| Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things. – Philippians 4:8 |
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| Our verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things.” RIGHT THINKING LEADS TO RIGHT LIVING Our minds are incredible as we have the ABILITY TO THINK! We can be CREATIVE and CONSTRUCTIVE in our thoughts. We can dream and come up with NEW ideas. We can imagine and INVENT. We can think through problems and solve complex issues. Maybe someone has said to you, “How did you think of that.” While our minds can be constructive our minds can be destructive. Our thoughts can be corrupt, twisted, and yes, evil. The first time we come across the word “thought” in the Bible is in Genesis 6:5 and it is not good. Genesis 6:5 says, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Both good and bad actions follow thinking. Anyone ask you lately WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? Our attitude comes from thinking. We can have a positive, optimistic outlook. We can have a negative, pessimistic outlook based on our thinking. As we DATE our verse for the date of 4/8, we place it in the context of Philippians 4 where the apostle Paul is laying out how to NOT be ANXIOUS from verse 6. Anxiety brings about a divided mind as our mind/thoughts are like in a tug-a-war. Instead of having a mind that is tearing itself apart, the Apostle tells us to PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING and one will then find peace — a peace that passes all understanding. Now along with praying comes instructions to change our thinking and he writes what to THINK on, what to be thinking about. He gives 8 proactive words for us to be thinking on. We are to be thinking on things that are TRUE. (Factual, Correct, Right, Honest) We are to be thinking on things that are NOBLE. (Honorable, Decent, Upright) We are to be thinking on things that are JUST. (Fair, Impartial, Appropriate) We are to be thinking on things that are PURE. (Authentic, Wholesome, Clean) We are to be thinking on things that are LOVELY. (Pleasant, Delightful, Winsome) We are to be thinking on things that are of a GOOD REPORT, (Beneficial, Decent) We are to be thinking on things that are VIRTUOUS, (Righteous, Worthy, Excellent) We are to be thinking on things that are PRAISEWORTHY. (Commendable, Admirable) 8 proactive positive words; TRUE, NOBLE, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, GOOD REPORT, VIRTUOUS, PRAISEWORTHY. Putting your “thinking” through this filter how is your thinking? Are you thinking on things that are FALSE? Are you thinking on things that are DEBASED? Are you thinking on things that are CORRUPT? Are you thinking on things that are UNCLEAN? Are you thinking on things that are UGLY? Are you thinking on things that are of a BAD REPORT? Are you thinking on things that are IMPURE? Are you thinking on things that are WORTHLESS? Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8. It says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things.” How does your “thinking” need to CHANGE? A good verse to go with Philippians 4:8 as a filter for your thinking is Psalm 19:14. It says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Continue Strong with RIGHT THINKING And remember to DATE the Word |