Monday 19 Nov 2018

November 19: Philippians 4:4-9

Key Verse: Philippians 4:8
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.

Devotion:
When we fully trust in Christ, He is able, willing and faithful to give us a peace which goes far and beyond anything we can imagine for ourselves. He is willing to do this because by fully trusting in Him we are able to show others just how much we uphold His glorious name above all else – what better way to give God all the glory? When we are shown so much compassion and love, we need to rejoice in what we are being given so others will see how wonderful it is. For someone who does not trust in God looking in from the outside, they may not see the inner peace we do get – but if we make a noise about it, they will get the picture!

God does not need to be told of all of our worries, troubles and needs, but if we are not willing to bring them to Him then we are not showing Him that we do depend on Him (we are also reminding ourselves and others of that fact too). God knows us better than we know ourselves, but as soon as we stop bringing our requests to Him, we are showing some sort of self-supporting strength or peace that we know will get dashed as soon as heavy weather approaches. Our strength is not in ourselves but in Him.

We need to follow the right path so we do not get side-tracked by the world and all its trimming which surround us. We may think of ourselves as strong and able to resist, but continual erosion from earthly temptations will wear us down to the point where we finally give in. Being dependant on God and hoping in Him always will help to strengthen ourselves against such temptations. Resisting the proud and evil and following the virtuous path in our minds will help us to follow those same paths rather than the earthly paths surrounding us. Let us go forward as an example for others to be encouraged by.

Points to Ponder:
What sort of things do you give in to the most?

Are you constantly bringing God into your thoughts?