[Weekly Scripture] Psalm 51:1–2 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
1 John 3:3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
What thoughts are pulling you into temptation and sin?
What are some ways you can decrease your non-praiseworthy thought life and increase in the number of thoughts that lead you to praise God?
Pray for a disciplined mind.
E-Devotion by Bill Starr (Elder)
Isn’t it true that often our sins are a result of acting on what we think about? In today’s reading, Paul exhorts us to fill our minds with things that would be described as excellent and worthy of praise. We are to dwell on whatever is true – these are things that are the opposite of dishonest and unreliable; whatever is noble – things that are dignified and worthy of respect; whatever is right – things that conform to God’s standard; whatever is pure – things that are morally pure; whatever is lovely – things that promote peace and not conflict and whatever is admirable – things that are positive and constructive, not negative and destructive. Think about such things!
Our actions will follow our thoughts. Are we bringing every thought captive to Christ? Are we filling our minds with words and images that will cause us to magnify and honor God? If someone could read our minds mind would they be shocked or would they see echoes of what Paul exhorts us to fill our mind with? Are we daily spending time in God’s word – reading and meditating and seeking to have our thoughts conformed to His image?
Pray that God would grant us discernment to be vigilant about what things we listen to, watch and read. Pray that we would immerse ourselves in the Word of God that our thoughts might be transformed by the power of the Word. Then our words and actions will be pleasing to the Lord and reflect His work in our lives.