Verse of the Day 5/16

 

Philippians 4:8-9  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Today's verses are a benediction for the book of Philippians, a great letter written by Paul which encourages, challenged and comforted it's readers then and in the world today.  In chapter 1 we are reminded in verse 6 that "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it."  In chapter two were are challenged to "work out your salvation", in chapter 3 we are challenged to imitate Paul and to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of Christ" and at the end of this chapter we are to have the mind of Paul when he states that "I can do all things through him who strengthens me".

 

We find these words, these sayings, these teachings echoed throughout scripture.  The question is are we "mining" it from God's Word?  Are we allowing God's Word to speak to us?  Are we listening as He speaks through it?

 

Returning once again to A. W. Tozer in "The Pursuit of God", he writes, "I think that a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach the Bible with the idea that it is not only a book which was once spoken, but a book which is now speaking....Do  not come with a notion that that it is a thing which you may push around at your convenience.  It is more than a thing, it is a voice, a word, the very Word of the living God."

 

There are plenty of "voices" out there calling for our attention.  The following line from the Casting Crowns song "Voice of Truth" comes to mind: "out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth".

Will we take the time to read, to listen, to believe, to put into practice what we hear from His Word what is true, honorable, pure, just and commendable.  Will we let the Word of God speak?

 

Word of God Speak - (Casting Crowns)

 

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

 

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness

Word of God speak

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Philippians 4:8-9

The Message (MSG)

^8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.