Focused Thinking and

Creative Thinking

Lesson 2 – THINKING FOR A CHANGE

series

Philippians 4:8

   8Finally, 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.

Unleash the potential of Focused Thinking

The focused thinker establishes priorities , knowing that one person cannot do everything .

Focused thinking can do several things for you.1. Focused thinking harnesses energy toward a

desired goal.

2. Focused thinking gives ideas tome to develop.

3. Focused thinking brings clarity to the target.

4. Focused thinking will take you to the next level.

Discussion

Talk about your response to this statement “ A good idea can become a great idea when it is given focused time”.

How do you determine what matters?1. Identify your priorities in life.

2. Discover your strength.

3. Develop your dream.

Discussion:

What are your priorities for yourself, your family and your team? Do you believe they are God’s priorities for you?

How does a leader stay focused?1. Remove as many distractions as possible.

2. Do first things first – the activities that give the greatest result.

3. Block off time for thinking.

4. Set specific goals.

5. Empower others to keep accountable.

To do well at a few things requires that you give

up doing many things. Consider these principles.

1. I can’t know everyone.

2. I can’t do everything.

3. I can’t go everywhere.

4. I can’t be well-rounded.

Questions to Ask: when deciding whereto

invest your time and energy, ask:

1. Is this consistent with my priorities?

2. Is this within my area of competence?

3. Can someone else do it better?

4. Do I have time to do it?

5. What do my trusted advisors think?

Discussion

Are you willing to give up some things you love in order to focus on what has the greatest impact for God’s kingdom ? What things will you need to give up?

Biblical Case Study : Paul ( Philippians 3:5-14)

5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;   6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.   7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.   8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,   9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:   

Biblical Case Study : Paul ( Philippians 3:5-14)

10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;   11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.   12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.   13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,   14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

What was the secret of Paul?1. He let go of those things that hindered him.

2. His eyes were on the ultimate prize.

3. He pressed forward with single-minded passion.

Biblical Case Study: King Solomon

( Ecclesiastis 2:1-11)1I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.   2I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?   3I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.   4I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:   5I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:   6I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:   7I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: 

Biblical Case Study: King Solomon

( Ecclesiastis 2:1-11)  8I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.   9So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.   10And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.   11Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

What can we learn from Solomon?1. He pursued too many goals in too short of a

time frame.

2. He pursued the wrong goals to reach his desired results.

3. His goals were self-serving.

4. The result was disappointment.

Discussion

How well do you focus your thinking?

Write down your current goals?

Block off specific times in your calendar to focus on ideas and plans for achieving those goals.

Discover the joy of Creative Thinking

The most valuable resource you bring to your ministry is your creativity.

Consider the following characteristics that

creative thinkers have in common:

1. Creative thinkers value idea.

2. Creative thinkers explore options.

3. Creative thinkers don’t fear failure.

4. Creative thinkers are willing to be different.

5. Creative thinkers explore unknown paths .

6. Creative thinkers ask question.

Consider the following characteristics that

creative thinkers have in common:

7. Creative thinkers spend time with other creative people.

8. Creative thinkers avoid negative people.

Discussion

Rate yourself on each of the eight characteristics in the previous list of creative thinkers. Where do you need improvement?

Five Specific Benefits from Creative Thinking:1. Creative thinking adds value to everything

you do.

2. Creative thinking compounds over time.

3. Creative thinking draws people to you.

4. Creative thinking is the key to learning.

5. Creative thinking challenges the status quo.

Why we fail to think creatively?1. An overloaded schedule leaves no time for

thinking.

2. An urgent agenda makes it difficult to slow down and ask questions.

3. A “know it all” attitude does not value the ideas of others.

Discussion

Have you established a system to record your creative ideas?

If you have , I sit working?

If you haven’t , investigate your options and begin a system.

How do you follow up with an idea that you believe has great potential?

Biblical Case Study : Rahab ( Joshua 2:1-21)1. To hide the spies from the king.

2. To secure loan term protection from the city.

3. To the spies escape from their pursuers.

4. To protect help accomplish the of God in Jericho.

5. To accomplish the purpose of God in Jericho

Discussion

Rahab occupied no position and held no official title in the city. This story implies that anyone . Regardless of title and position , can think creatively by those without title or position.

Biblical Case Study: Saul ( Acts 9:23-25)1. They chose to get involved . ( Courage)

2. They decided on a rescue plan ( Creativity)

3. They executed the plan . ( Commitment)

4. They launched Saul (Paul) into a worldwide ministry. ( Compound results)

How to Improve Your Creativity1. Listen to God’s voice.

2. Seek ideas from others.

3. Learn from past experiences.

4. Evaluate all your options.

5. Expand your learning opportunities.

6. Take risks.

Discussion

What are three steps you will take to become a more creative thinker?