5. Matthew 6: 25-34 talks about “worry” six times and concludes with “seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” To stop worrying and start living you need to get your priorities right with God first in your life.

7. Luke 21:19 “Stand firm, and you will win life.” We are responsible for getting ourselves under control by mastering our emotions and actions. Like the Marshmallow Test affirms, we need to delay gratification, control our impulses and as the Bible directs as disciples we need self –discipline.

9. To help us “Stand firm and you will win life” we called in Navy Admiral McRaven who told us “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” Gal. 5:22-23 lays the foundation of the fruit of the Spirit as “self-control.” Paul warned us in I Corinthians 9: 24- 27 not to end up disqualified because we lack self-control.

11. Romans 12:1-2 taught renewal of the mind or neuroplasticity; your brain can physically rewire in response to demand. But change requires consistency as Galatians 6:9 says “May we never tire of doing what is good and right before our Lord because in His season we shall bring in a great harvest if we can just persist.”

13. 2 Cor. 10:4-5 called us to “…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” Like Brillo for the Brain we need to get our thoughts under control. We must live by faith NOT by our feelings. Feelings are deceptive but God’s Word is always stable, true and effective. So, choose God and His Word as your authority.

14.  1. Putting God first in your life.  2. Winning life by controlling your emotions and actions.  3. Mastering life by building self- control  4. Building for the future by being consistent in the present.  5. Following God’s Word instead of your feelings…

17.  Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two- edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

18.  Matt. 4:4 Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.  Since the Bible contains power and is essential for life we should take it in daily.

19.  Couples devotions –Eph. 5:25-33  1.Husband cuddles the wife.  2.Husband reads devotional.  3.Husband prays out loud for his wife.  4.Wife prays out loud for her husband.

20.  Wives report that when devotions are done this way they feel...  1. Loved.2. Important. 3. Like they are a priority. 4. Secure. 5. Clean. 6. Peaceful. 7. Turned on. 8. Respect for their husband. 9. Feel better about the relationship. 10. Feel closer.