Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – (Philippians 4:8, NIV)
Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and respected. – (Philippians 4:8, ERV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy. – (Philippians 4:8, VOICE)
As I sit on the couch, with both dogs sprawled across my lap, I am reminded of God’s goodness through the sweet, warm cuddle puddle that loves to be beside me. The things that are good, and true, honorable and right, pure and praiseworthy, provide a similar sort of warmth of heart. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we long to linger in His presence and focus on His goodness and grace that is tangible as we seek Him. Here, in the Pacific Northwest, there is nothing quite as beautiful as a clear winter’s day. Blue skies and sunshine, with glorious snow-capped peaks rising behind the waters of the Puget Sound, provide endless evidence of the beauty of the work of God’s hands. The beauty is all around us, and the truth is found in His word; ready to be read anew every morning. As we invest time with Him and in His word, He grants us new insight and understanding of how He loves us and longs for us to love one another. May we ever seek the Lord and listen to His leading, for He is the Source of all that is pure and lovely, noble and true, right and admirable, and worthy of all of our praise.
Whatever is good,
lovely, and the truth;
attention worthy,
for He makes all new.
God leads and guides us,
in love, lights the way;
to choose do what’s right,
as we seek and pray.
May we fix our eyes,
on the Lord above;
for He shines on us,
and grants us His love.
Lead us, Lord Jesus,
to walk in Your ways;
with hearts set on You,
as we give You praise.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us unto Yourself and remind us to focus on that which is good and lovely, honorable and true, excellent and praiseworthy, for You bless as we do. Forgive us for the times that our thoughts stray from that which is honorable unto You, and show us how to ever fix our gaze upon You, the author and perfecter of our faith. Teach us to ever trust and depend on You to show us how to love as You love, and bring many into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek Your in faith to lead and guide us, and give You our praise for the endless ways You show us who You are and how You love; Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry hosts one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. – Isaiah 40:26
Revelations In Writing 