The Virtuous Life – Day 196 – Philippians 4:8-9 – Meditate On These Things – Growing As Disciples
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 on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV)
My Thoughts
Can I really control my thoughts? Am I able to tell my mind what to think? Those are two very good questions. Why is that? Many do not believe that they can control the thoughts of their mind. Many do not think that they can tell their mind what to think. From these verses you should know that you can control your thoughts and choose what you will allow your mind to think. They key word I have used is the word, choose. What will you choose to think? Will what you choose to think eliminate and even push other thoughts and words out of your mind? Like, if I chose to think what is true, I won’t think about what is false. Exactly. Or, if I chose to think what is noble and just and pure, I will not think what is ignoble or unjust or impure. Or, if I think about what is lovely and of good report or virtuous or praiseworthy, I will not be thinking of their opposites. You got it. If you control your thoughts in this way you will be halfway on your way to living a life filled with the peace, I want to give to you. Halfway, what else must I do to receive the peace you want to give to me? Not only must you hear and meditate on my word if you want my peace, but you must also put my word into practice. What you have heard and learned and seen and received from me you must also put it in practice. Hearing and meditating alone, although a very good start, will not bring you my full measure of peace, without your putting my word into daily practice. Do you understand? Yes, I understand quite clearly. I do however want to make one more thing quite clear to you. Both hearing and doing my word go together. Hearing and meditating on my word will change your heart and transform your mind and guide your life. As you hear and meditate on my word, I will make you able to put it into practice. Hearing and meditating on my word will fill you with desire to do what is pleasing to me. When you hear and do my word, your life will be filled with my peace. That I will do. That will be very good.
Lord, I know that my mind is a battle ground. I also know that I can choose what I allow myself to think. I will choose to meditate on your word. I will think about what is virtuous and praiseworthy. I will put your word into practice so I can live in your peace. Amen
Key Question… What conditions, according to these verses, must be met for God’s peace to be with you?
Living It Out… Meditate on and put God’s word into practice so you will be filled with the peace of God.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will be filled with peace as you meditate on and put God’s word into practice.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how meditating On God’s word is changing your heart and mind.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you meditate on what is virtuous and praiseworthy.
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