
What do we know about how ourWhat do we know about how our
minds actually work?minds actually work?
 What causes someone to make the right decision,
and others can’t?
 What is the “Process” going on in our minds?
 What tools do we have available to take on the
“whole/full armor of Christ?”

8. Thought
Wars
The Basic Mind ProcessThe Basic Mind Process
Inputs Thoughts & Beliefs Feelings & Emotions Decisions & Actions Outcomes

9. Thought
Wars
Scriptural basis of ThoughtsScriptural basis of Thoughts
 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will
be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good,
pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
 “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory,
are being transformed into his likeness with ever­
increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the
Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
 “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your
father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a
willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and
understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek
him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will
reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9

10. Thought
Wars
Scriptural basis of ThoughtsScriptural basis of Thoughts
 “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day
have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph
over me?” Psalm 13:2
 “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except
the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the
thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians
2:11
 “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling,
fix your thoughts on Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1
 “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.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

11. Thought
Wars
Music
Books
Games
Movies
Friends
Music
Books
Games
Movies
Friends
Thoughts & Beliefs
Feelings & Emotions
Decisions & Actions Actions/Decisions
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Thoughts & Beliefs
Feelings & Emotions
Decisions & Actions
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STOP
Godly
Inputs
Worldly
Inputs
God Wants The Following for ME:
Example:___________________________________
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Satan Wants The Following for ME:
Example:___________________________________
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Put on the WHOLE Armor of Christ
Unprotected