April 25 - Philippians 4:8-9

April 24
Philippians 4:8-9

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatver things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. 9. The things which you learned and received and kheard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

The Apostle Paul, having gone through many trials leaves this word with us as an encouragement on how to receive peace. People throughout the world are continuously looking for peace, and never finding it. Here the apostle lays out the remedy for peace right here in our Bibles. It's what we think about in our minds is what brings peace to our soul. This verse then gives us a barometer on how to have that peace:

• Do you think on those things that are true in God's Word? Are we trusting God's Word to be truth for your lives?
• Do you think on those things that are noble and just? In other words, think on those things that are righteous toward God and other people?
• Do you think on those things that are pure? Instead of unforgiveness, bitterness, anger and hatred toward others, are you thinking on those things that are pure in the eyes of God?
• What about thinking on those things that are lovely and of a good report? Do you think the best in other people or are you continuously looking for the fault in others? You determine how you are going to think.
• Can you look for the virtue in others and give them praise for what they have done?

These are meditating scriptures that can be a challenge when you are angry or hostile toward anyone. If then, you find it difficult to think on the right things regarding situations or other people, God also tells you how to get rid of negative thoughts and turn it around to think on God thoughts. The Apostle Paul again tells us in 2 Corinthians how to get rid of negative thinking, purposing to cast down arguments or imaginations that exalt itself against the Word of God. As such, you have the ability to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3 Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

Yes, God gave you the ability to choose. So then, you can choose to cast down ugly thoughts, taking them captive - getting rid of them. Just as soon as you realize you are having negative thoughts that you know goes against the Word of God, STOP IT RIGHT AWAY! Take it captive, casting it away from you and begin to think on those things that are true according to the Word of God. Think on positive thoughts toward the situation or person, choosing to rid yourself of the anger or unforgiveness, and use the Word of God over their lives instead. For when you do, you will experience a peace that only comes from the Lord to live a life of peace and freedom from those negative thoughts that would love to take over your life. 

You have control over your thought life. Replace the negative with the positive Word of God.