11 July 2021 - If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)”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.”

Psalm 103 is intended to remind of us of the many praiseworthy attributes of God:

He completely forgives us of all our sins (vs. 3 “He forgives all my sins”)

He can heal us from any disease (vs. 3 “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases”)

He gives us eternal life (vs. 4 “He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies”)

He treats us with goodness (vs. 5” He fills my life with good things”)

He gives justice to those who have been mistreated (vs. 6 “The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.”)

He is compassionate, merciful, and patient towards us (vs. 8 “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”)

His love for those who obey Him is immeasurable (vs.11 “For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth”)

He establishes a fatherly relationship with us (vs. 13 “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”)

His kingdom is everlasting and extends over all His creation (vs. 22 “Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.”)

The key to Godly living is Godly thinking. What should we dwell upon? Simply: 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, This is to be the centre and consumption of our focus.

Philippians 4:7 (ESV) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I conclude with Colossians 3:2 (ESV) “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”