For One Day

Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: (Ezekiel 38:10)

Does it bother you that God knows what we’re thinking? Or do you believe this verse only applies to one given situation, that God wouldn’t have time for our unimportant thoughts?

Think again. What we think is important to Him – which means it should be important to 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)

True. Do we search out truth? Or, accept it from others?

Honest. Doesn’t this come back to truth? Are we honest with ourselves?

Just. Is justice supposed to come down on "our side", or is it blind?

Pure. Can we accept those who lift this virtue? Or, do we laugh and deny?

Lovely. The Greek here is prosphiles, or friendly toward, not physically attractive. Which do we choose?

Good report. Do we always give good reports? Do we look for the good in people, and speak it?

Virtue. An old-fashioned word, an excellent word for excellence. Who can find a virtuous woman – or man for that matter?

Praise. I think of this one as being praise to God – if there is anything that can bring praise to God, to His work, to His word, to His plan in our lives – think on these things.

Please, make a conscious effort to follow Philippians 4:8 for one day. When you are successful for one, compare that day to others. Choose which way you’d rather live.