Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 NABRE
Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is personal, revealing details about himself. He writes from captivity and is reassuring. At the beginning of the letter Paul says what has happened serves to advance the gospel. Pastor @stevenfurtick speaks a powerful message on Paul’s reasoning entitled “Not a Hostage” you can find it here; Not a Hostage. The quoted verse is Paul’s closing and final advice. The words present Paul as an optimist, despite being in jail, unable to publicly witness to Jesus. The section includes the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always!” Paul in the letter has spoken about Jesus and the life of a Christian as someone who serves and donates all they have to others. Then he tells them; seek out any truth, any honor, any justice, any purity, anything lovely, anything gracious, any excellence, anything praiseworthy, and keep these things on your mind. Focus on these good things, don’t let the negatives, the roadblocks, the struggles be where your mind goes; seek out even the smallest success, the smallest goodness and let them guide your thinking and ultimately your heart.
Paul knows as we should, life in Christ is not easy, it is about others not ourselves. He knows huge success is rare. Look to the little things, this is how to maintain strength and freshness living as a follower of Jesus. One child touched, one adult leaving church happier, one elderly person feeling loved. Think about these things and then repeat what led to them.
What are some of the small successes you have had for Christ? Do you tell others you see their efforts working?
Look to the little things, this is how to maintain strength and freshness living as a follower of Jesus. One child touched, one adult leaving church happier, one elderly person feeling loved. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion #good#small #mind #paul #everybodyalways#god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer#goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat#bocaraton #youversion #everythingalways