Psalm 127:1-5 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
I am thankful for the children that God allowed me to be a mother, especially when the doctors told me that I couldn’t have children. I claimed Psalm 37:3-5 trusting God would give me the desires of my heart. And He Did!
Striving to raise your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) is a difficult task. It is also a very rewarding one.
*Teach your children to love the Lord with all their being and to respect His house and His Holy Word (Deut 6:4-9, Proverbs 22:6).
*Help them hide God’s Word in their hearts (Psalm 119:11, Joshua 1:9).
*Show them how to study and apply His precepts to every day life (2 Timothy 2:15, Psalm 19:7-10).
*Pray for God to surround them with angels to protect them from harm (Psalm 91:11, Matthew 18:10).
*Encourage them to climb every obstacle and become courageous followers of truth (Joshua 1:9, Ephesians 6:10-20).
*Motivate them to live lives of purity, kindness, and compassion that they may shine as bright lights in the world (Matthew 5:13-16, Philippians 4:8, 1 Timothy 4:12).
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11
KJV Dictionary defines JUST as In a moral sense, upright; honest; having principles of rectitude, or conforming exactly to the laws, and to principles of rectitude in social conduct; equitable in the distribution of justice; as a just judge.1
Webster defines JUST as 1a: having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason : REASONABLEb: conforming to a standard of correctness : PROPER2a(1): acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good : RIGHTEOUS(2): being what is merited : DESERVEDb: legally correct : LAWFUL2
The apostle Paul wrote this letter as an encouragement to the Christians at Philippi. The book of Philippians is a blueprint on how to have joy in all circumstances.
Paul dedicated his life to following Christ. His desire to know Christ above all else is best expressed in Philippians 3:8-10: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”
The Greek word for Just is δίκαιος, ία, ιον (dikaios)3 which means correct, righteous, by implication innocent: a state of being right. It can simply mean someone who is righteous in their ways.4
Paul is admonishing us to keep our focus on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise worthy (Philippians 4:8). You’ve heard the old adage: “garbage in, garbage out”. The same is true for applying good things in our lives. What we allow to go into our minds will determine what we dwell upon and therefore what comes out in words and actions.
Many times we choose to focus on things that can bring happiness, and pleasure. We frequently think about things that serve our self will. Though we say that we desire to live a righteous life, our minds are usually focused on things that feed fleshly desires (Galatians 5:19-21). Would your thought life be described as just?
We must train our minds to focus on things that are wholesome. We must pay attention to what we allow to enter our minds through television, internet, books, movies, radio, etc. Spend time in God’s Word and pray. Ask Him to fill your life until your heart and mind only dwells upon that which is in harmony with God’s standards as stated in Scriptures.
9:00a- having trouble waking up this morning. Alarm was set for 6:30am thought I hit snooze next thing I know it’s 8am.
Fingers & hands tingly and aching. Congested. Neck hurts. Feels like I broke a fever sometime during night.
9:00p- No energy today whatsoever. Managed to get sheets washed for my bed. Jordon helped me make it back up. Towels are still in dryer. Made sweet tea. Helped Jordon with his math. Wrote quiz for his computer class. Deposited check at bank. Pick up couple items at dollar store. Make chili (took me couple of hours to get in crockpot this morning -kept getting distracted) & cornbread for dinner. After all that, I was done for the day.
9:30p- all of sudden had hunger urge – I hardly ever get hungry. Most days I have to be reminded to eat. Strange. Ate two peanut butter cookies with milk. Also ate whole grapefruit.
Hands and forearms swollen and achy. Feet hurt. Rt hip hurts. Exhausted. Stuffy & congested. Tongue still patchy white. Jordon has cardiology apt. I’m concerned but I’m doubtful it will get us any closer to answer of his blackouts.
Jan 8
6:00a- woke to stinging pain in hands, legs, and feet
7:00a- slight headache. Taking son to cardiology apt this morning. Glad my husband can drive. Interstate makes me anxious. GPS needs to make up its mind. Joe ended up accidentally running red light trying to follow the directions! Gonna give me heart attack. Ugh!
9:00a- Dr apt went well. Vasovagal Syncope. Dr gave instructions for natural resources. If continues or gets worse, can call and she’ll prescribe rx. Dr very sweet and cordial. Says this is common in teens and he should out grow it. Thank the Lord for simple remedies.
10:00a- TBI mtg
Pastor gave devotions on What a Friend we have in Jesus.
Told Pixie about Bargain Thrift Store. She said she’d never been and would like to meet up with us there afterwards. We did and found some deals. I’m exhausted. Need to go home and rest. Brain hurts.
5:48p- feel like I’ve been in a fog most of day. Have periodic bouts of feeling extremely weak like I can feel it draining out of me. Very weird feeling.
7:23p- Sweet friend called to chat and check on me, but also needed to talk. I never mind talking with friends. We shared blessings and prayer requests.
10:10p- I’m exhausted. Hope to fall asleep quickly. It’s been a busy day for me but my heart is at peace with Dr’s diagnosis and it’s a simple, natural fix. Praying God heal him and he out grows it quickly.
Hands swollen and throbbing, upper chest aching, low back aches, toes cold, upper back stinging needle pain, headache, foggy brain, stuffy nose, neck throbbing.
One time today my right arm cracked and it hurt for a while afterward.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
This year I want to grow my faith – a FAITH that trusts that the Lord knows what He is doing even on my most difficult days. Days when my pain is so bad I can barely muster the strength to get out of bed. Faith that believes in the inspired, infallible Word of God more than in my feelings, in my circumstances, or in the thoughts or opinions of others.
God’s Word is full of examples of people who believed God at His Word when no one else did. Noah built an ark for a flood of waters that He didn’t know from where it would come (Genesis 6). Esther was brought to the king’s palace “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) to save her people. Gideon followed strange orders to dwindle his army down to just three hundred men to conquer their enemies (Judges 7). T here are many more that are part of our “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) which are cheering us on to press toward the mark.
I want to please God by drawing closer to Him and in return, He will draw closer to me (James 4:8a).
Psalm 38:17-22 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
With all that has gone on recently in the world, I can see how one could lose focus on the big picture in light of eternity. Our focus can be skewed causing us to forget that we are suppose to be lights in the darkened world around us (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:9).
Yes, the world seems to increasingly be more chaotic which cause fears to rise. Wrong is now right. Things will continue to wax worse. Left to our own vices will result in messy situations.
America is in desperate need of God’s mercy again. We cannot survive without Him. We need to kneel at the cross until nothing else matters. We need to be courageous to share the Truth with others. He is our strength and buckler (Psalm 91:1-4). He will never leave us nor forsake us.
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. Philippians 4:8
The second in our list of things we are to keep our minds and hearts focused upon is Honest.
The King James Dictionary defines Honesty as:
HON’ESTY, n. on’esty. L. honestas.
1. In principle, an upright disposition; moral rectitude of heart; a disposition to conform to justice and correct moral principles, in all social transactions. In fact, upright conduct; an actual conformity to justice and moral rectitude.
2. Fairness; candor; truth; as the honesty of a narrative.
3. Frank sincerity.
The Webster Dictionary defines honest as:
Honest, hon·est | \ ˈä-nəst \
1a: free from fraud or deception:LEGITIMATE, b: GENUINE, c: HUMBLE, PLAIN2a: REPUTABLE, RESPECTABLEb chiefly British : GOOD, WORTHY3: worthy of praise 4a: marked by integrity b: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression : FRANKc: direct and uncomplicated : INNOCENT
Society treats lying as harmless. Many times we aren’t even aware of the deceitfulness that surrounds us. The world has taught that truth is irrelevant and tolerance is more important. Honesty is not a top priority.
One may exaggerate the facts just to make themselves look good; one tells the police officer that they weren’t aware they were speeding, some cheat on income taxes; others tell a “white lie” to get out of trouble; or some call in sick just to get out of work.
In a world full of chaos and deception seemingly around every corner, we must remember that the devil is the “Father of lies”.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44
Did you know that the average person tells approximately thirteen lies a week?
According to a study conducted by UM psychologist Robert S Feldman, most people lie in everyday conversation when they are trying to appear likable and competent. He found that 60 percent of people lied at least once during a ten-minute conversation and told an average of two to three lies.
The Bible contains several admonitions against lying including the ninth commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16) and Proverbs 6:16-19 states God’s animosity towards lying:
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Honesty is of extreme importance in relationships. If we want genuine and wholesome relationships with those around us, we must practice being honest in all we say and do.
God expects and deserves honesty.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psalm 51:6
Our true nature isn’t revealed in our physical appearance but rather it comes from within our hearts. Our innermost thoughts declare our true character.
The thoughts of our hearts tell others about our spiritual state.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Proverbs 23:7
What does your heart dwell upon?
Do we focus our thoughts on what everyone else is doing or are we trying to keep up with our neighbors? Or do we focus our minds on Christ and the wisdom that He imparts to us in His Word?
When we focus on godly wisdom our speech will be filled with grace. Our words will offer praise to God (Hebrews 13:15), and will edify the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6
As we grow closer to Christ in our walk with Him, it will become increasingly more natural to be honest in our thoughts, words, and actions. We must strive to dwell only on those things that are honest.
Psalms 149:1 Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
Psalms 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
In every circumstance, we should praise the Lord. There is always something for which to be grateful.
How should He be praised? With our hearts, mouths, and every instrument (Psalm 95:1; Ephesians 5:19; Psalm 71:23; Psalm 33:2).
When should He be praised? Continually (Psalm 34:1). We should praise the Lord in all circumstances not just on Sunday morning.
Where should He be praise? Everywhere (Psalm 150)
Why should He be praised? For His excellent greatness and mighty power (Deut. 3:24)
Who should praise Him? Everyone that breathes (Psalms 100:1; 150:6).
Praising the Lord helps us to re-center our thoughts and minds onto God. It helps us to set aside the worries and cares of this life. It helps remind us of what God has done for us. It helps to strengthen our faith.
Philippians 4:7-8 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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.
Let’s begin with verse 7…
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
The Peace of God is a quiet rest that dwells in our soul. This peace keeps our hearts and minds focused on Christ. It is that peace that causes no anxiety or excessive care about things of this world when we commit wholly to the Lord.
Verse 8 gives us a list of things we are to keep our minds and hearts focused upon.
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. Philippians 4:8
The first one is – TRUE.
The King James Dictionary defines TRUE as being in accordance with the actual state of things; conformable to fact; as a true relation or narration; a true history; genuine; pure; real; not counterfeit.
We can only have an effective personal relationship with Christ as a believer if we focus our eyes upon Christ. We do this through prayer, meditating on Scripture, and submitting our thoughts and imaginations to Christ. We are encouraged to yield every thought to Christ (Romans 6:13, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Let our minds dwell on Christ and not allow our hearts to control us.
Righteous living depends on keeping our minds on Christ.
When anxious thoughts begin to flood our minds, we should immediately STOP what we are doing, THINK “Is this pleasing Christ?”, and PRAY asking for God’s help. Yet too often we allow the anxious and fretful thoughts to take over and bog us down.
Let’s choose to focus our minds on things that are true. Forsake the lies of the devil and allow the Lord to control our thoughts.
Luke 19:1-5 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector. The Roman Empire had imposed steep taxes on everyone. Tax collectors were some of the most unfavorable people in Israel.
Jews who chose to work for the Romans were considered turncoats. This made Zacchaeus a very unliked man. In every society, there are people who are unloved or deemed untouchable because of their behavior or lifestyle.
In spite of his disposition, Jesus loved Zacchaeus. Jesus loves you. Jesus loved the whole world enough to give His life that we may be able to go to heaven with Him one day.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him so not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming through Jericho. He wanted to see what the fuss was all about. But because of his short stature, he had to climb a tree to see above the crowds.
Little did he know that he would not only meet Jesus, but Jesus would also be coming to his house. What a difference it made in his life the day he met the Saviour!
Have you met the Saviour? If so, has your faith caused a change? If not, what changes do you need to make?
I will ever be grateful for the day that Jesus entered my life and changed it forever. Thankful for His redeeming grace.
