Philippians 4:8 - Fix Your Thoughts!
Philippians 4:8 - Fix Your Thoughts!
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers, 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.
What fills your mind in your mental downtime - when your head
hits the pillow at night, when you wake up in the morning, when your
thoughts wander while you're driving? Often those mental wanderings will
reflect your highest priorities or your deepest worries. Unless things
are going perfectly smoothly in your life, your thoughts will swirl
with concerns.
What if you chose to dwell on the Presence of God within you
during those times? What if you fixed your mind on Him, His blessings,
His Kingdom agenda, and the multitude of ways you can enjoy Him at
any moment? What if you turned those mental adventures into
relational experiences with Him - not necessarily deep, heavy
conversations, though those are appropriate at times - but casual conversations
about His goodness and love? Relationships are enjoyed most when both
parties share their dreams, talk about common interests, and express
appreciation for each other's qualities. And though we talk often about
having a relationship with God, most of us rarely have these kinds of
conversations with Him. It's often a relationship that doesn't meet the
criteria for most familiar, loving relationships.
Mental wanderings like these may revolutionize our lives and,
in fact, deal with those concerns more effectively than our
worrying does. The swirling thoughts and what-ifs that often churn within
us don't accomplish very much, but a vibrant relationship with God
certainly does. His Presence in us, when cultivated, probably accomplishes
much more through indirect influence than we can accomplish directly
by planning, plotting, and worrying. Our thoughts can weigh us
down, but communion with Him gives life.
Lord, I fix my thoughts on You - on Your goodness, Your love,
Your Kingdom, Your ways. I choose today to focus not on what seems
like the highest priority but on what really is my highest priority -
You. And I trust You to deal with all the things that concern me.
[The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional by Chris
Tiegreen]
Meet Me in early morning splendor. I eagerly await you here.
In the stillness of this holy time with Me, I renew your strength
and saturate you with Peace. While others turn over for extra sleep
or anxiously tune in to the latest news, you commune with the
Creator of the universe. I have awakened in your heart strong desire to
know Me. This longing originated in Me, though it now burns brightly
in you.
When you seek My Face in response to My Love-call, both of us
are blessed. This is a deep mystery, designed more for your
enjoyment than for your understanding. I am not a dour God who discourages
pleasure. I delight in your enjoyment of everything that is true, noble,
right, pure, lovely, admirable. Think on these things, and My Light in
you will shine brighter day by day. (Isa. 40:31; 27:4; Phi. 4:8)
[Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20111004-1023.html
GREAT VIDEO CLIP - ONE OF THE BEST
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
SPECIAL VIDEO CLIP ON SEEKING GOD FIRST
http://vimeo.com/31489782
EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES ON EXPERIENCING GOD:
http://sda.biggytv.com/watch/Revive!_-_Dwight_Nelson:_Experiencing_Gods_Grace/revive/
EXCELLENT SERIES ON RESTORING THE POWER by John Bradshaw
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq
EXCELLENT BIBLE PROPHECY SERIES - Prophecies Decoded By Dr. Ron
Clouzet:
1. Coming Soon: A New Superpower -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTcZ-oQGWUw
2. 2012 and Signs of the End of the World -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVgTGGGO33c
3. Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcFPUq2JAiU
4. War in Heaven Between Michael and the Dragon -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGnb54Qo_Lg
5. Revelation's Three Angels' Messages -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msy6mZLQ7EA
6. The Lamb Slain and the Seven Seals -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xdpQdli9J0
7. A New Revelation of Jesus Christ -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b2IwriWwY0
8. The Anti-Christ and the Cults that Follow Him -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDKzf5Z6VPQ
9. In Search of the Ark of the Covenant -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc6IM9cm2SU
10. The Greatest Issue in the Book of Revelation, Part 1 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLQbWSpTUXs
11. The Greatest Issue in the Book of Revelation, Part II -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQr_DHJYMc
12. How to Keep God's Holy Day, Part 1 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX5HtCx90oY
13. How to Keep God's Holy Day, Part 2 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPR5Pu8_1rM
14. Taking a Stand at the Time of the End -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7caCWSrpGU4
15. The Longest Time Prophecy in the Bible -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvAsJGlmrmE
16. Doctrines of Demons and the Mystery of Death -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJHE1cyLlcY
17. The Fall of Babylon the Great -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O70xfBDKxVQ
18. The Mark of the Beast and the Seal of God -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqm1xgG9NuM
19. Israel and the Rapture of the Church -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMZhsKEzPPA
20. The United States in Bible Prophecy -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6-umijrrKI
21. The Beauty and the Beast of Revelation -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2cLfTDQyQg
22. The Remnant's Use of Time, Treasure, and Talent -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CMdmIIHCUY
23. The One Thousand Year Millennium -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFbu9WsSK0Y
24. Revelation's Lake of Fire -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DccBQcLZGso
25. Heaven and the Apocalypse -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiXDN9_d0Mw
26. A Messenger for the Last Days -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSAgxCcNSqM
27. Christian Standards for Today -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFHCFFoRw98
28. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Your Life -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiwYeGKQg58
