Decision-Making Mechanics Key to Transformational Living and Sermon Application By Karl Benzio, MD

Karl’s Story Why did I become a psychiatrist? Copyright Lighthouse Network

Karl’s First Beer Copyright Lighthouse Network

Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? Why did Jesus say He came?

Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? Start a Behavioral Health Revolution!

Isaiah 61:1-3 The Lord God has put his Spirit in me, because the Lord has ·appointed [anointed] me to ·tell [bring] the good news to the poor. He has sent me to ·comfort [bind up] those whose hearts are broken, to tell the captives they are free, and to tell the prisoners they are released. He has sent me to announce the ·time when the Lord will show his kindness [year of the Lord’s favor; C an allusion to the Year of Jubilee; Lev. 25:10; Luke 4:18–19] and the ·time when our God will punish evil people [L day of vengeance of our God]. He has sent me to comfort all those who ·are sad [mourn] and to help the ·sorrowing [mourning] people of ·Jerusalem [L Zion; C location of the Temple; 59:20]. I will give them a ·crown [garland; headdress] to replace their ashes, and the oil of ·gladness [joy] to replace their ·sorrow [mourning], and ·clothes [a garment] of praise to replace their ·spirit of sadness [discouragement; heavy heart]. Copyright Lighthouse Network

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Copyright Lighthouse Network

Luke 5:30b … “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” [Tax collectors were despised because they worked for the Roman rulers and were notorious for corruption and extortion.] 31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to ·invite [call] ·good people [the righteous; meaning the “self-righteous” who feel no need to repent] but sinners to ·change their hearts and lives [repentance].” Copyright Lighthouse Network

Luke 5: When Jesus was in one of the towns, there was a man covered with ·a skin disease [T leprosy; C the term does not refer to modern leprosy (Hansen’s disease), but to various skin disorders; see Lev. 14]. When he saw Jesus, he ·bowed [L fell on his face] before him and ·begged [implored] him, “Lord, you can ·heal me [L make me clean; C such skin disorders rendered the victim ceremonially unclean] if you ·will [choose; are willing].” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man and said, “I ·will [do choose; am willing]. Be ·healed [L cleansed]!” Immediately the disease ·disappeared [left him]. Copyright Lighthouse Network

Matthew 13:14-15 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: – “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” – For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ Copyright Lighthouse Network

Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? Start a Behavioral Health Revolution!

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Copyright Lighthouse Network12

Copyright Lighthouse Network13

Copyright Lighthouse Network14

Statistics – Addictions are the #1 killer from diseases or accidents caused by alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, addictive eating, and addictive medications – Suicide is the #3 killer in the U.S. when adding all the unreported and passive suicides – 46.4% lifetime prevalence of a major Behavioral Health issue – 39.4% having Mental Illness – 14.6% having Substance Abuse Disorders – 47% this year will have a substance or process(behavior like gambling, shopping, internet, etc) addiction – this doesn't include caffeine or pornography, the most widely addicting chemical and behavior in the U.S. and world – 61% have lifetime prevalence of a intermediate BH issue impacting their functioning – Biblically, we are all addicts, broken, weak Copyright Lighthouse Network

Addiction Statistics Lifetime – not counting abuse Etoh = 13 Illegal Drugs = 8 MJ = 7.5 HS Sr 36%(yr) 23%(mth) 6.5% (daily) Prescription Meds = 6 Nicotine = 21 Caffeine = 32 Shopping = 6 Gambling = 1.5 Porn = 8(M), 3(F) Work = ? Control = ? Comfort = 100% Copyright Lighthouse Network

Addiction Definition Copyright Lighthouse Network

HELP! I prayed, took meds, and love my mother! I’m DYING Psychological Defect- Tell me about your mother! Sin- Have more Faith! Disease- Take your MEDS! Copyright Lighthouse Network

Man’s Biggest Obstacle? Psychological/Psychiatric No Brain Transplant

Luke 8:21 Jesus answered them, “My mother and my brothers [or brothers and sisters] are those who listen to God’s ·teaching [word] and obey [do; practice] it!” Copyright Lighthouse Network

Luke 10: Then an expert on the law stood up to test Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to ·get life forever [ L inherit eternal life]?” 26 Jesus said, “What is written in the law? ·What do you read there [or How do you interpret it]?” 27 The man answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. Also, Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 28 Jesus said to him, “Your answer is right. Do this and you will live.” Copyright Lighthouse Network

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Copyright Lighthouse Network

I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Copyright Lighthouse Network

Man’s Biggest Obstacle When an athlete chokes Peter’s Denial of Christ Peter walking on water, then sinking Baggage, Distorted Lenses and Poor Emotional Management Life is 100% Mental Copyright Lighthouse Network

Darwin and Freud Faith: the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Science: Hard Data, Measurables Definitions Collide Do they work together? Copyright Lighthouse Network26

Benzio’s ‘Science’ is: The study of what God made Understanding how He designed it to work Learning how to maximally steward it for God’s glory and our abundant living Copyright Lighthouse Network27

God’s Great Gifts Mind/Heart Free Will: Decision Making Copyright Lighthouse Network28 Science is a tool. So let’s not ignore science. Science is a tool. So let’s not ignore science.

Psychiatric Science Bridge between Biblical Truth and Biblical Living

Your wish is my command!

SOLOMON 1 Kings 3:5, 9-11

The Most Important Spiritual Discipline: Copyright Lighthouse Network

1.Solomon’s Wish, God was pleased  Most Important Spiritual Discipline/Skill 2.God’s greatest gift you have 100% control of 3.Spiritual Act of Worship Rom 12:1-2 4.Divinely Powerful Weapon 2 Cor 10:3-6 5.Constant Mode of Prayer/Communication 1 Thes 5: Wellspring of Life Prov 4:23 7.Key to Your Life Deut 30 8.Brain Exercise = Renews the Mind  Neurobiological Intervention 9.Intersection of Spirit, Mind, and Body; Science / Faith 10.Light for Evangelism Copyright Lighthouse Network

Romans 12 : 1-2 I therefore urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God, for this is the your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is- what is proper, pleasing, and perfect.

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Copyright Lighthouse Network35

Goal: Mind of Christ Jesus’ Brain = Perfection! 1.Perceived everything from a Godly perspective 2.Responded with Biblical skills Copyright Lighthouse Network

BrainWorks – My Brain Based on new scientific research, my brain does 2 things Copyright Lighthouse Network Perceives Responds

BrainWorks Research Skin GI / Cardiac Panic Disorder Study Copyright Lighthouse Network

Panic Disorder and Depression Before and After St. John’s Wort and EMDR Copyright Lighthouse Network

Heart of Transformation: Decision-Making No biological Intervention But Brain Chemistry Improved/Renewed Decision-making is exercise for brain Good decisions = stronger brain Bad decisions = injured brain Copyright Lighthouse Network

What determines accurate Perception and Response? Human Manuals – Distort lenses and response Holy Bible – God’s Instruction Manual DM: Science and Faith Meet Practical Theology Integration and DM are Key! Copyright Lighthouse Network Mind SpiritBody Decision-Making = Spirit, Mind, & BodyIntegration

DM: SMBI Brain Chemistry – powerful gift is final step of decisions Mind – Free Will God gives us – DM = EXERCISE for brain chemistry – Perceive/Respond – EXERCISE for brain chemistry Spirit – BIBLE principles and their application determines Decision Making Skills Decision-Making the intersection for Spirit, Mind, and Body Therapy is a neurobiological intervention Copyright Lighthouse Network

Classes in DM? Bible – Jesus, Paul, Solomon, David, Peter, James – Biographies of good and bad Most people – Random – E-M-M-M, R-P-S, Dice, Magic 8 Ball, Coin Flip Bible – Gideon’s fleece, Cast lots, Urim and Thumim, Prayer Dreams Strategy Necessary Copyright Lighthouse Network

What Determines Good Decision-Making? Creators create awesome things – You and Your Brain Your Creator was kind enough to give you an instruction manual What do you use for your instruction manual? – How is that going Why not use the creators Instruction Manual? – The Holy Bible vs Spiritual Warfare But How?!?!?!?! Copyright Lighthouse Network

Decision-Making Strategy How many Decisions per day? Decisions Determine the course of your life. Decisions determine whether your brain gets stronger or weaker How do you make decisions? Copyright Lighthouse Network

Got Questions? Copyright Lighthouse Network

17 Years of Heavy Weekend Alcohol Use 38 yo Copyright Lighthouse Network

27 Year Daily Heavy Cigarette and Coffee Use 45 yo Copyright Lighthouse Network

PolySubstance Abuse and then 1 yr Clean Copyright Lighthouse Network

Depression Copyright Lighthouse Network Before Treatment After Treatment

Images of PMS Copyright Lighthouse Network Day 2 of Cycle (Worst Time) Day 10 of Cycle (Best Time)

Braveheart Les Miserables

Bread Analogy Copyright Lighthouse Network

Copyright Lighthouse Network

SPEARS = Practical Theology Psychotherapeutics CBT DBT REBT EFT Mindfulness Meditation Psychodynamic Psychotx Motivational Interviewing Spiritual Jesus Christ Holy Spirit Bible Copyright Lighthouse Network

Regarding your former way of life, you were taught to strip off your old man, which is being ruined by its deceptive desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new man, which was created according to the likeness of God in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 Copyright Lighthouse Network

1 Peter 1:13-15 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep a clear head, and set your hope completely on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. Copyright Lighthouse Network

Consequences of Wrong DM Mark 12:30-31 Spiritual: – Interferes with our relationship with God – Flesh on throne of heart – Fruit of Flesh Psychological: – Interferes with our relationship with ourselves – Interferes with our relationships with others – Impairs psychological development/maturity Physiological: Short circuits/injures brain chemistry Copyright Lighthouse Network

The Holy Spirit is perfect We are not. DM is the key Spiritual Discipline Therefore, a strategy exists that we need to follow. All 3 Spheres! Reflect, Detect, Resurrect Nobody ever teaches us thoroughly about decision- making skills. – Jesus, James, Peter, Proverbs, Paul’s letters Copyright Lighthouse Network

SPEARS Slow the action All the elements Right sequence Requires thought Requires intention Requires practice Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

Stimuli Stimuli is anything that acts on or mobilizes your coping mechanisms All stimuli is neutral God is sovereign Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

What word do you see? Copyright Lighthouse Network

Test How many squares are there? Hint: What is the most important question? Is this the only way to view this? Copyright Lighthouse Network

Perception Exercise Things are not always as they seem: 84! Assumptions Jumping to conclusions Knee-jerk reactions Copyright Lighthouse Network

Perception Perception is what really drives the decision-making process Subconscious We are usually unaware of perception because it occurs so fast in the decision-making process Adversary with a Strategy Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

Spiritual Warfare Copyright Lighthouse Network

Devil Dogs Copyright Lighthouse Network Bell Meat No Drool Drool

Perception Satan gets to us as early as possible, when we are most gullible Unpack Life - FOO Our brains our easily influenced as kids (neuroplasticity) Relationships Maturity is seeing life clearly Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

Filters Copyright Lighthouse Network

Emotions

God has lots of emotions! Anger – Mat 23, Mark 3, John 2, 2 Kings 24 Jealousy – Exodus 20, Deut 6 Sad/Wept – Luke 19, John 11, Heb 5 Troubled – John 12 Forsaken – Matt 27 Abandoned – Matt 27 Tempted – Matt 4 Worried – Luke 22 Copyright Lighthouse Network

Emotion Warning system Not a decision- making system Distort reality -Court -Doctors Volume Buttons Biblical truths soothe Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

Assessment Who is stronger: a tiger or a man? Emotional and intellectual volume – We fail when we let our emotions rule our intellect – Poor tolerance and soothing of negative feelings Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

Assessment Options Pros and Cons Weigh pros and cons using the filters (GPT, GPN, LDO, C, M) – SMB Damage/growth – Motivators Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

Response We need a relationship with God We need to put on the Armor of God Is this helping me or others become more Christ-like? WWJD? Mark 12:30 Sometimes a combo of options Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

After review of each element Celebrate our successes, and learn from our failures Are my responses working for long term health Heart Change Self-reflection and assessment is paramount Autopsy Copyright Lighthouse Network Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought

Driving Force for Dysfunction Stimuli Perception Emotion Assessment Response Summary Thought Copyright Lighthouse Network

Main Problems OLD Beliefs-LiesNEW Beliefs-Truth Negative feelings are badNegative feelings are our warning system I am all aloneJesus is with me, hook his yoke We can’t endure negative feelings We can endure and grow; God will meet us and give peace We only have skills and of 8 yoWe have skills and of an adult Talking about them is badTalking abut them is good One variable is same, so all are same One variable is same, so only one is same Copyright Lighthouse Network

Deconstruction/Reconstruction Prospective Retrospective – Autopsy Flexibility Journaling Thinking about it more – then real time use Skills need Practice Behavioral Change Examination of Heart Heart Change leads to Real Transformation Motivators for Change Copyright Lighthouse Network

Sermon Implementation Teach knowing SPEARS – What does this passage teach me about God’s Perspective, Promises, Instruction – What does this passage show me about My Me-centered Perspective or Distortions, – What does this passage teach me about Decision-Making – What specific way can I apply this passage today to my lenses, pain and emotion management, heart, and ultimate daily execution (decision-making) Inspire and Equip Copyright Lighthouse Network

Hardware Summary Most important Spiritual Discipline Bible talks the most about DM Exercise for the Brain, Spirit, Mind Intersection of S,M,B Intersection of Science and Faith Need a Strategy, Slow the Mind SPEARS Reveals what’s in the Heart Easiest way to reflect/detect/resurrect Copyright Lighthouse Network DM Key Points

Summary Jesus started a BH Revolution We are called to continue it Decision-Making Skills are the Key to Practical Theology Bible is an incredible DM textbook DM Mechanics truly allow us to – slow the mind down – Take every thought captive to the obedience of JC – Apply the Bible accurately and thoroughly DM – turns knowledge into application Copyright Lighthouse Network

Lighthouse NETWORK Resources WITHIN REACH: Disciplines for Real Life Change – 10+ Hours of DVD – 140 Page Workbook EDGING FORWARD: Mastering the Art of Godly Decision-Making – 8 Chapels(25 min each) on DVD Free Stepping Stones Daily Devotional – ed daily Life Change with Dr Karl Radio Minute – 460 Christian Radio Stations Addiction: Sin, Disease, or Psychological Defect DVD Can Psych Meds Help Christians? DVD Depression, Cutting, Bipolar DVDs No Other Gods (SPEARS and example) DVD Copyright Lighthouse Network

Finds addiction and MH treatment options. Expertise about all elements of the system Free to client Saves the clinician incredible amounts of time We find great options for struggling people 844-Life-Change Copyright Lighthouse Network

Got Questions? Copyright Lighthouse Network

Bible Decision-Making text book Instructions for daily life management Shows – Why stuff happens in your life – How to see life more clearly – How to soothe your emotions (plan, hope, peace) – Pain management Copyright Lighthouse Network

Deconstruction S – “Screen Door is Broken” P – Rubik – Intruding on my agenda for the day GPT – not good enough, incompetent, not in control GPN – control, competency, power, authority LDO – me being in charge to minimize pain C – my ability to control and manipulate, verbally argue, control = power = soothing M – not feel the pain, be in charge or in control, do what I want to do when I want to do it Copyright Lighthouse Network

Deconstruction E – incompetent, worthless, failure, poor husband, falling behind, angry, E Volume = 8 T Volume = 1 A – ignore, yell(leave me alone, I’m busy), shift blame(you and girls broke it), pick on her(laundry not done), pros/cons based on my filters/motivators R – ignore, then blame them ST – got her off my back and on a different topic, get to do my agenda and watch the game Pain – incompetence, no control, exposed, out of agenda old beliefs: I’m a little kid, people telling me what to do, blaming me, I’m responsible for their feelings, this will ruin my day and all the other activities Copyright Lighthouse Network

Reconstruction Pain – new beliefs: Neg feelings are only warning system, God is sharing my yoke, God provides peace and comfort, I’m an adult, Won’t last long He brought this for a reason for my growth so embrace it Copyright Lighthouse Network

Reconstruction S – “Screen Door is Broken” P – Rubik – Opportunity and chance to serve my wife GPT – dishonoring God, Flesh on throne, out of God’s will SMB impact, hurting my wife GPN – God’s will, please God, SMB growth, fruit of Spirit, LDO – Mind of Christ – SMB growth, Ambassador C – God’s promises, Love, Forgiveness, Character, Instruction, His plan has worked in the past M – SMB growth, Fruit of Spirit, giving back to God Copyright Lighthouse Network

Reconstruction E – interested, curious, connected to wife, slight excitement, sl financial worry but know God provides E Volume = T Volume = 8 A – “wait till I am finished”, teamwork – call handyman, check our budget, go to home depot together pros/cons based on my filters/motivators R – ask her to wait 15 minutes then we check it together, agree we can live with it but if it gets worse, call handyman for advice ST – honored God, wife, myself, SPEARS was good, SMB +, fruit of spirit, no fruit of flesh Pain – not much relational and was able to rely on God to see me thru the slight disruption and financial concern Copyright Lighthouse Network

Summary Science and Spirituality can fit together well Matrix Moments Need a Strategy Learned a sound and SMB Integration model Decision-making is the key spiritual discipline and core competency everyone needs to learn Decision-Making is the exercise of the brain SPEARS is a complete decision-making model – Integrates all 3 spheres – Practical to implement and utilize – Core to any treatment level and modality Copyright Lighthouse Network