My Daily Pause

Philippians 4:8 – 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.

One of the things that caused Eve to sin in the garden was the promise to know all that is good and evil. (Genesis 3:5) She didn’t stop to think that when one already knows all that is good, there is no need to know the specifics of evil. Eve coveted something she effectively already had.

Paul knew that the things we have in our mind will manifest themselves in our daily life. The mind is like a fertile field – whatever is planted in it is exactly what will be returned. It doesn’t matter if it is poison ivy or Silverqueen corn. Studying and contemplating things that are not wholesome does not allow us to have the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5) but meditating on the things in Paul’s list leaves us with the foundation of a peaceful existence.

Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:18-20 we come to know about a peace that we will never truly understand in this lifetime. We have God’s promise that He will guard our hearts through Jesus in much the same way a company of troops are guarded by a sentry. This protection extends to the very core of our being – so much so that it is part of the Full Armor of God Ephesians 6:14-17

Adam Clark said it well in his commentary that this peace is the harmonizing of all passions and appetites which is produced by the Holy Spirit. Living in this peace will certainly carry us through to the next life.

Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.(KJV)

There is no need to be anxious about anything. Worrying about basic needs is counterproductive and takes away from your work of spreading the Gospel. Worry can consume you to the point of forgetting to pray.

Jesus taught in Matt 6:25-34 that we are not to worry – just look at all the things in nature that the Lord makes sure are cared for in splendid manner. He then assures us that we are so much more important than these things and that God knows what we need. Peter took this lesson to heart in 1 Peter 5:7 where he calls for us to cast …all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

When was the last time you had a really heartfelt conversation with God?

Philippians 4:5 – Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (KJV)

Part 1 of this series – Rejoice! 

The Lord is coming soon, if we want him to find us possessing the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5)  we need him to find us as a people who are patient, kind and gentle of spirit.

We know from 1 Corinthians 13:4 that Love is long suffering, kind, not envious, not boastful – exactly the kind of traits that moderate people have. Being loving and gentle in all situations is an outstanding way to teach our worldly friends what being a Christian is all about.

Paul reminds us to have a loving attitude to our neighbors in Romans 13:10-11 and James 5:7-9 says … Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord...

The Lord is coming – a kind and gentle lifestyle will help you be ready and you will influence others to be ready.

Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

To sum it up in a couple of words, the Philippian epistle is often called the “happy letter”. Paul was Nero’s prisoner and Christians were beginning to truly understand what persecution was, yet Paul penned a very upbeat and encouraging letter.

We have never been promised an easy life just because we live for the Lord, but how can Paul be so upbeat in this difficult time? Look at Philippians 1:21 – Paul tells us that Christ gives his life meaning, and his death will mean the gain of Being with Christ.

James offers counsel in James 1:2 by saying: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Our challenges are going to strengthen us and train us for what life brings us. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 Peter tells us to …think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

The Lord desires that we be happy even though we have a lot of work to do here in this earthly life – There is no reward when there is no labor. If Christ is what gives your life meaning, there isn’t anything else that really matters or needs to be worried about so… Rejoice!