Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Can I run every situation through this filter?

(Php 4:4) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
(Php 4:5) Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
(Php 4:6) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
(Php 4:7) Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
(Php 4:8) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Vs. 4 No matter what, my joy can remain in the Lord, because He does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Vs. 5 Through Christ, I can treat others with the love I would want to be treated with regardless how they treat me. Jesus asked the Father to forgive the men who nailed Him to the cross and were gambling over His clothes. Luke 23:34

Vs. 6 I can carry every burden to God through Christ with thanksgiving. He has done marvelous things for me. I can trust He who is faithful with every burden.

Vs. 7 Then I will experience His peace as I live in Jesus Christ.

Vs. 8 So when trials come, when someone is unkind, rude, thoughtless or hateful I can run their actions through the filter in this verse.
A. What is the truth of this situation? Who am I in Christ?
B. How can I best Honor my Savior and love this individual as I love myself?
C. What is the right thing to do, the godly thing?
D. How can I show the pure love of Jesus Christ?
E. What would bring beauty to this situation?
F. What, in God's sight, is the admirable thing to do?
G. How can I bring praise to God through and in this situation?

And if, by the power of Jesus Christ I start each day with the mindset of verse 8 it will be easier and eventually second nature to run each situation through this filter. I think I shall find it necessary to reset this mind of mine several times each day.

May you and I glorify our King and Savior, Jesus Christ, with our minds. May they be renewed by the power of His word.
(Rom 12:1) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.
(Rom 12:2) Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
(Eph 4:23) Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Love in Christ,
Brother Steve

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