Philippians 4:7-9 - Think On These Things

Hello,

My name is Jess.

Welcome to this short meditation on the book of Philippians.

Some parts of the Christian New Testament seem to directly address the need and desire for deeper reflection.

One of those places is Philippians 4,

7-9.

And the peace of God,

Which transcends all understanding,

Will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally brothers and sisters,

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.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me,

Put into practice and the God of peace will be with you.

Verse 8 says to think on these things.

So we're going to walk through them and think deeper about how to cultivate these ideas that Paul suggests into deeper places in our lives.

This is not a Lectio Divina,

But I will read portions of the scriptures with some silence to do as Paul writes.

Think on it.

So let's begin.

Whatever is true,

Whatever is noble,

Whatever is right.

In a world of misinformation,

Alternative facts,

And constant media noise,

Where do you find what is true or what is right?

Aun partially you Whatever is pure Whatever is lovely Whatever is admirable I can get so caught up in ugliness and the exposure of hate that is so prevalent Where do you see beauty in the everydayness of life?

What is it that you admire in this phase of life?

You you Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy Certainly Paul could have been talking about the divine in instructing the Philippians to think on what is excellent or praiseworthy What has creator shown you recently that is excellent or worthy of praise?

You you In verse 9 Paul indicates that these can be put into practice I Hope that's what we're doing here But beyond the meditation space How can you cultivate beauty or excellence?

Or what is true?

In the rest of your day in the rest of your week and your priorities in your time or your habits you Finally Before Paul's list in verse 7 there is a blessing That I want to leave you with And the peace of God Which transcends all understanding Will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Amen