Philippians 4
We must focus on those things which are pure and good.
INSIGHT
You are what you eat. Your body reflects what you feed it. Eat well and your body rewards you with health. The same is true spiritually and mentally. We become what we put into our minds and what we allow our minds to dwell on. Paul encourages us to think about whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, or of good report (v. 8). If you are unsatisfied with your spiritual, mental or emotional development, ask yourself: "What do I put into my mind—what do I think about?" You may need a radical change in your spiritual diet.
PRAYER
God's attributes include love, joy, kindness, and mercy. Praise Him for developing these characteristics in your life:
Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore! (1 Chronicles 16:8-11)
Pause for praise and thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,"
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin (Selah, Psalm 32:5).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High (Psalm 7:17).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Graciousness toward others
- Laborers for Christ in India
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
The Lord is their strength,
And He is the saving refuge of His anointed.
Save Your people,
And bless Your inheritance;
Shepherd them also,
And bear them up forever (Psalm 28:8-9)