Think Praise

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What kind of things do we let control our thought life?  We know that spiritual battles our fought in our minds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)  The enemy wants us to focus on negative, and worry and problems we are having with others.  Philippians 4 not only gives us this instruction but it also has a promise attached to it, but before we look at the promise we need to look at the situation Paul was addressing.

It seems there were a couple sisters who were in contention. 

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. ³ And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. (vs 2 and 3 from the New Living Translation)

When our focus is on how we see our do things different from other christians it keeps any real spiritual progress from being made in our churches and in our cities.  Paul followed up this instruction.

vs⁴ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

When we are full of the joy of the Lord it affects the way we treat others.

⁵ Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

When we are full of the joy of the Lord we don't have to worry about problems but we can take them to God with a thankful attitude.

 ⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Finally, because we let the promises of God's Word be the focus of our thinking and the strength of our faith we are promised a peace that passes understanding.

⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

I know their are situations in your life that weigh you down.  The devil wants your mind to be full of worry and cares.  There's a lost world that needs hope.  Therefore let the joy of the Lord be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)  and THINK PRAISE.

When I Think About Jesus

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