What to Think About

Heard this today and it was a good reminder.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Here’s why it was a good reminder. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, for no particular reason. Just grumpy, frustrated, etc. That’s no fun.

Then, I heard the verse at church shortly afterward. The context was, how we have the ability to decide what to think about. We can focus on the junk, the negatives, and pretty much any other thought that will lead to defeat, be in short or long term.

We also have the option to thing about the type of things mentioned at the beginning of this post. Things that will lead us to a place of joy and peace, if we are willing to think about them instead of the other stuff.

This was good timing for me. Maybe it is for you. Here’s to focusing on the good instead of the not-so-good.

Have a great day.

Beyond Belief

“We’re content to pitch our tent
When the glory’s evident
Seldom do we know the glory came and went

Moving can seem dangerous
In this stranger’s pilgrimage
Knowing that you can’t stand still, you cross the bridge

Leap of faith without a net
Makes us want to hedge our bet
Waters never part until our feet get wet

There’s a higher place to go, beyond belief, beyond belief
Where we reach the next plateau, beyond belief, beyond belief”

This song is a great reminder to me to live by faith, not by sight. Because, after all, He’s got this…

Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

 

The Gift of Peace

I came across this devotional and read it to our family during our recent vacation. Thought I’d share it here with you today as well.

Winning peace: Real peace is not won by avoiding or denying conflict. Conflict may be necessary to achieve peace. That’s why Jesus Christ fought and defeated the Enemy of our souls, freeing us to live at peace with God. “For he himself is our peace, who has … destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). No wonder the angels proclaimed “on earth peace to men” upon Jesus’ arrival in the manger (Luke 2:14).   

Receiving peace: Jesus told His disciples that He gives peace of a different quality than the world gives (John 14:27). The world can achieve a temporary absence of conflict through a change in circumstances. But lasting peace is received as a free gift from the One who defeated death and sin. It is not something we can obtain through our own efforts, nor something that can be taken away by life’s difficulties or conflicts. In Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Experiencing peace: We can, however, rob ourselves of the peace that Christ offers. That’s why we are commanded to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). How? By replacing anxiety with prayer and thankfulness. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The result? “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Click the link above or click here to read more. You’ll find some key points and additional readings to go along with this topic.

There is nothing like the peace of God! It can get you through anything and keeps you steady when the waves of the world might otherwise toss you around. It’s available to you at no cost – the price has already been paid. What an amazing gift.

Have a great day.

Only A Mountain

Another day, another fight
It always feels like an uphill climb
Another step, another mile
The story of your life

You’ve gotta find a second wind
It’s not as high as you think it is
Don’t give up and don’t you quit
You gotta climb if you wanna win

This is only a mountain
You don’t have to find your way around it
Tell it to move, it’ll move
Tell it to fall, it’ll fall
It’s only a mountain

I hope this song and its lyrics will encourage you today.

Life has a way of bringing what seem to be mountains into the path of where you are and where you feel your happiness lies. Those mountains can look mighty tall, I’ll attest to that from personal experience. But you’ll make it. Like the song says, it’s not as high as you think it is.

And remember, you can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil 4:13) so hang in there. Choose to find the joy in the moment you’re in, even though it may be hard to do it. It will serve you well, and that mountain will start looking a lot smaller before you know it.

Have a good day.

Can Do

Happy Monday everyone.

Just a little encouragement today, to take a ‘Can Do’ attitude into the week ahead.

Whatever it might be that’s presenting a challenge in your life, believe that you can do it. Whether it’s something in your work life, your personal life, or whatever it is…you can do it and you can do it well.

God has given you all the strength you need. You just have to believe it.

Have a great day.