How Joyful People Think
8 Ways of Thinking That Lead to a Better Life
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About
The secret to getting the most out of life is within your reach
Two people can face the same type of adversity and have two vastly different reactions, even when they have the same background and worldview. What makes the difference? Perspective--the way they think about things. Right thinking matters, and thankfully it's something we all can learn to do.
In this insightful unpacking of Philippians 4:8, pastor Jamie Rasmussen shows you how to focus your thoughts and attention on the things in life God has declared will make a meaningful impact on both your outlook and experience. It's the kind of thinking that has the power to change us, pointing us away from self-pity, anger, and resentment toward contentment and personal peace.
"I finished my reading of this book more aware that God is wonderfully helpful in ways that matter--that he is faithfully reliable, always committed to doing me good, and leading me in his sometimes inscrutable fashion toward everything I was created to enjoy."--from the foreword by Dr. Larry Crabb, author of A Different Kind of Happiness
"Peace is a lot to expect from reading a book. But it's here--a livable, biblical path laid out in a single verse that Jamie Rasmussen masterfully shows can help us settle for nothing less than genuine peace and joy."--John Trent, PhD, Gary Chapman Chair of Marriage and Family Ministry and Therapy, Moody Theological Seminary; president of StrongFamilies.com; author of The Blessing and The Language of Love
"Jamie Rasmussen unpacks the meaning of eight seemingly abstract biblical words that the Bible uses to recalibrate our instinctive, habitual patterns of thought. Everyone who reads this book will be challenged to think in more God-centered, Christ-like, Spirit-empowered ways!"--Wayne Grudem, PhD, research professor of theology and biblical studies, Phoenix Seminary, Scottsdale, AZ
Jamie Rasmussen (MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the senior pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church, which is regularly listed on Outreach magazine's Top 100 list in both size and speed of growth for the past ten years. He has been an ordained pastor for more than twenty-five years and lives in Arizona.
Endorsements
"I finished my reading of this book more aware that God is wonderfully helpful in ways that matter--that he is faithfully reliable, always committed to doing me good, and that he is unfailingly involved, leading me in his sometimes inscrutable fashion toward everything I was created to enjoy."
Dr. Larry Crabb, author of A Different Kind of Happiness
"I finished my reading of this book more aware that God is wonderfully helpful in ways that matter; that he is faithfully reliable, always committed to doing me good; and that he is unfailingly involved, leading me in his sometimes inscrutable fashion toward everything I was created to enjoy."
From the foreword by Dr. Larry Crabb, author of A Different Kind of Happiness
"Peace is a lot to expect from reading a book. But I've read this book cover to cover. It's here--a livable, biblical path laid out in a single verse that Jamie Rasmussen masterfully shows can help us settle for nothing less than genuine peace and joy. Let an outstanding pastor/theologian/leader point out a new way of thinking, which I needed to see and can change how you view and enjoy life as well. It is an 'I get this!' way of living and loving like Jesus that our hearts are desperate for. Our families need to see it in us, and a broken world longs for us to reflect it to them. Read this book!"
John Trent, PhD, Gary Chapman Chair of Marriage and Family Ministry and Therapy, Moody Theological Seminary; president of StrongFamilies.com; author of The Blessing and The Language of Love
"Jamie Rasmussen uses thoughtful word studies and practical, real-life examples as he unpacks the meaning of eight seemingly abstract biblical words that the Bible uses to recalibrate our instinctive, habitual patterns of thought. Everyone who reads this book will be challenged to think in more God-centered, Christ-like, Spirit-empowered ways!"
Wayne Grudem, PhD, research professor of theology and biblical studies, Phoenix Seminary, Scottsdale, AZ
"I can't possibly read all the good Christian books that are published each year, but I do my best to read the great ones. This is one of them. It's great because it's a game changer. If you'd like internal joy to play more of a defining role in your daily life, Rasmussen's book shows you how to make that happen."
Dr. Tim Kimmel, author of Grace Based Parenting and Grace Filled Marriage
"For all the advice we have gotten about how to have a joyful life, Jamie has finally gotten to the core of the issue. True joy emerges not from our emotions or even our circumstances but rather from how we think! And given the fact that we can't control our emotions or our circumstances, realizing that we can control how we think is the first liberating step toward living joyfully. So what do you think? Follow Jamie's advice as he leads you on a thoughtful journey toward upbeat perspectives that bear the fruit of joy."
Joe Stowell, president of Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI
"First, let me begin by saying I have known some very joyful people in the decades of my Christian experience--but none quite like Jamie Rasmussen! His very countenance is the embodiment of joy, and the words flowing from his heart in this volume have been beaten out on the anvil of personal experience. You will not be the same after reading and putting into practice the principles of this amazing and joy-filled book. Read it and reap!"
Dr. O. S. Hawkins, president and CEO of GuideStone Financial Resources; author of the bestselling Code series books
"Amid the clamor and noise of creeping secular psychology, How Joyful People Think is boldly and biblically refreshing! It is not philosophy; it is the promise of God to those who live his principles and indeed are joy filled. Jamie Rasmussen takes a deep dive into the patterns of our living that will change how others view us and thus our Lord. An important read."
Naomi Rhode, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame; cofounder of SmartPractice
"This book will guide you toward experiencing one of God's most profound promises--God's presence brings a joy that is even beyond his blessings."
Bill Thrall, mentor, Trueface Ministries
"Jamie Rasmussen draws on his extensive pastoral experience and deep meditation on Philippians 4:8 to encourage us to think the way God wants us to think. In a world in which our values and thinking patterns are often wrongly defined, this book challenges us to focus on God and the things he commends. It's not only the right thing to do but is also the sure path to God's blessing. I found this book very encouraging. It contains insights I want to tell others about."
Peter J. Williams, principal of Tyndale House, Cambridge
"So often in the Christian life, it is easy to let earthly trials rob us of the joy that is found in Christ. In How Joyful People Think, Jamie Rasmussen reminds us that the purpose of the Christian life is not to avoid or overcome suffering so as to reach temporal happiness but to unite ourselves with Christ in his suffering and glory. By doing so, Jamie provides a blueprint for how we can have a robustly Christian internal life that presents a cohesive witness to the world."
Alan Sears, founder of Alliance Defending Freedom
"Reading Jamie Rasmussen's book How Joyful People Think is a shot of joy itself, alongside a good dose of salty wisdom. Do you ever struggle with your temper? Your self-control? Your self-pity? In other words, are you human? Then read this book for a humorous, self-effacing, and biblically insightful battle plan. The Bible tells us that 'the way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn' (Prov. 4:18). This book shows you the way."
Greg Pritchard, PhD, director of European Leadership Forum; president of Forum of Christian Leaders
The Author
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Jamie Rasmussen
Jamie Rasmussen (MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the senior pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church, which is regularly listed on Outreach magazine's Top 100 list in both size and speed of growth for the past ten years. He has been an ordained...
Continue reading about Jamie Rasmussen