October 3

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ~ Philippians 4:4

Peace means the calm and content attitude that comes from a right relationship with God. It is the attitude of a person who, in every situation, is trusting God (4:11-13). That person believes God’s promises and he knows God’s goodness. Therefore, he does not worry about his troubles. Instead, he prays about them and then he waits for God to act powerfully on his behalf. He remains calm because there is no proper reason to doubt God.

From: usefulbible.com – by Keith Simons

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Philippians 4:1-23
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 24:17-2

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New Testament: Philippians 4:1-23

Summary: God’s Provision

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:4-9

Thoughts that should fill our minds

Paul has warned us not to allow worry and anxious thoughts to fill our minds (4:6). Instead we can know God’s peace, a calm and content attitude that protects our minds and our thoughts (4:7). So now Paul explains the kind of thoughts that deserve a Christian’s attention. Of course Christians must think about many other things too; they often need to be aware of the things that are happening in the world round them (2 Corinthians 2:11). However, the subjects in Paul’s list will direct their thoughts towards those things that please God. These subjects will direct them away from doubts and worries and fear.

So, Christians should love all that is true, honest and sincere. They should approve of those things that are noble and honourable; they should refuse to think about foolish and unwise matters. Their thoughts should be of those things that God declares to be right and proper. They should not mix good and bad thoughts; rather, their thoughts should be pure and modest, with nothing that could give the Christian a guilty conscience. Those things that have the character of true Christian love (1 Corinthians chapter 13) should constantly attract them. Finally, Christians should think about those things of which everyone should approve, for example, good and generous acts.

Those are the things that are truly excellent. Such matters are the things that truly deserve our praise. So those are the subjects to which Christians should give special attention. When they think about such things, their thoughts cannot be false or foolish, shameful or wrong.

From: usefulbible.com – by Keith Simons