Sunday, February 20, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: Psalm 47-48
SCRIPTURE READING
Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV); 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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Preceding these verses (vv 6-7), Paul had just called the Philippians to devote themselves to prayer, supplication and thanksgiving in the midst of anxiety. We will never be able to do this without intentionally taking authority over our thought life. We will not be able to commit ourselves to fervent prayer, or to find peace over anxiety if we do not concentrate on the things listed above. Our supplications (requests), too, will be ineffective if we do not move towards unity with the mind of God. As we focus on those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy, our hearts and minds will move into closer alignment with the heart and mind of God. Then our prayers and requests will be effective, and our anxiety will subside, not just temporarily, but eternally! Jesus offers us eternal rest – peace from day to day! One way to attain to this rest is to focus our thoughts on the things of God. How can we dwell on the misery of circumstances, disappointment in and judgment of others, or personal pity parties if we are meditating on the sorts of thoughts that will point us to the very nature of God? He is true. He is honorable, just and pure. He is lovely and commendable, and He is surely the most excellent!
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) Ask the Holy Spirit to analyze the patterns of your thought life. How are the things you dwell on affecting the levels of anxiety, anger and frustration in your life? If someone were to look into your thought life, would they be lead closer to God, or further from Him?
2) Take at least 15 minutes to meditate on the Scripture passage. Pick it apart, taking time to focus on each virtue and what the Holy Spirit is saying to you personally about each.
3) Ask the Lord to show you how walking out these verses can lead you into a greater understanding of His character and the things of His heart.
