Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. — Philippians 4:8, ESV.
This is Kevin William Rascoe, and welcome to my weekly devotional/blog.
My thoughts can sometimes make me smile, laugh, frown, and even anger me, but…
“Things true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and with virtue and praise are all positive manifestations in the life of a believer whose total confidence is in the work of Christ.” — The Perry Stone Study Bible.
Focusing on Phil. 4:8 turns my attention toward Him, Jesus Christ.
He is the only way and the truth (Jn 14:6); I honor Him (Jn 5:23) and reflect on His righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30). He is purity: a lamb without a blemish or spot (1 Pet. 1:19)—the Lovely, Beloved Son of God (Matt. 17:5).
And when I feel mistreated, I fix my eyes on Him, who was commendable: He endured suffering yet threatened no one (1 Pet. 2:23).
Jesus Christ is excellent and worthy of praise (Heb. 1:4).
Get a memory bracelet with Phil. 4:8 on it to remind you when you’re frustrated, frowning, depressed, or angry to think about this verse, and prayerfully, it will lead your thoughts to Him, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know we have days when we’ve been so upset or sad that we just wanted to shed a tear, but today we’ve received a reminder to refocus our attention on Your Word, Philippians 4:8, which is a scripture to reflect on, and as the classic hymn lyrics go, “Woke up this morning with my mind, stayed on Jesus.” And going forth, we’ll do just that in Jesus Christ’s precious name, we pray, Amen.
Until next time, God bless!
If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and repented of your sins, then do so now because there is no guarantee you’ll have another opportunity tomorrow (Rom. 10:9-10).
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