February 17, 2021
Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, 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.”
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi from a prison cell in Rome chained to a prison guard. Paul was in a lower dungeon awaiting his final appeal before Caesar Nero. Paul didn’t know if he would be set free or if he would be executed. In spite of his predicament, we find Paul rejoicing in the Lord.
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi instructing them to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue, and praiseworthy.
To meditate means to focus one's thoughts on. To reflect on or ponder over. So many times in life I find myself meditating on the wrong things. I have to be careful what things I allow in my mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5, “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
I wonder what challenges we are all facing right now? We are prone to meditate on the worst possible things that can happen, or the worst outcome we can experience. Meditating on those things will rob us of God's peace and joy.
Let’s not let the worries of tomorrow allow us to miss out on the blessings of today. Let’s be careful what music we listen to, what movies we are watching, what books we are reading, and things we are meditating on. Let’s instead meditate on God's word. God's truth found in scripture. Let’s meditate on His good news, instead of the bad news on CNN. Let’s meditate on His promises, instead of satan’s lies.
Let’s not look at our circumstances. Let’s look above our circumstances. Let’s look up to our God. Meditating in His word. So we too can experience God’s perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
Your brother in Christ
- John
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi from a prison cell in Rome chained to a prison guard. Paul was in a lower dungeon awaiting his final appeal before Caesar Nero. Paul didn’t know if he would be set free or if he would be executed. In spite of his predicament, we find Paul rejoicing in the Lord.
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi instructing them to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue, and praiseworthy.
To meditate means to focus one's thoughts on. To reflect on or ponder over. So many times in life I find myself meditating on the wrong things. I have to be careful what things I allow in my mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5, “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
I wonder what challenges we are all facing right now? We are prone to meditate on the worst possible things that can happen, or the worst outcome we can experience. Meditating on those things will rob us of God's peace and joy.
Let’s not let the worries of tomorrow allow us to miss out on the blessings of today. Let’s be careful what music we listen to, what movies we are watching, what books we are reading, and things we are meditating on. Let’s instead meditate on God's word. God's truth found in scripture. Let’s meditate on His good news, instead of the bad news on CNN. Let’s meditate on His promises, instead of satan’s lies.
Let’s not look at our circumstances. Let’s look above our circumstances. Let’s look up to our God. Meditating in His word. So we too can experience God’s perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
Your brother in Christ
- John
TODAY'S PRAYER REQUESTS:
Gomez Family – Their beloved Steve passed away on Tuesday from Covid. Please keep his wife Mickey, and the Gomez family in prayer. Thank you for all the prayers. (submitted 2/17)
Please pray for Marlene. There is a possibility that her cancer has returned. Asking for healing and a perfect peace in waiting; that God would be glorified.
Juliet - please continue to pray for our dear sister who will be having two MRI's on Thursday and surgery on February 23. May our Lord ease the pain and heal her of the mass in her spine.
Norah Rae - UPDATE - Discharge for Norah Rae to go home with mommy and daddy is scheduled for this Friday. The plan is to monitor how well she does between now and then in her feeding and maintaining weight. Please continue to pray for this precious little one to grow healthy and strong; may God touch her parents and guide all the physicians tending to this little life. Thank you for your prayers!
Gomez Family – Their beloved Steve passed away on Tuesday from Covid. Please keep his wife Mickey, and the Gomez family in prayer. Thank you for all the prayers. (submitted 2/17)
Please pray for Marlene. There is a possibility that her cancer has returned. Asking for healing and a perfect peace in waiting; that God would be glorified.
Juliet - please continue to pray for our dear sister who will be having two MRI's on Thursday and surgery on February 23. May our Lord ease the pain and heal her of the mass in her spine.
Norah Rae - UPDATE - Discharge for Norah Rae to go home with mommy and daddy is scheduled for this Friday. The plan is to monitor how well she does between now and then in her feeding and maintaining weight. Please continue to pray for this precious little one to grow healthy and strong; may God touch her parents and guide all the physicians tending to this little life. Thank you for your prayers!
Today at Calvary Chapel El Monte
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Men's Fellowship 7PM
We will be studying Philippians 1:1-26
Men's Fellowship 7PM
We will be studying Philippians 1:1-26