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.
Webster defines RENEW as to make like new; restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection; to make new spiritually: regenerate
KJV Dictionary defines RENEW as to renovate; to restore to a former state, or to a good state, after decay or depravation; to rebuild, to repair to make new
Romans 12:1-2 says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
A person can be pulled at from many directions during the week making it tough to be successful negotiating all the demands from life in general.
Whether you must work to help provide for the family, deal with bosses and coworkers, juggle housework, pay bills, keep up with doctor appointments, raise children, do laundry, cook, clean, do home repairs, complete car maintenance, participate in social engagements, endure physical ailments, etc., these things can get you bogged down with unrealistic expectations of what you can handle with the resources you have.
You often find yourself emotionally and physically exhausted. Then, you find yourself resisting making commitments and fearful of the choices you make.
The “renewing” in verse two in the Greek language means renovation: renewing. In order to renew our minds, we need to determine to spend much needed time with the Lord on a daily basis. We must pursue Christ asking Him to reveal the truth we need for the day, and pray that He will provide the wisdom and knowledge (James 1:5) and strength (Isaiah 40:31) that we need for each day.
But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8
“I will serve Thee because I love Thee
You have given life to me.
I was nothing before You found me,
You have given life to me.
Chorus:
Heartaches, broken pieces,
Ruined lives are why You died on Calvary.
Your touch was what I longed for,
You have given life to me.”
It’s amazing to think that God has the power to put back together the broken pieces of our lives. We are the clay and He is the Potter. Clay when placed in the Potter’s hand can be formed into something wonderful and new.
Our heartaches don’t have to mean the end of hope. We just need to place our trust in Him and allow Him to work in and through our lives. He will take our broken pieces and form them into something beautiful in His time.
“I will serve Thee because I love Thee 