July 19, 2018 - - Philippians 4:7 Disarming thoughts of revenge

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 4:7 NIV

Beware of small steps of cheating ie: a few dollars cheated on your taxes, or gypping a friend out of what you rightfully owe--such things leave you vulnerable.

When sin comes with its proposals it is always

excessively modest in its proposals

but it is always aiming at the highest wrong

J. Owen

Our brief text from Philippians challenges believers not to see how much we can get away with, rather, how deeply we can walk into the grace and goodness of God. Contemplate what is true. Think about noble and good pursuits. In such a way we will always aim for the highest good: the glory of God.

God of Excellence, You are worthy of all awe and praise! Forgive us our petty thoughts and those moments we either truly or in fantasy plan revenge for slights carried out against us. Lift our thoughts and hearts to Your right hand, where Christ Jesus is seated in glory. Let the forgiveness which Christ won for us at the cross be the costliest gift we give to those around us. Spirit of God, flood our minds with all things noble, lovely, pure and admirable so that the filthiness of worldliness and sin will be washed out of us. Let our words and actions shine with the splendour of Your goodness King of Righteous! Amen.