Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, 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" (NIV)

WOW! Let's break this down a bit. Yes, the words are easy to grasp and understand. Think about things that are genuine or sincere. Okay, so what are some things that are genuine in our daily lives? Focusing on what we know to be fact...God loves us always and unconditionally...is one sure fact. Realize this. Rejoice in this fact. Let it capitivate your heart, mind, and soul. Noble pertains to an exalted moral or mental character. To think this way daily would keep our hearts and minds clear of any gossip, trash tv, trash internet and anything that would crush our moral character (being). Thinking on things that are right is to think about things that are proper or just. Hmmmm, this can be tough. Proper and just thoughts are not thinking ill will on someone...no matter what the offense. Pure thoughts...well this should be an easy thing for us right? Pure means to be free from blemishes. In thinking purely we do not allow any thought to take hold of our mind that would mar our heart or mind. To think about things that are lovely is to think on things that are delightful and highly pleasing. There are so many things that we can list that are pleasing to think about...all of God's creations; the beauty of landscapes, lakes, skies, children laughing, smiles on our dear grandparent's faces, the list is endless of pleasing things to think about. Thinking about things that are admirable means to think on things that inspire approval or reverence. Well, to me that sounds like thinking about God...taking time to BE with Him. Our days are to be filled with thinking about things that are excellent and praiseworthy. If we are consumed by thinking on all of the things listed in Philippians 4:8 we definitely do not have time to fill any of our thinking with the negatives of life. Oh there are many negative things I could list but choose not to because then your thoughts would be on the negative and I want to leave you with thinking on true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy thoughts! For in such thinking, therein lies true joy, peace, and fulfillment in Christ Jesus our Lord.