Daily Journal- Thought Life

SCRIPTURE:
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)

OBSERVATION:
The last part says "think about these things". The apostle Paul is giving us guidelines for how we should think. God makes it very clear all through the Bible that He is concerned with our thoughts not just our actions. In this scripture Paul gives 8 examples of the things that should occupy our thoughts. Here they are:

1) Whatever is true
2) Whatever is honorable
3) Whatever is just
4) Whatever is pure
5) Whatever is lovely
6) Whatever is commendable
7) Anything excellent
8) Anything worthy of praise

APPLICATION:
My mind is a battlefield, bottom line! I need to keep my mind clear of bad influences, and not tolerate thoughts that go against the guidelines that God has given me here. One way to do that is to be careful of the things I watch on TV, music I listen too, and conversations I'm involved in. Reading the word and meditating on scripture is another way to renew my mind and keep it pure and holy. I think this is also a good guideline for our behaviors and things we do.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for saving me. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Help me to guard my mind. Help me to meditate on those things that bring praise to your name. Amen!
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