Verse of the Day 5/14

Verse of the Day 5/14

Philippians 4:8-9Finally, 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)

There has been some talk in the news recently about various commencement speeches that have been given at colleges.  Most of them have come from a secular perspective challenging the students to live for themselves with relatively few from a godly perspective, challenging the students to give thanks to God and to live for Him and invest in others.

Today's verses are good advice for students who are graduating.  Unfortunately, many that are graduating from college have had four years (or more) of hearing a totally different message.  It is not too late, but the challenge will be greater.

In the next several weeks many high schools will have their commencement speeches.  My prayer is that  more of them will be from a Christian perspective and issue the call that we read in today's verses.  For those of us who know seniors or perhaps work with them in church, school or in the community, may we have the opportunity to share these verses and the thoughts behind them as they head out into new ventures, new challenges, including classrooms where their faith will be challenged.

Verse 9 should bring a sobering thought to us, could we challenge students with "what you have learned and seen in me, put these things into practice"?  If not, a change is called for in our lives so that we may be able to say.

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. Philippians 4:8 The Message (below).

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 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 4:6-9The Message (MSG)

^6-7 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

^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.