Verse of the Day 10/3

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)

Our men's Bible study covered this passage this morning and today's verses sum up the passage and are good advice for any of us as we head off into the work week.  We will have plenty of distractions and even temptations to lead us in another direction, away from God, and rob us of the peace and joy that we can have in our lives.

The passage begins with Paul urging a couple of women in the church "to iron out their differences and to get along.  It doesn't mean that one will have to "cave in" to the other but at a minimum they'll have to agree to disagree and to move forward.  It is a message that transcends time and goes beyond the church. 

One way of putting that into practice is illustrated in verse 5 where the ESV states "Let your reasonableness be known to everyone."  I like that phrase.  It leads to the question that needs to be asked between both parties in a conflict, can't we be reasonable, can't we be adults about this?

If we apply what Paul is calling us to do and change our focus on "what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise the other things should take care of themselves or at least be a molehill instead of a mountain to move or overcome.

Finally, we must ask ourselves would we be able to say to someone "practice the things you have learned, received, heard and seen in me?".  If  not, all  the more reason we should take his advise to change our focus.a

--   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 4:2-9The Message (MSG)

Pray About Everything

² I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges.

³ And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.

^4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

^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.