NOVEMBER 11
When it comes to scripture addressing our thought life, I feel the premier verse is Philippians 4:8.
I first learned it as a Missionette in the Assembly of God church, and in the King James Version:
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. (KJV)
Later on, I learned it in the New King James which I thought made an important distinction:
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 thinking of good things can't be a momentary thought. We are to meditate on good, beautiful and worthy things. Meditate means to ponder or think about something carefully for a long time. Some other translations say fix your thoughts or dwell on the good.
The word "dwell" especially captured my attention. If you're dwelling with something, you're living with it. So, we are to live with beauty, goodness and truth.
How can we dwell with goodness? It would have to be a conscious effort. It would mean thinking carefully about what you allow your eyes to see and your ears to hear.
Stay away from the ugly!
As for myself, I plan to be intentional about filling my thought-life tank with things that fuel positive vibes. I want to focus on the beauty around me in the world God made, the truth in scripture that speaks to my innermost being with the knowledge God loves me and will help me grow and become my best.
How do you want to fill your thought-life tank?
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (NLT)
Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. (TPT)
Praise Posts 2021 are all about praising God for scriptures that are meaningful to me. Currently, I'm sharing each day a scripture that addresses our thought lives.
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Today, I'm sharing at Grace & Truth
"... if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
ReplyDeleteAmen. I need to remember this. 💙
Hey, Sandi! If it doesn't have virtue or praise, it's not worth our time!
ReplyDeleteI love your focus on the words dwell and fasten...we must ponder these
ReplyDeleteLet's dwell in the good things! Encouraging words, Jerralea! Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteJearralea,what a beautiful post. Philippians 4:8 is one of those verses I've prayed over myself since my 30's. I've studied it, and have learned ho to live it out. If I'm honest, I'm still learning how to live it out, how to bring my thoughts back to Jesus when life's hard situations come knocking on my heart and thoughts. You've given me more good thoughts to ponder regarding my thoughts. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm really having to be intentional this past month about meditating on good things, not just giving them a fleeting thought, so thanks for this encouragement to stick with it!
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