Philippians 4:1-9
PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9
New International Version
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9 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 1:3
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.
REFLECTION
What you think about the most determines the direction of your life. Where you fix your eyes is where you will go! A good rule of thumb when downhill skiing or snowboarding through a wooded area is this: Don’t look at the tree! If you look at the tree, there’s a good chance you’ll hit the tree. Instead, look at the path, focusing on where you’re going instead of where you don’t want to go. The same is true here. Fix your eyes on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. That’s where you want to be! That’s where the Lord is.
RESPONSE
What do you think about the most?
What are 2-3 things that you have focused on lately that bring no eternal value to your soul?
What are 2-3 things that you are thankful for today? Things that are worthy of praise?
