We often have struggles in our thoughts, sometimes we have thoughts of gloom, regret, sorrow, depression and failure. They weigh us down and hold us back until they suck us dry.
"Finally brothers and sisters, 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 on these things." Philippians 4:8. NIV.
CONTEXT
The verse quoted above is part of a closing of a letter written by the Apostle Paul. He gives instructions about unity, rejoicing, prayer, and this encouragement to think on a list of virtues.
WHATEVER
God's Word does not teach positive thinking as much as it encourages directive thinking. We are directed to think about specific virtues. This "whatever" embraces all things of a kind so we may give our thought to anything that fits the virtue of truth, noble, right, pure lovely admirable excellent or praiseworthy.
LIVING THOUGHTS
Our lives follow our thoughts. When we focus our thoughts on negative things we drift into patterns and habits that reflect those thoughts. When we focus our thoughts on specific virtues we find ourselves reflecting those virtues in our deeds and words even our very outlook.
WHERE TO FIND WHATEVER
So we should think about the true and noble, the right and the pure, but where are they? The pages of the Bible are full of these things and a good beginning is to read the Word of God and think on the truths found in it. There are many admirable and excellent things in our lives if we take the time to consider them.
We may have been focusing on the negative so long we are conditioned to blindness to the good around us; we must make an effort to see the good.
* Make a list of the good things that surround you.
* Keep a journal where you record the lovely and pure things in your life.
* Pray daily a thankful prayer. Take ten minutes and pray where you only giving thanks.
* Ask The Lord to show you the noble and true things to think on.
AN EASY COMMAND
The Scriptures places this instruction in the same emphasis as a command. It is one that is easy to obey.
THE RESULT
We will be happier people for directed thoughts. We will be closer to God and Jesus. We will enjoy life more. We will experience blessing.
To learn more about finding the Truth follow this link: Click Here.
To read Philippians 4 in its entirety click this link.
"Finally brothers and sisters, 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 on these things." Philippians 4:8. NIV.
CONTEXT
The verse quoted above is part of a closing of a letter written by the Apostle Paul. He gives instructions about unity, rejoicing, prayer, and this encouragement to think on a list of virtues.
WHATEVER
God's Word does not teach positive thinking as much as it encourages directive thinking. We are directed to think about specific virtues. This "whatever" embraces all things of a kind so we may give our thought to anything that fits the virtue of truth, noble, right, pure lovely admirable excellent or praiseworthy.
LIVING THOUGHTS
Our lives follow our thoughts. When we focus our thoughts on negative things we drift into patterns and habits that reflect those thoughts. When we focus our thoughts on specific virtues we find ourselves reflecting those virtues in our deeds and words even our very outlook.
WHERE TO FIND WHATEVER
So we should think about the true and noble, the right and the pure, but where are they? The pages of the Bible are full of these things and a good beginning is to read the Word of God and think on the truths found in it. There are many admirable and excellent things in our lives if we take the time to consider them.
We may have been focusing on the negative so long we are conditioned to blindness to the good around us; we must make an effort to see the good.
* Make a list of the good things that surround you.
* Keep a journal where you record the lovely and pure things in your life.
* Pray daily a thankful prayer. Take ten minutes and pray where you only giving thanks.
* Ask The Lord to show you the noble and true things to think on.
AN EASY COMMAND
The Scriptures places this instruction in the same emphasis as a command. It is one that is easy to obey.
THE RESULT
We will be happier people for directed thoughts. We will be closer to God and Jesus. We will enjoy life more. We will experience blessing.
To learn more about finding the Truth follow this link: Click Here.
To read Philippians 4 in its entirety click this link.
