Thinking Affects Everything: Pure

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, "pure". 

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—Pure.

Whatever things are pure.

Pure: pure from every fault, immaculate. From the word meaning, "likeness of nature with the Lord because different from the world.

Likeness because different. 

Whatever things are pure. The test for pureness is not what I think to be ok, or without fault. Rather, the test is what God says is ok. 

Just because the world accepts something does not make it right, let alone pure. There are standards and a nature-order that God created. Just because someone has decided to change that, because of how they 'feel', does not make it right.

Likeness because different. 

Pure things are those things with are in accordance with God, His character, and His standards and laws. Think on things that are pure—pure from every fault. 

That makes me think of TV shows I watch. I can rationalize why I watch a show. It has a good story line, it makes me laugh, it's something to do. But is it pure from every fault? It it in the likeness of nature of the Lord? If not, then why am I spending my time watch and thinking about it? Good question. 

Whatever things are pure. 

Thinking effects everything. If I want to live a life that is pleasing to God, then I have a responsibility to think on things that are pure. 

If that means, turning off the TV, then I need to do it. If that means changing the radio station, then I need to do it. If that means.......... the key is to make sure that I'm allowing into my mind are things that I want to think about later. 

"You are being too harsh. You need to have fun. You need to lighten up, it's just a TV show." 

Exactly. 

Those are statements which we say to ourselves and others, to justify why we do something which we know is not always the best. 

Whatever things are pure. 

Thinking affects everything. And if I want to be thinking godly and acting in accordance with God and His Word, then I must work on making sure what I allow in my mind, to be God-pure. 

Thinking affects everything—and it begins with what I allow into my mind. 

Whatever things are pure. God-pure! 

Thinking Affects Everything: Just 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, "just". 

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—Just.

Whatever things are just. 

He has shown you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justly,

To love mercy,

And to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

Require: ask for, demand, to follow for pursuit 

But to do justly. 

Accomplish the attribute of justice, right, rectitude. 

To love mercy. 

 Mercy: kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable)

To walk humbly with your God. 

Walk: associate, be familiar with

With: of the relation in which one stands with

The Lord God demands that I pursue and accomplish the attribute of being right, just (in the eyes of God), I am to be kind, and have a relationship with God (that means that I want to spend time with Him and get to know Him and in doing so, that will impact my life). 

Thinking affects everything. Whatever things ......... what am I thinking about? 

Thinking Affects Everything: Just 1

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, "just". 

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—Just.

Whatever things are just. 

Just: upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God; that which regard for duty demands, what is right; observing divine and human laws; one who is such as he ought to be

Just. Right. And this is not what I think is right, or what you think is right. This is based upon what God calls right. 

I really like the phrase, "one who is such as he ought to be". 

Who lived "as they ought to be"? Who did God call "just"? 

How awesome it would be is God could call me "just"?! Sadly, I fall very short, and am so grateful for God's grace and mercy. But what an awesome goal to have—"one who is such as he ought to be".

I'm looking forward to studying "things that are just" and examining the lives of the individuals God called "just". 

Meditating today on how I can be "one who is such as he ought to be".

How do you spell relief? Part 2

Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

Casting:  to throw away, throw off

Anxiety: to be drawn in different directions, disquietude, encumbrance

Cares: to be of interest to

One thing I like about this verse, is that God knows that we will be anxious, we do have worries. God understands that. But going beyond that God wants us to know that He can handle all those worries and distractions. 

In my kitchen is a container we use for trash/garbage. The garbage container is emptied often and the bag is loaded into the larger container in the garage. On Thursday, it's placed out at the curb, and the truck comes and empties the container. I do not want the garbage in my home for various reasons. One—it's garbage. It's useless. The other, it smells bad if left too long.  I have NO problem THROWING AWAY the garbage. I don't go into the garage and dig through it to being it back inside. I don't run after the truck to get my garbage back. 

Anxiety is like garbage to the soul. It causes confusion. It disrupts peace. And if left too long, it creates a stench as it festers and robs us of joy. 

There is no need to store anxiety. There is no need to let it fester. There is no need. Yet, too often we have a storage room full of it. 

How do we really throw away the anxiety? How do we empty the storage room of worry? 

Look again at the definition of anxiety. "To be drawn in different directions." The first way to throw away anxiety is refocus your heart and mind on God. Don't allow Satan to distract you with the "What ifs", or the "Why me?" or "What will I do?" or any other distraction Satan tries. Refocus!

How do you really refocus? A good place to start is: 

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 

One truth that fits all those categories is.... "He cares about you!"

You are of great interest to God! Think about that for a moment. The God who created the entire UNIVERSE—is interested in YOU! He knows all about you. He knows your past, your present, and your future. He knows what makes you tick — He should, He created you! 

Anxiety—the chaos of being pulled in all directions. A place of unrest. A place of confusion. A place of worry. A place of darkness and despair. 

Peace— a stillness that God provides. It wells up in the heart and mind, as you focus on God and the truth that HE loves YOU! It's a deep intense peace that calms and comforts, no matter the circumstances around you. 

How do you spell relief? 

Relief: a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

True relief—

Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries.
1 Peter 5:7 (VOICE)

Relief

R: Refocus

E: Empty the Garbage! 

L: Leave the garbage at the curb - don't allow it back in

I:  Individualize—God cares about ME! 

E: Embrace God's love 

F: Focus on and enjoy God's peace 

How do you spell relief? 

To read "How do you spell relief? part 1, click here.

How do you spell relief?

Sunday Night my Pastor is speaking on 1 Peter 5, "How do you spell relief?" I've been thinking about that. 

Relief: a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress.

First and foremost when I think about relief, I think physical relief from pain. Since October 2000, the only real relief from pain I've had, was when I was under anesthesia for surgeries and procedures. Pain is now a constant ever-present reality. I have techniques and pain medications to help lower the intensity of the pain, but it never goes away. There is really no relief from the pain. So physically, for me, there is no way to spell relief.

Physical relief may not be a reality for me, however, there is more to me than just pain and the physical aspect. I also have a heart/soul.

R: Relationship with God (is it right?)
There is a physical benefit of having my heart/soul right with God—handling the pain becomes easier. Mind you the pain doesn't become less, rather, I have a peace and calmness in the midst of the pain. And that is an amazing relief! How do I make sure that my heart and soul are right with God? It begins with a relationship with God. And as with all relationships, if I want it to be healthy, then I must spend time talking and listening to God. Yes, it's that simple. I can't expect my relationship with God to deepen, if I don't spend time with Him and in His Word. 

E: Encouragement/Joy
How do I spell relief? Relief also comes from encouragement. Often I am amazed that when I encourage someone else, my heart seems to have wings! It's like my "joy container" overflows! And when your heart is full of joy—it bubbles over into all aspects of my life. It's hard to be down when you are bursting with joy—epecially God's joy!

I have God’s more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day. Psalm 4:7

L: Live in accordance to God's will

Next, I must take my relationship with God to the next level and apply what He teaches me. For listening and not doing, well it just doesn't make since. Think about your personal relationships. If you ask someone to do the dishes, and they say that they agree the dishes need to be done, but do nothing about it—well, how does that effect your relationship? It puts a strain on it. That happens when I don't do what God asks. There is a strain on the relationship. I become distant from God, because I know full well what He wants me to do, and I should do it out of love and respect for Him. When I do not, it robs me of the joy and peace He provides. 

I: Imperturbation (freedom from mental disquiet, anguish)/ God's peace! 
How do I spell relief? It's not just about the "me" side of the relationship. The greater relief comes from the "God-side" of the relationship. For I'm human. I fail. Yet, God is God! And not only is He gracious and loving and kind and good...... He CARES for me! He knows how many hairs are on my head. I don't know that!! Do you? God knows ALL the details about me. Yep, every single one. At times that can be kinda scary—like when I disobey Him. Yet, at other times—that is the most comforting and reassuring thought ever! 

"This is a marvelous thing, that God thinks upon men, and remembers them continually." John Calvin

E: Execute
Execute often brings two meanings to mind. 1. Kill or assassinate. 2. Accomplish, do, perform. And in oder to spell relief, I must do both. First and foremost, I have to kill the doubts and fears that Satan is so very good at bringing to my attention. If I give those doubts and fears room to grow, they become overwhelming. I've written before how fear creates its own reality. Fear is not a "God-thing". Rather He gives peace. (Fear Creates Its Own Reality)

After I kill the doubts and fears (which by the way is an ongoing process), I then must turn my focus to executing God's will. That means service! I am to be serving God and others. God has given me talents and abilities, and I am to be executing them! I may not be able to do somethings—but there are things I can do. And if I choose NOT to do them—that's just sad. And not only that it's disobedient to God. That will rob me of peace and relief faster than anything. 

F: Friends
How do I spell relief? Friends? Yes. For God-designed friendships are vital to life. God created us to love each other. True friends encourage, support, hold one accountable, produce growth, and provide laughter! God-designed friends are those who make sure when you are in the midst of the down and fearful time, you are directed back to God and His ever-present peace. 

How do I spell relief? 

R: Relationship with God (is it right?)

E: Encouragement/Joy

L: Live in accordance to God's will

I: Imperturbation (freedom from mental disquiet, anguish)/ God's peace! 

E: Execute

F: Friends

Well, that's how I spell relief. How do you spell relief?