An Incorruptible Crown
Running the Race
A Year of Gratitude – AUGUST
A Year of Gratitude – February
Is Your Life on Cruise Control? by Rachel Strosnider
Lightning Strikes Memoirs – Sept 26-27, 2021
Keeping Focus by Sharon Rabon
Think on these things…whatsoever things are HONEST…
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, PLAIN 2a: REPUTABLE, RESPECTABLE b chiefly British : GOOD, WORTHY 3: worthy of praise 4a: marked by integrity b: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression : FRANK c: 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.
Think On These Things: TRUE
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.
Fill your mind with the truth of God’s Word.
Journal Entries 23-24 October 2018
October 23
7:00am – had trouble sleeping last night. Woke at 7:00am. Have TBI group today. Can only stay till 12:30 bc Joe has to work midday.
Once I got there, spoke with Theresa about paperwork from ss oho? Let atty know about attending tbi mtg. She said she’d write a leter if needed. I asked her for biz card bc I lost her info.
Two guys & a gal from USA came today. They come to help us out but are also learning from us. Stephen drew picture of brain and broke down different areas trying to explain each units functions. I was surprise that several of other attendees knew what part of their brain was injured. I must’ve had a lot of areas inured bc I resonate with several things.
I told them I’d like to pick their brains sometime. I have lots of questions I’d liked answered but can’t seem to remember them when necessary or how to word them to make sense.
They had us play a new game to me. I think it’s called Two Truths and a Lie. I didn’t understand what they were asking at first. Jameson gave example. I don’t remember all I wrote, but when it came to my second fact I wrote…I survived being struck by lightning. They were both shocked at that one. They started asking a bunch of questions. I answered the best I could before getting interrupted. I figure I can just print out list of symptoms to help them out. Had to set alarm on phone so I wouldn’t be late leaving. Arrived at home a few minutes before Joe had to leave for work.
My brain hurts after all that workout.
Need to rest. Sat for 30 minutes or so in livingroom. Not working. Can’t focus. Brain hurts all over. Fingers and hands numb, tingly, and aching. Legs and feet hurt. Whole body aches. Neck tingly burning up and down spine. Feel like I’m going to pass out. Feeling weekish. Need to go lay down for a while.
Ended up sleeping for 65 minutes. Woke up to phone ringing. Brain foggy couldn’t figure out where phone was though on bed next to me. Time to make the cookies.
Symptoms: brain hurts & foggy, neck chilly tingly, hands swollen and achy, calves crampy, whole body aches to bones, tired but wide awake.
11:17p – stinging nerve pain in legs from waist to toes, low back pain, hands swollen and achy, brain hurts, eyes sensitive to lights, tired but wide awake, every wrinkle in clothing is agitating my skin, rt neck hurts.
https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/64/6/763
October 24
8:36a – woke up later that usual whole body aches. Made bed. Not hungry but ate bowl of cereal. Started research for Joe. Thirsty so I go to get drink. Decide that cabinets are dirty. In cleaning them, decided they need fresh paint. It was very hard to stir paint. It hurt my arms. Need to take a break. Started load of laundry. Stir paint again. Brush not working well. Found small roller. Took off handles. Painted four cabinet doors above stove. My arms are throbbing and I’m out of breath. Load of wash is done. Throw in dryer. Stared water for new load. Not enough clothes need more. I’m tired and need to rest. It’s a little after 12 kids need to eat. Made Dezi pb&j. Made Tara chicken sandwich. Made myself pb&j. Sat to eat. I’m exhausted.
Holly came over to see if we were ready to go. Told girls to get ready to go. We’re going to Orange Beach. Enjoyed my “earthing” time at beach. Tara fed bird from her hand. I’m plum exhausted. My body aches and I’m starting to get a headache. Hands swollen and ache. Feet ache to bones. Skin itchy. Indigestion.
