“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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8 & 9

As strange as it sounds it is hard to keep our minds on all the good  and positive things, for most of the time it seems like the bad stuff is easier to believe and therefore easier to ponder on. Can you imagine what your day would be like if you were able to shift your thinking and ponder on the noble things, the pure things, the admirable and lovely things in your life? You would be giving people electrical sugar shock as you float around the office while negativity ricocheting off of you.

You see grumbling and gratitude can’t occupy the same heart at the same time, and when we choose to focus on the excellent and praiseworthy things of God, this scripture reminds us that it is the peace of God which will be with us. Peace… not as man would give it, but as God would give it. Do you know whatever you think about you will end up practicing? If you think about cheating on your spouse long enough then you will act on it. If you think about doing drugs all the time, then you most likely will indulge in this activity. If you believe in your mind that you will never get married and never have children then you will approach life acting as if things are hopeless. This scripture says NO, do the opposite, think of things that are good, true, noble–think of things that are right and pure–think of the magnanimous power of God, for He has the last say in this world –not man!

Can I encourage you today? Will you at least try, as the writer of Philippians suggests, to put it into practice? Let’s do it together and get the peace which has always been waiting for us in the palm of His hands.

DCL Ministries