The Daily Dose

Think on these things

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

I like to use this verse as a gauge to measure my thought life.  I also like to connect it with 2 Corinthians 10:5 that says, “casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” I equate “think on these things” to “casting down the imaginations.” I want to bring every thought into captivity with the good things listed in today’s scripture.  This is truly evidence that we, as believers, not only have a choice of what we think about, but we have absolute control over our thought life.  It just takes practice and determination and, of course, the help of the Holy Spirit.

So, what’s the secret?  The key to leading your thoughts in the direction of success is choosing to think the opposite of an evil thought that comes into your mind.  Think of each thought as a suggestion and you decide if you want to accept that suggestion and proceed down that way of thinking.  Another part of the equation is to guard your mind by not letting the undesirable in.  For example, if you battle with fear or anxiety, do not watch fearful movies or reports, especially things that are not even true.  If you struggle with impurity, do not let impure and defiled images and thoughts continue, etc.  You get the point.

Let me show you what I mean.  The verse says to think on things noble, just, pure, lovely, and good report.  It is quite a selection to choose from.  When I have dishonoring thoughts I choose instead to think on noble/honoring things.  When I have unfair or bias thoughts (judging and condemning) instead I think on just or gracious things.  When I have impure thoughts, I recognize that it is time to change my thinking and when I think unloving thoughts, I fill my heart with thoughts of God’s unconditional love.  When I’m faced with fearful thoughts or bad news, I turn to the good news of God’s Word.

Today I want to encourage you to take inventory of your thought life.  Assess the thoughts and mindsets that need to be eliminated.  These are easy to identify because they steal your peace.  Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to empower you to take authority over the unwanted thoughts that come and replace them with thoughts directly from God.  Thoughts that He gave you in His Word.  Thoughts like love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.  Peace of mind is priceless, and it only comes from the Prince of Peace!

Today’s scripture reading:  Philippians 4:8-9

Rejoice!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!”      Philippians 4:4

Do you enjoy life?  Some days I feel like I am just holding on trying to make it through another day.  Recently, I was given a new opportunity that opened my eyes to one of the secrets of living this life to the fullest.   It was at work and I was asked to step into a place that was new and potentially difficult.  My first thought in my head was “I don’t want to do that.  It will be hard and uncomfortable.  I don’t know anything about it and it will not be easy to learn.”  Before I responded, I had a brief conversation in my heart with the Holy Spirit and asked Him for the right attitude and response to this choice.  Suddenly I had a new perspective.  Maybe this “open door” could lead to a divine appointment or a new direction that I am asking God to help with in my job.  I became excited for the new venture and my heart immediately jumped on board.  I thought “how many times has God opened a door in the past that I refused to go through because it was new and uncomfortable.  Am I missing out on all the adventures and good things God is trying to get through to me?”

In today’s scripture, there are some hints on how to live a life of enjoyment.  Paul goes through a brief list that can lead us on a path to a joyful life.  He says, first of all to rejoice, and then he says it again, rejoice. (It isn’t really a suggestion) Next, he says be gentle to everyone because the LORD is near and in every choice you make, by prayer and supplication ask God to help you with them.  Don’t worry or stress about things but be thankful!  Lastly, allow God’s peace to be the guard of your heart.  Don’t let anything into your heart that isn’t peaceful.  It is not from God!!  Then I will add, when new opportunities come your way or seemingly uncomfortable new doors open, ask the peace of God to empower you to make the decision that leads you to God’s path of life because:  Psalms 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  God’s path is where your joy in life exists.

Today I encourage you to examine your life.  Are you living this short life to the fullest potential?  Are you walking through all the doors of opportunity God is opening for you or are you making your choices based on what is safe and comfortable?  Living a life full of the God kind of faith will take you on the greatest adventures.  Don’t walk by the opportunities that God may be setting before you, the answer to what you are praying for may be on the other side!

Today’s scripture reading:  Philippians 4:1-6

 Citizens of Heaven

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  Philippians 3:20

Citizenship.  I believe it is something most of us take for granted.  If you’re like me, you were born an American and my citizenship was automatic.  I never had to consider, choose or apply to attain it.  I was born this way.  I am so thankful to be an American!  As messed up as the world is and even our own country, I still believe it is the best place in the world to live.  I know God has planned for me to live in this country for the space of time that I will be here in the world.  However, today’s scripture is talking about a different citizenship, a citizen of heaven.  Again, if you’re anything like me, you did have to decide at some point to consider and make a conscience decision to become a citizen of heaven!  It did not happen automatically. It is only obtained by surrendering this earthly life to a loving Father and receiving His gift of Salvation through His first born Son and it far exceeds the kingdom of America!

So because I didn’t have to choose my earthly citizenship, I find that I don’t quite get the full impact of being born again into the kingdom of heaven.  Think about the benefits of being an American.  The freedoms we have here to life, liberty, protections against evil, freedom to work, own property and pray just to name a few.  The list could go on for quite a while.  Now think about the benefits of being a citizen of heaven.  Certainly, the benefits are far greater and supersede the earthly realm. Yet, we often fail to walk in that citizenship even though it is ours.  Think about this:  In Acts 22, Paul declared his citizenship as a Roman to avoid a roman punishment.  There were laws to protect romans and Paul knew that.  Was it wrong for him to declare his citizenship because it benefitted him?  Of course not.  Just like it is not wrong for us to walk in our benefits as Americans today.  So why do we as Christians not take the time to understand the kingdom principles better so we can benefit from them?  Is it wrong that we want to benefit or have an advantage over those on the outside?  Certainly not!

Psalms 103 talks about some of the benefits of God’s kingdom.  This passage actually tells us not to forget about these benefits.  It says: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalms 103:2-5) 

These are just a few of God’s benefits and it is not wrong for us as His people to walk in them.  All of God’s promises in His Word are for us as citizens of heaven and His Holy Word is full of all the successful ways He wants us to live as His citizens and children.  We are not only citizens, we are also His family.  How much it must please our Father when we succeed in all the things He sent His Son to acquire for us.

Today I want to encourage you to consider your heavenly citizenship.  Think about your benefits as an American, then think about the greater benefits as a Christian.  Then be thankful!  Be thankful that you never have to spend a day in the torments of hell!  Be thankful that he causes all you do to triumph (2 Cor. 2:14)!  Be thankful that He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) and be thankful that whatever you do will prosper (psalms 1:3)!   We were born again into His Kingdom, and it rules over and above all the earth! (Psalms 103:19)

Today’s scripture reading: Philippians 3:17-21

Reach forward

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

Do you know people who are always looking to the past?  Maybe they have some regrets or failures they just can’t seem to let go of.  How about people who have been hurt and are unable or even unwilling to let go of bitterness and resentment.   Maybe you know someone who always looks at the past and thinks “those were the good old days”, that their best days are behind them.  If they could only go back.

In today’s scripture, the Apostle Paul tells us to stop looking at the past and start reaching forward to the plans and call God has for us.  He says, not that I have this all figured out, but there is one thing I know for sure and it is to forget the things behind or in the past and keep reaching forward to the things that are coming that God has prepared for us.  It doesn’t matter how old you are.  If you are just starting out in life learning to hear His call and following closely step by step, or if you are past your halfway point.  God has plans for you and they are good plans.  When Paul wrote this scripture, He was coming up on the end of his ministry here on earth.  This passage was written in the last ten years of his life.

So, today I want to encourage you to put away the things that try to draw you to your past. Whether it’s bitterness, resentment, regrets, or seemingly your “glory” days, start looking forward!  Believe that God has good things coming up for you.  Even if you are in your later years of life, God is still working and has great plans for you.  Your best days are still ahead of you, don’t miss them because you are looking in the wrong direction, keep pressing toward the goal.  It’s never too late!               

Today’s scripture reading:  Philippians 3:12-16

Counted loss

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.  Philippians 3:7

The apostle Paul spend his entire life focused on and preparing for the priesthood.  He studied the law for years and sat under the training of the top leaders of his time. He learned how to be good and how to obey God’s law down to the last detail.  He had so much zeal for the work of God that he actually thought he was doing the right thing by persecuting the Christians.  However, as he talks about these details of his life here in chapter three, he goes on to say that having acquired these credentials to qualify to become a priest, has now become worthless to him.  All his greatest accomplishments in life have now become a pile of garbage to him.  Everything he has worked for his entire life he is now willing to trade for his new identity in Christ.  Essentially, he is saying that he no longer wants to be recognized at Saul the law keeper/priest, but rather Paul the child of God in Christ Jesus.  His identity has changed and now he is wrapped up in the gift of his salvation in Christ Jesus.  Now God sees Paul as he sees Jesus, not as a sinful man.

It is the same for us today.  As good and perfect as God’s law is, it can never save us.  It is merely a measuring stick to keep us lined up with God’s ways.  True righteousness and salvation only comes by having a personal relationship with Jesus our Savior.  All the good works and high credentials in the world cannot save your soul from destruction.  You can never be good enough to deserve eternal life with God.  It is only through the perfect Son of God that we can enter into His presence.  I like the way it is phrased in the message translation.  It says: Paul didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when he could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness.

Today I want to encourage you to examine your life.  Are you depending on a lot of good deeds to secure your eternity in heaven?  Or have you invited Jesus into your life and heart to be your Savior and guide in this life.  Doing good things is living right, but only Jesus can give you righteousness (right standing with God)  Now others can see the love of God for them through our acts of kindness and generosity, not by how we enforce the rules.  Don’t settle for a life of legalism, get true salvation in Christ Jesus.

If you have never invited Jesus into your life, do it today by praying this simple prayer: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him form the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father. I also ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Philippians 3:7-11

Not a burden

Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.  Philippians 3:1

This should be my life verse.  I know as I write each day, I often end up repeating the same things to you. Things like:  Set aside special time with God each day, write down the things God speaks to your heart, start a journal and write in it every day and find the plan and purpose God has for your life.  However, I can totally relate to Paul’s attitude that he never gets tired of telling the believers the same things over again.  In fact, he rejoices in it. I like how it is phrased in another version that says: For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.  He says it is not a burden because it provides security and strength for the hearers of his words. 

That’s the same way I feel.  I don’t find it tedious or burdensome to encourage every reader to do these things.  In fact, it is my life goal to help people discover the reason for their existence.  The two best days of your life are the day you were born and the day you discovered the reason why you were born.  One of the ways I can do this is by writing and sometimes I end of repeating myself.  Yet, I rejoice that I get to encourage and if it seems repetitive to some, know that it is by repetition that new habits are created.  In the encouragement there is strength and security as you take these words into your life and heart.

Today I want to encourage you once again to take a “next step”.  Whatever that may be and wherever you need new growth.  Examine you daily activity and decide to eliminate one thing that is a time waster and add one thing that contributes to the purpose for your life.  Just one thing!  Once you have mastered that one new habit, begin to consider the next “next step” you can take.  Our life needs to consist of continual “next steps” because if it doesn’t, there can be no new growth.  Without growth there is no life which ends up leading you in the opposite direction of death instead of renewed strength. Take your “next step” today and watch how new energy rises up on the inside of you. Your life will begin to take on deeper meaning and a new sense of satisfaction will fill you up.

Today’s’ scripture reading: Philippians 3:1-6

His unconditional love

Because for the work of Christ he (Epaphroditus) came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.  Philippians 2:30

Prison, sickness, death . . . these are just a few of the perils that the Christians of Paul’s day faced.  Of course, they were different times for sure.  Living under a one world government, no modern inventions and all industry was based around necessity rather than comfort.  It was a completely different world than what we live in today.  Simple yet hard. Basic but complex.  There were no rights or freedoms and everything the believers of that day did was out of a sense of ministry.  They worked to fund the work of the LORD, to spread the message of the gospel.  They opened their homes to minister the gospel and to rescue those without hope.  Sure, they had celebrations and some enjoyment, but the life of the new testament believer was not lived for entertainment and pleasure but rather survival and preservation.

Paul talks about one of his fellow workers in today scripture . . . Epaphroditus.  He was a messenger for Paul and ministered encouragement and whatever Paul needed at the time that the church was not able to supply to him.  It was his purpose in life.  He was on a mission.  Even when he became very ill to the point of death, he longed to serve and to minister to the needs of the believers.  Despite being very sick to the point of almost dying, all he could think about was getting back to his purpose in life.  He wasn’t a great preacher or a wealthy business man, but he used the ability that he did have to serve.  He was a faithful “brother” to Paul and to the church at Philippi.

What a contrast in today’s world.  With all the modern inventions and the maintenance of keeping them updated, the church has become preoccupied with being comfortable and keeping up with the latest tv series.  Using gifts and abilities to further careers and acquire more stuff to maintain.  We have become completely distracted and the enemy of our souls knows exactly how to lure us further from the purpose we were created to fulfil.  I know, I have been right there in the middle of this mind set.  I didn’t even understand that God had put things in my heart for Kingdom progress.  I thought I should just go through life and pay my bills and take care of my own stuff.  Don’t bother anyone and no one will bother me.  I didn’t know that the abilities I posessed to catch on quick and work hard at something were to be used for God, I thought that was just to get me through.  Now I understand that my deepest desire is to help others know the God of all heaven and earth.  The God of the universe and all creation wants all people to know that He loves them and that He made a way to be with them for all eternity.  I am here to share the heart of God for people with all those He brings into my life.  When I look deep inside my heart, that is the desire I see buried beneath all the fear, selfishness and distractions of the world. I want to help all people discover God’s unconditional love so they can experience it in their everyday life.  Am I willing to go to the point of prison, sickness or even death?  I don’t know, but I do know that I am on my way to finally understanding what my life is really all about. I endeavor to complete every direction God drops into my heart.

Today I want to encourage you to take one entire minute to examine your heart. Look beneath the surface and discover what the deepest desire in your heart is.   Ask yourself how are you using your God-given talents and abilities to impact the kingdom of heaven.  Start by taking time to grow your relationship with your heavenly Father.  I’m not talking about going to church, though it is important.  I’m talking about one on one time each day talking with and getting to know Him more.  Getting new revelation of how much He loves you unconditionally and wants to lead you to that perfect path of liberty of fulfilling all that He has planned for you to accomplish.    Lastly ask yourself have you discovered God’s unconditional love to the point that you experience it in your everyday life?  Then and only then will you experience true contentment and satisfaction in this world.

Today’s scripture reading: Philippians 2:25-30

Cheer others on

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know how you are doing.  Philippians 2:19

This is hard to imagine.  Even before we had the internet and cell phones, we could at least call someone from our home phone or send a card that would be received in just a couple days.  Here Paul is talking about sending Timothy to the church at Philippi.  He knows it is a long hard trip and he is definitely praying for God’s help to get Timothy there.  This was the only way the letters got to the churches and the only way Paul got a report back from the churches, by sending a courier.  Only a couple verses earlier, Paul says he is rejoicing even though he is about to lose his life.  He is excited to hear about the successes they are having in their faith walk.   He lets them know that the report Timothy brings back is going to bring him much joy.

Again, this makes me think about how we can be encouraging each other today.  As easy as it is to reach out to someone instantaneous, be intentional to do so.  It is something we will be held accountable for.  Much like we will be held to a higher standard to know the Word of God because of its availability to us, we will also be responsible for how we encouraged and spurred one another on in our walk of life. I refer back to Luke 12:48 where Jesus said: “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”  We have been given more than any other generation before us, in every area of life.  We have more resources than ever before, access to the most information ever and it is easier to reach out to others than ever before in the history of the world.  We have been given much and likewise much is required from each one of us.  Let’s begin to recognize what these gifts have truly been given to us for.

Today I want to encourage you to cheer up and encourage those who have helped you along in your faith walk.  Send a text message or email to someone today who has touched your life in some way.  Whether it was spiritual, emotional or financial, it doesn’t matter, just let them know how they have impacted your life and thank them for it.  With thanksgiving only a couple weeks away, you could even send a card to say how you are thankful that God brought them into your life.  I promise this will not only bring them joy, it will encourage you also!  Start today to be faithful with all the goodness God has brought into your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Philippians 2:17-24

No complaining?

Do all things without complaining and disputing, Philippians 2:14

I have really been enjoying this journey through the book of Philippians.  Even though I thought I knew much of it, simply breaking it down into smaller sections has really brought out new revelation.  Today’s verse for example, I have mentally “known” for years.  Because I know this scripture, I know that it is wrong to complain about anything, but come on, really?  Are we really expected not to complain . . . ever?  I mean just look at the year we have lived in 2020.  Pandemic, social distancing, masks . . . just to name a few of common complaints we hear everyday.  What about everything shutting down, shopping, jobs, churches?  I won’t even get into the whole political realm.  Then there are personal things like family, friends and neighbors.  Are we really expected not to voice our opinions about how wrong these things are?  I mean, most people can’t even have a conversation without speaking their disapprovals, worries or fears.  I can’t even imagine a would without hearing hundreds of complaints each day.

However, there is a promise that goes along with this admonishing to do all things without complaining or disputing/arguing.  That promise is that you will be blameless/innocent, harmless (meaning you won’t hurt anyone) children of God. You will be unblemished right in the middle of a crooked/devious and perverse people.  Not only that, but by not complaining and arguing, you will shine as a light to the world!  That’s pretty awesome!

So go ahead and hold on tight to the words that bring life and peace to every situation and don’t try to stir up more anger and strife in your area of influence.  Whether it’s your work, your neighborhood or even your church group, make the adjustment today to only speak words that encourage and life up others.  Then rejoice that you are not doing life in vain but on purpose.  The purpose of being hope to the hopeless.  The purpose of being light to the darkness.  The purpose of being peace to the confusion and fear.  The purpose of being God’s child that knows the way to His abundant life.

Today I want to encourage you to read this portion of scripture like it is the first time you have ever read it.  Take a step back and just think about the complaining and arguing that is done on a daily basis.  Now make a decision that you will no longer take part in that side of life.  Take your stand to always speak words that bring life and the goodness of your Heavenly Father into every situation and conversation.  Begin today to live your life to bring honor and glory to your Savior, not to bring criticizing and complaining to your world. Now you can be the light that God has always intended you to be!

Today’s scripture reading: Philippians 2:14-17

God is working in you

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13

God is working in us!  I‘m not sure if I can fully explain the magnitude of how beautiful this scripture is. Ever since I read it again the other day, I have been thanking my Heavenly Father for working in me!  I know it’s true because I see the evidence of it all through my life!  I want to ask you to stop for a minute and look at this scripture again.  Really let it soak in.  Below is the New Living Translation.  Read it again and carefully consider the words that God is working in you.  What does that mean and how have you seen it displayed in your own life?

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”  (Philippians 2:13)  These words energize my heart “God is working in me.”  This is huge!  He didn’t just create the world and the people in it and then give the earth a spin and say, “There you go, I hope it all works out for you.”  Not at all, He is activity working and involved in our lives on a daily basis!  He does it through His Holy Spirit living on the inside of us.  It’s the reason Paul said in Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life (energize) to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”  This is God working in us to make us willing and empowered to complete the plan He has for our lives.

As you know by now, I spent many years not considering God’s plan, but only living out my own plan.  Now that I have surrendered completely to Him, the intensity of desire inside of me for His plan is extreme.  After considering this scripture, I understand the reason for this intensity is because it is God working in me.  He has been all along; I just wasn’t aware of it.  I was too busy trying to handle all my predicaments by myself instead of getting quiet before God and getting the plan.  It was like I was in a hole and digging deeper as I was trying to get out.  However, the good news is that He took all the things that I have gone through (whether good or bad) and “worked” them all together as part of the plan. Just like a recipe where you add all the “ingredients” and mix them together to get the end delicious result, God does the same thing with our lives.  He mixes together every experience that we have put into our lives whether good or bad and gets the wonderful desired results of His plan to reach others with those very ingredients.  Glory to God!

Today I want to encourage you not to stress about whether or not God is working in you.  Rather just believe God is working in you because He said it in His Word.  Take time today and every day to “tune in” to the direction He has for you and watch as His Spirit gives you the desire and power to walk in His good path and pleasure each day!  He loves you so much and has so many marvelous things planned for you!  Don’t miss out on any of them!

Today’s scripture reading:  Philippians 2:12-18