Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola discuss the importance of thoughts and how thinking affects the body, emotions, and spiritual life. They explain that both science and Scripture reveal that our internal dialogue influences healing, peace, joy, and even physical health. The pastors encourage believers to focus their minds on God’s truth, righteousness, joy, and identity in Christ rather than fear, pain, or negativity. They also emphasize that this is not about guilt or condemnation, but about learning to live in the fullness of the life God intended.
Bible verses referenced
Proverbs 17:22- “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Philippians 4:8- “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:13- “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Romans 8:37- “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Hebrews 12:2- “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Romans 8:11- “But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
John 19:26-27- “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”
Luke 23:43- “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and the Importance of Thoughts
- Thoughts Affect the Body and Mind
- Biblical Truth About Thoughts and the Heart
- Training the Mind Through the Holy Spirit
- Jesus and Paul as Examples of Overcoming Through Thought
- Rejoicing and Focusing on Joy
- Fixing Thoughts on God’s Truth and Righteousness
- Renewing the Mind and Rejecting Wrong Teaching
- Final Encouragement and Thanksgiving
Introduction and the Importance of Thoughts
Pastors Leonard and Lori begin the teaching with encouragement and joy, reminding believers that Christianity should be filled with life and enjoyment. Pastor Leonard references a previous message honoring women, wives, and mothers, and affectionately calls Lori his “Wonder Woman.” They stress that believers should not live miserable Christian lives but should walk in joy and victory. Pastor Lori transitions into the topic of thoughts, explaining that thinking is continuous throughout the day and even while sleeping. She notes that the Bible contains many references to thoughts, thinking, and the heart.
She explains that thoughts are extremely important because they influence daily living, emotions, and even how believers hear from God. Pastor Lori states that the Lord can speak through thoughts and inward impressions. She also emphasizes that the “heart” often refers to the inward thought life, including the mind, will, and emotions.
Thoughts Affect the Body and Mind
Pastor Lori shares several scientific observations regarding thoughts and the body. She explains that the body cannot distinguish between imagined thoughts and reality. According to her explanation, internal dialogue becomes a form of biological programming that influences inflammation, hormones, immune response, and pain reception. Negative inner dialogue can trigger stress responses, while calm and affirming thoughts can help activate healing responses within the body.
She illustrates this with a practical example of burning herself while cooking. When she focused on the burn and thought repeatedly about the pain, the pain intensified. However, when she became distracted with making dinner and focused elsewhere, the pain diminished significantly. Once she remembered the burn again, the pain returned to the forefront of her awareness. This example is used to demonstrate how attention and thoughts can amplify or diminish experiences.
Pastor Lori then connects these ideas to Scripture, explaining that God revealed these truths long before modern science.
Proverbs 17:22- “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
She explains that a joyful inward life affects the body positively, while brokenness negatively impacts physical and emotional well-being.
Biblical Truth About Thoughts and the Heart
The pastors continue by emphasizing that God desires believers to live victoriously by learning to think correctly. Pastor Lori states that believers are righteous and made in God’s likeness, and God wants them to live according to that identity rather than according to fear, defeat, or negativity.
Pastor Leonard interrupts to emphasize that changing thought patterns is not necessarily easy, but it becomes easier with practice and spiritual growth. He explains that the soul can be trained through repetition and through dependence on the Holy Spirit. He reminds listeners that the Spirit of God actively helps believers renew their minds and overcome destructive thought patterns.
Romans 8:11- “But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Pastor Leonard explains that believers are not left alone in this process because the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside them and strengthens them daily.
Training the Mind Through the Holy Spirit
Pastor Leonard discusses the apostle Paul and the immense suffering Paul endured. He references the beatings, stonings, and persecutions Paul faced and asks listeners to consider how Paul managed to continue victoriously despite severe pain and opposition. He explains that Paul overcame through his thinking and through his confidence in Christ.
Philippians 4:13- “I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.”
Romans 8:37- “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” —
Pastor Leonard explains that Paul focused on spiritual truth rather than on pain and suffering. He also shares that he is still growing on this journey and has not “arrived,” but he is moving in the right direction and finding that focusing his thoughts properly is changing the direction of his life.
The pastors strongly emphasize that this message is not about guilt, shame, or condemnation. Instead, it is an invitation to walk with the Holy Spirit into the abundant life God desires for His children
Jesus and Paul as Examples of Overcoming Through Thought
Pastor Leonard then reflects on Jesus during the crucifixion. He notes that Scripture records Jesus speaking words of love, forgiveness, and purpose, but not complaining about His pain despite enduring unimaginable suffering. He references Jesus speaking to John and His mother:
John 19:26-27- “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”
He also references Jesus speaking to the thief on the cross:
Luke 23:43- “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Pastor Leonard describes the physical agony Jesus endured: the crown of thorns, the whipping, the beard being ripped out, and the nails driven into His hands and feet. Yet Jesus did not publicly focus on His pain. Instead, Leonard points to the verse describing how Jesus endured through joy.
Hebrews 12:2- “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Pastor Leonard explains that Jesus focused on the joy set before Him rather than the suffering surrounding Him. He encourages believers to rejoice in their salvation, relationships, family, friendships, and identity in God.
Rejoicing and Focusing on Joy
Pastor Lori continues by explaining that joy is not a luxury but a necessary way of living for believers. She says joy begins inwardly and starts as a choice within the heart and mind. Thoughts must intentionally be directed toward good and godly things.
She then references Paul’s teaching about proper thinking:
Philippians 4:8- “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Pastor Lori paraphrases additional translations, emphasizing fixing thoughts on things that are authentic, honorable, beautiful, pure, merciful, and praiseworthy. She explains that believers should continually fasten their thoughts onto God’s goodness and glorious works.
Fixing Thoughts on God’s Truth and Righteousness
Pastor Lori emphasizes the importance of becoming overwhelmed with God’s opinion rather than human opinion. She encourages believers to acquaint themselves with the revelation of righteousness and recognize God’s likeness within them. According to her teaching, transformed thinking changes life itself.
She encourages listeners to meditate on their identity in Christ, focusing on truth, goodness, purity, loveliness, and God’s love. She also references the biblical imagery of the vine and branches, explaining that God’s life, healing, love, and joy continually flow into believers through union with Christ.
Renewing the Mind and Rejecting Wrong Teaching
Pastor Leonard then shares deeply personal reflections about healing and the importance of renewing the mind. He states that much healing may require believers to forget harmful teachings and opinions of men that contradict the true gospel. He explains that his own mind had once been filled with human opinions rather than the truth of God’s Word.
He shares a testimony about surviving cancer after being told he only had six months to live. Leonard explains that part of his healing journey involved removing himself from environments where he was not hearing the pure gospel of Jesus Christ without mixture. He expresses gratitude for discovering deeper truths of grace and righteousness and says he now carefully guards his mind, ears, and eyes concerning what he allows into his life.
The pastors emphasize their desire not only to experience God’s fullness personally but also to see others walk in that same fullness and freedom.
Final Encouragement and Thanksgiving
The message concludes with heartfelt gratitude toward viewers and supporters of the ministry. Pastor Leonard thanks listeners for their letters, cards, encouragement, financial support, and prayers. He specifically acknowledges people who send encouraging artwork and messages that bless both him and others.
The pastors explain that ministry support helps continue spreading the gospel and describe supporters as “God’s hands extended.” They mention multiple ways viewers can give and support the ministry, including online methods and mailing options. The message ends warmly as they thank viewers again and look forward to seeing them at the next teaching.
We hope this article blessed you and encouraged you to guard your thoughts, rejoice in the goodness of God, and meditate on your identity in Christ. Share this teaching with others who may need encouragement, healing, peace, and a renewed mind rooted in the truth of God’s grace and love.