October 6 - Think On These Things.

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.”
 
Our minds are powerful. They control what we think, what we feel, how we act, what we do, what we think, etc.
 
More often than not they are racing at ninety-nine miles an hour, constantly processing countless things simultaneously, leaving us feeling worried, rushed, and ultimately exhausted. 
 
While in prison, Paul writes to the church at Philippi exhorting them to be joyful despite their circumstances. If anyone’s mind should have been filled with gloom and despair, it should have been him as he was detained. Yet, he chose to set his mind on the joy within him instead of the turmoil around him.
 
What are you thinking about today?
 
Think:
To consider, to take account of, to weigh, to meditate on, to have continual regard.
 
Paul brings out eight qualities by which everything we think about should be qualified.
 
True – It is truthful? – Ephesians 4:25
Honest – It is honorable? – 2 Corinthians 8:21
Just – Is it right? – Deuteronomy 16:20
Pure – Is it faultless? – James 3:17
Lovely – Is it acceptable and pleasing? – 1 Corinthians 13
Of Good Report – Is it reputable? – Acts 6:3
Virtue – Is it virtuous? – 2 Peter 1:3-4
Praise – Is it commendable? – Proverbs 31:31
 
Simply put…
If it is…continue to think about it.
If it is not…disregard it entirely.
 
We are to “think on these things” if we desire “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding”.
 
The devil wants to steal away our joy and peace that is only found in Christ Jesus.
 
When we allow our minds to think on other things, we take our spiritual eyes off of Him.
 
Decide today to “think on these things”.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Isaiah 53   |    Proverbs 20