Philippians 4:8 - Thinking That Leads to Joy in Jesus.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) 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 (NLT) 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.
Philippians 4:8 (MSG) Summing it all up,
friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds
and meditating on things true, noble, reputable,
authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the
worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to
praise, not things to curse.
COMMENTARY PEARL
My husband, Zane, and I participated in a
small group to test content for a leadership book
written by Christian neuroscientists about
developing habits for increasing trust, joy, and
engagement in the people you lead. Every week we met,
we walked away with "aha" moments and habits to
employ in our lives.
One habit I learned is to return my
thoughts to something joyful when I feel conflict
brewing. Science shows this helps my brain stay in a
relational mode rather than jumping to an enemy mode.
In marriage we all experience conflict -
sometimes its a tiny thing and other times it's a big
blowup. The practice of pausing when I sense
conflict and returning my thoughts to a joyful
experience, such as remembering the fun bike ride we
shared, helps me to stay relational. If I'm having
difficulty thinking of a positive mutual experience
because I'm angry, then I can turn my mind toward my
relationship with Jesus. I remind myself who He says I am
and His unwavering love for me. When I remember
to value the relationship with my husband -
more than my desire to be right - then I know the
conflict will have a healthier outcome. When I train
my mind to stay relational, then I can
experience joy even in the midst of conflict.
Paul encourages us in Philippians to
think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely,
admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. This helps us
stay in a constant relational mode, which
ultimately results in life-giving relationships. Isn't
that what we all want? Jeannie Blackmer
Faith Step: Meditate daily on Philippians
4:8. Joy will follow. [Mornings With Jesus 2021
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Philippians 4:8 - Thoughts for the New Year.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210101-1046.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio:
https://bible.awr.org/en/the-signs/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
