May 13, 2025 -- Philippians 4:8-9 -- Defeating Debilitating Brain Worms

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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
 
If you remember, two women in the church in Philippi had been very public in their disagreement, Euodia and Syntyche (4:2). That would be a source of gossip and conflict in the wider church as well. There’d be people who just keep thinking about it, talking about it and anxious about it. The constant focus on it magnifies the discord.
 
What is endlessly rattling around in your brain? Is it your financial woes? Perhaps it is a question about retirement. Maybe you are at odds with your children? The Bible is so true to life. That should not be surprising, it is written by the Author of Life, the Holy Spirit. Instead of focusing on your troubles and your woes set your mind of whatever is true. Jesus Himself is the Truth. Look at the list of virtues Paul spelled out for his readers. Any one of those virtues should, by itself, be enough to re-orient your thinking so that you are firmly anchored on Jesus Christ. The list taken all-together should bring your soul to rapturous praise of God.
 
Then Paul moves on. Find a man or a woman whose walk with God you admire. Practice the godly way of life you see in him. Remembering, of course, that even the best and brightest Christian you know is flawed and like you, in need of the grace of God. As you spend time focused on God meditating on His virtues and imitating Christians who are honourable in their walk with God you will find your problems shrink into proper perspective.
 
God Who is faithful and just uses all your circumstances to shape you according to His purposes. A bar of iron must be heated up so that it can be bent according to the will of the craftsman. For God, the Master Craftsman, to shape you according to His purposes, you must be softened up by circumstances so that you will be malleable according to His will. Knowing this, believing this, will bring you great peace as by the power of the Holy Spirit you trust in God’s good purposes for you which are always “yes” and “amen” in Jesus Christ.
    
Lord Jesus Christ,
Fill me with thy Spirit that I may be occupied with his presence.
I am blind – send him to make me see;
dark – let him say, ‘Let there be light’!
May he give me faith to behold my name engraved in thy hand,
my soul and body redeemed by thy blood,
my sinfulness covered by the life of pure obedience.
Replenish me by his revealing grace,
that I may realise my indissoluble union with thee;
that I may know thou hast espoused me to thyself for ever,
in righteousness, love, mercy, faithfulness;
that I am one with thee, as a branch with its stock,
as a building with its foundation.
May his comforts cheer me in my sorrows,
his strength sustain me in my trials,
his blessings revive me in my weariness,
his presence render me a fruitful tree of holiness,
his might establish me in peace and joy,
his incitements make me ceaseless in prayer,
his animation kindle in me undying devotion.
Send him as the searcher of my heart,
to show me more of my corruptions and helplessness
that I may flee to thee, cling to thee, rest on thee,
as the beginning and end of my salvation.
May I never vex him by my indifference and waywardness,
grieve him by my cold welcome, resist him by my hard rebellion.
Answer my prayers, O Lord, for thy great name’s sake.
“The Spirit of Jesus” from The Valley of Vision
 
https://youtu.be/z-yJ3xMVUDI?si=HekaCKpoSOPx0E8G Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right
 

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