Thinking Affects Everything: Noble 2

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "noble". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Noble.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.  Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:10-15

Noble: attractively good; good that inspires (motivates) others to embrace what is lovely (beautiful, praiseworthy); i.e. well done so as to be winsome (appealing). (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/8-15.htm)

Good: inherently (intrinsically) good; as to the believer, describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith; upright honorable. (http://biblehub.com/interlinear/luke/8-15.htm)

Thinking pondering on things that are true and noble, will open my heart to hearing and obeying God's word resulting in godly conduct—both in attitude and actions. 

Thinking affect everything—so how will I respond? 

Thinking Affects Everything: Noble

Continuing my study on Philippians 4:8. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it effect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. Here are some thoughts on, "noble". 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—Noble.

Noble: regard with great respect; revered for character, personally esteem; to hold something (someone) in high respect; showing the reverenceor awe (veneration) of someone who is devout.

Noble: honest, honorable, modest, moral, on the up and up, reserved, trustworthy, unblemished, undefiled, upright, virtuous, worthy

As I have been thinking about what is "noble", I couldn't help but think of people I respect. That led me to thinking of who are considered "heroes" in our World today. Who do we, as a Nation, hold in high regard? 

Sadly, all to often the people we honor are not noble, or worthy of our respect and admiration.  What makes one or something worthy to be called "noble"? Remember, we are not to be setting the standards for what is honorable, noble. Rather, we are to be using God's standard. 

Noble. If I am to be thinking on, pondering things that are noble, then I must stop to really consider what nobility is—not defined by the world's standard, but God's. 

Great respect. Revered for character. 

Who do I respect? Who is revered for character? 

As I think about those two questions, I have to keep in mind the first item in Philippians 4:8—True. For one isn't noble, without truth. 

Noble. Honorable. Trustworthy. 

As I thought about Noble, Jonathan came to mind. You can read about Jonathan, Saul's son, who befriended David in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. 

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:3

Noble. Honorable. Trustworthy. Who/what am I thinking about? 

And am I living a noble, honorable, trustworthy life? Thinking about it, should then change my thoughts, my attitude, and my actions. 

Thinking affect everything—so how will I respond? 

Thinking Affects Everything: True 2

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—True.

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. Deuteronomy 32:4

Truth: steadfastness, fidelity, trusty.

Things that are true are not based on a whim. Truth is an absolute. And that absolute is based on God Himself. He does not change, therefore, truth does not change. 

Think on things that are true. Not what I think is to be true based on my feelings. Not what I think to be true, simply because I want it to be true. Not what I think to be true to make it easier on me. 

Things that are true—based on God's absolute truth! 

I wonder how our Nation would change, if we stopped thinking based on our own "feeling based truth", and started thinking based on God's absolute truth. 

Think on these things..... whatever is true.....

God's 'true', not my own.

Thinking Affects Everything

Lately, I've been thinking about how things I think about, read, listen to, and focus on effect my mind;  my body–physically, mentally, emotionally; and my soul (spiritually). It also has an effect on how I treat those around me. 

God created us, and therefore knows exactly how we are "wired". That is why He stresses the importance of filing our minds and hearts with His Word. 

I wonder if I focus on just one aspect of Philippians 4:8 until it becomes habit, how would it affect my life? And what impact would it have if I focused on the entire list? But one at a time for right now. 

Let's start with the first one...... 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Meditate. Think on. Ponder. Take an Inventory. 

Whatever things are—

TRUE. 

Literally, not hidden, unconcealed; grace which can be trusted.

Think on things that are true.

That would include people that are truthful. 

That would include TV shows that are not based on lies or promote lying. 

That would include not retweeting, or liking, or sharing, or adding an emoji to a post on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, instagram, etc.

That would include the music I listen — in private and public. 

True. 

Ponder. Meditate. Take an Inventory. 

Thanks Living: VA ER

Thanks Living. 

Thinking back over the past two days and taking note of God's perfect timing. 

1. Last week, I had scheduled two Chiropractic appointments for this week. Normally, I just go 1x a week on Thurs or Fri, and I call the day before or day of for an appointment. But God knew this week would be different. I saw my chiropractor Monday morning at 9am. 

2. On the way home from the Chiro, I stopped and filled up the Chariot's gas tank. 

3. Arrived home and Dad said that we were going to the Tampa VA ER. 

4. After gathering a few things, we left. God gave us beautiful blue sky with amazing clouds as our view, and light traffic, as we traveled.

5. Arrived at the Tampa VA ER, dropped Mom and Dad off at the door and found the BEST parking spot ever. The 1st spot in the first row!

6. Although the time in the ER waiting room was LONG (over 6 hours), God provided so many opportunities to share His love with those waiting. 

7. I was able to go to the cafeteria and buy some sandwiches for us to eat in the ER waiting room. And while there, I met a lady who looked a bit lost. I helped her find what she wanted, and then I asked if I could pray for her. She stopped and started crying. Her husband was in the ER and she was all alone. We talked and she is a Christian, but needed to be reminded of God's peace and comfort. And I thought I was just going to the cafeteria to buy sandwiches. (Later "Bobbie" came through the ER waiting area, and we were able to encourage her again. Dad gave her a few Bible Studies and she was so thankful that one had verse printed on it. She so wanted to have verses to read to bring her peace. All God-designed appointments.) 

8. The ER waiting area is small and got a bit crowded, so I went outside to wait. As I was waiting a gentleman arrived and sat down in the wheelchair that was left outside. He looked very tired. I asked if he needed help. He said, 'yes'. So I wheeled him into the ER, and up the the check-in window. That simple kindness was appreciated by not only the man and his daughter (who arrived after parking the car), but others waiting. They were noticing that 'our family' was a bit different than some others waiting. Every action, word, and attitude reflects our God. God knew that I needed to be outside to help that gentleman.

9. When it was our turn to go back to the ER, I waited outside of Dad's room while they got him situated. A gentleman in the next room called to me. Mike and I talked for a bit. Once again a God designed appointment. 

10. Around 9pm, the Drs decided that Dad should stay for the night. So, I went to the Chariot to gather his things. And I didn't have to go far, because of that awesome parking spot! 

11. After getting Dad settled into the ER room, it would be a while before an available room upstairs, Mom and I left. We decided to spend the night in Tampa, rather than drive back home. God provided a room for us very near the Hospital. We both were able to get some rest. 

12. The next morning, we returned back to the VA, this time parking in the garage. God provided a nice shady spot for the Chariot. 

13. Dad's room had 4 beds (3 occupied), so there wasn't much room. They brought a chair for Mom and I spent time going back and forth from the room to the waiting area. Once again while in the waiting area, I was able to share God's love with others. 

14. Dad meanwhile was giving away his Bible studies that he's created. One Dr even was went to make copies to share with others! How cool is that!?!?! 

15. The doctors decided to discharge Dad and we waited for all the paperwork to be completed.

16. Finally after 3.5 hours, the paper work was completed. I left to go get the Chariot. As I came around one corner, there was a lady and gentleman from the ER the night before. We talked and got an update. Another God designed appointment.

17. I drove the Chariot to the loading area, and it was full, so I drove around again, but got stuck in traffic. But it was actually a God-designed delay. For when I arrived at the Loading area, again, I saw a gentleman who had helped me several times on Dad's floor. I rolled down the window and joking said, "Bring my Dad down next." He replied, "That's exactly what I'm doing! I was wondering where you were!! Stay right where you are!" Perfect timing once again. 

(And thinking back.... "Ken" knew me because I had asked him for help in finding Dad's room, in getting Mom a chair, and finding the waiting room. And Dad had given him a Bible Study. Those little encounters were once again God-designed because it would help Ken know who my Dad was.) 

18. God made sure we were on the road before the rush hour traffic got too heavy. And once again God gave us amazing blue sky filled with white clouds for the ride home. 

19. We arrived home and had Sunday's leftovers in the frig for a quick heat-up dinner. 

I'm sure as I reflect over the time in VA, I'll remember other things that God did to watch over us. I'm so thankful that God in the midst of chaos, provides peace and strength. 

And remember how my Monday, started with that chiropractic appointment? That was so needed in getting my headache and pain level lowered to endure the 2 long days at the VA. God took care of me even before I knew I'd need that extra care. 

Thanks Living. 

Knowing that God has it ALL under control, and that He is working behind the scenes orchestrating His perfect will in all things.