Tina Krause - Whatever Is Lovely: Think about Such Things: Encouragement from Philippians 4:8

2014 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

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Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

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Hows your thought life? Have you ever experienced an overwhelming life issue or a day so bad that every thought resonated negativity? Youre not alone.

Philippians 4:8 ( KJV ) states: 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.

But how do we focus on whatever is lovely while living in a problem-permeated world? Each section of this book is devoted to one of the characteristics listed in Philippians 4:8 to help us implement these godly attributes into our daily lives.

Whatever circumstance you face, be encouraged. Loveliness is achievable when we begin to think about such things.

Where I found truth, there found I my God, who is the truth itself.
S AINT A UGUSTINE

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 J OHN 1:4 NIV

Y ears ago, Trish and her husband vacationed in Jamaica. While strolling the streets of Ocho Rios, they chatted with the locals. There they met Lora, a young single working mother. Before parting, Trish asked for her address so they could mail packages to her and her young son. For years, Trish and Lora exchanged letters and Trish mailed boxes brimming with items Lora and her son could use. In many of her letters, Trish shared her faith in Christ and the truth of Gods Word.

Then Lora moved, and they lost contact. Years passed, but Trish continued to pray for Loras salvation though she thought shed never know if her prayers were answereduntil one unexpected letter arrived postmarked from Jamaica. It read: My dear friend Trish: I have good news. I asked Jesus Christ into my heart and I am living a Christian life. I have joined a church, and the people there give me and my son much love and support. I have a lot to learn, but I wanted to tell you about this wonderful change in my life. Thank you for sharing Jesus with me so long ago.

Can you imagine Trishs excitement? Tears of joy dampened the handwritten page. For the first time Trish personalized the words of John: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Moms experience the joy of holding their children for the first time, seeing them crawl or take a first step. They beam with pride when their child graduates from college or achieves a milestone. They praise the Lord to witness their adult children serving God.

There is no greater joy than to see our childrenspiritual or physicalwalking with God. And God has no greater joy than to see us walking in His truth.

I will always speak the truth and refuse to tell a lie.
P ROVERBS 8:7 CEV

T heres one in every family or fellowship. Someone whose words you always question: Is what theyre telling me true or false? You want to believe her; you long to trust him, but can you? That question emerges every time you have a conversation.

Some people, even Christians, believe that embellishing the truth is acceptable. After all, what harm are a few exaggerations or omissions to a story or event? They think the little white lie myth absolves them from telling the whole truth. But the Bible is clear: little white lies are lies. Embrace the truth and refuse to lie.

Think about itall cult religions proclaim an element of biblical truth taken out of context, stretched or manipulated to mold the minds of unsuspecting people. Cult leaders stand before listening ears as they drum out misquoted scriptures and half-truths. And the results are devastating.

A. J. Gossip, author and professor of theology, put it this way: Do not burn false fire upon Gods altar; do not pose and pretend, either to Him or to yourself, in your religious exercises; do not say more than you mean, or use exaggerated language that goes beyond the facts.

Unlike the religious leaders who twist and distort the truth, God is not a dictator; Hes a loving, compassionate, faithful Father. While the devil manipulates, God gives us the freedom to choose the truth or falsehoods.

In the above scripture King Solomon, the voice of wisdom, vowed to speak truth and detest lies. Thats a choice we all make.

Do we speak the truth, or do we allow white lies to spawn self-deception and misdirection? The choice is ours.

Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
J OHN 8:32 KJV

G eorgia thought she was right about most, if not all, things. Personal conflicts were always someone elses fault. She blamed her parents for her personality problems and life issues. Often, she misunderstood a friends intentions or distorted what she perceived as truth in her conversations and experiences with others. As a result, she alienated herself from the very people who wanted to help or befriend her.

Coworkers, friends, and family readily admitted that Georgia suffered from self-deception, pride, and an uncompromising personality. She rejected the truth about herself, andin doing soshe grew into a depressed, lonely, cynical person.