Think on these things…,
Monday, June 29, / Tuesday June 30, / Wednesday July 1, / Thursday July 2 / Friday July 3 / Monday July 9
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
{Whatsoever things are true} When Jesus stood before Pilate, the Govenor Pilate asked Jesus a question, “What is truth?” The Truth was standing right before him. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Pilate went out again unto the Jews and told them that he had found no fault in Jesus but Pilate still sent Jesus to be crucified and released Barabbas unto them. The Truth is still being presented today but many are giving in to pressure from the world and turning away the Son of God. Christ said “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” There is still opportunity to hear the Truth today and it is each individuals choice whether they accept it or reject it. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Here is a “nugget” to go with this. (Romans 8:1-2)
{Whatsoever things are honest} The Bible says in 2 Cor. 8:21, “Provide for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” The word honest is being upright, fair, just, and dealing with all in a manner that is a characteristic of a Christian. To sum it up, it is a part of our witness that we show unto those that are lost. So when a Christian is tempted to lie, steal or cheat someone, we should always have it in our hearts to know that the Lord already knows our intents and actions but because his Grace is sufficient to all his children (the borned again believers and followers of Jesus Christ), we are able to overcome this. What about everybody else that seems to be getting away with it unpunished? (We see it everyday) Let me leave you with this, the Bible says in Numbers 32:23, “:and be sure your sin will find you out.”
{Whatsover things are just} In Biblical terms the word just means to be righteous, to live by the Word of God, to follow the Lord’s will. Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” We are living in the time that the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3, “Perilous”. We need Godly people in authority on the national, state, and local levels and also we need to have Sound Doctrine from the pure Word of God to be continuously preached and taught in the Church. A couple of nuggets from this, Proverbs 11:1, “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Hebrews 10:38, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
{Whatsoever things are pure} Psalm 119:140 “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” Pure means what is holy and clean, without impurities. The Word of God is without error or flaws and is our guide to live a Christian life on this earth. Everyone has an opportunity to believe but not everyone will. The Bible says in Proverbs 30:12 , “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” All unrighteousness is sin, (1 John 5:17), but because of “the blood of Jesus Christ” (1 John 5:7) we can be cleansed from our sins and have a pure heart and mind that might Glorify the Father which is in Heaven. I will leave you with this question, “Who shall see God?” (Here is where to dig for this nugget, Mt. 5:18)
{Whatsoever things are lovely} Lovely is a quality that invites friendship. The book of Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Good friends in this life are a great treasure that we all should cherish and being a good friend is just as important. However, we can’t always be with those we love all the time to be able to talk, help, comfort, or listen. WE do have a friend that will stick with us doing all of these times no matter what may come our way and he is our best friend, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” These are the words of Christ and he did this for all mankind when he died on the cross at Calvary then rose the third day. I am glad I know he is my best friend and if he is not yours, he wants to be. Just call upon him in repentance and he will save your soul and Christ will be the best thing that ever happened to you.
{Whatsover things are of good report} ;if there be any virtue, (strength), and if there be any praise, (expression of gratitude), think on these things. The Apostle Paul wrote in in 1 Cor. 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” In this time we live where everyday we hear and see reports of hatred, violence, and ungodliness, we as Christians should have a good report in all the things that Christ has done for us every day. We have the account of Christ saving the man with the unclean spirit in Mark chapter 5, and by the way no man could help him, to “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” (Mark 5:19) This is exactly what he did and the Bible says in verse 20," “ :and all men did marvel.” Friend when the world seems to be against us in our everyday life, nothing can compare what Christ has done for us when he forgives us of our sins and makes us a new creature in Christ. He will give us strength if we follow him and others will see the praise in our life that Christ has overcome the world and we can also. God Bless you, stay strong in the Lord through all your trials and this will be a great example to your lost loved ones and friends so that they may also come to Christ and be saved. I will leave you with this last nugget, Psalm 107:31, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Bro. Shayne.
