Reading: Philippians 4
My Verse: "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things" (4:10).
I have often been accused of walking around with my head in the clouds because I do not want to dwell on the negative. But, it is not that I am unaware of the ugliness in life for You, Lord God did not spare us that in your Word. You spell out all the awful things man does in Your Word. You even made lists of them so that we as Your children know to stay away from them. I am well aware of the ugliness in our world. I just choose not to think on those things.
Many studies show how effective and calming to the agitated mind thinking positively - thinking on lovely things - can be. A recent news story told of how dogs were trained to sit quietly and attentively while children read to them. It seems this not only encourages the child but helps to calm the child enabling him/her to focus. The story further spoke of dogs being used on college campuses to calm the stress of college students.
One has only to think of all those that look forward to their vacations. That time when they can get away to a lovely, relaxing place. No, we are not built for the continual stress our minds are subject to daily. Unfortunately, many people forget how to build into their days calming and soothing activities.
You tell us here, Lord, that we are to actively "think on these things". This is something we need to strive to do. Not just to think on these things but to practice them as well. If we do this then " the peace of God will be with you" (4:9). Therein lies the peace we so strive for.
Of late I have been dwelling on the loveliness and joy of my grand nephew. His Mom posts these delightful photos of him and how my heart swells with love and joy to view them. It just makes me so grateful to You, Lord. You continue even in this progressively more stressful and confused world to send us these delightfully wonderful bundles of joy. For that I thank You. I pray Your blessings on this precious little guy.
Right now we are in a winter wonderland. While I do not enjoy the cold so much the landscape is quite incredible. There is a certain time of the day when the lighting is simply exquisite on the snow and trees. Thank You for the beauty I can enjoy simply by looking out my window!
Yes, I am aware of all the bad in the world. But You tell me Lord to dwell on that which is good. So today I will think on things that are true, lovely, honorable, pure, just, excellent and commendable.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
My Verse: "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things" (4:10).
I have often been accused of walking around with my head in the clouds because I do not want to dwell on the negative. But, it is not that I am unaware of the ugliness in life for You, Lord God did not spare us that in your Word. You spell out all the awful things man does in Your Word. You even made lists of them so that we as Your children know to stay away from them. I am well aware of the ugliness in our world. I just choose not to think on those things.
Many studies show how effective and calming to the agitated mind thinking positively - thinking on lovely things - can be. A recent news story told of how dogs were trained to sit quietly and attentively while children read to them. It seems this not only encourages the child but helps to calm the child enabling him/her to focus. The story further spoke of dogs being used on college campuses to calm the stress of college students.
One has only to think of all those that look forward to their vacations. That time when they can get away to a lovely, relaxing place. No, we are not built for the continual stress our minds are subject to daily. Unfortunately, many people forget how to build into their days calming and soothing activities.
You tell us here, Lord, that we are to actively "think on these things". This is something we need to strive to do. Not just to think on these things but to practice them as well. If we do this then " the peace of God will be with you" (4:9). Therein lies the peace we so strive for.
Of late I have been dwelling on the loveliness and joy of my grand nephew. His Mom posts these delightful photos of him and how my heart swells with love and joy to view them. It just makes me so grateful to You, Lord. You continue even in this progressively more stressful and confused world to send us these delightfully wonderful bundles of joy. For that I thank You. I pray Your blessings on this precious little guy.
Right now we are in a winter wonderland. While I do not enjoy the cold so much the landscape is quite incredible. There is a certain time of the day when the lighting is simply exquisite on the snow and trees. Thank You for the beauty I can enjoy simply by looking out my window!
Yes, I am aware of all the bad in the world. But You tell me Lord to dwell on that which is good. So today I will think on things that are true, lovely, honorable, pure, just, excellent and commendable.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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