New Beginnings
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
A new year will start this week, which means many of us will be thinking about (or perhaps avoiding!) goals and resolutions for the new year. We think optimistically at this time. We consider what can be, what should be, what will be. We look hopefully and expectantly at life and the year ahead.
Just the suggestion to think differently helps steer our minds away from our present circumstances and toward better things. Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi toward better living and better thinking. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he told his readers to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or worthy of praise. Then he offered the promise that, as a result, God’s peace would fill their hearts and minds.
Our circumstances may or may not change when we focus on thinking about the things Paul mentioned, but God will change us and we will see Him and our world differently as a result.
Think about that.
Thank you, God, for new beginnings. - Kathy Raines, Minister of Administration