Think Good Stuff, Do Good Stuff

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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

I teach at a middle school. One of the classes I teach is a Math Tutor Lab and we use an online course. I am amazed that some of the students are failing the course yet, can find a way to get around the firewall to try to search inappropriate sites. They use all their mental powers just to attempt to get around the firewall. That's all they think about. 

Paul tells the Philippians and us to think about what is excellent or praiseworthy. The good stuff. Things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Think about these excellent and praiseworthy things. Put them into practice. Tell the truth. Do noble things. It's not about being right but doing the right things. Have pure thoughts (truthful, noble, righteous). Enjoy God's lovely creation. Honor what is admirable. The fruit of all this is the God of peace will be with us. 

Righteousness and Restoration

I stand, by and in your righteousness. Your righteousness restores me. Thank you, Lord Jesus, reign in me and my family today.

What Comes Up?

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Luke 6:45 NIV

I've noticed that there are two times when I can see what is in my heart. The first is when I have a moments down time. The second is when I'm reacting quickly, usually if someone or something upsets me. What comes up then gives me a pretty good indication of what's in my heart. 

In a moment of down time I tend to think about what is really occupying my thoughts. When I am upset I can see what is at the bottom of my heart. 

What I need to do is fill my heart and mind with good things. Again, I am not throwing out a guilt bomb telling you to read your Bible every spare moment you have or pray every day during your coffee break and lunch. (Don't be afraid to if you want, but don't vow yourself into a corner.) But, do spend some time in prayer and reading the Bible. Put all things in perspective, under Christ.