Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. —Philippians 4:8
There's a simple principle that says when you put garbage into your mind and life, garbage will come out. When you put good things into your mind and life, then good things will flow out. Your mind matters, and what you put into your mind will ultimately make the difference between peace or distraction. Today take a few minutes to take the advice of Paul and think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. God's promise to you in verse 9 is that when you think of these things the "God of peace will be with you."
People of peace are people who have learned with God's help to control their mind. They regulate what goes in, and peace prevails. Others choose to put garbage into their mind, and garbage naturally comes out.
Your mind is a powerful source of help and positive energy. Give your mind and thoughts over to God's power and you'll begin to think the thoughts of our Lord and live with the peace from above. Don't waste your precious life with less than what God has to offer. Heed this advice from Romans 12:2:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
GOING DEEPER:
- How can you apply Philippians 4:8 and Romans 12:2 to your life today?
- Make a plan for the area you need to work on, and ask God for His help as you claim His promise for peace in your soul.
5 comments:
Philippians 4:8 is a verse I want to put to memory this summer. I also need to spend less time listening to sports talk radio and listening to uplifting music and/or christian teachers on our local christian radio station.
My view of the world tends to be very critical. I need to refocus on seeing people (my family) as God sees them instead of how they can meet my expectations.
Thank you, Father, that I can depend on Your Promises, Your Spirit, and Your Church to have an positive faith outlook today.
I like the NLT version of Romans 12:2 beter - 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. I reccomend fasting to help focus your thoughts. If you are strugllings with something, try praying and fasting and listening to God. The 1 John verses are hardcore - Do Not Love This World
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
I think this is a call to step up our game.
Eph 4 says - 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Read Eph 5 - Wow, how about verse 1??????
Father, helps us all to focus on imitating You.
cas
Thanks for the excellent comments today. It's a wake up call!
Read it. and definitely a call to action.
- LT
great reminders about how we treat our family (wives) - i need to continue shaping my mind so that my heart and tongue are always kind towards my wife and that i love her as God has commanded me to.
Post a Comment