Think On These
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 about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
This morning the Lord awakened me to three things to think on that align with Paul’s “finally brethren” exhortation in his letter to the Philippians. In the past I’ve tried to find things that are true, and noble, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable to think on but have honestly come up with little to nothing. My mind struggles to find such things in our world today. But this morning, I’m grateful to God for giving me three things that are lovely and right, pure and true, and noble and admirable.
The morning birdsongs
The sound of the birds singing in the morning together and individually is lovely to listen to. Each bird with its own call, giving turns to one another and then in excited ensemble singing together are like a well conducted orchestra. It is right, it is natural; this is what they were created to do and they do it without question or reserve. Naturally, spontaneously, they praise their Creator. It is lovely, it is right.
The falling rain
As the rain falls and waters my newly sown grass seed, causing it to eventually sprout and grow into a beautiful green blanket, so God’s word will accomplish what He sends it to do; God’s pure and true word. His word is truth and it sanctifies those who soak it in, drink it up. And His word is pure, unadulterated, without shadow, lacking ill motives, sent for our good and His good purpose. The falling rain brings me hope of a sunny tomorrow.
A humble and teachable pastor
Bringing correction is never easy, and neither is receiving it. But what an admirable display of noble character when a man speaks the truth in love to a friend and that friend humbly hears and receives it. Humility is uncommon today, and that’s what makes a humble man noble, for nobility shows itself noble by rising above that which is common. And to think on this admirable quality seen in a man cheers the heart and testifies to God’s reality and His working in a servant’s heart.
It is difficult I think, especially in recent times, to find excellent and praiseworthy things to meditate on. But with God’s inspiration we can find beauty in these days and think on those beautiful things. It's really what our sometimes turmoiled minds need.
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 about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
This morning the Lord awakened me to three things to think on that align with Paul’s “finally brethren” exhortation in his letter to the Philippians. In the past I’ve tried to find things that are true, and noble, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable to think on but have honestly come up with little to nothing. My mind struggles to find such things in our world today. But this morning, I’m grateful to God for giving me three things that are lovely and right, pure and true, and noble and admirable.
The morning birdsongs
The sound of the birds singing in the morning together and individually is lovely to listen to. Each bird with its own call, giving turns to one another and then in excited ensemble singing together are like a well conducted orchestra. It is right, it is natural; this is what they were created to do and they do it without question or reserve. Naturally, spontaneously, they praise their Creator. It is lovely, it is right.
The falling rain
As the rain falls and waters my newly sown grass seed, causing it to eventually sprout and grow into a beautiful green blanket, so God’s word will accomplish what He sends it to do; God’s pure and true word. His word is truth and it sanctifies those who soak it in, drink it up. And His word is pure, unadulterated, without shadow, lacking ill motives, sent for our good and His good purpose. The falling rain brings me hope of a sunny tomorrow.
A humble and teachable pastor
Bringing correction is never easy, and neither is receiving it. But what an admirable display of noble character when a man speaks the truth in love to a friend and that friend humbly hears and receives it. Humility is uncommon today, and that’s what makes a humble man noble, for nobility shows itself noble by rising above that which is common. And to think on this admirable quality seen in a man cheers the heart and testifies to God’s reality and His working in a servant’s heart.
It is difficult I think, especially in recent times, to find excellent and praiseworthy things to meditate on. But with God’s inspiration we can find beauty in these days and think on those beautiful things. It's really what our sometimes turmoiled minds need.
Scripture References
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17 ESV)
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17 ESV)
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17 ESV)
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17 ESV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. (John 14:27 ESV)
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