“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 KJV
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT
God of peace,
A leap into the New Testament to a little verse which is my thinking censor! And whose mind does not wander sometimes . . . You know me full well my Lord. And worth reading twice – in the authorised and a modern translation. Double reminder to start with thinking truth and end with giving praise!
After a whole letter about unity, humility, suffering for Christ, and pressing on, Paul adds this verse as a ‘finally’, ‘one final thing’. He felt it drew everything together and was important. Before sending greetings and news. Still so relevant today in a world that sends our thoughts all over the place.
True, honest (honourable), just (right), pure, lovely, good report (admirable), virtue (excellence) worthy of praise, rule! Now there is something to think about. Do I filter out the rest? Things true but not lovely or worthy of praise. Unkind thoughts. Just, we may be right but do we need to keep letting everyone know? Is it admirable?
Paul when He met Your Son, Christ on the Damascus Road had his whole way of thinking changed. You touched and altered his outlook on life and his joy. He writes of his personal experience of the change in his way of thinking You made. Help us to fill our minds with all that is good for us. Help us to recognise when I minds go off track and cast out any negative, small minded, selfish or unkind thinking.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of peace,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Thank You and hear our prayers for each one of them.
For our church fellowships, ministers, church officials, congregations. May Your Spirit lead them.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family as they seek to serve the nation. Make a good way forward amidst his family troubles.
For our government and their families. Help our country get the best Government for the future.
For those who censor films, TV, radio, the press. Those who watch the internet to try to shut down and catch those who promote pornography, suicide and evil of all kinds.
For Ukraine a withdrawal of Russian troops. Lead them to peace and end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war, military oppression and civil war. For peace and a new way forward. Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For our local community to prosper: our neighbours, doctors, dentists, schools, shops.
For winter rest for the land even though we do not always enjoy the cold and wet.
For all those in terrible flooding and made homeless. And for those living in worry of flooding.
Thank You for answered prayer.
For ourselves and our needs for this day, may it be full of warmth and comfort and encouragement..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 14th January 2024
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me
Restore unto me, the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me
Lyrics: Keith Green