Think On These Things

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
-Phillipians 4:8


Here is the power of positive thinking at its finest explained in simple terms to us by Paul, as he languishes in chains in some archaic prison, but still musters the power to encourage all Christians to stand fast together in spirit, "with one mind" and to not "in any way be terrified by your adversaries, which is to them "a proof of perdition." I looked up the word perdition which means the loss of the soul, damnation, hell. Oh my! Fear certainly does have some nasty consequences!

So let's look up the words Paul uses to provide us "swords of the spirit" that we may wield in confidence to thwart the evil plans of pitiful Lucifer who was cast out of heaven without with any true power to harm us. Remember that his favorite attack spots are our emotions and our mind. But it is all smoke and mirrors and he only has the power we allow him.

So what words do we need branded on our spirits that plant seeds of thought to fight?

TRUE - conforming to an original pattern, rule, standards, rightful, legitimate, accurately fitted, placed, real genuine, authentic, honest virtuous

NOBLE - showing high moral qualities or greatness, high heredity rank or title, superior

JUST - deserved, merited, lawful, fair, righteous, proper, fitting, accurate, exact

PURE - simple, free from defects, perfect, faultless, undefiled

LOVELY - having those qualities that inspire love, affection, admiration. Spiritually attractive.

VIRTUE - effective power or force, the ability to heal or strengthen.


Did you look closely at these words and their definitions? Hello! This is the picture the world should see when they look at us. This is the picture we must hold in our minds 24/7 if we are to access the promises of our inheritance! If we want light in the room we must make sure the lamp is plugged into the source of electricity. If we want our reflections to shine and blind the world with the brilliance of God flowing through us, we must plug into these power words on a daily basis.

No matter what is happening, no matter where we find ourselves at the moment, despite any disappointments or emotional torture or self made prisons we find ourselves in - here is the lifeline! We are told to THINK on these things! Paul continues on to proclaim "for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." He knows that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. This from a man in a stinkin nasty prison with no modern "amenities."

What prison is holding your soul hostage today? Take heart from these encouraging words that come to us through the centuries straight to your heart. Claim the power to overcome. There IS power in words so start using them to empower and nourish your soul. Every word you speak aloud is a command to your subconcious and spirit who interpret them as marching orders! So start using the weapons you have to break free from your own prisons and win the battles that lead to your own victory in life. It is our inheritance as Christians. Let us not squander these gifts with doubt and fear, and depression. Instead each morning look in the mirror and shout - "Today I am true, noble, just, pure, lovely, speaking only good things and full of God's power to do anything!" I challenge you each to try this.

Here's another favorite poem that really shows us we "we are what we think!"

If you think you're beaten you are;
If you think you dare not you don't.
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose you're lost,
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man that wins
Is the one who thinks he can.
- Walter Wintle

I have seen in these last few weeks that true spirit of christians "standing together in spirit with one mind" as friends and strangers continue to reach out to Johnny and our whole family - almost as if hovering in a circle around us spreading their angel wings to encourage us and remind us of God's truths and blessings. We read each card and personal note written out loud together and it turns into a moment of prayer with each envelope open. The phone continues to ring and I thank everyone for their continued efforts to stay close and showing such love and affection. God bless you all.

In His Love,

Rene






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