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No more waiting and hoping—Experience 4:8 thinking right now!
Drawing on the core message of the New York Times bestselling The 4:8 Principle, 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life is a fun and highly practical action plan providing readers with time-tested strategies and exercises for experiencing joy by design—God’s design. Fans of The 4:8 Principle will love the fresh format and timeless reinforcements offered in 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life, while new readers will be introduced to the life-changing power of The 4:8 Principle for the first time! All readers will benefit from the uniquely packaged inspiration and encouragement delivered in bite-size chunks for easy consumption and in a “sticky” style custom-made for easy retention and long-lasting joy. Tyndale House Publishers
THINK THIS, NOT THAT The Joy of Free Will
A HEALTHY BODY produces energy. Likewise, a healthy mind produces joy. This is not an accident. If you want to experience vibrant health and abundant energy, it is essential that you consume certain foods and drinks and refrain from consuming others. The same is true if you want to lose weight or put more muscle on your frame. You have to say yes to the foods that lead you toward your goal and no to those that lead you away. Very simply, you need to eat this, not that. And while, for the most part, this is now considered common sense, it is not always common practice for those desiring to reshape their physical bodies or increase their energy levels.
Progress toward joy begins the same way, with a firm decision to cut back on joy-reducing thoughts and increase joy-producing thoughts. In short, you have to change your mental diet. You have to think this, not that. After all, joy is the sum and substance of emotional health.
Many well-meaning individuals desire to be leaner or more energetic but then continue to indulge in a diet and lifestyle that takes them in the opposite direction. Consequently, they do not reach their goal. Many with the goal of increased joy run into the same predicament: they keep consuming a mental diet mismatched with their goal. In both instances, there is a major disconnect between desired objectives and daily behavior.
Joy is a state of mind that must be purposely cultivated if you are to live and love and influence others as God intended. Fortunately, joy does not depend on the outer conditions of your material life, but rather on the inner condition of your mental life. Joy is the result of something strikingly simple, though not necessarily easy: consistently thinking joy-producing thoughts.
Is this within your grasp? Is it even possible for anyone to accomplish? Before you answer, let me remind you that few endeavors worth pursuing come easily to anyone, and the attainment of a joy-filled spirit is no exception. There are risks in shooting for this gold standard of faith in action. There is a high price to be paid, and it must be paid in advance. Certain comfort thoughts will need to be relinquished. Counterproductive habits will need to be abandoned. Tenured excuses must be surrendered.
Since you are free to choose what you think about, and you have billions of options, what specific thoughts should you increase to become joy filled? What specific thoughts should you decrease? What kinds of thoughts will distress your soul? What types of thoughts will nourish and hydrate your soul?
At any given moment we can consciously choose to
think excellent thoughts, not mediocre thoughts;
think focused thoughts, not scattered thoughts;
think fresh, exciting thoughts, not stale, boring thoughts;
think compassionate thoughts, not harsh thoughts;
think innovative thoughts, not common thoughts;
think loving thoughts, not indifferent thoughts;
think energetic thoughts, not exhausted thoughts;
think constructive thoughts, not destructive thoughts;
think helpful thoughts, not hurtful thoughts;
think successful thoughts, not failure thoughts;
think faith thoughts, not fear thoughts;
think fit thoughts, not fat thoughts;
think bold thoughts, not comfort thoughts;
think opportunity thoughts, not security thoughts;
think giving thoughts, not getting thoughts;
think serving thoughts, not self-centered thoughts;
think grateful thoughts, not entitled thoughts;
think abundant thoughts, not lacking thoughts;
think responsible thoughts, not irresponsible thoughts;
think reconciliation thoughts, not retaliation thoughts;
think principled thoughts, not popular thoughts;
think positive thoughts, not negative thoughts;
think thoughts of victory, not thoughts of defeat; or
think about the promises of God, not the problems of this world.
Think about what you want, not what you don't want. Why is this required for joy-filled living? Very simply stated, we tend to bring about what we think about. As King Solomon counseled, "As [a person] thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV).
Building on Solomon's wisdom, James Allen wrote that "the outer world of circumstance shapes itself to the inner world of thought, and both pleasant and unpleasant external conditions are factors which make for the ultimate good of the individual. As the reaper of his own harvest, man learns both by suffering and bliss."
It is my intention that during this forty-day regimen, you will start experiencing more of the bliss that is called joy-filled living. Starting today, release the need to hang on to thoughts that haven't worked well for you.
It is true that we can think this, not that!
ACTIVATE 4:8
Drill #1
Think about the person you intend to become. Then on the following page, identify a few specific thoughts that are incompatible (Not That column) with that vision. In the left-hand column, identify a handful of thoughts that are compatible (Think This column) and helpful. At the bottom, write a short sentence indicating your commitment to improve your thinking.
The Extra Mile
Invite a trusted friend to participate with you over the next forty days. Send a brief e-mail to each other before midnight every day sharing what you deem the most valuable concept or "aha moment" from that day's lesson. If possible, talk about the experience once per week by phone or over a cup of coffee.
Make It Stick: Thought of the Day
I am free t to choose my thoughts.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the freedom to select my thoughts. Today, nudge me to think the right thoughts all day long. Amen.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from 40 DAYS to a Joy-Filled Life by TOMMY NEWBERRY Copyright © 2012 by Tommy Newberry. Excerpted by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Anonymous
Posted October 9, 2012
This isn't a sample, it's the table of contents and the introduction. I wish they would start giving us a true sample from the book. I would not buy anything based on seeing these pages.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Ginger_Wade
Posted November 7, 2012
The 4:8 Principle and its sequel 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life by Tommy Newberry are truly a package deal. Through I am still working through my 40 Days, I am so thankful to use them together in my study.
The author's approach to teaching and coaching is something to appreciate as the 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life is a journey that requires you do your homework. I have taken my time through these lessons and have gained much truth to arm me with the strength to choose joy and set my thoughts towards what is praiseworthy and not of fear.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things arejust, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8, NKJV
I love that Newberry refers to joy as "proactive happiness" in chapter one of The 4:8 Principle (5). For me, this implies and active faith in spite of myself. One might look at The 4:8 Principle as the textbook and 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life as its accompanying notebook to journal your progress. Each book prompts further thought at the close of each chapter or day helping you to directly apply what you've read.
You'll want to take this journey slowly so you don't miss joy as you pass through the pages. Application is key, especially when working through the drills following each of the 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life.
Through this combination study, I have begun to craft my mission statement and write the vision for my future (The 4:8 Principle, Chapter 3). This has proved timely in both my personal writing and application of financial wisdom to our household.
In fact, as I close the book on The 4:8 Principle I am embracing steps seven and eight of Newberry's "Eight Steps to Fortifying Your Self-Concept" (Chapter 4) by dwelling on the person God wants me to become and acting with joy now.
Though I am marking through the pages in my journal, I know there is still much work to be done. I know I will be referring back to what I have learned as I complete my 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life.
[. . .] you will only receive what, deep down, you feel you are worthy of having" The 4:8 Principle (65).
These books have confirmed Hebrews 11:1 faith and reenforced the teaching of Ann Voskamp and the counting of gifts. It seems one cannot escape this process in seeking joy. So today I continue, one lesson at a time.
* This review is on behalf of Tyndale House Publishers who provided a complimentary copy of this book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 4, 2012
As a self-admitted lover of all things "self-help" or "personal improvement" I found this book to be everything I could hope for. I know that's a big claim, but there's not much else to say. It's cutting edge with it's science and psychology and it's biblical to boot. Sure, that might turn off some of you. But if you're looking for results, and wanting to feel the passion, happiness and finally the joy of life that has thus far escaped you, you honestly can't go wrong with this newest release from Tommy.
The book is about a journey to delve into who we are and how we work in our minds, thought lives and what we can do about changing our experiences so that we can have the joy we know is there waiting for us. The book is truly easy reading, but deep and profound in principal. I found it to be very insightful and best of all, easily applicable to my life. That's quite a combo you can't say for say many other books that are "woo-woo" or out there.
I've told others that this book replaces so many of the self-help classics on my bookshelf for good reason - it works. Yes, you have to work the plan to have it work for you, but it's truly homework you'll be in love with. It gets my highest recommendation. I'm excited for the changes I'll experience as I go through this book again, and slower. My wife and I plan to go through it together, and I hope it blesses you like I know it will us. Pick it up and read it. You'll be glad you did.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.alfowler
Posted October 4, 2012
If you would like a practical book that will help you learn to trade worry, fear, resentment and other negative emotions for joy, you should read this book! It's practical and grounded in solid principles that will help you understand and harness the power of your mind in a positive way. Tommy has captured these principles from Philippians 4:8, other biblical passages and research to provide a roadmap toward real change. Instead of trying to change outward symptoms, this book will help you change your thinking so that you can experience real, lasting change in most every area of life. I will recommend this to all my friends and give several for Christmas gifts this year.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is an awesome daily devotional. There are 2-3 pages for each day's topic.
There are 2-3 pages for each day’s topic.
The exercises allow you to tweak due to your specific needs.
I really enjoyed the thoughts for the day and simple prayers that close out the devotion.
Isn’t it nice to look at things from a difference perspective?
Many prompts in this book nudge the reader into alternative ways of looking at things.
That’s a good thing when we tend to focus on negative thoughts or events.
Positive thinking not only changes moods – but outcomes as well.
Making it a habit to greet the morning with the practical and inspirational devotions
will certainly uplift the reader. What it all boils down to is—to change our thoughts is to change our life.
The chapters are short, but the impact on the day is immense.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anythingpraiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8, NKJV
Anonymous
Posted February 1, 2013
A excellent daily encouragement to lead your mind to a happy, healthy and peaceful place.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 2, 2012
A life changing book--giving you a different outlook for your life. I have already sent this book to several friends and using it for ladies Bible study.
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Posted October 27, 2012
Your life can be transformed with this book!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.FeB13
Posted October 2, 2012
This is a fantastic follow-up to The 4:8 Principle! If you're looking for motivation to begin anew in your life,or need a boost to get back on track to a better "you" this is the book. The tasks to complete everyday keeps you focused on creating a joy-filled journey of life for years to come, and the short chapters make it possible for anybody with a crazy schedule to take a moment and improve their normal everyday.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 24, 2012
“40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life” is spectacular! This book will change your life and help you identify ways to start living a more positive and joyful life NOW! The author captures the reader by engaging him/her in soul searching questions and exercises that WILL inspire change. Unlike any other book I’ve read, the ideas expressed in this book are attainable and leave you wanting more. If you struggle understanding why you aren’t in a “happier” place, what your life purpose is or why your relationships aren't where you want them, then I highly encourage you to read this book! You will think differently and stronger if you do just one of the suggestions presented! I can only imagine how much JOY I will have when I tackle them all! Thank you Tommy for this game changer!
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Posted April 7, 2013
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Posted October 4, 2012
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Posted October 19, 2012
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Posted October 2, 2012
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Posted October 4, 2012
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Posted October 2, 2012
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Overview
No more waiting and hoping—Experience 4:8 thinking right now!
Drawing on the core message of the New York Times bestselling The 4:8 Principle, 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life is a fun and highly practical action plan providing readers with time-tested strategies and exercises for experiencing joy by design—God’s design. Fans of The 4:8 Principle will love the fresh format and timeless reinforcements offered in 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life, while new readers will be introduced to ...