READ: Philippians 4 (Focus vs. 4-9)
MEMORY VERSE
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure . . . think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
BACKGROUND
Lap after lap, Katie Ledecky was in a familiar spot during the 1500-meter freestyle race at the 2024 Paris Olympics. For some fifteen minutes, she was far ahead of the rest of the swimmers and alone with her thoughts.
What was Ledecky thinking about during the long race? In an interview conducted immediately following her gold-medal-winning performance in which she set a new Olympic record, Ledecky said she was thinking about her training partners and saying their names in her head.
Distance swimmers aren’t the only ones who need to focus their minds on the right things. We as believers in Jesus also need to guard our thoughts throughout our faith journey.
The apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian church to “rejoice in the Lord,” not be “anxious about anything, but pray about everything (Philippians 4:4, 6). The result? “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v. 7).
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, helps put our worries and troubles in perspective.
Paul also encouraged believers: “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” (v. 8).
As we go about our day, let’s be aware of our thoughts. When we see God’s hand in our life, we can count our blessings and worship Him.
Nancy Gavilanes
INSIGHT
In this “joyful” letter (Philippians 1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1), Paul challenged believers in Jesus to “rejoice in the Lord always” (4:4). He explains why he’s rejoicing and encourages believers to do the same (1:18; 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:4, 10).
When he first visited the Roman colony of Philippi on his second missionary journey about ten years earlier, he’d been falsely accused of disturbing the social peace of the city.
Even though he’d been illegally beaten and unjustly imprisoned (Acts 16:20-24), he was a picture of calmness and peace, “praying and singing hymns to God” (v. 25).
In Philippians 4, Paul says not to “worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. . . . Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (vv. 6, 8 nlt).
As we focus our thoughts on what God’s done, we can worship Him even in the midst of trials.
K.T.Sim
APPLICATION
What have you been thinking about lately? How can you honor God with your thoughts?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“As we focus our thoughts on what God’s done, we can worship Him even in the midst of trials.”
Today’s Insight
PR’s TAKE
“Thoughts live. They travel (fast) and far” Sawami Vivekkanada – Adapted
“Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. (Watch your actions they sum up your character.)” Frank Outlaw – Adapted
PRAYER
“Dear God, may my thoughts be pleasing to You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“THINK ON THESE THINGS” Petra/Yolanda Adams???
In solitary time the thoughts run through my mind
Some from the very throne some origins unknown
I know there’s a danger waiting
Thoughts held in captivity
The vain imaginations that long to be set free
I hold the key
With thoughts of purity
Whatever things are pure and true, (I want to)
Think on these things
Whatever things are filled with virtue
Think on these things
When my mind begins to stray
I want to think the other way
Think on these things
Think on these things
Into the conscious flow the tributaries go
The source from which they start
Abundance of the heart
My mind has a mind of its own
Choosing negativity
Only the thoughts of virtue
Withhold the raging sea
I turn the ride
By choosing to abide
Whatever things are pure and true, (I want to)
Think on these things
Whatever things are filled with virtue
Think on these things
When my mind begins to stray
I want to think the other way
Think on these things
Think on these things
Whatever things are honest
Whatever things are just
Whatever things are lovely
I will put my trust
In the things that never cease
To keep my heart in perfect peace
Whatever things are pure and true, (I want to)
Think on these things
Whatever things are filled with virtue
Think on these things
When my mind begins to stray
I want to think the other way
Think on these things
Think on these things
